Why I Support Prop 8

In California, up for election is the issue of a Constitutional Amendment on Marriage, defining it as being between one man and one woman. Some may ask, "why the need for such an amendment?" The need is to prevent Activist Judges will not overturn the current law on homosexual marriage, and thus take from us our basic right of religious freedom. I have heard that this stance is a scare tactic, however, this has already happened, such as when adoption agencies are required, against religious principles, to allow gay parents to adopt a baby, homosexual curriculums are required to be taught in schools, and religious leaders are forced to perform such marriages regardless of their convictions, or lose tax exempt status.

Democracy means that the majority rules, not that the minority overturns the basic rights of everyone. Yes, the minority must be protected, but nobody's beliefs must be forced on the public, as in this case. 

I also feel that it is a moral issue more than a civil rights issue. God, who has commanded, "Thou shalt not steal" wants us to be compassionate of the one who chooses to steal, but by rehabilitation, not by aiding the person to steal more. Likewise, He who has commanded similarly against homosexuality, wants us to have compassion on the one who chooses that lifestyle, with help to overcome, not aid to increase such. Same gender attraction must be a great challenge to live with, deserving counseling and much prayer. 

The Savior loved all people, but He did not condone sin. "Go thy way and sin no more" he told the woman taken in adultery, not "Oh well, it's okay." Anyone who believes the bible to be the word of God should know of His abhorrence of that great sin of immorality, lust, and homosexuality: "In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves..without natural affection, ...despisers of those that are good" (2 Tim. 3:2). "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature; And likewise the men, leaving the natural use of the woman,.. men with men working that which is unseemly," going on to say the judgments of God against such (Romans 1:26-32).

Tolerance for homosexuals is not the same as tolerance for those of another race. Our society wants us the think of Gay Rights as being just like Civil Rights. Our kids are being taught to not be prejudiced, however, it is not the same. While those of a particular race did not choose the color of their skin or their race, gays and lesbians choose whether or not to act out on temptations and tendencies that they feel. We look with compassion upon them, yes, just as we do someone who has acted out a drive for crime, but we do not condone, nor do we force it upon society.

Come to 'Zona, Come to 'Zona!

This dear, sweet, wonderful, thoughtful, charming man is my husband. He surprised me with a long-stemmed red rose tonight. For no reason at all. I love that man!

This same wonderful man took me to Arizona for the weekend last weekend to visit my family (and his brother). I know it was a sacrifice of his time, but I was ever so grateful!

(Arizona or bust!)

This is my brother, Devon. Devon just returned home from serving a mission for our Church in Boise, Idaho. He hadn't met my husband yet, and we figured it was time they became acquainted. 

While we were home, we enjoyed many various pursuits. Just to name a few. . . 

• Visited John (Brent's older brother) and his friend Chantelle (sorry, friends, I don't have a good picture of you, thus, your smiling faces are not featured here)
• Brent and I doubled with the newly-returned missionary. Cafe Rio and goofy golf - it doesn't get much better than that. Jill discovered that Devon wasn't the only funny member of the Johnson clan.

• Visited the Mesa temple with Brent, John, and Chantelle (I love that place! I love those people!)
• Much singing and laughing (here's just an taste)
• Combat Yahtzee (a Hill tradition to which I say: SEVEN!! SEVEN!! SEVEN!!)
• Bahama Bucks 

We had a wonderful time!!

Here's a story I just have to share. My charming husband gave my mom quite a start. She came out Sunday morning to this:

See, when Brent woke up, the showers were all occupied as everyone was getting ready for Church. So, he decided to go eat breakfast in all his towel-ed glory in order to not waste any time . . . Unfortunately for Mom, she didn't see the towel and jumped to awkward conclusions about her son-in-law. 

I wish I could have been in the room to witness the scene. My brothers say they've never seen Mom blush like that. 

In other news . . . 

This lovely couple just announced their engagement. I couldn't be happier for them!

Slower than a box of Grapenuts

Interestingly, this phrase describes a situation not singular to my family. I have a dear friend and former roommate who had a similar childhood tradition. 

Let me explain: when we were younger, my mom invariably kept a box of Grapenuts with all the other cereals. I recognized a trend over the years. Honey Bunches of Oats would come and go, but Grapenuts were eternal. The same box lasted forever! In my friend’s family, they had to finish the box of Grapenuts before their mom would by a new tasty cereal. Thus, waiting for an anticipated event seemed like eternal torment because time would pass slower than that box could be consumed. Like I said, eternal torment. 

Well, my dear brother, Devon came home from his mission last Thursday. We opted to journey to the land of infernal heat (a.k.a. Arizona) the weekend he was speaking in Church rather than the day he got home. It just worked out better that way. But, I tell you what, this week has passed slower than a box of Grapenuts! 

Welcome home, Devon!

Excellent Examples of Service

This is a little shout-out to my brother, Marc. I know that this article is from last month's New Era, but I wanted to post a link to this article here. I love my brothers and the friends from my ward at home. Marc is the guy on the first page on the far right. Way to be, Marc!

Who doesn't love a handbag?

Give this a try, it is REALLY easy to enter, and you have nothing to lose.....
This new website is celebrating it's launch by giving away an awesome handbag every hour for the first 24 hours!
http://www.handbagplanet.com/

Vignettes from Work

From the 85 year-old stroke patient, "Do you see this wrinkle-free 40 year-old face? It's because I never worry. I find someone else to worry for me."

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

This next is an exchange between one of the occupational therapists and a 77 year-old stroke patient. Often, after a stroke, patients become incontinent, thus, frequently patients need adult-sized 'diapers' (for lack of a better word). 

      OT: Mrs. L., I thought you might want to try these new briefs. They're more comfortable."

      Mrs. L.: "Oh. You wear them too?"

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

I think I may need to get my ears checked. Mrs. M. was telling me about her daughter.

     What I heard: "Actually, she's a man."

     What she said: "Actually, she's in Japan."

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

Nothing is quite as awkward as walking in a patient when they're confused. Especially when they're confused and they've taken off all their clothing. Thank heaven for CNAs. I don't envy them their jobs.