I am tired of people saying my faith denigrates women. These people engage mouth first and later (if at all) engage brain. These people think they know the facts when they don't. That said, I will now draw out for you a few things that, indeed, are fact.

"Elder James Talmage, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said, 'The world's greatest champion of woman and womanhood is Jesus the Christ.'" Daughters in My Kingdom, (2011) p. 3. This implies that the Savior loved, respected, taught, and forgave women; in other words, he treated men and women the same when it came to spiritual matters.

"The women in the ancient Church were dignified and noble, needed and valued. They served others, increased in personal holiness, and participated in the great work of saving souls. These patterns  have been restored in the latter days through the organization of Relief Sciety." Daughters in My Kingdom, (2011) p.7

"The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, 'The Church was never perfectly organized until the women were thus organized.'" Daughters in My Kingdom, (2011) p. 7. Joseph Smith had to have both respect and admiration for women to say that.

After His resurrection, He first appeared to a woman (John 20:1-18). While suffering on the cross, He entrusted His mother's care to a disciple (John 19:25-27). He did this to ensure His mother would be taken care of. At that time, it was not acceptable for women to make there own livelihoods.

"Most of all, I am grateful for who you are: a treasured daughter of our Heavenly Father with infinite worth." The Remarkable Soul of a Woman, (2010) p. 5. Does that sound like denigration to you?

Well, we've turned the page on yet another year. The Mayan long-count calendar ends in June (the subject of many conversations), I graduate from undergrad and go to grad school. I will probably move in the process. My resolution? Don't get overwhelmed! I'm much to busy to get caught up in the Mayan debate. I just mentioned it as an interesting fact. Hope you enjoy the new year.

Hey, guys! It's snowing here, and I have a feeling we're gonna get more than three inches. It's almost white-out conditions, so I'm content staying inside. We don't have all the fancy machinery they have in the north and plains; best the city can do is sand, and then it's only the main roads.

I know that some of you are saying, Big whoop. In AL, it is big; the city comes to a grinding halt (except emergency vehicles.) I don't think the snow is what stops the city in its tracks, though; I think it's the threat of ice; because the best we can do in that situation is sand. (It would be asenine for the city to get a salt truck.)

As this is Christmas Eve, I, along with a lot of other people, will probably not be here. So I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. And as you give your gifts tomorrow, remember the little boy who was born and had to be placed in a manger because there was no room for him in the inn. May he never hear the words "No room" from us.