In this time of elections, it is fitting to say that you need to be careful to check your sources. With today's technology, it is so easy for people to voice their opinion with little fact or truth behind it. Some people, myself included, can be talked into believing a catchy phrase or fancy rhetoric and come to accept it as the truth. This is very dangerous. I have taken it upon myself to always try and understand both sides.

I've always been the "mediator" type. The "why can't we be friends?" kinda girl. I remember in my civics class we had to run our own presidential elections. I ran for president, was nominated as the republican nominee, and had to debate with the opposing party. At the time I was definitely too young to completely understand all the different issues facing our country, so I do give myself some slack here. But, when the other candidate made his points I tended to agree. Some things he said were really great ideas and others were not. When it was my turn to respond to the other candidate I said, "I think we're on the same page, I don't have anything to add." Of course, some of my fellow republicans didn't like that but I really didn't feel like arguing. The point is, I tried the whole politics thing and it wasn't for me. But now that I am older and old enough to vote, I see the importance of taking a stand for what you believe in while also being willing to understand the other point of view.

Make sure you know what you're talking about before you open your mouth, and be willing to listen to what others are saying. We're not going to get anywhere by shouting over each other.

Research every candidate. Don't just watch the morning news and consider yourself educated. Did you even know that there is a third option? Gary Johnson has a great chance of winning, maybe it's time you do a little more research on him and even on the candidate you're voting for. Just make sure that you're getting every side of the story and forming your own opinions. Check your sources.

There are other areas in our lives where we need to check our sources. You get what you put in. I think people are often tired and miserable because they have the wrong sources. What kind of music are you listening to? What kind of TV shows are you watching? What books do you read? What do you think about yourself throughout the day? Do you go to church on Sunday? Who do you spend your time with? Do you smile for no reason?

So many sources are trying to shape our opinion and our view on life, but guess what? You have the remote control. You get to choose what you let in your heart. The bible says in Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. " What a beautiful reminder. Our God is concerned with not just our actions, but the spiritual condition of our heart.

How's your heart?

In this time of political nonsense, natural disasters, and human frustration, how are you taking the time to connect with a God that wants to bring you hope, peace, health, and joy? Part of getting the right sources in you is identifying the wrong source, the Devil.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

There is a difference between thoughts that are rooted in Christ and thoughts that are planted by the enemy. So start asking yourself, "where did that come from?" Don't be blinded by a facade, for you deserve to be aware of the truth. Whether it be political or spiritual.