i just can't sleep

Everyone is tucked into their covers and fast asleep. But, I have some thoughts and can't help but write them down before I, too, retire for the night. I love peaceful nights when I can really ponder and study and think about what is on my mind.

And tonight, same-sex marriage is on my mind. With the recent Supreme Court ruling that same-sex marriage is now legal in the United States, I've got thoughts flooding into my head. I'm not eloquent with words and I'm not going to take the time to right them all down because truthfully, I feel all sorts of emotions that I don't quite know how to type out.

So I'll just say this:

I believe in marriage. Marriage between a man and woman. Seeing how the world is headed these days, this will not likely be the "popular" belief. But I know that "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. . . . The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. 



Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity." -From the Proclamation to the Family (1995)

My greatest happiness comes from raising my children with my husband  in the gospel of Jesus Christ. All good that has come into my (and our) life is a result of living the commandments. 

I have seen family and friends follow the thinkings of the world regarding this sacred institution. And it just makes me sad.  But I respect their agency and will still love them.  

I loved this quote from Elder Dallin H. Oaks. He said, "Tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination." 

I can still be Christlike and tolerant, but that does not mean that I can't be strong in what I believe and hold to the truths I hold dear. 

I worry about my children. What kind of world are they going to grow up in? I know I can't shelter them forever, but I have a deep motivation to teach them correct principles and hope they, too, will find the lasting joy that comes from following God's ways and not man's ways. 

I know God's laws will never change. That is the beauty of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. In our ever-changing world where thoughts and morals follow popular trends, I know I can rely on my religion to stay constant. And I find great peace in that. 

I"m grateful for this article that helped reaffirm what and why I believe this. 

Eternal families. That's what this life is all about. And it all starts with marriage between a man and woman.