Sister in Zion

Brush up on your knowledge of the 12th Article of Faith

2009-07-29T13:23:00.003-04:00

During this wonderful recession, I have been just thrilled (notable sarcasm) to see many of my friends lose their jobs and their livelihoods, while others have thrived. Why is this so? There are days when I just get so angry and frustrated with our lot in life. Of course, we must always take a higher road - one that will lead us closer to our Heavenly Father. But don't you ever just get so mad? That you wonder WHY in the world is all of this happening? I know I do, and then I know I have to immediately repent (egads).
My school district has frozen salaries. Great, now I can't afford to pay even MORE bills, while our illustrious President has inflated our national government even more with 32 (count 'em, 32!) 'Czars.' Good grief!!! There's more of our tax dollars going down the loo!
Does ANYONE in Washington have a clue anymore as to what they are doing to our country? I have friends who are losing their homes, self-respect and are so depressed that they wonder how in the world they will ever dig themselves out of the hole they're in.
Now, we're not looking for a hand-out (surprise, we are REAL Americans), but a hand-up. We need jobs, and not just garbage jobs where people say to you, "You should be thankful to have a job!" (Gee thanks for the support) and then they pay you much less than what you are worth. Great, while those in Washington get richer on the dole, we all suffer.
I gave a talk in church on the 12th Article of Faith here a few weeks back and what is going on in Washington right now is exactly what we been warned about.
Be warned: CHOOSE YOUR LEADERS WISELY! or we will all be living in a real life version of '1984.'

Long time, no talk

2009-04-26T00:56:00.004-04:00

There's been so much 'controversy' over Miss California's comments about same-sex marriage. Her statement that she believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman drew some of the most hateful language that I've heard in a long time...language that is not permissible on this blog. Indeed, these hatemongers call themselves the tolerant ones, yet cannot stand to have their beliefs challenged.

While reading a blog on Mormon Times by Laura M. Brotherson, I came across this great statement:

There is a way to satisfy these competing beliefs about marriage. I was particularly impressed by the wisdom of a gay individual who posted the following comment on one of the news-story blogs. He wrote:"I'm gay … and I do not believe there should be any outrage over (Miss California's) comments regarding gay marriage. The pageant judge asked what she thought. She is entitled to her opinion. Just as those who want gay marriage are entitled to theirs. Too much gets put on this topic. Too many in the gay community are hung on this redefinition of marriage. Tell me again why a religious institution has to redefine itself because you feel entitled to its rewards? Civil unions carry the same legal weight and are more than sufficient for those of us needing the legal aspects of our relationships satisfied."In reading many of the other comments, equality seems to be the buzzword used by those who seek to redefine the institution of marriage. Equality is certainly getting skewered in this context.Let us be clear. Equality means that any man and woman who want to marry can do so. Any other combinations are going to have to find something else to call it because "marriage" is already taken.

It must be noted that our new President is also against same-sex marriage, as well as the always fabulous, Elton John (Madman Across the Water album - absolute brilliance) - civil unions are what is acceptable to them. So why then attack a woman at a pageant being asked an opinion question if you don't want to hear the response? One has to be prepared for an opposing statement.

Political correctness aside, we know that marriage is a divine covenant that was established by our Heavenly Father, and man is not at all qualified to redefine it as he sees fit.

May the Lord bless you,

SIZ

We say, "Merry Christmas!!"

2008-12-24T10:40:00.002-05:00

Don't ever be afraid to say, "Merry Christmas!" It is a true blessing to have the gospel in our lives, and an honor to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

No matter your circumstance (this single mom is really struggling this Christmas), we must always remember what our Lord and Savior has done for us, and how lucky we are to be able to worship in our own way.

I pray that the Lord will bless you and yours this joyous season in remembering the wondrous birth of Him who sacrificed all for us.

Many blessings to you,

SIZ

Single parents in the church

2008-06-01T19:39:00.002-04:00

Here's a question for you all: Does your ward treat single parents (moms in particular) differently than two-parent households?

Old friends, painful memories

2008-05-28T20:40:00.003-04:00

I reconnected with an old friend through classmates.com - it had been quite a few years since we had talked. She and I had parted under....disappointing circumstances. The story goes like this: this dear friend (I'll call her S) had gone to school far away and came back pregnant. Being a member of the church, she knew what the consequences of her actions were, and decided to give the child up for adoption. I completely supported her whatever her decision. When she came home for a brief visit, she stopped by my house and swore me to secrecy. No one was to know. I agreed and promised I would not say anything because it was not my news to tell. However, a mutual friend (who used to be my very best friend) was at my home when S came for the visit. This mutual friend was shocked and also swore he would not say a word. Unfortunately, this mutual friend couldn't keep his mouth shut and spread the word around the entire stake, adding to S' humiliation. And, of course, this mutual friend told S that he said nothing, so she blamed it all on me, telling me the friendship was over. This situation bothered me for a very, very long time as I knew that it wasn't me who did the gossiping. Nevertheless, she did not believe me, so I had to just let it go. So, it was just a bit surprising and shocking when S contacted me and asked me to email her, which I did. Painful memories re-emerged, but I didn't speak of the incident, as it is better left in the past. This is something that I am sure many of us go through at one time or another and it is just so sad...we should be lifting each other up, trusting each other, instead of letting go of precious friendships that can carry us through our sometimes precarious lives. A very interesting experience it was, and a blessing to reconnect with an old friend.

http://mormon-blogs.com/

2008-03-26T22:02:00.002-04:00

Hey ya'll, this is a great site to find all of your favorite blogs that relate to the church!

Family

2008-03-25T20:19:00.001-04:00

On the Ferry, Pocahontas, going over the James River to Jamestown!

SPRING BREAK!

2008-03-25T20:06:00.003-04:00

Everything has a new beginning in the spring.
We educators desperately need a spring vacation to reboot ourselves and get ready for the last stretch to June. I'm thrilled to have this time with my children and friends, and the opportunity to go to Busch Gardens!! (We've suffered from withdrawal)
Spring is also a wonderful time to reboot our spiritual lives and get ready for General Conference, for the opportunity to listen to the Prophet.
How blessed are we, really? It's a good question to reflect upon, and to remember the great things in life we enjoy, the best being our knowledge of the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Being a single sister in the Church is not easy, especially when one has to deal with small-minded people (as in any church), however, our relationship with the Savior is the most important thing, and it is up to us to elevate ourselves above all of the nonsense that man and woman can say to us to bring us down.

So, be happy, be blessed and be successful in all you do. Even when you don't feel like you're doing enough, you probably are, and the Lord will bless YOU for your efforts.

As always,
SIZ

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-01T11:15:00.001-05:00

I am so grateful for a new beginning. This past year has been one of many challenges, but also one of many blessings. My family were blessed to go to General Conference in April, which was just amazing, and a much needed spiritual uplift.

We are looking forward to more experiences and adventures for 2008 - I will be receiving my Master's Degree in May, and we're traveling up to Ohio for a family reunion in July. So, excitement awaits!

May our Heavenly Father truly bless you this coming year.

Cheers,

SIZ

Veteran's Day

2007-11-12T09:20:00.001-05:00

I am reminded of Captain Moroni and the Sons of Liberty on this blessed day.
I am reminded of all those who have valiently fought for life, liberty and our right to worship freely.
I am reminded of how blessed we truly are to be living in a country that is the freest in the world, albeit not a perfect one, but a free one. Nevertheless, we must still fight to keep these freedoms.
On this Veteran's Day, we must remember those who fought for us, those who continue to fight for our freedoms, and we too, must fight within our own country to maintain these freedoms.
May the Lord bless those in combat this day, that they will feel the peace and love of their Heavenly Father.
Love to you all,
SIZ

Post Conference

2007-10-12T21:12:00.001-04:00

Hey ya'll,
Wasn't it amazing to watch conference this past weekend? It was nearly a miracle that our local cable network carried it! Thank you cable guys!
The Prophet looked older and more feeble, but his spirit was as strong as ever. The stories from the newly called General Authorities were wonderful. But, do you carry the messages from conference in your heart? And did you remember what was talked about as you went through your week? I tried, alas....
I had to go back to work, *sigh* to the stress and politics of the public school environment where I am the only Latter-day Saint. I attempted to remember the spirit we felt from watching and listening to conference, but as the week went on....
How do YOU keep the spirit of conference with you?
SIZ

Memories from the "Mish"

2007-08-16T19:38:00.002-04:00

Hi Ya'll, It's another hot, humid, sticky day in Virginia. Ick. Have you ever had an experience where a chain of events ultimately lead up to something that is unforeseen? I just had that experience this week. Let me start at the beginning: My children and I were able to fly back to SLC for Conference this past spring. I felt very strong about going, that it was to be an amazing experience for all of us (it was). I was most excited to go to my mission reunion. I hadn't seen some of my fellow missionaries since the mission! and I was particularly interested in seeing my Mission President and his Wife. We had so much fun talking, and crying a bit, because of our joy of seeing each other. Then, those of us missionaries that were there all went out for dinner and talked until 2 a.m. During our conversations together, we asked the question, "Hey, do any of you know whatever happened to Elder M? We've been trying to find him for some time, and his old emails don't work anymore." We all talked about him and what a great guy he was, and a wonderful friend. Elder M. was from Holland, and when we all said goodbye to him as he was leaving the mission, we weren't sure we'd ever see him again. About a month later, I received an email out of the blue from one of the women I taught on my mission. She told me she'd found me! and that she was in the Young Women's Presidency, etc. and that we should get together sometime. Luckily, in July, my kids and I drove down to Florida (where this Sister - Sister W. lives) for a wedding reception. We were able to connect, and she too, asked the question: "Hey, do you know whatever happened to Elder M?" and we had nearly the same conversation as my friends from my mission reunion. Elder M. had been at Sister. W.'s baptism, and was a very important part of her life at that point. Elder M. was a wonderful missionary and a tremendous friend to all of us. Then, early this week, Sister W. emails me and writes, "You're NEVER gonna guess who I found!!!" and she forwarded me an email from Elder M., who is now living in Germany. All these thoughts, all of these prayers have put us all in touch again. An amazing blessing! We were all saddened to find that he is not in the church, but assured him that we LOVE him! and we are all here for him, and that he is NEVER alone. This is so amazing to me, all that happened over the past few months, something that has put me, and others, back in contact with a very dear friend. That is the most powerful message I am leaving you all with today. Our Heavenly Father has a plan. It involves EACH one of us. We are all here for each other, to lift each other up, encourage, love and accept each other, "warts and all."

MItt Romney for Prez?

2007-08-13T11:04:00.001-04:00

I hate the humidity. Why do I live here?
I've been reading many comments in the AOL blogs about Mitt Romney and his religion, and I'm still dumbfounded at the blithering idiocy that is put out as fact on the net. One good thing about Bro. Romney running for President is that others can see that we do not have horns, and/or multiple wives, and we are actually quite normal people (whatever "normal" is).
One comment I read by an unidentified female stated that "the church doesn't let anyone get away" and that one of her "friends" has been "hiding" from the church for thirty years. Oh, and that another one of her "friends" was "shunned by her family and members of the church for refusing to kick a black boy out of her cub scout troup." Huh? It's nonsensical diatribe like this that people actually believe. Forget it if there is absolute truth staring them in the face, they will choose the more controversial, the horrible, the unbelievable untruths.
So, Romney for President? I haven't made up my mind yet. I'm still trying to get an answer from his campaign folk on the sorry state of public education and what he would plan to do with it. At this point, I'm just enjoying reading the ignorant rantings of the uneducated masses, in the hopes that they will receive an epiphany of sorts, or a least a slap in the face of truth.
Best,
SIZ

Blind Date

2007-08-12T14:22:00.001-04:00

Have you ever been on a blind date? I was pretty open to them until one experience left me scarred for life.
I had been divorced for about five years and was in no hurry to get remarried (which may cause great discomfort for many in the church). A wonderful couple (Bro & Sis. K) that I knew in my ward offered to set me up on a blind date with this "really great guy." They stated that they'd know him for years, and he was so handsome, kind and just super spiritual, and "ready to get married." (Hmm. That should've been my warning sign right there.)
Okay, so I went. I was told to dress nice because I was being taken out to a really great restaurant in Sherman Oaks. He came to the door. The guy was enormous. Tall and huge. I was a bit taken aback because it wasn't what I had expected. He was very sweet, brought me flowers, came inside and said hello to my children and my babysitter (who looked at me with horror in her eyes), and we left.
He had this enormous truck that you practically needed a ladder to get into. Not very ladylike when you're wearing a dress (guys take note). As we were driving down I5, he told me about his family and how he still lived at home with his mom, and how she still cooked him dinner every night, did his laundry and cleaned his room. The man was 36 years old, and a "successful contractor." He told me he wanted a woman who would be a "good wife" who could cook, and clean house really well (I laughed because I am not the best housekeeper, a true weakness). If we weren't going 65 miles per hour on the freeway, I would've jumped out of the truck.
We went to a lovely Greek restaurant where he told me my children needed a father and he was up for the job, had dinner and then we went to Westwood to walk around. People were staring. I just smiled at them.
On the drive back home, his road rage came out as a puny little Honda cut in front of him. He started yelling out of his window and got right up on the guy's behind. I was horrified. He kept making comments after that about how he was "bigger than that guy" was and therefore, had more right to be there than the puny Honda. At this point of time, I was ready to give him the number of a therapist I knew. Thank Heavens for my off ramp because that meant I was almost home.
He walked me to my door, attempted to lay a big smooch on me, and I politely declined and shook his hand and told him thank you for a lovely dinner. Upon entry into my home, my babysitter (a good friend of mine) said, "I'll bet you're never gonna talk to Bro & Sis. K again." to which I replied, "Well, I'll just never ask them to set me up on a date again." The following Sunday in church, Bro K said, "I'll bet you never want to speak to me again." I just laughed and thanked him for thinking of me in my pathetic singleness. lol
The blind date called me three times a day for two weeks solid. I let him know from the get-go that I was not interested in pursuing a relationship with him, but would like to remain "friends." The 'f' word. Throughout his persistance, I was polite, but then I had to say, "If you call me one more time, I will have to file harrassment charges against you....." and there it ended.
What is your scariest blind date story?

Greetings!

2007-08-12T00:03:00.000-04:00

Hey ya'll,

This is my first blog for Sister in Zion.

"What did you do to make your husband leave you?" Sis. F said to me one Sunday. I looked at her in shock, thinking, "Did she really just say that to me?" I've been accused by married sisters of being a flirt and a potential husband-stealer because I was friendly. Many members of the church have no idea what to do with us - the single sister, the single Mommy. While some members are just wonderful, many others are just weird, treating us like some type of anamoly.
Even so, I've been the victim of gossip and misjudgment by many who either do not understand my situation, or who were perhaps too uncomfortable with it.

I know that we are all imperfect and there are many things we each need to work on...gossip and judgment is probably at the top of the list. We must remember who we truly are, and that is children of our Heavenly Father; brothers and sisters, so we must treat each other as such.

In spite of my previous experiences, I have a strong testimony of the Gospel. I am in a fabulous ward now, with some absolutely amazing people. My children and I are truly blessed.

What do you think it means to be single in the church? Single activities are a bummer, going on-line is worse, so I'm holding out hope that it will just come naturally.

Cheers,
SIZ