Women's Research Institute

The theme of the WRI:

"I believe in women, especially thinking women"-Emmeline B. Wells

Just down the hall from our office these is an office called the Women's Research Institute or the WRI. They offer a minor in Women's studies and they also conduct research and sponsor lectures on topics that have to do with women's issues. This year I've gone to two of their lectures and I enjoyed them and learned so much. The first lecture was a few weeks ago and it was entitled "The Security of Women, the Security of States: Assessing the Linkage" given by Valerie Hudson, PhD. (Jordan, you'll remember her from one of the classes you took from her when you majored in Political Science.) Since I recently finished reading the book "Infidel" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali (see my bookshelf), I was very interested to learn more about the linkage between women's issues (safety, opportunities for education, treatment by men, etc) and the national stability of the countries they come from. It was a very interesting lecture and there was a strong case built statistically that the more oppressed women are in a particular country, the more problems that country has with major social issues. The countries oppressed women come from are often at war and have other forms of unrest and instability. In a nut shell, research proves that countries where women are denied rights and opportunities, the more unstable that country is economically, socially and militarily. When men make all the decisions and repress their women, the entire country suffers and they stop progressing. In countries were women and girls are given opportunities for education and self-fulfillment, those countries generally thrive. It's an interesting train of thought that I hadn't considered before.


Today the lecture was given by Susan Easton Black EdD, and the topic was "Emma Smith: Elect Lady?" Again, I learned a lot about parts of her life I hadn't considered before. Here are a few things I didn't know or had forgotten:

• Emma never kept a journal or wrote a life history. There are a few letters she wrote that have been preserved and writings of second hand accounts of her life. If only she had kept a journal!
• The part of the Book of Mormon that she transcribed (16 pages) was probably the first chapters of Mosiah, or the King Benjamin account
• She waited to be baptized for one year after the church was organized and when seeking baptism, asked Oliver Cowdery to baptize her on June 18, 1830
• her patriarchal blessing was given to her by Joseph Smith Sr. There are no "ifs" in her blessing. At the end, she was promised that she would be 'saved in the kingdom of Heaven. Even so, Amen.'
• She had a beautiful soprano voice and loved to sing. She organized 5 hymnals during her lifetime.
• she only raised five of her 11 children to adulthood (she raised the two Murdock twins after losing twins of her own shortly before.) One of the Murdock twins dies from exposure one night after Joseph was dragged from the house and tarred and feathered.
• She was told in her own revelation in D&C Section 5 to - 1st comfort her husband, 2nd - care for her children, 3rd - take on church responsibilities and organize the hymnals
• her finest hour was when she walked 200 miles from Far West to Quincy IL with her five children (2 babes in arm) and took with her the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible. We have the translation today because of Emma or it would have been destroyed by the mobs.
• Sarah Grander Kimball thought of organizing a benevolent relief society. Their favorite hymn was "How Firm a Foundation". Joseph called Emma to be the 1st president. When they held their meetings, every woman was asked to report on a benevolent act she has done during the week. If she hadn't done one, she was asked to leave until she did. Women did not teach women the gospel. Men taught them and it was usually Joseph, Willard Richards or John Taylor and the themes were often "women bridle your tongues" & "women provoke your husbands to righteousness."
• After the death of Joseph, Emma said to him "forgive me" when she first saw him. She didn't know what property and belongings she owned. Most of their things were church property and she didn't know if she even had a home. She kept the manuscript of the translation of the Book of Mormon and felt like it was hers to safeguard.
• She only left Nauvoo one time after Joseph was martyred. She said "I only have no place to go but Nauvoo and no friend but God."
• She married Louis Bideman who was a boarder at the Nauvoo house. After the temple was burned down, he went to CA to mine gold. Emma became despondent. When he returned he took up with another woman and had a child with that woman. The women and her child moved into the Nauvoo house with Louis and Emma. How difficult would that be?
• She joined the RLDS church (although the leaders of that church considered her baptism into the LDS church to be sufficient and she wasn't baptized again) and attended for 19 years. She gave the translation of the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith III.
• On the day of her death, April 1879, she told her children by her bedside that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. She then called out, "Joseph, Joseph."
• Emma knew more sorrow and pain that most women of her time.
• Will Emma make it? That is the question most people want to know. She was sealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Her patriarchal blessing also states that she would be saved in the Kingdom of Heaven. God will be her judge.

California state constitution amended

LDS church responds to Same-Sex Marriage Votes (see article.)

SALT LAKE CITY - Since Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot in June of this year, the citizens of California have considered the arguments for and against same-sex marriage. After extensive debate between those of different persuasions, voters have chosen to amend the California State Constitution to state that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

Voters in Arizona and Florida took the same course and amended their constitutions to establish that marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman.

Such an emotionally charged issue concerning the most personal and cherished aspects of life — family, identity, intimacy and equality — stirs fervent and deep feelings.

Most likely, the election results for these constitutional amendments will not mean an end to the debate over same-sex marriage in this country.

We hope that now and in the future all parties involved in this issue will be well informed and act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different position. No one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information.

It is important to understand that this issue for the Church has always been about the sacred and divine institution of marriage — a union between a man and a woman.

Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.

Some, however, have mistakenly asserted that churches should not ever be involved in politics when moral issues are involved. In fact, churches and religious organizations are well within their constitutional rights to speak out and be engaged in the many moral and ethical problems facing society. While the Church does not endorse candidates or platforms, it does reserve the right to speak out on important issues.

Before it accepted the invitation to join broad-based coalitions for the amendments, the Church knew that some of its members would choose not to support its position. Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances. As we move forward from the election, Church members need to be understanding and accepting of each other and work together for a better society.

Even though the democratic process can be demanding and difficult, Latter-day Saints are profoundly grateful for and respect the ideals of a true democracy.

The Church expresses deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the many Latter-day Saints and others who supported the coalitions in efforts regarding these amendments.

In California, with 95 percent of precincts reporting Wednesday, the ban had 5,125,752 votes, or 52 percent in favor, while there were 4,725,313 votes, or 48 percent, opposed to Proposition 8 which now defines marriage between one man and one woman. I'm so deeply grateful that Prop 8 won. I'm not opposed to gay people. I just believe that marriage was intended to be between a man and a women in order to create a family and be a safe haven for children.

Ban-gay-marriage amendments were approved in Arizona and Florida, and Arkansas voters approved a measure banning unmarried couples from serving as adoptive or foster parents.

Hooray to all our family and friends who worked so hard in California and Arizona. You all get a much deserved rest, although I'm sure the issue will be back again in the future.

...and the day after

Can we all just move on now? The people have spoken and even if we don't agree with all the outcomes, can't we move ahead and try and do what's best for our country? I sincerely hope that president-elect Obama will do what's best for our country. I have my doubts and deep concerns about the kind of supreme court judges he will choose during this tenure, but the dye is cast. The consequences of the choices made by voters are far reaching, but it's time to move ahead until the next battle. I really enjoyed reading these quotes from Abraham Lincoln. He helps put things in perspective and keep me grounded in what really matters:

"...I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side." The Inner Life of Abraham Lincoln: Six Months at the White House by Francis B. Carpenter (Lincoln, Nebraska, University of Nebraska Press, 1995), p. 282. Also, Recollections of Abraham Lincoln by Ward Hill Lamon (Lincoln, Nebraska, University of Nebraska Press, 1994), p. 91.

"Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it." Lincoln's Cooper Institute Address, February 27, 1860

"Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration." Lincoln's First Annual Message to Congress, December 3, 1861.

"The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country." Lincoln's Second Annual Message to Congress, December 1, 1862.

"Stand with anybody that stands RIGHT. Stand with him while he is right and PART with him when he goes wrong." The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln edited by Roy P. Basler, Volume II, "Speech at Peoria, Illinois" (October 16, 1854), p. 273.

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Abraham Lincoln

President-elect Obama won-
349 electoral votes (270 needed to win)
53% of the popular vote with 63,562,802 votes

Senator McCain lost-
163 electoral votes
46% of the popular vote with 56,218,389 votes

The Night Before Elections...

IT WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE ELECTIONS

Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!

I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys

They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!

He divided up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink

He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!

On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi'
He screamed at the pairs!

They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn't stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
If you don't want socialism
Get out and vote!!!!

My brother Gary just sent me this election poem in an email. Good stuff. Check out this thought provoking article that appeared in our local paper. It raises come good questions. As I stated on this blog, I fear for our country. It may take off on a course tomorrow from which we can never recover.

Get out and VOTE and afterwards, treat yourself to a KK and a hot chocolate (in keeping with family tradition.)

Oakley rock quarry

I got to go to Rupert his weekend and visit my sister Janet and her husband Dave. I went by myself and had a great time listening to a book on tape while driving. I got to Rupert about 6:00 pm on October 31, just as the little grand kids came trick-or-treating. It was so fun to see them dressed up and excited to visit Grandma Janet and Grandpa Dave. Grandma Janet had frosted sugar cookies all ready for the little tykes.

After a good meal and some visiting, we settled in to watch Disturbia. Yikes. I had a hard time falling asleep, but didn't want to pass up the chance to see a thriller on Halloween night.



The next morning, Jan and I went on a long walk all around the streets of the sprawling metropolis of Rupert. It's always great to see our childhood home, elementary school, library, town square, movie theater and LDS stake center. SO many memories come flooding back. I always feel like I'm going into a time machine when I visit Rupert. Here is a post I did a few months ago giving a shout out to good old Rupert. When we went to church on Sunday, the man at the door who greeted us said to me, "welcome to God's country." I told him a totally agreed with that statement.







We met Cameron's family at the Searle cafe in Oakley for lunch. Our cousin Scott brought his new girlfriend Carol for an adventure to the Oakley rock quarries. Baily and Brody tended the younger Smith grand kids and Nick and Tina, Dustin and DaeLyn came along with us for a great adventure to the quarries.








Four wheel drive was a
requirement! We went to two sites that Cam started mining this year. He got his own business underway this year and it is going well. It's amazing to see how they take the rock out of the mountain. Once it is dug out, a crew of Mexicans come along and pick up the pieces and chisel them into the right size and shape so that the beautiful rock pieces can be used for patios, indoor flooring or many other uses. The Mexican crews stay about six months and it is so interesting to learn about how they quarry the rock and get it ready to be shipped out.





























Here is a picture of Oakley in the distance with an area of rock that hasn't been dug out of the ground yet.














This is what it looks like once it's been dug out and chipped into the right shape and thickness so that it can be loaded on pallets for shipment. There were hundreds of pallets ready to be shipped to buyers all over the world. It was even used by Frank Lloyd Wright in/on one of his buildings.














Our crew enjoying the tour.



















Scott and his darling girlfriend Carol. She was wonderful and it was so nice to meet her. I hope we get to see more of her in the future!














Dave and his sons have enjoyed hunting season again this year. Dave grew his beard until Sunday morning, when he shaved it off. He grows it to celebrate the annual hunt.

























































Dustin and Dae.














Scott and I. I think he enjoyed the day a lot.















Scott and Carol. He is from Malad and she owns her own tent sewing business and a farm.














Nick, Tina and Hendricks.
















On the way home from the quarries, we went through the City of Rocks. I haven't been there for at least 30 years. It was very cool! I've seen enough rocks to last for awhile now. It was an interesting day and very fun to talk to the Smiths while driving around. We came cross two rigs that were broken down and in both cases, the men in our car where able to stop and help them get going again. Cam is funny, very generous and he was a very good host. It was fun to see their home and get the grand tour from Marnie. They have a busy and multi-talented family.



After the day of learning about how to quarry Oakley stone, we went to a great little restaurant in Heyburn to have a soup bowl with great cheesy soup. I also talked to Rick and learned that the Cougars had somehow pulled off a last minute win. We then went to Dustin and Dae's home to have the tour of their new beautiful home. It's wonderful! Little McKynlee was adorable.

Sunday we went to church, visited over breakfast for lunch after church and just had a good time. Jan showed me a new pie crust recipe and I'm excited to use it. You make 20 pie crusts at once and freeze them so they are ready when you need them. I should have taken pictures of her making the crust for my blog! I love visiting Janet and Dave and I appreciate their hospitality and the love they always show me. It was a great weekend!