Take Advantage of Your Rights

By:  Donna Martin

Whether we are ready or not, it is once again preparations are being made for the Presidential Elections. Many people get annoyed by all of the hoopla and attention that comes with the election of a new president.  Some people take no interest in the affairs of our government at all.  However, as responsible citizens we must execute our rights and vote for the candidate that we think is the best for our country.

When I was a young mother with three children, a husband, and a full time job, I barely had time to clean the house, much less listen to the news.  I depended on my husband to give me the update on what was going on in the world.  I would vote the way he voted.  Some people may think that is not a very good thing to do, but at least I voted.  Today, I have more time to listen to the news, and with Iphones, Ipads, and internet no one really has an excuse for not knowing what is going on in the country.

Our country is in need of good leaders, so we are in need of people who will take the time to be informed and who will exercise their right to vote.  As the election draws near, take time to find out what you can about the candidates.  Talk with your spouse and with your children about the coming election.  Encourage your children to read about the candidates.  Teach them about the way our government works.  Talk to them about the history of our country and the sacrifices people have made so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today.  Talk to older children about controversial subjects such as abortion and immigration reform.  Schedule a family night to watch the presidential debates together.  (Serve popcorn and ice-cream floats to help make it more fun.)

In the last Presidential election approximately three million less people voted than in the previous election.  That is an alarming statistic.  If we do not exercise our right to vote, then we could one day lose it.  Get informed, get involved, and be a good citizen.

The Martins currently present “Happy Together” Marriage Enrichment Events for churches and organizations.  To schedule an event call Michael at 940-735-1515. They are certified “Prepare/Enrich” Facilitators and are available to work with couples on an individual basis using the “Prepare/Enrich Assessment.”  They publish a weekly “Happy Together” Blog about family and marriage issues.  You can order copies of their new books Dancing With Death and 366 Tidbits We Have Learned in 14,610 Days of Marriage, read, and subscribe to their “Happy Together” Blog by logging onto the Martin’s website at www.happytogethermarriage.com.