Decision 2008

I was very troubled earlier, for obvious reasons. I could not sleep and was tossing and turning. I was full of concern and worry over the new direction that this country- my country, will begin to take tomorrow- today! It has been no secret that I am not a huge fan of our new president. I disagree with many of his policies and view-points. However, this post is not to get into the details of that. I have discussed and debated politics far too much in the past few months, years even, to have any desire to write an entire blog post about them. The point of this post is to share with you (not that you wanted to know, but this is MY blog, so I get to choose what goes here- sorry Husky Bear!) why I am now more at ease when just an hour ago I was all teary and angsty (love you Brit!).

When I heard all three of my housemates snoring away while I was still sobbing, I decided to put some nice soft music on (Jon Schmidt- love that man!) and study some scriptures to calm my mind. When I went to get my scriptures they were not there- I had left them downstairs, so rather than run all the way downstairs, I grabbed the next best (better?!) thing. I decided to read my Patriarchal Blessing. I said a very fervent and tearful prayer in which I tried to release some of my fear and frustration to the Lord, and then I sat down to read my Blessing. I won't go into detail, but I found a line that has changed my entire outlook on the next 4-8 years. I was gently reminded of the true and simple definition of faith. "Faith is the absense of fear." I was also reminded of the deep and abiding faith that I have in my Savior and in his Church organization.

I had my say as to who I wanted as president, and it was turned down- twice!! (McCain was not who I voted for at the primarys). That is OK. It really is. Why? First of all, I do not agree with much of what this man stands for, but the truth is, I am in the minority with those thoughts. I love this country, and this country is a democracy. Democracy has spoken, and I will not be one to complain about it. Mostly though, the reason I am at peace about this new Socialistic leader is because this man is not my leader. Obama is not who I follow. He is the leader of my country, yes- and I will respect him as such, but his words are not the ones I will take into account when I make my most important decisions.

For the record, neither is this man. McCain and I have more in common than Barry and I, but we still butt heads on many issues.

I am now at peace because I was reminded to STOP FEARING! I am not afraid. I have faith that this country will move forward. The next 4 years may be rough, but I have no doubt that Ross and I will succeed, even if the country crumbles around us in Socialistic flames. Why? Because we know who our real leaders are.

These are the men who I will follow. These are the men whose words will govern my day-to-day actions. These are the men who love me and pray for me and guide me with the gentle guidance of the Spirit. Thomas S. Monson is my prophet. I will follow him!

I will follow him because he follows the Lord. I have faith, an absence of fear. I know that if I follow the Lord, if I drop my burden at His feet and continue on in the path he has laid forth for me, I will be just fine.

I know this is a bit heavy for a blog post- but I felt the need to get this off my chest. Believe me, no one knows more reasons for fretting about President Obama than I do. I have done my research and I know my stuff. Please take courage in the strength of our country and the truth and righteousness of our real leaders.