Don't tell me what to do

The elections are drawing near and everyone is talking about them. I usually don't say much about politics, but I have to write about something that has been building up inside me for some time now.

It doesn't bother me when people share their opinions about politics and who they're going to vote for. But it ABSOLUTELY bothers me when they TELL ME who to vote for. Everyone has their own views or beliefs and I think that's great, but I hate it when people force their opinion on me.

I also don't think people should be mixing politics with religion. Granted, I do believe religion plays a huge part in how people view things and influences how they will vote, but I don't think people should vote for someone based on religion.

It doesn't matter if someone is Buddhist, Catholic, Atheist, or, let's get crazy and say it...Mormon. Who cares what someone's religion is? Focus on what the person stands for. Who they truly are. Get educated and know the person you are voting for. I don't claim to know everything or be the most educated voter, but I know I don't vote for someone based solely on their religion.

I am a Mormon, and I do plan on voting for Mitt Romney, but I am not voting for him because he is Mormon. Romney could be Atheist and I would still vote for him. Obama could be Mormon, and I still wouldn't vote for him. POLITICS AND RELIGION SHOULD BE SEPARATE.

I am in NO WAY TELLING YOU TO VOTE A CERTAIN WAY. All I am saying is to please get educated about candidates. Forget about religion and focus on the person. And don't tell others who they should vote for. Everyone has their own opinion. Sure, discuss why you're voting for whomever, but don't tell a person they HAVE to vote for a certain candidate. Just be happy that person is voting.

We live in a great country where we have the privilege to vote. We should all take advantage of it.

Proud to be a Latter-day Saint

I know it's a common theme among LDS members to talk about how grateful we are for the gospel, but it is so true. 

I have been a member my whole life so I have never experienced what it's like to not have the gospel in my life. Sometimes I wish I did have that experience so I would know what it's like, but I am grateful that I have had the gospel my whole life so I haven't had to have any "lost" time. I have always known that I am a beloved daughter of God. I know that families can be together forever. I know we have a Heavenly Father who hears and answers prayers. I know Christ died for us so we can repent of our sins and return to live with our Father in heaven. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. 

I did have my moment of questioning the gospel, but I always knew it was true, and I truly gained my testimony at EFY (a program for youth in the LDS church) during religious classes. It was an amazing experience and I will never forget when I felt the spirit so strongly and really KNEW The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the one and only 100 percent true church. 

My mom is a convert to the church and has experienced life without the knowledge that I grew up with. I have never really heard her conversion story, and I really should ask her about it. My sister-in-law, Carrien, is also a convert. For one of my classes back in the fall of 2009, I decided to make a video of her conversion story. It's a condensed version of her story, I'm sure, but it gets the point across. I love watching this video and am glad I made it. It's not the best quality, but it shares a part of her story and is something she can show her children later (if she wanted). It always touches my heart and invites the spirit. I thought I would share it with you and hope you like it as much as I do. You can also view the video (in better quality) on youtube.