{it's time to grow up}

If I were to add up the number of minutes that I have watched any sort of NEWS broadcast, I would probably come up with about 10 minutes. I have purposefully avoided the news my entire life. I know what goes on in the world and I haven't felt as if SEEING it over and over again serves me in any way. And so far, I haven't felt a void in my life as a result. I am still an intelligent woman who does keep up with current events that DO affect my family, since those current events will come and FIND YOU without watching them on the news (through school, family, friends....or FACEBOOK). And truthfully, I still have no desire or feel the need to watch the news. However, in one area, my desire to become informed and involved has changed DRASTICALLY in the past month. In addition to not being interested in the news, I have never taken an active role in elections....local OR otherwise. I am not ashamed of not watching the news. I don't think it makes me less of a person. However, the older I have gotten, the more guilty I have felt about not doing my part to become informed and actively participate in local and presidential elections.

My sweet Jeff is VERY up to date with current events, politics, etc. In his free time, he is always learning (I can't tell you how ATTRACTIVE that is to me) -- reading up on what is going on in the world and, currently, in the Presidential Election. I saw this as a great opportunity for me to learn more. Jeff and I love that we are constantly learning from each other. Politics is one particular area where Jeff is VERY knowledgeable...and I am not. The sad thing is, it's not that I "don't get it" or "don't get into it." It's almost worse. I have CHOSEN...very consciously CHOSEN....to NOT become informed when it comes to politics. Looking back, I am ashamed of that choice. However, I am choosing NOT to look back for long...because TODAY is a new day and all off that changed almost overnight...ALSO by my choice (and a choice I AM very proud of). Who would have thought that this same woman, who has never watched an entire NEWS segment or gotten involved in politics in the very least, would be on the edge of her seat during EVERY Presidential Debate this past month....and literally experiencing BUTTERFLIES all day today during the Florida Primary?! Not only that, but I laughed out loud when I caught myself on YOUTUBE, watching REPLAYS of the last debate (which was AMAZING, by the way) the other night in my free time. Who would have thought?! But seriously.......DID YOU SEE THIS??????? This is only ONE of a TON of amazing moments during the last debate....(start the clip at at 1:15 and go until 2:25 for the HIGHLIGHT). I just watched it again and seriously......the only thing I can even think to do is get on my feet and holler out "BOO-YAH." And I'm not even a "BOO-YAH" kind of gal. LOL! AMAZING. AMAZING strength...conviction....power. AWESOME. And the way he never takes his gaze off of Newt....never. Powerful.
When I first decided to start becoming more involved, I thought that perhaps I would do it because it is my duty as an American and also because Jeff is so thoroughly interested in it. Both are good and noble reasons to take up an interest in politics. However, even I was surprised to find that not only do I feel so amazingly fulfilled and proud to actually KNOW what is going on......but I seriously LOVE IT!!!!! Oh my HEART, do I LOVE IT!!!!! I catch myself GOOGLING new articles about the Presidential Campaigns....and Jeff isn't even around. :-)

A little side story: I love that my little ones are catching the Presidential Race fever as well. Kaden is always asking questions about the candidates and Seneca has actually sat and listened to some of the debates with me and Jeff. The first debate that we watched together, Seneca brought her dollhouse out and was playing quietly with it while we were listening. I believe it was Santorum that mentioned 3 things that would decrease the chances of ever living in poverty. Somehow, I missed the three things and asked Jeff if he had heard what they were. As he was getting ready to answer, Seneca (without skipping a beat) looked up and said, "Graduate from highschool, go to college and get married before having kids." I am positive I must have looked about as shocked as I ever have been. I couldn't believe it. I said, "Baby....I can't believe you caught that." She looked at me with such a "matter-of-fact" expression and said, "I'm listening. That's why I'm being so quiet." Then, she went right back to playing with her dollhouse. Jeff and I couldn't get over it. LOL So awesome.

(One of my favorite pictures of Mitt Romney. After listening to his speech on TALKRADIO after winning the Florida Primary tonight, I couldn't help but text myself this quote...and immediately add it to this picture of him.  LOVE IT!)

I know God has DIVINE timing for EVERYTHING. I truly believe that there needed to come a time when I GREW UP and invested time in learning more about our country and becoming involved in politics. But I know that God knows me....and that the timing would have to be JUST RIGHT to CAPTURE my attention. I know that feeling JEFF'S passion for politics has been a HUGE part of it...and he is SO amazingly awesome to answer my 87 million questions so patiently. However, I also firmly believe that this particular race was THE ONE that would "convert me"....more than any race in the past. Those who are actively interested in the race won't even have to question why. GOD...IS....IN....THIS....RACE!!! I can feel it. It is undeniable!!!! When I listen to Mitt debate.....he has the power of God behind him. It isn't because he is a Mormon and I am a Mormon and therefore I feel the Spirit in his words. I am not so shallow as to only vote for a man because he shares my religion. I find it equally as shallow that those who are NOT Mormon would not even consider voting for Mitt simply because he IS a Mormon. That seems so utterly ridiculous to me.  I can't wrap my head around that...and yet I have already seen it EVERYWHERE....voters voting for immorality and instability, in order to simply NOT vote for "The Mormon." What?!?!?!?! Putting all RELIGION ASIDE.....Mitt is a man of GOD...there is absolutely NO QUESTION in my mind of that.  And you can FEEL it. He debates with such strength and conviction. Every time he speaks, my heart testifies to me that he is a man of God. And the thought of a MAN OF GOD running our country is so beautifully exhilerating, I can hardly contain myself.

But it isn't just Mitt Romney. I have been SO overly impressed with Rick Santorum and Ron Paul. Even when they speak, they carry an amazing spirit. The three of those men together have made it almost a SPIRITUAL experience to be involved in this race. With the power of their conviction, there are so many times that I have to consciously keep myself from STANDING ON MY FEET to applaud them from my living room. (Jeff and I both agree that we can imagine Ron Paul more as a "Grandpa figure" that we'd love to visit with at the dinner table and not really as President of the United States [not to mention the fact that I can't get over how much he reminds me of John Mahoney]....but we BOTH also agree in regards to our favorable feelings towards Santorum. He is so genuine. I have been SO impressed with him.) The passion that I feel for God and for my Savior has spread now to my love for this beautiful country...and for these men that stand with feet planted in their faith in God...all fighting for the opportunity to lead this country that was FOUNDED in God's name!!!!! Amazing. AMAZING.

As one who seriously dragged her feet on the road to getting into politics, I STRONGLY invite you...and encourage you to make THIS YEAR, THIS PRESIDENTIAL RACE, the year that you DISCOVER YOUR PASSION for our country and its leaders. If I can come out of ignorance and not only CHOOSE to get involved, but fall in LOVE with this race.....I certainly have faith that ANYONE can. We have a chance to finally have this country that was FOUNDED UNDER GOD, actually be LED BY A MAN OF GOD. When Election Day comes, will enough people CHOOSE to VOTE...to make sure that happens? I made a choice my entire life to stay OUT of politics...a choice that I am not proud of as a mature adult. But today is a new day. I am not looking back. Just a month ago, I made another conscious choice.....a DIVINE choice....a choice that I am VERY proud of. No matter what the final result may be....my heart will finally rest easy this year...knowing that I was well-informed and voted well. It's time to grow up. It's time to stand up. It's time to SHOW UP. And it's time to vote for a leader who gets HIS final word from God.

Comments

[Lilian]

I don't care to watch the news. However, when there is something I hear of that I want to know more about, I go find in on the web and read it. Like from the local newspaper on line or something.

It worries me that people vote for the wrong reasons. My sister-in-law said the other day that a friend of hers will be voting for Obama.... because he is black. Ahh.... I see. That's as uninformed as me only voting for Romney because he's LDS OR worse.... for those who will more than likely vote against him because of his religion.

Be informed. Make a wise decision. If we really vote for or against someone for their race or religion it proves we are truly an uninformed idiot society. Glad to see you have become so passioned about this.

I have another friend who is very passionate about politics.... yet never votes. To her I say, "shhhhhh.... you have no right to complain."

[creole wisdom]

I second everything Lilian says.

I'm actually getting ready to hear Mitt speak today. I remember in 2003 getting ready to hear John Kerry speak. I would never turn down a chance to see someone, even if my politics don't match exactly. I am just excited.

Romney has not been my favored choice since he started campaigning. Although I am LDS, it will be hard for him to win me over. While I love that we share the same faith I'm very impressed with some of the changes Obama has made. I'm reluctant I suppose. Either way, thanks for sharing how you feel!

[Kandace Wittwer]

Thanks Heather...you took the words right out of my mouth!!! I don't watch the news or pay much attention to politics and haven't really voted either. This year, however, I decided to do better and registered to vote when I renewed my driver's license. Mike and I watched the State of the Union address for the first time together and I've been paying more attention. And...like you, when I take the time to watch, I LOVE IT TOO!!! Love you!