Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I just had to post this. SOO FUNNY!!

I was on facebook and a girl I went to highschool with had written this on her page. I would love to have the opportunity to try the same experiment. :D haha

Angie Floyd King:

"Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money." I laughed.
Once in the restaurant my server had on a 'Obama 08' tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference -- just imagine the coincidence.
When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.
I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.
At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient needed money more.

I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Our Nation

There are far too many people out there that follow the herd, or the supposed shepherd...baaa baaa. Why is this the case with so many that are out there. Do we "hurt" too much so that we must "drown" our lives in The Office, and Lost? Do we have nothing more to talk about than what the last episode was about. What about the economy, our nation (the greatest on the earth) going downhill very fast, or the way in which we can take part to make a difference. There are too many our age, and all of the other ages for that matter that do nothing and get the huge dividends that nothing offers. What a joke. We must stand up for what we believe, whatever side it is on, and we must not allow apathy to kill us and destroy everything that we as a nation have been able to become. I love this country for all that it offers in opportunity, expression, freedom, and religion (or lack therof). Let's stand together and become better! Let us become the Americans that I know we can become. Let us get out of our chairs and vote and make a difference. Do your part. I will do mine! And if not, go somewhere else where the rest of the people don't care enought to say anything there either. Go "take advantage" (or disadvantage as I would call it) of what they (meaning other nations) have to offer. It doesn't even compare. I am American, and I am proud to be part of the greatest land in the world. I am American and I can and DO make a difference. I am American, and I love this country!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Conversation with someone of opposing Opinions

This is a conversation that I had on facebook with a husband of a girl I used to work with.

She had put as her Status to say no to prop 8. I felt compelled to comment and this is how the conversation went.

Tacia Reimschiissel Coleman is NO ON PROP 8, STOP THE HATE!
Melanie Crane at 10:21am October 17
Its not about hate. I don't hate people that are gay. I have a friend who is gay. I just think that its swinging too far the other way...It will effect how the family unit it taught.
Natty Coleman at 10:23am October 17
the family unit? who are you to define that? how is equal treatment swinging too far the 'other way'?
Nicole Marie De Petro at 10:26am October 17
would you like it if you couldn't marry the one that you love?!
Melanie Crane at 10:31am October 17
Isn't it awesome that we live in a free country and can express our personal beliefs and opinions. I didn't define the family unit. God did. Because I believe in Him and what He teaches I will stand by what He says.
Natty Coleman at 10:57am October 17
Well that's convenient. Yes we do have the right to free expression of ideas, unfortunately that includes fundamentally flawed ideas, and ones that are dangerous to the very ideals of equality in society. Bringing a personal belief in god into this decidedly secular issue that a few organized religions happened to decide they need to impose their beliefs on pretty much disqualifies you from rational intelligent discourse.
Melanie Crane at 11:21am October 17
I'm sorry that you feel that because I believe in a Supreme being, I am therefore disqualified as capable of having a rational intelligent discourse. If this were merely secular, I really wouldn't have a problem with it. But what I see happening is the indoctrination for my children to be taught that marriage between man and man or woman and woman is the new blue. And that I as a parent have no part in deciding what morals I want my child to value. If its legalized then any teacher in school has the right to tell my young and impressionable children that gay marriage is the right thing. Though I'm coming from a religious point of view, and you may not (I don't know) you express your beliefs just as passionately as I do mine. There has to be a balance that each can maintain their beliefs w/o infringing on the rights of others. I'm not sure where that balance is, I just feel really strongly that if this does not pass, our society as a whole will crumble.
Natty Coleman at 11:42am October 17
If that's not hate, I don't know what is.
Melanie Crane at 12:05pm October 17
How is that hate? I am actively teaching my son to love everyone, despite religion, race, physical or mental ability or sexual preference. But to love someone does not mean that you have to condone their actions or lifestyles. You can love a person for who they are as a child of God, but not have to agree with their point of views/beliefs etc. I have a good friend that sexually assaulted someone, do I stop loving them, because I despise what they did? I don't hate anyone. I am only standing up for what I believe.
Natty Coleman at 12:50pm October 17
You are actively propagating a doctrine of exclusion, of inequality. You are right; you CAN disagree with someone, but still love them. You are being contradictory however in imposing your beliefs and actively excluding someone's rights, but at the same time saying you love them/not hate them. Your doctrine of exclusion is more dangerous to this society's welfare than the ability of gays to marry, given that you have established no basis for the pretty serious accusation that gays are detrimental to society's survival, and instead you invoke the word of god. Its pretty apparent you really don't have anything to offer this discussion besides religious rhetoric and irrelevant personal anecdotes. Because of that I am out! See ya!


This is a very real fight for the freedom of religion and what our children will be taught. And this is how the opposition feels...that its not a moral or religious issue, its a secular issue. Everything I said was twisted. As hard as it is, we have GOT to be MORE VOCAL about our beliefs and not be afraid to be "disqualified from intelligent conversations" for expressing the TRUTH. Truth is truth whether we choose to believe it or not. I'm so grateful that because of the experiences I've had in my life my testimony burns deep that we will not be left comfortless in this world of ever growing wickedness. I know that those that put their trust in God and live His doctrines the best they know how, that they will be protected. I also know, that we will be called on to fight...just like the Stripling warriors. It may not be on a bloody battle front but it will be a battle ground to protect our families. We will probably not get out of this life w/o battlewounds but they will heal, ALL of them, if we truly understand and accept the Atonement. I love all of you and pray for your families as well as mine.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Great Fun With Great People Supporting a Great Team!

So I got a call from my cousin Kelly on Friday afternoon inviting us to go with them to the Homecoming BYU Football game. Of course, our response was an emphatic YES!! We had such a great time with them. When they first came to our house we were a little "distraught" (ok not really) that we didn't have ANY BYU garb to wear. But no worries...we found our way to the Cougar den and purchased some new sweatshirts and hats to help keep us warm during the game. (at a GREAT discounted price! ;D) Ben treated us to some chairs and Hot Chocolate (Thank you VERY MUCH!!! -Much more tolerable to sit for 4+ hours when you have a back to lean against and no one...not even Stephen's is quite as good as BYU's hot chocolate. Yummy!) We had a delight hanging out with the two of them. It was kind of funny too, I saw more extended family yesterday at the game then I do the rest of the year except at the family reunion. :D (Thanks Sonja for telling us that story. I'm so happy to hear of other prayers being answered by following a suggestion to increase your faith and your fast offering) After the game, Kelly and I got to visit while Ben and Jason went to Springville to pick up Josh and some pizza. Hopefully in a couple of weeks when they take Chris to the game, we'll be able to hang out after and let the little guys play. :D Thanks again Kelly & Ben for thinking of us. We really enjoyed ourselves with you guys...and Jason told me last night after you left that he really likes the both of you. :D Me too!

Kelly and Ben Roseborough

Me and Jason

The Final Score

A Shot of the Stadium and Field from our seats.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Josh's New little Playmate




We have a new family that just moved into our ward about a month ago. Its a single mom with 2 beautiful little girls. The older one is in school but the younger one is 4. So I've been watching her on Monday's and Thursday's to help her mom out. Well we were driving around town last week running errands and I hear them talking in the backseat. This was their conversation.

Josh: "When I grow up, I'm going to fall in love with you and we're going to get married."
Lily: "No, I'm going to fall in love with Clayton."
Josh: "Who's Clayton?"
Lily: "He's my friend."
Josh: "No, you have to fall in love with me!"
Lily: "I know, when I grow up, I'll fall in love with 2 people!"


That seemed to appease him. I just giggled in the front seat. Like her falling in love with 2 people is going to solve the problem. LOL. It was pretty funny. She and Josh play really well together. Out of all of his friends, they fight the least. She's a doll. Plus they pretty much keep each other entertained so I can get other things done, or as in the case lately, get some more rest. :D

Friday, October 3, 2008

General Relief Society Meeting

Wow, can I just say that was such a powerful meeting! I can see the mantle of responsibilities our leaders have and I'm just amazed. With everything that's going on in the world right now, I've really keyed into what our leaders have been teaching. Especially the Prophet and those that serve with him. The Lord knows what we need to hear and when we need to hear it. What I need to do is Listen and Act. So I want to share what I got out of the meeting.

Sister Beck: "There is more to be done. Its time for us to fulfill our purpose-as never before." I know many people, especially sisters feel worn out and feel like they are doing what they can so I think its interesting that we're being told that there's more to do...its time to step up. I've been feeling this in my own life, like I need to cut out the fat and do only what's truly important. Its much easier to think about it, than to change habits and do it. But I feel inspired that I really can do a lot more than I'm doing. I can prioritize better and not waist so much time.
"We have an official commission to be part of the Lord's work. Look after the spiritual welfare and salvation of each sister. How: 1. Increase our faith and personal righteousness (what is holding us back to get to the next level of spirituality and personal connection with the Savior?) 2. Strengthen families & homes. Defend and practice the truths! Our homes HAVE to be a refuge for our children. Relief Society will be your "mother". Be powerful spiritual leaders. 3. Serve the Lord and His children. W/O personal revelation we cannot succeed. W/ Revelation we cannot fail. Be quiet and listen. Receiving revelation isn't pushing buttons; its pushing us. The Lord cannot fulfill his purposes w/o His daughters. We need a BIGGER personal offering." Wow...its time to get bigger. :D
Sis. Allred: "The ordinances of the temple are symbolic that we may be taught from on high by the spirit. The gifts we bring to the alter are clean hands and a pure heart. Attend the temple to increase your vision of His eternal plans." -Over the last 4-5 years, I've been taught to dream big, to be around people that can stretch my vision so that I may be stretched and reach my potential...who can stretch my vision more of my purpose than My Heavenly Father?
Sis. Thompson: " Act on those sympathies that God has planted in our hearts. VTing: If the sister being taught had something to share she would bless her sisters. If she was in need, the teachers gave to her." - I think that's interesting. We need to have the attitude of offering what we have to give and being willing to accept help when we are in need. "RS is not just a class on Sunday. Its part of our heritage. Next time I'm asked to speak, have something to say." -I thought that story was so funny! and its a reminder that we need to be studying and developing that personal relationship to be able to share it when we are called upon. "Step Up and Be Strong. Be Bold in my life and testimony. If I live up to my priveledge, the angels cannot be restrained. (I truly believe that and have felt that in my life!) We CAN be extraordinary today! We can be a mighty force for good."
Pres. Uchtdorf: "What a blessing to be surrounded by the many women that shape us. We under value our abilities and focus on the things not accomplished. Instead...FOCUS on what HAS been accomplished. (I have a renewed dedication to do this. ) What is the greatest kind of happiness? God's. Which is Creating and Being Compassionate
Everyone can create something of substance and beauty. My Spirit body is a masterpiece. It is my birthright to experience a fullness of joy. What I create does not have to be perfect. See how many smiles you can create. Adorn your mind with all the graces of Jesus Christ (I think that was beautifully said). Create beauty all around me and w/in me that the angels may come and visit and I can look on my creations w/ pleasure. The Lord smiles on those that care for the least of His children. Work will cure your grief(I say AMEN!) Serve others -Pres. Hinckley- Those that bring sunshine to those around them can't keep it from themselves. EVERY SISTER IS NEEDED. True words of encouragement only require a loving heart but may have eternal impact. (how many of you have felt that? I know I have many times. Which means, I need to speak up more to share my appreciation for the wonderful people around me). He that is greatest, be the servant. The # of prayers I say are important but the # of prayers I answer are more significant. (I thought that was profound) Happiness is my heritage. By my compassionate service I am a force for good.
Don't you just feel empowered to go out and do more? To be better? We just need to pick 1 or 2 things and start working on them. We don't have to do it all, we just have to move forward. Hope you enjoyed the conference as much as I did and that you're enjoying General Conference. :D

Playing Catch Up

Sorry its been 2 weeks since my last blog. This pregnancy hasn't been as easy as the first one. This week especially. I've been in bed most of the week. I'm really nauseous no matter what I eat but I've kept it down so that's a blessing. I've been a LOT more moody with this one too. Poor Jason and Josh have gotten the brunt of it. Can we just say WITCH!?!? But even with all of that, I have to recognize my many blessings and the fact that I'm pregnant, BEFORE Jason had the surgery is a huge one. Thanks again to all of you who added your faith and prayers to ours. I know so many other couples that have these same struggles and my heart goes out to them. I feel very humbled that the Lord has heard and answered our prayers with such an amazing blessing.
So as a matter of catching up, I'm going to post a few things to let you know what's been on my mind. :D Stay tuned....