look out, this one's serious and religious

First off, before I begin, Karen don’t worry, I’m not ignoring you, I’ll get to your tag next week.
Now, for today . . .

The other day I went to visit my friends over at the B.Y. (Their names are LJ, Jana B., and the Cat, respectively. Three of the best people you’ll ever meet. If there are any single males out there who want to be set up with one of them, I’m sure I could arrange that). Anyway, during my visit, LJ notified me that my web log was deficient in at least four separate areas. She said I complain too much, I make too many lists, I never write about what I‘m really thinking, and she also complained about her web log link not being on my page.

Well, I’m not going to never put a link to her page on my page, but I do believe that I will acquiesce to those other three demands. So here I go. I’m not going to complain, I’m not going to make a list, and I’m going to write about what I‘ve been really thinking about lately (this will be the first and only time by the way, so enjoy it while it lasts).

For those of you not up to reading something serious, you’d better stop now and wait for next weeks’ edition.

There’s still time to stop . . .

Okay, here you go . . .

So, what have I been thinking about lately? Well, due to my current life situation, I’ve been thinking a lot about two things: one, what is life REALLY like after this one‘s over; and two, what does the future hold for our country and for me.

Both of these questions caused me to think a lot about my religious convictions. When somebody you know is on the verge of dieing or when scores of people around you are questioning the actions of your church leaders, it is a sort of wake up call isn‘t it. Do I believe what I say I believe? Is there really a life after this? If there is, what’s it like? Is it all white with a lot of clouds and harps or what? And, does God really lead the world today through prophets? If He does, how do I know when and where and whom to follow.

So this is what I’ve been thinking about. And what are my conclusions? Well, (don’t worry, I’m not going to list them) I’ve decided that I don’t know much about anything. I have no idea what life will be like after this. I don’t know what is in store in the future. I don’t know what will happen economically, or politically, or spiritually, or ethically in this nation. No idea. Nor do I always understand what the First Presidency is seeing or planning. Nope. I just don’t know.

But I do know a couple of things. I know that God is in control of the events here, especially this nation, even though at times it might not seem like it. He knows what He’s doing. I know that safety lies in following and sustaining the First Presidency, even if they aren’t perfect and even if I don‘t always understand their reasoning. And finally I know that God really is good, that better and more beautiful things await us after this life, and that my dad is in good hands, as are we all. As He so often admonishes us, there really is nothing to fear. Do good and be believing and in the end the loving-kindness of God will take care of the rest.

And that’s all.