Thoughts on Religion

My pool guy Joe sent me a big long sermon(1 1/2 hr.)on youtube to watch.Joe is a Christian Evangelist and he is very adamant in his belief. We have had some very civil religious discussions that I have enjoyed. In regards to the sermon I watched, the preacher was trying to teach how modern Evangelism has gotten away from the true Gospel of Christ that he believes was originally taught. Basically it was his interpretation of the bible and the word of God. I'm not going to get into the theology of the sermon but I do want to express my opinion which of course is only MY OPINION. That's just it when it comes to religion,it's just a matter of opinion and no actual proven facts. I am Agnostic with a very strong leaning toward Atheism. The whole concept of having a religion has become silly and pointless to me. I know a lot of people love their religion, because they say it gives them a purpose and guidance in their lives. I have found purpose and guidance without subscribing to any set religion. Why do we human's constantly try to convert others to believe what we think is the Truth. In the end nobody really knows despite what you CHOOSE to believe. I just don't see the point in it. I believe in what my senses tell me and what I learn and experience. Everyone experiences life a little differently and will form ideas and opinions differently. We will never agree on a unified way of thinking and I am so glad for that. Diversity creates culture and growth. I think the true goal in life is to not be so anthropocentric and look at all life with appreciation, respect and awe. I'm just so glad to be alive that I really don't care what happens after I'm dead. I try to live for the moment like each day was my last and enjoy what I know is real. Life is too short to worry about what is unknown, unproven and will never be agreed on. I think we should respect others beliefs as long as they don't hurt or infringe upon the rights of anyone else, if that's possible. I love the Wicca creed that states "Do as you will but hurt none" whatever you choose to do will come back to you 3 fold (that's basically karma). I'll leave it at that.
Thanks for listening
Morgana

Post Thanksgiving

We traveled far and wide to St. George, Utah for Thanksgiving with my family. It was a delicious feast I spent with my Mom, brother, two uncles, one aunt, my husband and kids and even my Father, Mr. Guy Powell drove from Salt Lake to see us. My Dad is always so fun to be around and he is the only Man who is happy and willing to cook with us women in the kitchen. He's a damn good cook to boot! Although he did over cook the Turkey because he threw out the pop-up timer before learning that my Mom did not own a meat thermometer. He got all kinds of frustrated not having the proper tools and knives to cook with. Come on, shouldn't everyone have a French bean stringer in their home kitchen! He just had to make do and for that, we had a dry Turkey. Oh well, I guess his frozen horseradish cranberry sauce made up for it. Thanks for coming Dad! I love you!

We are now home after the 81/2 hour drive. I love Chandler, AZ but I wish it wasn't so damn far. I am not looking forward to the 11 hour drive to Provo after Christmas. We told the kids we would go visit during the holidays and now my Grandma's funeral is on Dec. 27 in Pleasant Grove, so now we absolutely must. I hate driving. It's a miserable experience to drive that long with 4 arguing kids and a dog. I wish I could apparate or use flu powder like in Harry Potter. Now that would be cool! Chris and Maggie will be flying to Utah this week-end. Maggie wanted tickets for her birthday and Chris is going to rent a truck and load up our storage unit and again drive back here. I bet he is so sick of that drive after doing it so many times over the past 9 months. I feel bad he has to do it yet again. Kudos to ya baby, Thank you!! Maggie will represent our family at the Moon Christmas party on Sunday and then fly home. Busy, busy, busy, when will life calm down a little?

Everyone is putting up xmas decorations and it's so weird to have green grass and palm trees with xmas lights strung all around. It just doesn't feel like xmas to me. I need to get over the "White Christmas" mental block in my head. Not that we had a white xmas every year in Utah but at least it was cold and wintery. I am going to put my fake lighted palm tree outside and sing "Meli Kelieki Maka" (Merry Christmas in Hawaiian but spelled wrong I'm sure). You just got to embrace it and love it!

Bye for now

Morgana