One Nation Under God

America was founded on the principal that we are one nation under God. This saying is part of our pledge of allegance, as well as a firm belief that many people hold dear to their hearts. I have noticed in the past few years that there is a movement to try to get people in our country away from including God in our lives. Prayer was taken out of our schools and certain people have been trying to get the words "In God We Trust" taken off our currency.
I realize that there are many people who worship God differently than I do. I also realize that there are people who do not believe in God at all. All people should be given the opportunity to worship (or not) as they desire. One of the primary reasons the for establishing the United States of America was to move away from the religious restraints in England. Our ancestors moved to America to have the right to practice religion however they wished.
I recently found an article in the national news section of the Salt Lake Tribune that told of a young man who was fired from his job because he refused to remove a button he wore that said, "One Nation Under God." Although I have seen much of this type of thing going on for the last several years (and, sadly, I am no longer shocked), I can't help but wonder what has brought our country to such a place where one can no longer wear a button that states that we are, indeed, one nation under God. To view the article about the man who was fired from his job, follow this link: http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13660703

Local Elementary School Recieves Generous Donation!

I read a lot of news articles online and, of course, the news is filled with sad stories of crime, accidents and death. The news is actually quite depressing most of the time. I can only take so much of the sad, depressing and illegal stories in our community. I know there are people in our very own community that do good deeds for other people. For this reason, I like to look for stories that tell about how people reach out and make a positive difference for those who could really use the help. I came across a story about how the people who run the Farmer's Market in Provo decided to take their earnings and use it to help children in their area get the school supplies they needed. What impressed me the most was the amount the Farmer's Market donated--$7,665. This had to have been a sacrifice for those who donated the money, especially in today's economic situation. This shows me that no matter what economic state we are in, there are still people who continue to give to those who are in need.
My best friend is an elementary school teacher. I know for a fact that she has had to use her personal money to purchase some of the school supplies for her classroom. It is amazing to me that a country as wealthy as ours is in need of so many educational tools. It makes me sad to see people in third world countries struggle in this area (as well as many other areas), but I find it absolutely unbelievable that children in our country are also going without much-needed school supplies. I hope I am not misunderstood--I realize that our country is a lot better off financially than third world countries, but how can we be struggling so much with tools to educate our children to the point of the teachers having to purchase some of their supplies or having other people donate them? I am grateful that there are people like the wonderful people at the Farmer's Market who are willing to reach out to children that need school supplies and help them have the tools they need to learn. To read the article about this post, visit http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_147afaf8-92d6-5609-87be-017fc2a9afa9.html

Harry Potter and the Wizarding World Comes to Lehi

Lehi—John Hutchings Museum of Natural History, 55 North Center Street, will be transformed into a Wizard's Museum three Saturdays during the month of October.
Wizard enthusiasts can participate in a variety of activities for $1 per person on October 10, 17 and 24 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. as the artifacts and specimens become enchanted and the museum is changed into many a famous place from the world of wizards.
“We chose the Harry Potter theme because it creates a positive family-friendly atmosphere,” said Valerie Meade, program director at the Hutchings Museum. “Children of all ages love Harry Potter and it is funny how many adults are into it.”
Each Saturday offers a variety of activities for children and adults alike, including the Amazing Wizarding Magic Show by Magical Johnson, the Advanced Potions teacher demonstration, a chance to buy candy from Honeyduke's Candy Store, a fortune-telling session with the famous Professor Trelawny and more. The magic shows are performed at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The potions demonstrations will begin at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Carl Timmerman will share his campfire tales as he takes his listeners back in time and tells some of Utah's most fascinating ghost stories Saturday, October 17. There will be a costume contest Saturday, October 24th. Come dressed as a favorite Harry Potter character. Fun prizes will be awarded for creativity.
The Hutchings Museum is known for its year-around school field trips that provide teachers the option to choose from one of the field trip packages for their students. Children can learn about Native American Studies, Fossils, the Wild West, Rocks and Minerals, Pioneers, Birds, Eggs and Animals.
“Student groups come in quite often,” said Susan Shoell, employee of the Hutchings Museum. “I learn so much from the students. It's fun to teach them and gather their knowledge.”
The museum will host a number of events this year, including the Lehi Family Week November 24 to the 28 and Christmas in Lehi beginning November 28. For more information about special events or the museum, visit http://www.hutchingsmuseum.org/, or call Valerie Meade at 801-768-7180.

Supporting Our Country

I read an article in the Daily Herald today about the Ronald Reagan Academy in Springville. On Wednesday night students gathered together to listen to state Senator, Mark Madsen, U.S. Senate candidates Tim Bridgewater and Attoryney General Mark Shurtleff, as well as Governor Gary Herbert. I think it is great to have public forums that allow our children to learn about politics and gain leadership skills. Regardless of one's political affiliation, I believe our future leaders need to really understand how the country is run. If our chidren grow up without a good understanding of the history of our country, as well as its current situation, how will they ever know how to be strong leaders? I get excited to read about events, such as this one, that tell about how the students feel about being future leaders. In this article, one boy was quoted who has a desire to become Mayor one day. A girl was quoted who, although she wants to just lead a normal life, said she would be sure to always vote. I think it is important to teach our children to vote so that we can always stay a democratic society. My favorite quote from the article was a girl who said, "Part of taking responsibility is supporting the candidates we believe in. The country is only as good as the people that lead it and we are the people that lead." I couldn't have said it better myself. To read this article, visit http://heraldextra.com/news/local/south/springville/article_1cf25a9d-d23c-5d46-9ec2-f539ac5f6e40.html