Christmas 09

I think this will be the most pathetic Christmas post EVER.

Christmas was rough this year... for many reasons, and I slacked in the photo department. (to say the least)

With Aunt Karen's Cancer fight coming to an end, I look back on this season and I am grateful for what I have learned and for the spirit that has been with me. I have never before had such a Christmas season that I have felt the love and support of my Savior. So yes, we had Santa, and parties, and presents, and the kids did not go without, but the most important things that were present in the Bodily home and heart this year could not have been photographed anyway.

I learned during this month of December... that all this worldly stuff and hype is not important.

Next year (or in 10 years) I will not remember what was under the tree, or what my neighbor's gifts were, or what party we were at and what activities we did...

... but I will remember those I love...

... how they make me feel...

... and the relationships I have with them...

Families Are Forever

Be Still My Soul

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOus45dorPU I was "in the mood" for this song today.... Did a youtube search and lo and behold this version by Nicol Sponberg was there. She has been a favorite of mine for about a year now, love her voice, and I have followed her blog since the passing of her son. Then the Irony.... her 2 month old infant son that she lost to SIDS just so happened to leave this earth 1 year ago today. I think she needed this song today more than I. My daily dose of a reality check............

I Cannot Imagine

I am so sad for the Travolta Family.

I have always been a fan of John Travolta.

Impressed by his genuine kindness and love for his family. (If you have ever been able to see him on Oprah, you know what I mean.)

I cannot imagine what this loss means to them and what they are going through. My heart is heavy for them today. (mostly because I cannot imagine what a loss like this would be like anyway, but without the knowledge of the Gospel?) They are in my prayers.

The BIG Day.....

... is finally here.... and I couldn't be happier about it. I am tired of the negative publicity, emails, and the media pointing fingers. So obviously I did my patriotic duty and voted. This go round I was really torn.... I really felt neither presidential canidate represented me or my family in any way at all. But what do you do? I feel like I am choosing the lesser of two evils.

So it's done.... I guess it comes down to the fact that my vote (living here in Utah) doesn't really count anyway. But hopefully for a few items right here at home, my vote mattered.

The only item I am really pondering today and where my heart is today isn't even on my ballot. I have a little prayer in my heart today for the residents of California and thier decision on Proposition 8.

I have contemplated the news story on KSL last night about the "Mormon Mothers" who were protesting the church and where they stand on this issue.

I was really suprised at the turn out they had. It made me sad.

I couldn't help but ask the question.... "How can they call themselves a member and a beleiver of this church and gospel and feel that way?" ..... "How can they question a Proclamation from a Prophet of God?" ..... "How can they openly and publicly protest "Their" church on this issue, and not expect repurcussions?"

I feel for these women. I cannot imagine how it would be to be a mother of a Gay or Lesbian child and I understand their desire to support them. However they have accepted this gospel and all that comes with it. We do not get to pick and choose what principles we want to live by and which we do not. For me you either accept it all, or you do not. That sounds very Black and White, but I guess on this issue..... that is where I am. I am not saying I am perfect, and that I abide by all of the principles and guidelines of the church at all times, but I would be the first to admit it. I strive everyday to live the teaching of our prophets and the commandments of my savior, I am not perfect. But I would NEVER protest my church privately or publicly.

My prayers and thoughts are with those residents of California today. I hope and pray they will find the courage to stand their ground on this moral issue.

God Bless Us, EVERYONE.