Historic

So today, June 26, 2015, is significant.
First, because today was payday.  Paydays are always significant (at least they are to me!).

Secondly, because today the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage will now be legal in all states.

I have mixed feelings about this. 

On one hand, stagnation is something that will never be a reality in this country, or, for that matter, in our lives.  Things must always be in motion, and rightly so; stagnation leads nowhere.  We must always be moving, in one direction or another.

Part of me feels that this court ruling is a step in the right direction.  I'm married, and I cannot imagine a more amazing way to live out the rest of my life than to be forever bonded to the person who simultaneously drives me more crazy and also makes me happier than any other individual on the planet; it doesn't seem fair to me to deny anyone the joys and the madness that come from such a union.

However, I have been taught that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and essential to His plan.

To those who would call me ignorant, blinded, uninformed and/or uneducated, please still your insults.  I have, in fact, educated myself.  I have read articles from esteemed individuals on both sides of the issue; I have researched my own religion's somewhat uncomfortable past marriage policies; I have prayed and wondered and asked and questioned.  I have very dear friends who are LGBT individuals.  (Well.  I have LGB friends; no T yet.)  And I never for an instant have wished any one of them anything but the acceptance and love and joy and peace that I expect and seek from others in my own life.

I will be honest.  I have never received an answer to most of my questions concerning my LGB friends.  Never once have I heard a voice from heaven declaring that they should be allowed to marry whomever they please.  I've also never heard a voice condemning those individuals.

I do know this, however.  I know that I raise my hand several times a year and sustain Thomas S. Monson as prophet, seer, and revelator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, of which I am a proud member.  Part of sustaining this man as a prophet, seer, and revelator means accepting that he is the mouthpiece of the Lord--meaning, the words that he speaks come from inspiration coming directly from God the Father and Jesus Christ.  Which means that I stand by what the prophet says.  Do I understand everything he says?  No.  Do I always agree with it 100%?  Not necessarily.  But I stand by him, because I promise to.  And because I stand by my Lord and Savior.

So to my LGBT friends, congratulations!  I'm so happy that the country is making steps toward trying to make sure everyone is treated equally.  I love you and I'm happy for you and I am glad that we are friends!  I will always try to treat you with all the love and respect that I have in me.  Please extend to me the same courtesy and respect my religious beliefs.

I've been seeing everywhere today, this:  #LoveWins.  Please keep in mind that love only wins when humanity as a whole treats each other with the same respect, tolerance, and acceptance that each individual expects and desires for him or herself.  Hate and disrespect us nowhere, no matter from which group it stems or to which group it is aimed at.   Keep that in mind next time you feel like making an unnecessary comment on Facebook, or sneering at someone's religious beliefs, or being cruel or unkind to anyone.  Remember today.  Remember the hashtag you've been using all day, and let's all strive to continue to let love win.

Right Now I Am...

Feeling.....itchy, from where my sunburn from Lake Powell is healing and turning into a nice rosy tan.
Watching....."The Office".  I can't help it--Jim pranking Dwight is my favorite thing!!
Smelling.....the lavender-chamomile dry shampoo I just rubbed into Lucky's fur.  Much better smell than her usual one.
Hearing.....Mufasa yowling at me because he's been stuck inside the house for three days; he's healing from an eye infection.
Reading....."The Red Garden" by Alice Hoffman.  (Does it count as reading if I'm actually listening to the audiobook?  I'm counting it.)
Wishing.....that this awful sore throat would go away.
Thinking.....I wish that the sugar detox I've decided to go on was easier.  So far I've been on it for three days, and given in to the craving for two of the three.  Fail.
Wondering.....how we survived as long as we did last summer without the swamp cooler.  (Even if I do have to wrap up in a blanket when it's blowing directly on me.  Whatever, judge me if you want.)
Wanting.....to go to bed.  My eyes are tired and itchy.  Also, wanting the cat to be quiet for JUST A MINUTE.
Planning.....to go to a very dear friend's bridal shower tomorrow night, get Lucky a rabies shot on Saturday, maybe actually clean my house and do laundry and make dinner....
Praising.....the fact that I'm (sort of) graduated from college!!  I'm super proud of myself.  It kicked my butt and I'll someday write a (very long, very detailed, don't-read-unless-you-are-okay-with-knowing-way-more-than-you-ever-wanted-to-about-my-program) post.
Loving.....my life right now.  There are so many things I have to be grateful for--my beautiful home, my two delightfully demanding pets, my amazing husband, the internship I've finally got lined up, my job...I don't express gratitude enough for all the wonderful things in my life right now.  I'm working on being grateful and more patient (read: less baby-hungry-OH-MY-GOSH-I-NEED-A-BABY-RIGHT-NOW) and more the person who enjoys the journey rather than just focusing on the destination.

Proud graduate of the Music Therapy program, of the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University!!

Other proud graduates!  Guys.  We did it.

Best friend.  Mischief managed.