I'll start out with the least serious first. I've heard quite a few negative comments regarding blogging, specifically how blogs seem to be merely a brag webpage for the author to post how perfect a life she has. My feelings on this are pretty mixed. On one hand, I totally understand how one can get sucked into the blogging world and view all these posts that focus on all these great things happening and you start to think "Oh I wish I had that" or "It would be so nice if this." I'm not going to lie...I've thought it. However, I also think that it IS good for us to focus on the good things happening in our lives...this keeps us hopeful, positive, and grateful. I just want to say that I hope my blog never comes across as too "picture perfect" because we all know that everyone of us has their own issues and problems. I have a great life, but it isn't perfect...no one's is. With that being said, I love seeing all of your fun events and accomplishments, so go ahead and brag about it!
Next topic...Food Storage. Wow, what an overwhelming thing that is constantly on my mind. I know a lot of you are thinking about it too because I've seen posts about it. I know I need to get my butt in gear and start organizing and collecting, but its so hard to even know where to start. I also know there are lots of resources out there to help, I just don't know where to look. So if any of you have any suggestions, comments, tips, etc PLEASE share!
Last but not least...I'd rather not think about this, frankly because it scares the crap out of me, but yesterday our Bishop taught the combined RS/Priesthood lesson on Pornography. He was so nervous and you could tell he didn't want to address this issue, however, he told us he knew he needed to. Listening to him teach I gained a stronger testimony on the local leaders that we have and their closeness to the spirit, and also their love for those they serve. It was a real eye opener for me. I don't know why this time, I've heard it a million times lately, but for some reason I left so scared. Scared might not be the best word, but maybe just a HUGE realization that Satan is trying SO hard to destroy the family and he's succeeding in many cases (that's the scary part). The church has dedicated so many lessons, talks, articles to pornography and you know they wouldn't keep going over it if it wasn't such a big problem. The thing that freaks me out is how addictive pornography is and how anyone can get sucked into it...you can't stereotype the kind of people that will fall into the trap because there are so many different kinds of people it ensnares; it isn't like the profile for murderers or adulterers...it can be good people that you never thought would like your brother, neighbor, husband or even your pristhood leader. So how do you even combat this? I've put parental control on our TV to block out certain things and I know half the password and Travis knows the other half, so neither one of us can unlock it with out the other; I need to put a filter on our internet (even those aren't perfect though); its kind of discouraging though, because Pornography is everywhere. You can't walk around with your eyes covered all the time. Its not just the rated R movies or the Playboy magazines. Its all over the TV (I'm surprised all the time what the parental control lets in); all over what used to be "ok" magazines (Have you seen Sports Illustrated lately...Holy crap...they don't even wear swimsuits anymore!), and those sorts of images stay with you forever...that's why its so addictive. I also heard a stat that says that every one of the serial killers for the past 25 years says they were addicted to pornography! Are you kidding me?! How scary is that? Despite how widespread this plaque is, I do know that it is possible to refrain. We just have to do all the things we know we are supposed to do anyway...read our scriptures, be obedient, go to church, go to the temple, keep our relationships strong, so that we can have the spirit and the Lord on our side to give us strength. Now if only I can apply all of that so I can have faith instead of the fear that's in me right now.
Wow, talk about venting. It's so good for me to solidify my thoughts sometimes and you, the readers of my blog, get to be the lovely recipients :)
I can't end on that serious note, so I've included a couple pictures from this weekend. We went to the drive in with some friends and saw Get Smart. We had an air mattress and a love sac on top of that, and all of our pillows and blankets from both our houses! It was so comfortable that everyone fell asleep (except me)...but it really was a good, funny movie, so we'll just have to see it again!
14 comments:
It really does feel so good to just let things out sometimes. I totally agree with you. I am trying to figure out the same thing with food storage too, but my house is so small I don't have any where to put it.
So serious! I am with you on the food storage, where do you start? I don't want to buy a bunch of stuff and not know what to do with it!
I have put locks on the tv and internet too just for peace of mind. I agree with you about doing all the little things though. That helps in so many ways.
I get what you are saying about the brag-a-thon with blogging. I try to be cautious about that just cause I don't want to come across that way but I don't usually get envious when others do. I too just like to see what everyone is up to and if that means a new house or renovation I love it. However I would like a house that I could paint the walls whatever color I like.
Ok ending there, sorry for the long comment. Maybe we just need to go to dinner this week so we can talk some more!!! When are we going to dinner?
Oh sorry one more comment about the p-nog. Jared had a mission companion that stole his credit card number and bought like $400 dollars worth of porn on it!!! Or so Jared says...just kidding I know he is telling the truth. The comp's name was Stacy, sucks to be him.
Food Storage: Work on three months. At least you'll have that. On lds.org you can determine how much of what you need. When it was just Matt and me we would just get a little extra of everything that we ate a lot of. I still try to do that. Good luck - it's definately a personal thing, and from experience rather frustrating - who want to move a year's supply two, three, or four times!:)
Blog: If you read this on mine I'm sorry. I didn't mean that anyone I communicate with personally brags. It's also a personal thing. I think your blog is great! The only thing it does is make me jealous - My girls now have major competition!:)
P: Satan is alive and winning WAY too much around here! (Generally not physically.) We ALL have to be on our toes around everything. I think the scariest thing is when people don't realize that it can happen to ANYONE! Don't be ignorant and you can fight it! Don't fear it - fight it!
Good golly, girl! What a post! I have NEVER heard people be mean about blogging, so it was interesting to hear. And about the porn thing...it's too scary. In our last stake our bishop blamed it for the high amount of swinging (yes, swinging) in our stake. Gross...makes me nauseated.
maybe it's just because I don't live by anyone, but I have NEVER heard anyone say that blogging is just a brag fest. I personally LOVE it when people talk about the happy and exciting things in life. Who wants to be negative??? ...count your blessings, name them one by one.... (or something like that). Anyway, I'm glad to know I have friends and such that are so aware of life and struggles and are working hard to beat it. How else would anything good get accomplished??
Ha! That's funny, I know people who call it bragspot, instead of blogspot! I definitely agree with you everyone has their problems, nobody's perfect! Everyone is just excited about what' going on in their lives. Chinese grass torture is when they hold you down and tickle up your nose with grass! Pretty mean to do to a baby, right?:)
Your inspiring posts are so nice Karlee. Ya know the arguement about blogging, I agree with you. It is difficult sometimes but it's nice to focus on the good going on because negativity can be such a trap, especially if you are going through a rough patch. Personally I love when people focus on the positive and brag or what not, sometimes it helps me konw that I can push on. Sorry to talk about myself. I just love reading your blog!!
By the way.. did your Mom tell you I met her at Tamara's parents house after Saundra passed away? She's really sweet!
P.S. Deseret Book has a starter kit for only $26. It has essential food items that you will need for a month or two. Pretty good deal if you ask me!
Karlee, great post! I have been completely obsessed with food storage lately, and this website is what has helped me! www.myfoodstorage.com If you sign up for the service, this lady compares all the prices from the major grocery stores, tells you what to stock up on and how much you need for a year supply. It has made it really easy for me to stock up when things go on sale, I just started in March and we are close to having our year supply. She believes your year supply should be food you actually eat, so the goal is to get a year supply and rotate through it, so far so good!
You are such a doll. I always enjoy your posts and what you have to say!!
Amen sister! We just had a whole presentation on Food Storage and being prepared last Sunday. They had a good website called povidentliving.org Looks like it has some good resources and guidelines. We really need to get our butts in gear on that one. PS Andrew and I just saw Get Smart and loved it! It cracked me up! That would be even more fun at a Drive In!
Agree on all counts! I'm so in need of food storage ahhh! If you come up with any great ideas please share.
You and your husband are so cute!
You are darling! Just remember with all things that we are promised if we remain faithful that we "need not fear!" Trust me, do everything in your power to protect yourself and your family as a wife and as a mother! But don't let fear prevent you from living!
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