Restrictions?

A lot of people look at religion and when confronted with it an immediate red flag comes up. Ahhh restrictions, taking away my freedom. I can't do this, or I can't do that. Should we really view our beliefs as such a limitation of our lives? I love my standards and am thankful for them every day. I don't know where I would be without them. I believe that religion gives us hope and can make us truly happy in this life. Sure there are hard times and temptations but thats life and those experiences increase our faith. Having high morals and standards sets us apart from the rest of the world. Life would just be boring if everyone were the same. Sometimes I feel like Waldo in that people who don't drink, smoke, endorse immorality, etc are really rare and hard to find. The interesting thing is that these people tend to be the ones who are the happiest, and have direction to their lives. Families are meant to be huge strongholds for us. When family is important, life's problems will work themselves out. But look at the media and talk to your friends, the concept of family has been destroyed and the pieces waved around as if a victory in war was achieved. Satan is throwing this victory in our faces and we aren't even doing anything about it. Families are awsome and I love mine so much! Being family centered and doing things that allow me to be in control of my own life rather than allowing other influences to control my thoughts and actions makes me the most blessed, happy man on earth.