Big Real Estate News!

    I sold my summer cottage in Babylon today!

Unfortunately I didn't make any profit - after all is said and done, I believe I actually lost most of my principle associated with that investment. But, who am I kidding? Babylon is one of those crazy markets - it doesn't really seem to generate any increase on the investment. I guess its because the city is constantly expanding and new homes and high rises are being built all the time. It really seems to be one of the few places unaffected by todays failing economy. 

You know, at one point I was sold on the place - those clever time share guys really had me fooled!  I thought having a summer place would be a fun getaway - but, no one told me about the dangers and the crowds in babylon. I mean, the pictures were fantastic! Beaches, entertainment, the full scope of amenities! But the crowds were awful and the dangers were quite real. I had some really personal stuff stolen - and there are a lot of con-artists in that city. I kept my cottage because I thought it would be fantastic to visit the beach on occasion -  but I learned quickly that was not a good good idea. The yuppies are such piranha's to visitors!

Once people found out I was just a visitor (an infrequent one at that), they really started to harass me. They made fun of me for trying to live in "Zion." They tried to convince me that the Zion Housing Community was such a country town in comparison to the big city living of Babylon.  I am not going to lie, at the end of my hard-working days here in the unfinished Zion Housing Community it would be nice to relax - participate in some over- indulging activities and not have to work on my neighbors yard thats not completed.  It is a lot of hard work here in ZHC - but I have the promise of an amazing future - and an eventual mansion if I work hard enough!

The crazy time share people and Babylonian Luxury Condo neighbors invited me to stay - you know, become a full-time resident of Babylon! They told me once I gave up my unfinished house in the ZHC that I could easily transition my cottage into a mansion - all costs covered.It would be really fast - like 6 months fast! They have free transition programs with lots of perks. But, I noticed in the fine print (it was really hard to read) something about cutting off all communication with people in the ZHC and details about the poor workmanship on the house. There was some additional fine print that was blacked out - something regarding major losses and final days. I dont know - it seemed a little shady to me. 

I am completely happy with my real estate choice. I mean, its the ZHC or nothing, right?! I know the community isnt finished - heck, my house is far from done. But, the neighbors are nice and I feel safe at night. Occasionally drunk residents of the Babylonian Luxury condo's come and make fun of us - we are out at all hours of the day working on the neighborhood and visiting each other. Sometimes too salesman come - to try and get us to invest in the BLC - sometimes people buy into the pitch. 

I hope my experiences with the BLC and those weird time share folks will help others. Consolidate people! In this economy its time to cut your losses! And any investment in the BLC is a major loss. I went to pick up my stuff and prep the cottage for sale, but upon arrival I was appalled. My cottage was ransacked and looted. I think word got out that I was selling. People must have thought I was already gone. There were a couple pictures I brought back - family ones. Other than that I really just left the place as is. It was time to tighten up my investment portfolio and get my ducks in row.

I feel better now - more secure in my investments. When it comes to real estate you have to buy the right land - location, location, location, right?

Shannon

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When it all boils down...

Just a quick little smile - I have good people in my life! When it all boils down, the most important things in life are the simple ones. God, good friends & family, a good meal, the beauty outside. 

I just want to comment on the good friends & family in my life. I love them and they make me happy. They are fantastic & I feel blessed.

Faith & Courage,

Shannon

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He Know Us...

With my recent involvement in prop 8 came the reminder that I like campaigning. Now, to those of you who know me or my family, this isnt new news. I am the youngest of four and a typical baby of the family at that. I love to be in the middle, I love to talk, I love to know what is going on and I love to sell. When there is a cause or service or brand I truly believe in, I am one of the best advertisements!!!!

I was reminded of this passion as I sat making phone calls and talking to people. I had a bit of a guilty conscience when my friends told me how hard it was to get on the phones. I actually looked forward to the time & loved being on the phone! (It was a wasnt that hard for me...)

So this brought me to a thought. The thought is about getting involved with a family advocacy group. I am not sure whether it would be full time (I would love that) or part, local or in another city, paid, non-paid. I havent really figured out all the details. But, I just love the idea of doing advocacy work. 

(I know, I know, I have said this about a lot of things. And I have tried a lot of things!)

As I have been pondering, I decided to ask for a blessing. I received that last night.  It was very sweet and helped to give me some insight and comfort. 

I was also touched by the imagery used in the blessing. And it struck me again how well our Heavenly Father knows each of us. I am an artist, a reader, a dreamer. I dont do well with statistics, or boxes, or really analytical concepts. But, imagery and poetry speak to my soul on a different level. And that was what the blessing was full of. 

It was sweet to be reminded of our Gods love. He speaks to us as we individually need to be spoken to. He wants his own purposes to be accomplished and he is the Master Leader. He knows how to direct and instruct each one of us, on an individual level. 

Pretty awesome!

with faith & courage

Shannon

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We won! Hurrah for the current victory!

Yes, by a narrow margin folks, we won.  This is a good reminder that each individual effort was needed. This was not a landslide win by any means. With each passing year, the victory margin is narrowing.  

Just aprox 509881 votes won us the fight.

That is small. Very small. But, a good reminder that we CAN do it. With the Lord on our side and the hard work of each defender of the faith, we can win. It is not easy & requires a lot of work.

I know it does - I have been sick yesterday & today -- I lost my voice (how ironic). But, the Lord gave me strength to do His will until the battle was won. And now I am in recovery. Albeit a short recovery. There is no rest for the righteous. And non for the opposition either, apparently.

The opposition is up in arms and backlashing already. Just 12 hours after the public passed prop 8, they were filling a high court appeal. Then, last night, they held a candle light vigil outside the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center to mark their outcry for the supposed injustice the passing of prop 8 handed them.

I think a candle light vigil is a little ironic, yes?

Traditionally speaking, one lights a candle as a prayer to God. As the smoke from the candle ascends, it is hoped to reach the ears of God.  This would result in the blessings requested being granted. It is a symbol of faith. 

"And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God." (Revelation 8:4)

One can also date the origins of this ritual back to animal sacrifices at the time of Moses. As the animal was sacrificed at the alter, the smoke again would ascend to heaven as a symbol to whom the sacrifice was being made for.

"...An offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord." (Leviticus 1:9)

So a this group of protesters gathered for a candlelight vigil. I wonder if they understand the origins of the demonstration they partook in last night. I wonder if they realize the mockery taking place to God & his sacred symbols. I can guarantee they don't know that their prayers have already been answered. The answer just doesn't suit them. 

If they did understand, they would realize that the passing of prop 8 is a matter of Gods plan and his will - not of self satiation or a supposed obligation to civil rights. No, God never intended for a family to be anything other than a man, woman and His children. But, you see the symbol of complete union through marriage is quickly eroding anyway. So this disregard for other symbols should come as no surprise. 

But, I am forgetting myself. 

You see, my premise is that this (marriage) is a moral issue.  Not everyone sees it that way. 

But, then again, they (the opposition) are mixing their metaphors so to speak. After if this isn't a moral issue, why hold a candlelight vigil? I mean, why not choose something that has no moral or religious roots, right? Because after all,  civil rights must not pass through the pearly gates of morality or religious code. No, no, these two things are separate but equal, wait I am confused. 

Where is the line? 

Where does the blanket of civil rhetoric cover religious expression with the guise of protest? 

It doesn't make sense right? 

Next time, if you're going to protest, please do some research. Or at least make sure there is agreement between the cause you're fighting for and the resulting actions. Make it cohesive. 

But, that would require logic and tolerance, of which I have seen little. 

Faith & Courage (& a little spitfire)

Shannon

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Soldiers, Unite! (at the Keys household)

What a fantastic day today!

After a wonderful fast & testimony meeting, a break-the-fast meal and some good laughter with friends, I returned home. As I arrived, I notice a lot of cars parked in front of Aunt Diane's house...not generally the case.

Upon entry, a rush of energy and momentum washed over me. I felt like I was at the capitol or in the midst of a great political effort...wait, I was! It was fantastic! Michelle & Nick, Esther & Scott, Logan & Pang and Aunt Diane were scattered about the house working on prop 8 projects. Our voices were raised and our hands were joined in the final moments of our current battle. My face hurts a bit from smiling so much - there is such a strength that comes with righteous gatherings. 

Some were at the dinning room table, organizing walk sheets. Others were in the office printing & creating the lists. Still, others were in the 'exercise' room counting door signs and affixing them to the walk sheets. 

Not to be left out of the fun, I grabbed Michelle's laptop and my cell phone and headed to the exercise room. I began my daily routine of calling. (I have to tell you I am going to miss this part of my day.  I have become so used to calling each day for the past two weeks that I will feel a bit empty without it) Pang joined in the calling too a little bit later. I just wish all of you could have at least witnessed the scene & the spirit. 

The spirit was strong as we each did our part and did the work.

Now for two special calls I had tonight. I want to again mention that I started the pattern of having a quick prayer before I begin my calls. I find that it helps me to be calm, happy and focus on the people who are either a swing vote or a soft no. I pray for the spirit to be with me.

#1 - Anna

I spoke with a nice gal named Anna. She listened kindly to my introduction:

"I am calling on behalf of the yes on prop 8 campaign. Are you familiar with prop 8 regarding traditional marriage?"

She was, and she then said she had just one problem. (I was waiting for the verbal punch that was sure to come.) She wasn't registered. (phew, that was an easy one) She had just recently moved and in the chaos didnt get registered to vote. She was sincerely upset. She then asked me if I had ever had to make a big move before. (have I ever! Please refer to my earlier posts regarding this issue). I sympathized with her.  I told her that I was quite familiar with the stress of moving, having moved 3 times in less than 6 months. She was so appreciative of my kindness. 

Really, it wasnt much - I just told her that i was sorry for the stress she had to go through and I hoped things would get better. I also offered her the suggestion of permanent absentee voting. She was thrilled. She then thanked me again and said that there must be some reason all these things were going on in her life. I stated that I believe God has a reason for everything. Again, she was so sweet and sincere in her appreciation for my words. She agreed with that statement. I then wished her the best of luck in the future and to have a good night. She replied the same to me. I was touched by her sincerity and soft-heart. 

Now, this was a relatively short conversation. Well under ten minutes. But, after hanging up the call, I thought about our conversation. I thought about my prayer. She needed a listening ear, a friendly voice, a compassionate heart. For just a few minutes, perhaps I was able to be that person - perhaps an answer to a silent prayer. 

It didnt matter that she couldnt vote. That was not the end purpose to our conversation. The Lord truly knows ALL of His children and loves each one of us deeply.

#2 -- Nellie

I would like to meet Nellie some day. She is such a nice lady! She told me right off the bat that "you can count on a yes vote here!" YES! Wahoo!  She then said, "prop 8 MUST pass." I couldnt agree more. She asked me if I was from the area and I said that I was from Sacramento. This excited her and she thanked me for my efforts. She also was so excited to share that whenever she sees sign holders on the streets she gives them the thumbs up & honks. She also is telling all her friends to vote yes. It got me so excited. I thanked her for her support & her friendly voice. She thanked me again and told me to keep going, that it was good work I was doing. She also said "May God bless you in all your endeavors." 

Sweet, sweet Nellie. May God bless you for your positive influence.

I just love nice people. 

Well folks, I just got a text from one of my calling team members. She reported her hours and then told me that her tests at school were moved to be a week later than originally planned. Coincidence? Not at all. The Lord takes care of His people. She is being directly blessed for her sacrifice. It brings tears to my eyes to think about His goodness and mercy. 

"Will we not go on in so great a cause?" --Captain Moroni

Oh, yes, we will press forward. Marching, marching, marching. I love being on a winning team. 

faith & courage,

Shannon

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What I want my children to know

Over the course of the past few days, my mind has reflected upon several comments that I have received on the phones as I contact voters.

One woman (as you may recall) challenged my opinion on the issue and how it relates to children since I have none.

One man called me a bigot.

One woman said that they dont judge people in her household.

One woman said that I had definitely given her a lot to think about and she would reconsider her original no vote.

One woman told me that she appreciated my efforts.

As I thought about my nieces- the youngest is less than 2 years old, I thought about their future. Then my mind wandered to my own future children. And while I dont have them in my life now, they will be a part of my life in the future. It is my sacred responsibility to secure their future, now. I do this for myself, but I do it more for them.

I want my children to know that I fought for their future. No matter the cost, no matter the sacrifice, no matter the odds I was up against. I fought. And I will do it again gladly for their souls! Do not mistake that, do not forget that!

I want my children to know that in the face of affliction, persecution and name calling that I did not waver. I held true to the rod, and I protected their right to a traditional home, even though that home was no where to be seen in my life.

I want my children to know that I follow the prophet. It does not matter if I understand the decree or his vision. My faith is such that I follow where he calls because he is the mouthpiece of the Lord. And the Lord is my captain. I follow the prophet.

I want my children to know that I do judge. I judge righteously. Accepting everything does not reinforce truth. I know that there is truth and error. And I have picked my side. I do not think that marriage should be between two homosexuals. Marriage is between a man and a woman. This is a judgement call. I have that right & responsibility to make it. The Lord has asked us to judge righteously.

I want my children to know that I support civil rights. But, this issue isn't about civil rights. Its about morality. Do not be fooled. The opposition will call this battle (of which we have only begun fighting) many things. The opposition will guise it under a host of many titles and agenda's. But, be clear, this is a moral issue and the opposition has one leader, the great adversary. And his goal is to destroy families. That is the simple truth.

I want my children to know that one person, following in faith, can make a difference. I dont know the result of this election. Time will shortly tell. But, I know that as I have done my part I have had influence upon several people. These people were either on the fence or in opposition to the proposition. I was able to use the skills that the Lord has given me (my kind personality and my honest talkative manner) to help the force of good. Many people are reconsidering after our conversation. Now, children, this is not an excuse to become prideful in the work. No, I am merely making a point that as we use our energies along with the help of the Lord, we can make a difference. It is the Lord that is the recipient of the credit.

I want my children to know that I have been blessed. As I have fought and supported "so great a cause" I have been very blessed. The Lord does not forget his followers. He is the ultimate leader and will shepherd us as we choose to be a part of His flock.

I want my children to know where I stand. I stand with God. I stand with the Savior. Win or lose this skirmish, I am in it until the end. I may become bloody. I may become injured. I may have sleepless nights and long days. I may have scars on my body. I may loose friends and fellow fighters (to the opposition or because of the opposition). I may see horrible things and my heart may become troubled. But I will not yield. Never.

This is what I want my children to know. As their mother, this is where I stand. This is who I am.

Children, I am and always have been your mother. You are not with me now, but I want you to know these things. You, my dear children, can take courage. I have have taken courage. I will be your mother, standing resolute. Do not fear for the future. It may become dark. It may be filled with all kinds of confusing things. But the line is drawn. You know where to stand because I have chosen my place. Take courage my "young sons [and daughters]."

This is what I want my children to know.

This is what I want my children to know.

with faith & courage,

Shannon

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The Final Stretch in the Fight

Today is Sunday. Two more days until election day. I have mixed emotions as the election draws incredibly nigh. On the one hand, I am excited to have this finished. On the other, I am going to miss the challenge & the blessing of this sacrifice. My life has had added blessings that I am grateful for!

Tomorrow night all the YSA's are to have calling parties and raise "title of liberties." At 9, we are to have a closing prayer to wrap up our efforts and bless the voters. I am quite sad that I will not be able to participate in this event. Truly I am sad. I have to work my regular closing shift. I hope they will include me in the photo somehow. (Some of the brethren are asking us to take pictures of these calling parties & banners in order to put together a book for the first presidency - I want to be remembered as one of the saints who chose the prophets path!)

There were some interesting quotes from my calls last night, but they all inspired another blog post which I will write. As I look outside, its Sunny. I have discovered that the Lord enjoys His sabbath to be a beautiful day in addition to it being a day of rest.  We have had pretty constant rain over thursday, Friday & Saturday. But not today. Its a good reminder of who is in charge.

I am a bit more reserved today as I ponder the fast I am partaking in and offer up my sacrifice to the Lord in hopes that we may win prop 8.

I have fought with all my heart and offered up all I can in this war to preserve traditional marriage. I can say that with an honest heart and I pray that my sacrifice along with the sacrifice of so many others will be honored and our prayers will be granted. 

Regardless of the outcome I know who's side I am on. The line is drawn and there is no mistake as to which side I have chosen. 

I may be persecuted (I have a slight feeling that my intentions are known at my work place, a place that is filled with those who support & live the nontraditional lifestyle), I may be mocked, I may be unpopular, I may be uninvited, I may be old-fashioned, I may be called naive, I may be called a bigot or an idiot, I may be laughed at, I may lose friends, I may be all this and more, but above all this I stand on Truths side. My colors are clear, my heart is resolute and my feet will not falter.

To all those that may oppose, bring on the heat. I have the Master Fire Fighter at the front of my battalion.

With courage,

Shannon

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