Monday, November 17, 2008

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.

9 comments:

Davison Family said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts-I appreciated it!

Ericson Fam said...

Alright so I do agree with your friend on the complaining part although the past couple blogs you haven't, nice work but I actually don't mind the lists!! I really enjoyed that Ang. Thanks for your thoughts I needed that. Your the best!

Rachel said...

Good post. I enjoyed it, you should do more like this one.

Chersten said...

Beautiful. Amen to all you said.

Lindsay Johnson said...

"not going to never"... does that mean there is a chance? actually it's probably a good thing that my link isn't there. Now i won't be put to shame by skin's blog.

Props on the entry. Seriously skin. I loved it. This is the reason why: it was authentic skinny. the real deal. the person behind all the drugs and jokes and sarcasm. loved it. truly loved it. And loved it when you came over that night. so fun.

clarification: I never said I didn't like lists. I just commented on the fact that every entry was a list. that is all.

Blog-on said...

Dearest...
your candidates all lost, because my charm and wit won over ALL of the people I spent my weekends calling. I was thinking...I'm pretty sure some of my second graders could win you at soccer. Want to take it on?

Stephen said...

comment

sweet ash said...

Skinny, this is Ashton, Rachel's roommate. So rach left your blog open on my computer and I got the awesome opportunity to read your entry. Very inspiring and I pray for comfort with your life and trials. You are very very great and hopefully you will stop by to see us soon!

Joni Lusty said...

could so identify. ;) i've missed reading your blog. word.