Thursday, December 16, 2010

Alma 40:12

"And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all care and sorrow."

A dew glistened glade greats you. Feel the earth hugging your bare feet, breathing hope and life. Thing cool blades of grass tickle your toes. The brook babbles its cheery nonesense and your sprirt grows brighter. Sweet chitters and twitters tease you from above, telling quiet jokes. A smile winks from the corner of your mouth. Warm, invigorating sunlight slips down and filters through shimmering dancing leaves; fingertips of age wisened years chiseled in these deep rooted giants. Do not be weary, your worries are falling away. A tawny doe stands unafraid with her dappled fawn. Forgiveness and understanding gleam quietly from the depths of her gaze. Your heart is lifted. In the distance a vast lake sleeps among the hills. Still as glass, an azure mirror glinting with a crystal image. Reflecting the majestic mountains that stand, a voiceless guard around the innocent valley. Soft mists kiss your cheeks, bringing peace and comfort. A distant echo of powerful, thunderous falls whisper in your ear. The Shepard appears. A glow of warmth and love emmanate from His outstretched arms. Every last bit of pain and sorrow melt away in his healing embrace.It is He who has prepared this paradise for you. You're home!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Free Money?!

The greatest battle I've been fighting of late -with myself and others- is the cost of free money. Nothing is free. It all comes with a price. I'm trying to start school in January and though I "qualify" fo pell grants, I am choosing not to accept any. This is not to show anyone off, or turn my nose up and anyone who does. but I can not participate. It is a corrupt, unwarranted, and flawed system. Let me try to elaborate on my feelings.

Money is not free! And pell money is not coming from the treasury. The coffers of this great nation are empty. We are billions of dollars in debt to other countries. And you can bet China isn't paying for my schooling. So who is? Why it's you silly gooses!

The government taces your income, your purchases, your property and more, under threat of legal action and coercion. That money is not stored away to be dolled out to you at a later time. It's given to another individual who has also been taxed and we call this the 'welfare system.' Seems to me, they should let me keep my money, and you can keep yours, and we will all come out square.

If service, help and aid is not given voluntarily, it is NOT charity. If it is mandated and enforced by threat, then it is a reallocation of theft.

Imagine I witness you getting mugged on the street, and the their brings me your wallet and diamond ring saying, "here, they still have their car, but you need these more than they do." If I accept, the I am also a guilty accessory in the crime.

What if he had robbed me the day before? Does this then qualify as justice? Does it make his actions ok? What if he is wearing a police uniform? What if it is your governor? What if it is Barack Obama? Does any suit or title justify it? No, it is still a criminal action. Then what makes it all right to delegate theft to a broup of faceless individuals in an office and call it welfare?

To me it's not all right, and you can sugar coat it to Candyland and back but it is still bitter underneath.

"But they are stealing from you too Abby." Sure they are. (jerks!) "Well, you've been wronged, you deserve a piece of the pie." The way I see it, I don't deserve the result of unrighteous domination, no matter how you call it. That's a yucky pie!! The justifications are all there to accept it. The thing is, those are just that, justifications. If it is the right thing to do, then you wouldn't have to justify it.

I know everyone is doing it. I know, goodness do I know, that it'd be easier to just take the money and start school. And I know they will still be taking my money. However, I see where it is wrong and unrighteous. And I know God knows that I know it.

Having that knowledge, the price of taking free money, is something I can't afford!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

My name is Abby Taylor. I love freedom! I believe in the Constitution of the United States of America! I believe that there is a proper role of government, and it is being quickly forgotten. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! I am 19 years old. I make no claim to eloquent words or adequate writing. I am no great debater, and I tend to get passionate too quickly as opposed to gentle persuasion. I do not need to be right. I am looking for the truth. I will search and grow, sweat and toil, teach and be taught, laugh and maybe cry. Here is where I'll keep record of such. This is where it starts; words on paper. Where it ends, I reckon we'll see.

I am a native of Utah, born and raised. I am blessed with a wonderful family. I lived in Virginia as a nanny. I lived in California selling pest control. I've come home to Utah to begin my college education at Utah Valley University.

Tidbits about me; when I was growing up we had chickens and I hated them. Now I'd love to have some. To take care of, for the eggs, to eat, and eventually for my kids most of all, (mom you were right) they build character! My Grandpa is a green thumb farmer. Farm Grant is how he's called, and people love him. I've had the privilege of working for him through the years and learned much each season. We tease him about the work and seemingly rare payoff, but I find myself falling in love with the earth. Meanwhile, I am also having a "love affair" with the color orange. It makes my heart smile. I have a terrible fear of snakes. Incapacitating really. I love to read. And my latest hobby is challenging myself with new activities outdoors; shooting, hiking, and even some hunting.

This blog is so I have somewhere to put out all my thoughts about freedom, liberty, government, agency and accountability, gospel, people, etc... Though I am a growing individual and that may lead to few, if not many, excerpt of my life not limited to those topics.

I'd like to hear what all of you are thinking, and any questions you may have for me. Debates are always welcome and difference of opinion is healthy. Just remember, no one is making you read this, and instead of attacking me if you don't like it, you can just close your browser. :) Fair enough?