How I Feel about the Christmas Season

I am going to start my Christmas post with something not so jolly. I am a little frustrated this year with the lack of Christmas spirit! Everyone keeps posting and telling me about how Christ isn't in Christmas anymore, or how Christmas has become to commercialized, or it brings up false hope and expectations for a day of greed and gluttony. Even yesterday at church our bishop gave a talk at the pulpit about how much he hated Christmas. I thought at the end he'd say something like "while all these things are frustrating, we can overcome them or move past them by..." yeah no. His message was literally "let's get through this crappy season together." Are you kidding me? At the pulpit!?

In Sunday School I heard a lot of positive uplifting comments about people's love for Christmas. But many people felt Christmas had gotten to materialistic and that to many people focused on the secular parts of Christmas instead of the spiritual. Here's the thing, Christmas has a lot of traditions that started with other cultures and religions that all kind of meshed their holidays into one. But gift giving wasn't adapted into Christmas. The tree and Santa Clause were, but the gift giving remains a tried and true Christmas tradition. We give gifts on people's birthdays right? Well Christmas is Christ's birthday. But we can't go to heaven and give Christ a present, but in the scriptures he says "If ye have done it unto the least of my brethren ye have done it unto me." So if I put time and thought into a gift for my sister, I have put that time and thought into a gift for Christ. A lot of people also gave gifts at Christmas time to represent the wise men who gave gifts to the Christ child. Gift giving is a SPIRITUAL part of Christmas if you let it be. And frankly the tree and Santa and candy canes and everything else Christmas-like has poems and stories you can find on the internet that tie them to Jesus. So go read a few, pick one you like, and then drink a big old cup of Holiday Joy!

I want everyone who feels any negativity about Christmas to remember something, it's your choice. If you want to be frustrated because you have to give your sister a gift and your stressed because you can't find it anywhere, then you'll be stressed and frustrated. OR you can be excited about how much she'll love the gift you give her, and enjoy "the hunt". If you'd like to be annoyed that you've heard White Christmas 83 times in the last month, then you can be. Or you can change the station and listen to something you do like, or be happy that for the 83rd time that month you get to hear someone elses idea of holiday cheer. But it is a choice! I choose to love Christmas and listen to Christmas music every single day since Halloween, because in my heart and mind it is the most wonderful time of the year. 

So I guess what I am trying to say in all of this is keep the negativity to yourself! If you don't have something nice to say (even if it's about Christmas) then don't say anything at all! Some of us are just trying to enjoy this season of happiness and love. 

Now on a happier note, I love Christmas. I love everything about it. This year my Husband and I are living with my parents to try and save money until I am out of school. They are both really busy and neither of them really wanted to do a whole lot of Christmas stuff. I tried to decorate but my mom didn't want me to because we'd have to take it down in 2 weeks anyways. Other than the tree the house is pretty Christmas-less. So I threw up Christmas in my husband and I's hallway. Yeah we have tiny little hallway, with two rooms on the end. I decorated doors like presents and I put strings of lights on the roof with ornaments. It looks fabulous! And every time I look at those decorations they make me happy and they remind me of what time of year it is and what happened all those years ago. They remind me of the Love of Christ and my family. 

To me Christmas is so many things. It's snow, hot chocolate, sweet toast, a big dinner, lights, trees, gift wrapping, and polar express. It's a Christmas Carol and Small One. It's family and love and Christ. It's a time to think about the Savior and to feel lighter and full of joy. It's a time to serve others and think of others you love. Christmas is a lot of things that I love, but most of all I love the music! So many people think the songs are repetitive and annoying but I can't get enough! So here are my three favorite Christmas songs, three songs with three different take on Christmas.

1- Christmas Is by Francesca Battistelli! I love this song! It is so happy and fun and upbeat! I love her voice too. Although this doesn't have the best sound quality it was the only one I could find with out annoying pictures and words in ugly and distracting fonts haha. 

2- Love is Christmas by Sara Bareilles. Her voice wraps you in a warm hug and every words she speak is full of love and the Christmas spirit. Probably my favorite Christmas song of all time. 

3- This is by far my all time favorite version of this song. I actually didn't really care for "Do You Hear What I Hear" until this version came on my Pandora. I am a very weepy person, and it was the first time this song brought tears to my eyes. Enjoy.  

Final Words ♥: You can have a Merry Christmas if you want to. And I sincerely hope that you do. 

Get Off The Hill

Once there was a man standing on top of a hill. He looked to one side and saw God and all of His angels, and then he looked to the other side to see Satan and all of his devils. God and all of His angels were calling to the man shouting "Come over here! Things are better! We love you!", while on the other side Satan and his devils were quiet. So the man looked at Satan and said "God and His angels are making it sound pretty great over there, and obviously want me on their side, so why are you so quiet? Why are you not trying to get me to come to your side?" The devil smirked and said "Because I own the hill."

***********************************************************

These are my personal opinions, not those of my family members (or husband) and certainly not what I think everyone has to believe or they are unintelligent. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. This is mine. If you choose to comment on this post with an opposing opinion I will read it and probably won’t respond, because you know how I feel. And isn't it great that we can all have different opinions on such an important issue and still be friends? I think so. If you choose to comment with anything that name calls or is derogatory towards me or people who disagree with you, I will delete the comment. 
Examples: I think that gay marriage is good because of.... (okay) 
I think that people who don't support gay marriage are homophobic (not okay)
People who support gay marriage obviously aren't mature enough to see... (not okay)

***********************************************************

My husband's mission president told him this story. It has been a great source of inspiration to me ever since he passed it along to myself. I have written posts before about choosing sides. Here is another one. I believe God cares about politics. I believe that he does have an opinion. I think that people are quick to pray for blessings and thanks, and guidance about personal problems, but they forget to pray about politics. I encourage you to pray about Gay Marriage, and about the people you are going to elect, and the bills you want to support. I encourage you to pray about everything. He does care. But when you pray, don't say "Is it okay with you if I vote this way?" Ask him "What do you want?", "Do you support this?", "Does this fit into your eternal plan?" 

I do not believe that if you vote for a politician that agrees with things that God doesn't approve of, that you'll go to hell. I do not think that politics will make or break your eternal happiness, or place in God's kingdom. But I do believe that we need to choose a side. We need to stop saying "well I think this is wrong, but I'll vote for it because we should allow others who think it's okay to do that." or "I think this is wrong, but I'll vote for it because I don't want to offend or upset anyone." If you think it's wrong, don't support it! And if you think it's right do!

We have been hearing a lot about separation of church and state lately, mostly in regards to gay marriage. This is because the biggest push against gay marriage is that in the Bible it says marriage should be between a man and a woman, which is obviously a religious reason. People feel that religious reasoning should not be applicable in politics. The idea of separation of church and state is not that the government doesn't use religious reasoning. That idea was put into place so that the government would not affiliate itself, support, fund, or force upon citizens the practices or beliefs of one denomination. But we built this country on God. In God we trust. One nation under God. God bless America. Don't leave Him out of the country now. Don't decide that the world doesn't need his direction anymore. 

I will end this post with lyrics to one of my favorite hymns. It was originally written about the Mormon Pioneers, challenging members to stay on the right path even though they were being so heavily persecuted. Try reading it today and asking yourself if in this political war in America, whose side your on? And then rephrase the question to yourself and say, if you are not on God's side, whose side are you on? 

1. Who's on the Lord's side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?
We wage no common war,
Cope with no common foe.
The enemy's awake;
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?

(Chorus)
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly:
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?

2. We serve the living God,
And want his foes to know
That, if but few, we're great;
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?
We're going on to win;
No fear must blanch the brow.
The Lord of Hosts is ours;
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?

3. The stone cut without hands
To fill the earth must grow.
Who'll help to roll it on?
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?
Our ensign to the world
Is floating proudly now.
No coward bears our flag;
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?

Final Words <3: get off the hill 

♪ If music be the food of love ♫

Here are just a few songs and why I love them and can't stop listening to them lately! I tried to choose a few different genres but there a few songs that my husband is SO sick of right now because they are all I listen to! So here is my top 5 songs (all clean, all with great messages).



1- Both of Us by B.O.B. feat. Taylor Swift.
I love this song. I love her voice in it, it sounds desperate and lonely. And although I am not a fan of rap music I can pick out most of what he is saying without lyrics and they are so pure. He is saying that when the money is low and stress is high we can still make it if we look to God and stand strong. That's a really refreshing message in my opinion. Lyrics Highlight: "But we still stand tall with our shoulders up, And even though we're always against the odds, These are the things that've molded us" Here is a link to the lyrics!

2- Hidden Ones by Missy Higgins

Not only do I love all of Missy Higgins music but I love her voice. It is so passionate, and what can I say? I love singers with accents! Lyrics Highlight: "there is a choice, to follow the leader or use your voice" Here is a link to the lyrics!

3- Brave by Sara Bareilles

I love her voice, I love the beat of this song, I love the message! I am a big sara bareilles fan, but usually her songs are sassy and edgy. This one is fun and bold. It is pure sunlight bursting out of the speakers! And the music video? Incredible! Sara posted a video of her doing a dance on facebook and asked everyone to "be brave" and do this dance in a public place by themselves and video tape it and send it in to have the chance to be on the video! She choose her favorites and then invited them to lunch with her and they did a group number too! So all of these were unpaid people literally just breaking out into this crazy dance in public! Plus I love her pants! Lyrics Highlight: "Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live, Maybe one of these days you can let the light in, Show me how big your brave is" Here is a link to the lyrics!

4- Blessings by Mercy River 

This is an LDS group from Utah that I love. This song has been a wonderful inspiration to me and I always listen to it whenever I am feeling low, or blessed, or I need to be humbled. I love it. I just sit, close my eyes and reflect while it's on. I'm sorry the video is kind of weird, but it's the only one they had, and the music sounds great! Lyrics Highlight: "What if trials of this life, Are Your mercies in disguise?" Here is a link to the lyrics. 

p.s. upon writing those lyrics down, I may have cried a little.... I just love this song! 

5- Hold Me by Jamie Grace feat. Toby Mac

This is a Christian pop song, and it is SO CUTE! This song is the epitome of cute, bubbly, fun and happy! It is oozing with giggles and rainbows! I love it! Jamie Grace specializes in songs about God and Christ that could be about a friend or loved one too, which is fun! Lyrics Highlight: "I love you more than the words in my brain can express, I can't imagine even loving you less" Here is a link to the lyrics! 

Final Words ♥: Sing on ♪♫♪♫....

The Quest and The Mirror

A few weeks ago my stake had stake conference. I had mixed feelings about most of it honestly, but what did catch my attention was the last talk. We had a stake leader get up to talk about "going all in". I was inspired. The fact of the matter is that as members of the LDS church we are asked by our prophet to follow certain standards. There are so many grays though that we have to make our own decisions. But that is how God wants it right? I think so.

Well lately my husband and I have decided we want to "go all in" to the church. As part of our goal to get sealed in the temple and stay strong in the church I am constantly worried to have kids. Not that I think they will bring any kind of spiritual decline to my life, but I am afraid because the world is not getting better. We are constantly seeing signs of the fall of the earth and the disintegration of morals. I don't want my kids to have to live in that. But the prophet said that multiplying and replenishing the earth is an active commandment today, and that if in these (the last) days we don't bring children into the world and teach them to be strong and stand up for whats right, then those spirits are going to someone else. So that has comforted me a little.

In this talk I listened to in stake conference he talked about how we need to cling to the standards of the church. Like I said before, there are all kinds of grays. I, myself have struggled with focusing on the "but I could get away with this right?" instead of the "But the Lord would prefer me to do this," aspects of my life. Like tattoos. I love them! I have a couple from before I converted. I want more so bad! And I have said on several occasions "Having tattoos is a personal choice. You can get a tattoo and go to the temple the next day!" But we all know that we have been asked not to get them. There are a lot of things like this such as swearing, wearing bikinis, having multiple piercings, watching R rated movies, ect. Well in this talk about "going all in" our stake president challenged us to make it not our goal, but our quest in life, to stop rationalizing and to just "go all in". What real happiness is doing the "gray things" going to bring us? I mean really is it that great to swear once in a while? I mean I'm sure it wont keep you out of heaven, but is it that important? So my husband and I made it our quest to go all in. We are working on not swearing (which has proven to be very hard) and we are getting rid of our R rated movies and I am going to stop my "I might get another tattoo" talk.

But this quest has been really hard for me. We have all heard the saying "White Bread Mormons" right? The people who are stuffy and think that they are better than you because they don't watch R rated movies and you do. Well I had a friend the other day who wanted to watch an R rated movie with me at school. I said "I don't watch R rated movies anymore." and they said "Since when?" And I explained that Matt and I were just trying to be better and "go all in." This person was very offended. I have known her forever and now she thinks that I am some sort of judgmental "white bread" Mormon.Why? Because I choose not to watch R rated movies. I guess she feels that if I think I should not watch R rated movies because the prophet asks me to, then I must also think that she is a bad person for not listening to the prophet and watching them anyways. I don't think she is a bad person.

That's when it hit me. It's a mirror. She is looking at me and my life and thinking that because I am doing what I am supposed to do, she sees her life and knows she's wrong. I can tell she feels it deep down. I have another friend who fell in love with a guy who pushed her out of the church and now can't step inside of an LDS church foyer without bursting into tears. Why do you think that is? I believe that we are all loved by out heavenly father and mother equally. I have made a choice to live my life in a way that makes me feel clean and happy. If the way you are living yours makes you feel clean and happy that is fine too. I don't look down on people who make different choices or have different standards or values than I do. I never have and I never will. But next time you are talking with a friend and you feel like you being judged because they have a different standard than you ask yourself why? Did they attack you? Most likely not (although there are some who will, which is sad).

This same principal applies to parenting and other things.
Here is an interesting article about how this same mirror is often found in parenting! I love this article! The author has so much voice and flare!

Final Words ♥: Are you feeling judged by others, or yourself? 

Fine! I'll Admit It!

My whole life I have been pretty liberal. I have always been for making improvements and being modern and cutting edge, especially in my politics. I was known in jr high and high school as that really annoying loud girl who didn't care what the hell anyone else thought, and just did my own thing. Anyone who knew anything about me knew that I supported gay marriage. I have always taken pride in being the girl who sewed buttons into her hand, and wore bright neon colors and two different earrings. I loved being a Nature Based Wiccan (and I still miss it once in a while) and getting tattoos and swearing all the time! It was a time where I felt care free, independent, and different.

Then I moved out of my parents house, did some soul searching, went through some experiences and I grew up. I learned that it's not healthy to be care-free your whole life, and if God wanted us to be independent we would all be asexual. There is a reason that men and women have different parts and are attracted to each other. We need a partner. Even God has one. And we aren't supposed to be striving to be different, we are striving to be more like Christ.

I also got married. Weird right? I am married now! It's still kind of weird for me to think that I'm not just living with this wonderful man but I am married to him! I mean don't get me wrong, I couldn't be happier, but it's a little freaky. I have had a few friends comment on how different I am now compared to back then, more mellow, more mature. I had one friend say "it's weird, because we are the same age, but there is a whole level of maturity that you now have that just comes with being married." 

I think the two biggest changes I have made are joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and getting married to my best friend Matthew Woodward. But some of these changes I am in so much denial about! I have been struggling and fighting with my inner rebel (who has gone from this powerful ray shooting out of me, to this suppressed glimmer inside of my soul) and my heart. I hate loosing who I used to be. I am proud of who I once was. But I am more proud of the journey I have gone through to become who I am. And yesterday I said it out loud, for the first time ever to my husband.... I have become something I never thought I would be. Something nobody who knew me back then ever thought I would become. something I never wanted to be. But it's time to just face the facts and say it out loud. I am... 


I'm a....


far right conservative republican


.

AHHHH! Can you believe it? Me! I am! Yikes! I slowly started changing views on everything from health care to abortion to even gay rights, and now I am conservative! I just kind of came into the realization of it a few days ago! So now you all know.

The purpose of me saying this is that I have a few more political issues that I have not addressed on this blog (especially not with my newer views) that I would like to. Today I am going to post about Gay Rights and DOMA. But in the (probably near) future I am going to be posting about other things.

I am LDS, and that is the basis of my views on this. If you are not LDS you are going to heavily disagree with all of my points and that is okay. But here is my blog policy on political debate. I, Angela Woodward, think we all have reasons to believe whatever it is that we do. I have my opinions, you have yours. I don't think you are uneducated or immature for believing differently than I do. If you take this personally that is your choice, not mine. I welcome any comments that state a difference in opinion, but I don't do 'debate'. Don't ask me to "prove you wrong" because I will not oblige. And if you post a comment that belittles, makes fun of, or puts down myself or people with an opinion that differs from yours I will promptly delete that comment. Now with all of that being said I will proceed.

First of all I support Gay Rights! What is a right though? A right is something that every person is entitled to just because they are human, regardless of their race, sexuality, education, gender, ect. A right is something that everyone should have. I believe that all gays are entitled to their human rights. I however do not believe that marriage is one of those rights. I believe that marriage should stay between a man and a woman, and that homosexuals are not entitled to be married just because they are human. I am pro gay rights, but I am anti gay marriage. 

When Obama first announced that he wanted to repeal the Defense Of Marriage Act I was so happy! I was very against DOMA and I was open about it. My stances then are as depicted in my blog post "Another Post About Gay Rights". My husband and I debated tirelessly but we had different opinions and that was fine. That night while I was praying, not even thinking about gay marriage at all, I had a "slap in the face" moment. I got off my knees after I was done conversing with the lord and told my husband that I no longer supported gay marriage. He was shocked. I had a conversation with Christ in that moment where he told me "you don't have to understand it this time Angela, it's okay. I want marriage to be between a man and a woman. I do. So support me in that. Just do it." And I said okay.

I later had a really good friend of mine who was a fence sitter herself tell me that she finally decided against supporting gay marriage. She told me to read The Family: A Proclamation to the World, published by the LDS church in 1995. Gordon B. Hinckley said that it was revelation from God, that means that it is scripture. Just like the words ancient prophets have written down, so are these. In The Family: A Proclamation to the World it defines marriage as between a man and a woman. It says that the sacredness of marriage between a man and woman is the foundation of the family, which is "the center of the Creator's plan for eternal destiny of His children." Then at the end it warns others that the disintegration of marriage being between a man and a woman and thus the family "will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets." 

Now I ask a question to my LDS friends. Why would God ask our prophet to make a "Proclamation to the World" saying that gay marriage does not fit into the plan of our Heavenly Father, if he in turn wanted us to support gay marriage? And I guess after asking myself all of these questions I had to say "because he doesn't." So in my personal opinion if I know this (which I do in my heart) and then I say "but just because I don't support gay people doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to get married if they want to!" and I support the side that is for gay marriage, guess who's side I am no longer on? And I want to be on God's side. And I guess it feels a little wrong to say that we know better than the lord. 

Frankly supporting DOMA has been slightly uncomfortable for me. I am not one hundred percent sure why God cares, why the word "marriage" has to be so sacred to him. But it is. So I do. A hymn comes to mind when I think about doing something uncomfortable and unfamiliar to me for the sake of the Lord's will. 

"Who's on the Lord's side? Who?
Now is the time to show.
We ask it fearlessly.
Who's on the Lord's Side? Who? 
We wage no common war,
We cope with no common foe,
The enemy's awake; 
Who's on the Lord's side? Who?"

All of the members of the LDS church have many things that are not in common. Different education, ages, conversion stories, life styles, and more. But although we may have uncommon foes, wars, thoughts and feelings we know what God wants. We know what side he's on. So are you with him?

Final Words ♥: I am not calling names or pointing fingers. I want you to ponder these questions in your heart. If you are not with him, are you against him? Which side is Satan on? Have you really knelt down and prayed about this issue and where He stands? Because if you haven't, you need to. Stop telling yourself you don't need to, you do. So do it. 

#education #3thingsyouneedtoknow

Hashtags, you either use them, don't care about them, don't know what they are, love them or you think they are incredibly annoying! Every single time I use a hashtag, I get at least one comment on Facebook from someone who talks about why they hate hashtags and I shouldn't use them. But here are the 3 things that people need to know about hashtags before deciding that everyone who uses them are dumb.

1- They aren't for Facebook
Hashtags are for Twitter and Instagram, they serve no purpose on Facebook unless to be funny or ironic or sarcastic! - ADDENDUM - Hashtags are totally on facebook now! You can search a hashtag in the seach bar (or click on a friend's hashtag) and be connected! See #3 for more info!

2- Why you still see them on Facebook
If I want to announce that I am having a great time with my friends, or eating something wonderful with a picture, why would I put it on Instagram, then separately upload it to Twitter, and then again to Facebook? The answer is - I wont. My accounts (like many others) are linked together, so when I Instagram something it posts to Facebook and Twitter, hashtags and all.

3- The Purpose of Hashtags
Hashtags are used to connect everyone's photos from around the world. Many of you do (or don't) know this but I love to look at tattoos. It's almost an addiction. So I love to go on Instagram and search '#tattoos' and '#firsttattoo' all the time! How do we find those though? Every person who puts #tattoo or #firsttattoo as a hashtag on their photo comes up. The hashtags connect our photos. I LOVE the #foreveralone statuses and photos on Instagram and Twitter (they are so funny!), and if I want to see what people are thinking about the Tony's I just search #tonys! I usually check out how people are feeling about who got voted off survivor by searching #tribalcouncil or #survivor on Twitter. Some of you may think this is really dumb and a waste of time, but that's okay. Just understand that there are a lot of people who use this as a great tool.

I use mine to work all the time! People say "I want Jennifer Aniston's hair" so I go onto Instagram and type in #JenniferAniston and show my client the variety of cuts and colors she has had on her hair and then I ask them which ones they are looking for. Hashtags instantly link you to photos, comments, opinions, quotes, and tools to other people's all over the world.

4- Hashtags - They're Everywhere!
Now that Hashtags are more mainstream if you watch shows (like Pretty Little Liars, Survivor, or Masterchef) you will often see faint hashtags in the corners of the shows. Thigns like #elimination or #AllieTellsAll, even during the LDS General Conference in April of 2014 the bottom of the screen said #LDSComf! I have seen several people creat their own hashtags to connect groups or for events such as #NickandSara2013 (for a wedding) or #SHS2014AllNightParty! You can even find "secret celebrity hashtags" like (this one is made up) #GrammysAtMadonnas, so that stars can connect their personal photos as well. They are everywhere! So get on board and get connected!

Now you have been properly educated on hashtags and can feel free to use them or not, but just like I said in my blog post "You're Wrong" just because you don't like a trend or you disagree with someones likes, dislikes, or lifestyle, it doesn't mean you are more educated, intelligent, or better than them in any way. And when you cut someone down for something they do that you disagree with you are the one who is being unintelligent.

Final Words♥: #dontknockittillyoutryit

You're Wrong

We all like to be right. Am I right about this? I'm sure I am! I can't be the only person who thinks that my opinions are the best! If I thought that there was another opinion that made more sense than my own, I would change my opinion! And when I argue with someone about the way I believe or feel it's because I think that my way of thinking is better or more correct than theirs. Now let me ask you all a question, how many times have you finished an argument or discussion and thought "wow that person is so close-minded!" or "If only they could see it the way I do!" or maybe "what an idiot! How could they not see that I obviously have it right!"? We've all been there. I am assuming that I am right again here though ;]

Opinions. The dictionary definition of an opinion is "A belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof." People form their opinions based on may things. The most common things that form a person’s opinion is each individual’s 1: lifestyle 2: religion 3: income 4: upbringing and 5: personal experiences dealing with other people. two people who lead the same lifestyle, make the same amount of money, were raised by conservative parents, and were popular in high school may have two very different opinions on Gay Marriage based on their friends and their religion. 

There are so many variables in life that it's safe to say that there are people with thousands of opinions out there that I disagree with. Everything from whether and LDS person can stay true to the faith and support gay marriage to how to make brownies. My problem with today's society is that people have mistaken their own personal opinion for fact. While you might think it's irresponsible to take a 7 month old into a movie theater because when you decide to have a baby you forfeit your pass to have fun, another person might feel like it's perfectly reasonable to go see that new movie with a newborn in tow. Most of you have read this statement and either thought "well yeah, parents can still have fun!" while the other part is saying "Duh! You can't bring a small child into the movie theater!" Do you see what I'm getting at here? I promise you that for every opinion you have there is someone out there who disagrees.

I have lived my experiences and I have my own life. I think my opinions are the best there is. People can tell me all of the angles and logic behind their own (as I can to them) and neither of us will be moved. So who's wrong? The answer is both of us. I am certain that if I became president today, and all of my politics were slowly worked into place throughout time that it would make some people very happy, and many people very unhappy. Why? Because my politics are ones that would most likely benefit the middle class, working family of 3-6 people. My religion also dictates a lot of what I believe. So how would a high income single atheist woman in the work place feel about my views? She would probably hate them. What works for one person doesn't work for all of them. With pride and greed in full stride all over the world you aren't going to win with any one policy.

The perfect example is Obamacare! If you do a little research on Obamacare and go find anti-obamacare news articles  you will find hundreds of people who comment saying "you're wrong, obamacare helped my dad beat cancer!" or "if it weren't for obamacare then *insert tragedy of choice here* would have happened!" But I personally hate obamacare! They have had this same system in tons of countries outside of  America and guess what? It doesn't work! But that's my opinion.

So now for the advice portion of this post. Stop calling names! Either out loud or otherwise! How intelligent does a persona have to be to call another one stupid, immature, or uneducated? Even big fancy words like ignoramus mean nothing because all you have done is thought of an intelligent way to say something unintelligent. Just because I have a different opinion than you doesn't mean I am immature or dumb, it means I am different. And for every single thing you can point out in my lifestyle that you disagree with I am sure I can point one out in yours. So stop pointing. It's OKAY for people to have different opinions. And I personally think it is wise when in a debate to remember that the other guy could be right, and you could be wrong. You don't have to change your views, or your standards, but just remember that his opinions are based off of all the same things yours are, just from a different point of view and there is validity in his words.

Final Words ♥: Stop Pointing

Swallowing my Pride

I take a lot of pride in how liberal I am. Sorry to my new conservative family, but I usually try to see the good in everyone. Because of this I have always been open to equal rights opportunities  even for those people who I don't understand or agree with. Anyone who knows me (especially if you knew me in high school) knows that I am a huge advocate for Gay Marriage. (for anyone who isn't briefed on my stances you can click this link right ==> HERE <== to read my last post all about it. I have always loved the fact that I am open and friendly and accepting of everyone. I have always felt very strongly about gay marriage as well. But that changed for me.

I am a Mormon. I haven't always been, but I am now, just as many of my friends/readers/followers are. Even though the church has said that they are against gay marriage I have felt that I knew better. I have also felt that even if someone is against being gay, and feels that acting upon gay emotions is a sin they can still support the opportunity for people to choose how to live their life.

Well the night after I posted my gay rights post, I prayed, as I usually do before bed. I had the feeling that I should not support it any longer. Then I didn't have a feeling, I had a smack in the face. Have you ever had one of those feelings where even if you don't understand something you know it's what you have to do? The feelings where you are forced to swallow your pride and just do something because God says "you know what Angela, you don't get it, that's fine, I get it. This is it. Go. Do." and you know you have to trust in the lord and just have faith? I had one of those.

I have been pretty quiet about that experience and had only told my husband about it until today. I have been fervently trying to seek truth and understanding of this principal since I got this answer. Then today I was able to talk to a really good friend on the subject. Now let me just say that I love this woman! She is one of the most loving, kind and accepting people I have ever met. I don't think I have ever met anyone who loves people the way that she does. She's an amazing mother, teacher, and friend and I she is an inspiration to me. So when I saw her today I wanted to tell her about what I had felt in prayer. She led me to the only document anyone who is LDS should have to read to know that gay marriage isn't okay. This document means the world to me, and is the single most beautiful piece of scripture I have ever read. Even when I was church hopping I always loved the words in it.

So I invite you to minimize this tab and go to your living room and take down the framed words hanging on the wall, or to open a new tab and look it up. The Family: A Proclamation to the World couldn't be clearer. If you don't know where to find it HERE it is.

I had my own thoughts and feelings on the topic while reading through it. I am not going to share them here, because I kind of feel like they are personal, and sacred. But please read it, don't dismiss this and decide you already know what it says and you don't care. What's the worst that could happen? You read some scripture and don't see anything new? Then you read some beautiful scripture! What have you got to lose? Pay special attention to sections 1 (We, The First Presidency), 7 (The Family), and 8 (We Warn).

I don't really understand all of 8, how gay marriage could be so detrimental. But this is scripture, brought to use form someone who sees things that we can't eve fathom. So I guess I'll just take it with faith and go on. I feel like for a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, The Family: A Proclamation to the World is the only thing you need to know.

But don't get me wrong, I will still love, respect and honor anyone who is LDS who is for gay marriage. Your values, standards, politics and actions can differ from mine and you can still be an amazing person with a good heart. But remember that marriage is a religious issue, so pray about it. How many of you have really prayed about this? The time is coming soon for people to vote for or against gay marriage. And when that happens I will vote against it.

Final Words: Read It.

Another Post about Gay Rights

So I have refrained from writing a massive gay marriage status (who here is surprised they haven't seen one from me yet?)  on facebook. Until now anyways, I guess I figured if I post it on my blog you guys have the full option to read it and the comments on your own. I am going to say right now, that these are my personal opinions, not those of my family members (or husband) and certainly not what I think everyone has to believe or they are unintelligent. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. This is mine. If you choose to comment on this post with an opposing opinion I will read it and probably won’t respond, because you know how I feel. And isn't it great that we can all have different opinions on such an important issue and still be friends? I think so.

I support gay marriage. It’s been proven that people who are gay often have different hormonal balances than straight people. This means they are born with it. On top of that there have been young children that have admittedly stated that they are gay (or even transgender) and stuck with that their whole life. Even in the bible it says that children are innocent and we should be like them. Well some of them are gay. I also feel like it is wrong to deny two people who live together and coexist (and even some who start families together) the legal rights of those in an official marriage. Some people feel like the answer to this is Civil Unions or Domestic Partnerships, but I am a little against those. Why? If it looks like a marriage, smells like a marriage and acts like a marriage, it's a marriage. To me that's like saying to someone "you can't have a ten dollar bill, but you can have two five dollar bills." Well why can’t you just let them have a ten? It's the same things, worth the same amount but you just want to change the name for a different group of people to alienate them? I disagree with that.

I also believe that there is nothing wrong with allowing others to do something that you disagree with if it isn't hurting you! In the case of drugs and alcohol, if other people were legally allowed to consume those things then it would affect my children's education, safety, my safety (especially on the road). I don't think we should legalize anything that hinders your ability to think or act as you would if you were not under the influence of that substance. But being married to your gay partner doesn't change decisions except for those of commitment and love and growth. Good choices. I support those choices. But if you don't, if you think that gay marriage is a sin and people shouldn't do it, you can still support other people having the free agency to make their own choices. They don’t hurt your lifestyle or safety. You still have the free agency to teach your kids that even though it's legal to have gay marriage (just like it's legal to watch porn, sleep with multiple partners, lie, and dress like a skank) that it's still wrong. So why if it doesn't change you or the way you live your life should you not allow for others to have the free agency to live theirs the way they want to?

Last but not least I believe in the separation of church and state. I do not believe that the bible is a good enough reason to ban gay marriage. I do believe it's a good enough reason for someone to believe it is a sin, or to choose not to practice their impulses, and even a good enough reason to form your own personal political opinion. But I don't believe its grounds to prevent a law, and I don't allow it to form my opinion. Some people believe this is a religious issue, but it's not. By definition this is a political issue.

I do have to say that whether gay marriage is legalized or not, I think there needs to be a nation-wide policy on it. I am not for big government. I feel like the states should have most of the power. And if one state wants to have different gun laws, or educational laws (which it should have the later) then that's great! But when it comes to marriage and the legalities of it, it's too big for the states. As it is now it's ridiculous that in some states there is no marriage preformed or recognized, there is no marriage preformed but it is recognized if it was performed in another state, no marriage is preformed but a civil union is recognized if preformed outside of the state (but not a marriage), civil union is preformed and marriage (as well as civil union) is recognized if preformed in another state, civil union is preformed and recognized (but not a marriage), Gay marriage is preformed and recognized. This means is one state a couple could be married in another they are in a civil union in another they are married (but only because they were in another state) and in another state they lose all of their legal rights to their marriage and/or civil union and are now not recognized by the government as a unit. That's ridiculous. We need one policy that goes to all the states.

Final Words♥: don't hate on people who don't share your opinion on the matter. "Returning violence for violence only multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. And hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." ~Martin Luther King Jr.

Oh no big deal... just getting married and stuff...

So I am getting married to the most amazing man in the entire world! I have had a lot of people ask me a million questions about him and our relationship so I figures I'd just do a little post answering the most common questions I get about us.

We met  online, talked through email for a couple days, then text and then we finally decided to meet about a week or so after we started talking. It was an instant connection. He made me laugh harder than I had in a long time and I loved it. We just went on a walk through 2 parks and we went out to eat burgers and we talked about our friends and family and lifestyle and childhood and it was amazing. At the end of the date I knew I had to see him again. There was chemistry oozing out of us I swear.

Matt is amazing, but when we are together it's even better. I love just being super lazy with him and eating pizza and ice cream and watching movies together. Matt has an incredible sense of humor and he's insanely smart and driven. The best part about Matt is that he loves me, and he sees me as more than enough for him. But because I see Matt the same way I strive to be a better person for him to. He feels like enough but he makes me want to be better. I love that.

So the proposal was pretty much awesome. I knew he had the ring, I had seen the ring, it was sitting on his kitchen counter. I actually picked it out. I was trying to convince him to just hand it to me, we were already planning the wedding, we'd told family and friends and I just wanted my ring already! So  it was like 1 in the morning and I was about to leave his apartment and we were kind of bantering about it. He kept saying he wanted to surprise me. I went to put on my coat and when I turned around he was on one knee, and it was amazing. I don't think it mattered that it was at 1 am in his kitchen instead of in a restaurant or park or some other classier setting. In that moment I saw the man I love on one knee asking me to marry him. It was perfect <3

Final Words <3 I love Matt haha.... lame I know but this post was purely silly and fun and not profound enough for a thought provoking statement or question... haha 

Even in Utah

Some of you may already know this, some may not. I have recently gone back to the LDS church. To anyone that knows me at all, it would be obvious that this was not a hasty decision. Religion has always been important to me. One of my friends pointed out that it really did take a miracle to bring me back, but I don't regret anything. I always had a close relationship with God and through all of my studies and church hopping and prayers I believe God put me where I needed to be to grow and learn the way I needed to. I don't regret my allegiance in the Nature-Based Wiccan faith, and I can honestly say that I still hold onto some of the principals of that faith and I miss a lot about it. But God told me that it was time for me to be a Mormon and that that was where he wanted me to be. And so I am.

But that isn't what this post is about. I expected going back to be difficult for one reason and one reason only, because I found strength in the fact that I had worked so hard to find something that made me happy even though I had little support from my peers. I felt like a piece of that strength was dying. Like I was "giving into peer pressure". I had to consistently remind myself of the feelings I had and the revelation I received and that this wasn't me just giving up. But I was certain that my friends and family would welcome me with open arms and hearts.

I was wrong. I mean the first thing happened, my family was ecstatic, but my friends? Not so much. I mean I had a few friends that are more than supportive, but I guess a lot of them lost their respect for me. I am no longer "against the grain". To them I am "just like everyone else". It kills me a little bit. I have had adults (usually non members) who respected me a lot because I left a church that didn't make me happy, and defied my family and my peers to find what I believe in. That didn't change. I still did that. I still grew a lot and changed a lot from my journey with God that is truly never ending. I will never judge someone because they don't share my beliefs, and I know God can tell someone to be a member of another faith because it is what they need to grow and learn. I am still me. But it would be wrong for me to deny what Christ told me.

I never thought in a million years that even in Provo, Utah, would I loose respect for being a Mormon. But that has happened, and it's sad. Many of these people are close friends that aren't members themselves. When I wasn't a member I found a lot of solace and kinship cultivated with other nonmembers that had felt the pressure to be a part of the herd. We found strength to be different in each other. We often swapped stories about being mistreated or judged for our religious differences. But now those people have turned their backs on me and are judging me for my differences with them. I will not judge you guys, but just think about what you are doing.

With that being said I feel it's important to learn about and find the light in all religions. I have never, nor will I ever judge someone for the way they see Deity. Ever. Mormonism is the majority here, but apparently humans have a way of making a majority feel like a minority. I think you can find a huge lesson in that. Everyone is a minority in a million ways. People are judgmental creatures. We have to be. We have to judge who our friends are, who to trust, who to be in relationships with, it's a part of being human. The most important thing though is to remember that just because someone makes different choices than you, and they have a lifestyle that you aren't comfortable with or that you disagree with doesn't make them less than you. D&C 18:10 "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God" it doesn't say chaste souls, wealthy souls, intelligent souls, charitable souls, or Mormon souls. It says souls. All souls. Yours, mine, theirs, every soul of all nationalities, political parties, religions and struggles. All of us.

Final Words <3 You are a majority, you are a minority and your soul is great in the sight of God.

2012

Boy, what a year! 2012 has been the craziest year full of so much change! But I have grown so much and become stronger from every single trial I've had. So here's a list of my biggest and greatest changes and events in 2012.

1- in February I got to go to Alabama and visit my sister, her husband, and their super cute boys! It was great getting to connect with my sister and her family!

2- in March I started going to Renaissance Acadmie of Hair in Provo. I love it. It's been fun learning new techniques and meeting some great people! I have had a blast there so far and I'm hoping to finish by the end of 2013. Then I plan on going to school to become an English teacher.

3- in May I graduated high school (officially). I had no classes, but I wasn't officially graduated because I wanted to get a tuition break in cosmetology school. But I walked and got my diploma and shook my principal's hand, and it was fun seeing all of my old friends some for the last time.
I also ended two long term relationships in May and they taught me so much about myself. Letting go of people who have been a part of you and your life for so long takes time and energy. It pushes you to levels you didn't know existed. But it brought me closer to God and my family and I am so grateful for that.

4- in June I turned 18 and got a new job. I had a pretty.... awful birthday actually haha but it was a huge part of a healing process that brought me to where I am today. I also lost one of my best friends. Cory Cloward was an old friend of mine, and he chose to leave this world by his own hand. And it hurt. And I miss him, and I love him. Rest in Peace Cory.

5- in July one of my best friends Bailey got married to the wonderful Ben! I am so happy for her and I am so glad that she found an amazing guy who loves her and treats her right. Another close friend of mine Sami married Michael Thomas and after 2 years they finally got hitched!

6- in August I got my first tattoo with a couple of my closest friends Kylie and Estevan! I got a butterfly on wrist, my energy creature. Something that represents God, life, learning, growing, who I am, where I am going and what I want to become. Everything that is important to me is tattooed permanently on my wrist. Also for anyone that knows me, I mean come on! It's a tattoo! I am such a pansey all the time I am still surprised I got it (I almost chickened out too!)
I also moved out of my parent's house. It's been nice living on my own and having to take care of myself and be responsible for me. Although I miss my family being around all the time, and I hate buying toilet paper... But I have been able to appreciate my parents more and it has brought us closer together. I also lost another friend this month. Mike Creviston was a light in many people's lives including mine. Why he chose to leave us I will never know, but I do know he's with God. Until we meet again Mike.

7- in October I met the most amazing guy I have ever met in my entire life. Someone who loves me and treats me like I am of great worth. He doesn't ask me to become more, he doesn't push me to be better, but when I am around him I want to become more and be better. I want to be all that he thinks I am. I have been blessed to be put into someones life who sees me the way Christ sees me, and I can see him the way Christ sees him as well. My grandmother passed away from cancer in October as well. After living many years with my parents it was hard to see her go. But I know she's so happy to be with her parents, sisters, daughter and her husband. I know they are watching down on me every day.

8- in November I got my second Tattoo. It says "God Family Self" on my shoulder. I love it. The three most important things in life right there, forever a part of my physical being. I also got promoted at work, which was nice. One of my friends Keith also came back from his mission as well and it was fantastic seeing him again! I also started going back to the LDS church. I had an experience where that was what the Lord told me I should do. It's been rocky and rough, and I am still working to gain a full testimony but that'll take a lifetime. I have friends and family who support me in this endeavor one hundred percent and I have God and Christ. And I am doing okay.

9- in December was a month of engagements! Kylie and Estevan got engaged (I love them both SO much!). My older sister Janean and her boyfriend Brian were engaged (and they are so perfect together it's almost disgusting!). My basically-sister Sarah got engaged to her man Brandon on Christmas, and on top of all of that I got engaged to Matt. I couldn't be happier!

So 2012 was a big year for me. It was full of loss, achievement, growing, learning, and finding myself. At the beginning of 2012 I didn't have a strong relationship with God, my family, or myself. I was depressed and confused about who I was and what I wanted for my future. At the end I am in a loving relationship with an amazing man. But more importantly I have amazing relationships with God and my family and I have self esteem. Thanks 2012 for pushing me to my limits and showing me what I was made of.

For 2013 I expect to get married, finish cosmetology school, move around a bit, get a new job, and hopefully enjoy life. New Year resolutions: Read scriptures every single day, even if it's only a chapter. Work hard to be a good sister and to be a good wife. And lastly I want to make sure the spirit is present in my home. Prayer, scriptures, faith, honesty and hard work must be apart of my life consistently.

Final Words <3 What did 2012 give to you? What are you planning to work for in 2013? (As if those two questions aren't over asked this time of year! haha)