All men are created equal. No matter their race, their religion, or their background.

This thought has been provoking me the last weeks or so. I always have some quote running through my head that intrigues me and it sticks with me until I'm on to the next. This one is particularly dear to me because the issue of religion has been on my mind. With many denominations throughout the world, and particulary here in America, I'm left wondering, why we are the way we are. [does that make sense??]

Please, let me explain. I have many different 'friends,' and by different, I classify them by their religion. And with that being said, I have many Mormon friends, I have many Catholic friends, I have many non-denominational, charismatic, evangelical friends, and as well as baptist, lutheran and mehtodist. And for some reason, when I ponder the view above, all men are created equal, and we all share one thing, we are all human, well, one 'kind' sticks out of my mind automatically, and that is the Mormon individals. Why though? Why them? I think for a couple reasons. My friend, Lexee Syddall, whom I've known since 6th grade, is a member of the Mormon church. I am considered a non-member friend. And I don't mean anything by saying that. But what I want to point out is, is Lexee is so dear to me! She is so dear to my heart. I love her to death! I think she is such a great person! And do you want to know why? Because she is such a voice for God. She is so loving, caring, and giving of herself. And descriving her in only those three adjectives is definetely an understatment on my part. I love her! And there is no biasesness in that. I think what makes Lexee Syddall such an amazing individual is the fact that she gives so much of herself, she is so kind, yet so composed, so loving, so unique and indivudual, she is fanstastic! Yet... she is involved with the Mormon church.

So, you're probably wondering, what is the point of my writing all of this mumbo jumbo? Well, for a few reasons. I saw all that I saw above because I want to draw a conclusion on a few points. One, I think Mormons are AMAZING individuals, and work very well in groups. They are so detailed oriented and really care about other people. (Let me first state, I am only basing this off of my observations of the Syddall family and what I've witnessed about them.) My second point, which is kind of where I have  a hard time, for me, when I hear people say so much and talk about 'their church,' it really inferiates me. Because it's not the church or the building that we turn to or 'glorify' by the use of our words when giving testimonies or sharing stories, rather, it's the work of the Lord! It's Jesus Christ! It has nothing to do with what church you belong to  or not, you don't have to attend a church building to recieve the infilling of the Holy Spirit or the power of God to dwell in you to receive gifts, blessings and all this other jazz, rather its a meeting place to keep God holy, to keep it sanctified, pure, and together. Its a meeting place for all people! That's what it's all about. That's what and why we need a church.

I guess what your thinking now is that well, having a church does matter, and how can you say such a thing? And I am with you, and your also thinking well, we need a church because of doctrine. Let me share with you an idea. I read at Oral Roberts University in my english class a piece that I unfortunately do not have at the moment but it was titled, "The Dogma is the Drama." It couldn't be any more correct. I think it states so clearly that the doctrines are what get to people, what we believe and so on. I think it is fair to say that many of us encounter many difficult and awkward conversations when we are talking about 'beliefs.' Particualry when it invovles the beliefs of a church  or some religion. So should we get all caught up in one another's 'beliefs.' My answer is yes and no. I think for some, it is very important that we communicate what we believe to individuals so there is an agreement but also I think it is just as important to leave that part up with the individual. To some, who just read that, probably gasped. Let me explain. Let the Holy Spirit do the work. Often times, we all believe the same thing, or will ultimlety come into agreement that Jesus Christ is the son of God, and He came and died on the cross for our sins to save us from eternal death. And many of those who disagree, either disagree based on the context from which you come from, ie the church you're asociated with or some other judgement based crap and also, they think that you are prying them. Don't do that. It is our job to invite, and by that we has succeeded. Just share your ideas, beliefs, and allow the Holy Spirit to do its work... To ultimately lead them to salvation. It's a scary thing but it's worth it.

I think we need to stop judging. It's a waste of time. Now, I don't mean go completely opne and not judge a person, like in the bible it says to judge a person by their fruits but I think we shouldn't put too much emphasis on that. I think we need to focus on building eachother up and loving one another. To se the good in all people, and be generous and kind. To put in the effort, to see things through, and not be worried. Again, worrying wastes time.

Again I say, all men are created equal. . powerful statement. Wow.

Love you all!

Kelsey

We all have been blessed mightily. Don't ever take things you have for granted. Count your blessings today, and again tomorrow. For we shall see a sunrise in the morning. I am blessed beyond words and have a great life with loving family and friends. I couldn't be more proud to live in the days that I live. I am thankful for the individuals I surround myself with, I am proud of the work that I have done for God and for the Lord and I think I am particularrly thankful to live. What a lbesing that is! Wow! It is greater than anything I could ever FACE. Praise be to God who always causes me to triumph, what a glorious life a live all thanks to my Father in Heaven.! Wow wow wow. Amen and amennn.

Love you!!

xxoo

Its fresh its inviting, its alive and its real.