As most of you know here (from my posts of late) I have been focusing on the FLDS Raid in El Dorado Texas 2+ weeks ago. This story and incident has elicited a lot from the passionate side of me. There are so many things that can and need to be said about all of this, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I have set up a website at FLDS.ws. The sites title states, “Promoting Due Process, Religious Liberty, Human Rights, Constitutional Rights, and Freedom for the FLDS Community and All Of Us!” I truly believe that I am promoting the protection of MY rights as a citizen of these United States of America just as much as I’m promoting the protection of THEIRS. Because if you think that the State won’t come after you, you’re living on another planet.
If you have any interest in keeping up with it, please head on over there. I don’t really plan to post anymore about it here, unless it’s isolated posts about key events as it goes along.
Thanks for listening, and I hope you can learn a lot from reading…
Can we say NO??? How much more ridiculous can we get people?
MIAMI — Florida drivers can order more than 100 specialty license plates celebrating everything from manatees to the Miami Heat, but one now under consideration would be the first in the nation to explicitly promote a specific religion.
This is SOO wrong. There is no freaking way that this should be allowable by law. Normally the proceeds of these plates go to individual charities, so are we going to give government money to Churches?
The Florida Legislature is considering a specialty plate with a design that includes a Christian cross, a stained-glass window and the words “I Believe.”
Rep. Edward Bullard, the plate’s sponsor, said people who “believe in their college or university” or “believe in their football team” already have license plates they can buy. The new design is a chance for others to put a tag on their cars with “something they believe in,” he said.
If the plate is approved, Florida would become the first state to have a license plate featuring a religious symbol that’s not part of a college logo. Approval would almost certainly face a court challenge.
Darn tootin’ you’ll see a court challenge and I sure as heck hope that the judge that oversees the case summarily throws this cocked idea out on it’s butt…
The problem with the state manufacturing the plate is that it “sends a message that Florida is essentially a Christian state” and, second, gives the “appearance that the state is endorsing a particular religious preference,” said Howard Simon, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida.
The “I Believe” license plate still has a way to go before it reaches the roads. The proposal is part of a package of license plates being debated in the Senate and ready for a floor vote. In the House, the bill that would authorize the plate has passed one committee 8-2. The Legislature’s annual session ends May 2.
Some lawmakers say the state should be careful. Rep. Kelly Skidmore said she is a Roman Catholic and goes to Mass on Sundays, but she believes the “I Believe” plate is inappropriate for the government to produce.
“It’s not a road I want to go down. I don’t want to see the Star of David next. I don’t want to see a Torah next. None of that stuff is appropriate to me,” said Skidmore, a Democrat who voted against the plate in committee. “I just believe that.”
Rep. Skidmore is spot on here. There is no reason for the Government to be sponsoring religion of any sort. This idea is just WRONG!
Florida’s specialty license plates require the payment of additional fees, some of which go to causes the plates endorse.
One plate approved in 2004, displaying the motto “Family First,” funds Sheridan House, which provides family programs but also sees its purpose as “sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Bible” and “information about the Christian faith.”
This one should have never gotten approval and they should stop making this plate period. There is no reason for this type of plate to exist.
The bill creating the “I Believe” plate would also create an “In God We Trust” plate to benefit the children of soldiers and law enforcement officers whose parents have died. It also could face opposition as a violation of the separation of church and state.
You have got to love that, mix religion into it, and throw some veterans stuff in to come up with a way to try and make it “kosher”. Why not a simple plate that says, “We Honor Our Troops”.
A “Trust God” license plate was proposed in Florida in 2003. It would have given money to Christian radio stations and charities, but was never produced.
Very good…
Earlier this year, a legislative committee was shown an image of a “Trinity” plate that showed a Christlike figure with his arms outstretched. It and two other plates were voted down.
The group asking for the “I Believe” plate, the Orlando-based nonprofit Faith in Teaching Inc., supports faith-based schools activities. The plate would cost drivers an extra $25 annual fee.
Approving the plate could open the state to legal challenges, according to Josie Brown, who teaches constitutional law at the University of South Carolina. And it’s not certain who would win.
“It would be an interesting close call,” Brown said.
Simon, of the ACLU, said approval of the plate could prompt many other groups to seek their own designs, and they could claim discrimination if their plans were rejected. That could even allow the Ku Klux Klan to get a plate, Simon said.
Bullard, the plate’s sponsor, isn’t sure all groups should be able to express their preference. If atheists came up with an “I Don’t Believe” plate, for example, he would probably oppose it.
I’ve got an idea, let’s leave the religion to individuals, and leave the government out of it?
I’m going to give you two choices…
This:
or
This:
FLDS: Pain, yearning for peace imbues ranch.
The state of Texas is looking more and more like Nazi’s every day.
Wow,
I’m just about speechless. What a wonderful conference. It was such a special experience to sustain such a humble man of God in President Thomas S. Monson, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. This was the first Solemn Assembly that I’d witnessed given that I’d joined The Church a couple months before President Hinckley became Prophet. I was preparing to get married during the last one.
I’d have to say that thing that stood out the most in my mind though was President Uchtdorf. Wow, what an awe inspiring man. His English skills as the Solemn Assembly was taking place, and as he called other General Authorities and Auxilaries of The Church. He just rolled those names off his tongue without much difficulty. I really love to hear him speak.
The other talks were great too, and I was so glad to hear Elder Scott tackle an issue that definitely needs to be discussed.
What things stood out to you?
I was looking for a talk on comfort this evening, and there was something about this talk that really drew me in so I opened it. I can definitely say that I am better for doing so. What a powerful talk, and reading it made me miss President Hinckley that much more. What a dear man he was, and goodly man. In the end it gave me the comfort that I so needed, we are so fortunate as Latter-day Saints to have Prophets, Seers, and Revelators. How blessed we are.
Get ready to be inspired, because this one is going to do it. I especially liked the beginning of the talk as he discussed a conversation he had with a young man in South America.
Personal Peace and Freedom
I recall a very troubling conversation I had years ago with a young man in a South American airport, where we were both delayed by late planes.
His hair was long and his face bearded, his glasses large and round. Sandals were on his feet, and his clothing such as to give the appearance of total indifference to any standard of style.
He was earnest and evidently sincere. He was educated and thoughtful, a graduate of a great North American university. Without employment and sustained by his father, he was traveling through South America.
What was he after in life? I asked. “Peace—and freedom” was his immediate response. Did he use drugs? Yes, they were one of his means to obtain the peace and freedom he sought. Discussion of drugs led to discussion of morals. He talked matter-of-factly about the new morality that gave so much more freedom than any previous generation had ever known.
He had learned in our opening introductions that I was a churchman; and he let me know, in something of a condescending way, that the morality of my generation was a joke. Then with earnestness he asked how I could honestly defend personal virtue and moral chastity. I shocked him a little when I declared that his freedom was a delusion, that his peace was a fraud, and that I would tell him why. …
Can there be peace in the heart of any person, can there be freedom in the life of one who has been left only misery as the bitter fruit of indulgence?
Can anything be more false or dishonest than gratification of passion without acceptance of responsibility? …
No family can have peace, no life can be free from the storms of adversity unless that family and that home are built on foundations of morality, fidelity, and mutual respect. There cannot be peace where there is not trust; there cannot be freedom where there is not loyalty. The warm sunlight of love will not rise out of a swamp of immorality. …
Is there a valid case for virtue in our world? It is the only way to freedom from regret. The peace of conscience which flows therefrom is the only personal peace that is not counterfeit. 1
Peace and WarWe are people of peace. We are followers of the Christ who was and is the Prince of Peace. But there are times when we must stand up for right and decency, for freedom and civilization, just as Moroni rallied his people in his day to the defense of their wives, their children, and the cause of liberty (see Alma 48:10). …
We must do our duty, whatever that duty might be. Peace may be denied for a season. Some of our liberties may be curtailed. We may be inconvenienced. We may even be called on to suffer in one way or another. But God our Eternal Father will watch over this nation and all … who look to Him. He has declared, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps. 33:12). Our safety lies in repentance. Our strength comes of obedience to the commandments of God. …
Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes. We can be an influence for good in this world, every one of us. 2
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only element that will destroy the hatred that exists among people. If they will bring this gospel into their lives and recognize the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man and the effects of the Atonement of Christ, there will be a far greater measure of peace in the world. We will not have peace until that happens more generally. That is why you and I are here, brothers and sisters. That is the objective of our work—to teach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and touch the hearts of people so that they can look upon one another as brothers and sisters, as children of our Father in Heaven. 3
Peace and DeathThe pain of death is swallowed up in the peace of eternal life. …
Whenever the cold hand of death strikes, there shines through the gloom and the darkness of that hour the triumphant figure of the Lord Jesus Christ, He, the Son of God, who by His matchless and eternal power overcame death. He is the Redeemer of the world. He gave His life for each of us. He took it up again and became the firstfruits of them that slept. He, as King of kings, stands triumphant above all other kings. He, as the Omnipotent One, stands above all rulers. He is our comfort, our only true comfort, when the dark shroud of earthly night closes about us as the spirit departs the human form.
Towering above all mankind stands Jesus the Christ, the King of glory, the unblemished Messiah, the Lord Emmanuel. In the hour of deepest sorrow we draw hope and peace and certitude from the words of the angel that Easter morning, “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said” (Matt. 28:6). We draw strength from the words of Paul, “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ … all [are] made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22). … 4
Peace and the TempleTake advantage of the blessings of the house of the Lord. What a privilege. Every man or woman who goes to the temple comes out of that building a better man or woman than he or she was when entering into it. That’s something that’s remarkable that happens with all of us. Is life filled with cares for you? Do you have problems and concerns and worries? Do you want for peace in your heart and an opportunity to commune with the Lord and meditate upon His way? Go to the house of the Lord and there feel of His Spirit and commune with Him and you will know a peace that you will find nowhere else. Take advantage of it. What a great and wonderful blessing it is. 5
Peace and the Holy SpiritWhile there may be thorns and disappointments, while there may be heartache, even heartbreak, there can be peace and comfort and strength from the Lord for those who follow Him. For it is the Lord Himself who has said:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt. 11:28–29).
It is the Lord who has said that if we keep the commandments “the Holy Ghost shall be [our] constant companion” (D&C 121:46) to buoy us up, to teach us, lead us, comfort us, and sustain us. To obtain this companionship, we need to ask for it, to live for it, to be loyal to the Lord.
I think Mormon knew very well from his own experience the truth of his words that the “Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come, when all the saints shall dwell with God” (Moro. 8:26). Though we may sometimes be alone while among those of the world, we need not be lonely, for the Lord has given us the Holy Ghost to be our companion to walk with us. …
Though discipleship with the Lord requires times of standing humbly and courageously apart, the Lord will not forsake us. He also gives us the association of others who can edify and strengthen us as we go about our work of blessing others in the world. And if we are prayerful and loyal to Him and His commandments, the Lord’s promise can be applicable to us: “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (D&C 84:88).
This is a promise from the Lord. I believe it. I bear testimony to you of its truth. May the Lord bless all who step out of the darkness of the world into the light of the everlasting gospel. May He bless us all to walk humbly and courageously and to know in our hearts that peace which comes from squaring one’s life with principles.
Notes
1. From Ensign, Aug. 1989, 2, 5–6.
2. From Ensign, Nov. 2001, 72, 74.
3. From Ensign, Apr. 1996, 73.
4. From Ensign, May 1996, 67.
5. From Ensign, Apr. 1996, 72.
6. From Ensign, Sept. 2001, 5.
Text Credit: LDS.org
I know that this is a site primarily about me (hence the name Ann Marie IS ME), but truly I’m targeting you the viewer. I like to post things to open your mind, get you thinking, entertain and humor you, and keep you wanting more. You can tell a few of my bigger “loves” (i.e. my faith, politics, newsy type things, human interest stories, etc.) Are there any other things that you’d be interested in seeing about me? Are there any questions that you’d like to ask me? I’m pretty open. So if you do indeed have a question, don’t hesitate to ask. Also, I’d encourage you to participate. Please leave comments on the different posts to keep the conversation going.
Thanks for visiting the site!
Best,
Ann Marie Curling
This talk given by President Monson on November 6, 2005 discusses a three step process to a destiny of happiness…I wish I could have heard it years ago at the age of the intended audience. This talk was given at a CES Fireside for Young Adults.
First: Choose Your Friends with Caution
Second: Plan Your Future with Purpose
Third: Frame Your Life with Faith
I liked the following quote contained in the talk:
Dare to be a Mormon;
Dare to stand alone.
Dare to have a purpose firm,
And dare to make it known.8
I know that we as Latter-day Saints are supposed to turn the other cheek, keep our chins up, and move forward. But do you ever ask yourself why you’re placed in situations? Why your trials are of one nature or another? I’m having a weak moment tonight where I’m asking that question. I’m only human right? I’m not going to go into details as to what I’m speaking about, but I’m just hurting. I’ve been listening to hymns all night trying to feel better, and it’s helped some. But, sometimes don’t you just want to pout, sulk, etc? That’s how I feel right now. Thanks for listening.
Click here to see it. It’s awesome, and oh so bittersweet.
This past weekend my Mom went to Cincinnati for a benefit dinner for my brother and his family. The benefit was to help them get back on their feet after the loss of their son, and my nephew Devon. I had planned to go to the dinner, but my own kids ended up sick so I was unable to. I still feel his loss though. I know you’re probably thinking of course you are, but that’s not the point. I know that it’s normal to still be missing him. It’s just such a strange feeling. We’re planning on going there for Spring break so that our kids can play with their cousin’s (Devon’s siblings left behind). In the past whenever we’d do such a thing, Abe, Jessica, and Erin would play with Devon for hours. They played with the other kids as well, but they always gravitated to Devon. He was such a kind and caring soul. He was always kind, and was patient with them given their special needs and impulsiveness at times. When we go for Spring Break though, there will be such a void. We’ll remember the blast we had there last June. The memories will definitely be fresh as they play in the house where Devon lived. I thought about the absolute transformation that their family has gone through. I remember when it was just Jon, Devon, and Corey. Three rambunctious boys. Now when we go there will be Corey, Emily, and Allyson (Jon has moved in with his father back in Michigan). A big change having two girls and a boy from those three boys before. The girls just adore Emily and baby Allyson so they should have a lot of fun, but I know that for Abe it will definitely feel very different. Abe was always the closest to Devon, he and Devon share a common kindness and spirit about them. They connected well. We’ll all make it, and Devon is in a much more peaceful place now, but for those of us back here on earth we’ll continue to miss him dearly.
A friend of mine passed this along in an email today, and I wanted to share…
“I’m Invisible”
It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I’m on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I’m thinking, “Can’t you see I’m on the phone?” Obviously not. No one can see if I’m on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I’m invisible.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?
Some days I’m not a pair of hands; I’m not even a human being. I’m a clock to ask. “What time is it?” I’m a satellite guide to answer, “What number is the Disney Channel?” I’m a car to order, “Right around 5:30, please.”
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She’s going, she’s going, she’s gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . ; Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, “I brought you this.” It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe . I wasn’t exactly sure why she had given it to me until I read the inscription: “To Charlotte , with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.”
In th e days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eye of God saw everything.
A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, “Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.” And the workman replied, “Because God sees.”
I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, “I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you’ve done, no sequin you’ve sewn on, no cupcake you baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see right now what it will become.”
At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.
When I really think about it, I don’t want my son to tell the friend he’s bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, “My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.” That would mean I’d built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, “You’re gonna love it there.”
As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we’re doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.