Smith Family Ice Cream Scoop: I'm Proud to Be an American

Friday, September 12, 2008

I'm Proud to Be an American

It seems that most of us have been afraid to share political views on our blogs. I know that I have, because I don't want to offend anyone, and I also am a bit afraid of being blasted. I saw this video today, though, and felt that I had to share it. So, be offended if you must. Blast me if you must, but you know, I am so thankful that I have the right to have an opinion, and express it. I am thankful that I have a choice, and that I can vote for the candidate that my values match up to the most. And, unlike some people, I am proud of my country. Yes, there are things that need changed, and things that could be better, but we have something a lot of people don't. We have freedom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

8 comments:

Marci said...: mindy...we should never have to feel afraid to voice our opinion's...especially on our own blogs! i know that people have gotten blasted and actually removed posts because they have gotten horrible comments about their views. that is what america is about!!! having the freedom to believe what we believe and vote the way we choose to vote. i believe it's called democracy and it has been paid for dearly. so way to go miss mindy!!!!! way to not be afraid to believe the way you want to and voice your opinion!! it's one of the things that i most admire about you really.:); 1:09 PM
Janice {Run Far} said...: I am proud to be an American too!

Do you still have your running Blog? I finally started one for myself.
www.runningfarstrong.blogspot.com
Just a place for me to put my running thoughts and efforts. Trying to get myself motivated again.; 2:17 PM
galleygrapevine said...: Loved the video! It made me tear up thinking of how many people sacrifice themselves to protect our country and how others are so negative about the actions that have been taken. Shouldn't we support those who so selflessly protect us?; 4:30 PM
Amy said...: I LOVE our country and our freedom! I think anyone should be able to post their opinions on their own blog and people should respect their opinions even if they disagree with it! Good video and I love the picture you posted!; 5:11 PM
jen said...: You go girl. The video was awesome and I'm so glad you posted it.; 5:56 PM
Leslie said...: Amen.
i saw that video the other day. someone spencer served with on his mission in italy was the platoon leader of this guy in the video.
it is very powerful.
thank you for sharing your feelings.; 1:38 AM
Annalee Kelly said...: I saw that a few days ago as well. Well said! I'm putting this on my blog too! Thanks for standing for truth and righteousness in ALL things. You are terrific.; 9:58 AM
Lisa said...: amen, sister! cousin. no, sister! love you.; 10:01 PM

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To Do Today

* Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.
* When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.
* In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.
* First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.
* You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.
* Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.
* Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.
* God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.
* God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us--everything will fall into its place.
* Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.
* When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.
* Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.
* If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.
* Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm. On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.
* Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.
* Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.
* You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.
* The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.
* Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.
* And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.

from "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit by F. Enzio Busche