Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Handy Reasons for Marriage

Here's a handy dandy list on why marriage matters. No imitations permitted!

List.

Monday, December 22, 2008

C'Mon Mr. President Get the Faith Piece Right

It was painful to watch and listen.

Last week, President Bush fumbled badly his interview on ABC's Nightline. When asked to explain his faith, he got torturous. In typical Bush-ese, the President wandered off track and into the swamp: "It gave me strength and—strength and understanding. There's love, universal love. My faith at this point in my life has enabled me to accept people's prayers and this made a huge difference in my life. There's a lot of dramatic moments and pressure. There are calm moments. How do you know? It's about prayer. For many people, it's a crutch, but for me it is—it's the realization of a power of a universal God, and recognition that this God became manifested in human. And then died for sins."

Later in the interview, the President articulated his doubts about the validity of the Bible and his belief in evolution as the transforming, biological agent of change in our world. Those comments alone cast doubt upon this President's thoughtfulness on faith.

Faith in Jesus Christ and an ensuing consistent worldview is hugely important today. Its not something that you sort of believe in or that you vaguely hold to because it gives you comfort. We live in a world in which so many people have become synchronistic, blending partial biblical beliefs with their own pop psychology to suit their own means. Flip on Oprah and the mental mush oozes out. Our nation is awash in spiritual relativism. Many Christians are unable to articulate their faith, much like the President. As a result their witness to a sinful world diminishes.

My hope and prayer as we move forward into 2009 is that President Bush's successor will bring a better handle on the importance of faith and the the ability to call Americans to it.

Humility Before God

Being humble is a good thing. Doing it on a consistent basis is another matter. Proverbs has much to say about our attitude of our mind and spirit. God blatantly dismisses human arrogance as offensive to Him. "The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom and humility comes before honor." Humility in God's economy is the antidote to human knowledge and self-sufficiency.

The greatest example of humility embodies the Christmas season. While many celebrate Christmas as the birth of God's son, the fact that he would be born into human flesh at all is simply mind boggling. In Philippians 2, Paul minces no words as he describes Christ's eternal position yet underscores his humanity.

Christmas is not only about the birth of Christ, but its about the nature of God. All of us deserved justice. Yet, because of Christ's sacrificial death, the wall of separation between us and God has vanished.

Humility anyone?

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Obama Pick of Rick Warren

Good move President-elect Obama in selecting Rick Warren to deliver your inauguration's invocation.

Mr. Obama, ignore the yapping homosexual activists.

Here's the story.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Funny Excerpts from Tests and Reports of American Students

You have to laugh a bit. After all, its almost Christmas and 2008 has been a serious year...

Here is our contribution to the merriment. These are actual excerpts from tests and reports from students in our country...


The climate of the Sarah is such that the inhabitants have to live elsewhere.Ancient Egypt was inhabited by mummies and they all wrote in hydraulics.

The Egyptians built the Pyramids in the shape of huge triangular cubes.They lived in the Sarah Dessert and traveled by Camelot.

The French Revolution was accomplished before it happened and catapulted into Napoleon. Napoleon wanted an heir to inherit his power, but since Josephine was a baroness, she couldn't have any children.

Actually, Homer was not written by Homer but by another man of that name.

The next great author was John Milton. Milton wrote Paradise Lost. Then his wife died and he wrote Paradise Regained.

Sir Francis Drake circumcised the world with a 100-foot clipper.Solomom had three hundred wives and seven hundred porcupines.

The Bible is full of interesting caricatures. In the first book of the Bible, Guinessis, Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree.

One of their children, Cain, asked, "Am I my brother's son?"

Moses led the Hebrew slaves to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread which is bread made without any ingredients.

Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten commandments. He died before he ever reached Canada.

The airplane was invented and first flown by the Marx brothers.

Hitler's instrumentality of terror was the Gespacho.

Queen Elizabeth was the "Virgin Queen." As a queen she was a success. When she exposed herself before her troops they all shouted "hurrah."

Noah's wife was Joan of Ark.Middle Eastern history was written by Florence of Arabia.

The Soviets erected the Berlin Mall?

Plato invented reality. He was teacher to Harris Tottle, author of The Republicans.

Germany's William II had a chimp on his shoulder and therefore had to ride his horse with only one hand.

The Germans took the by-pass around France's Marginal Line. This was known as the "Blintz Krieg."

Corruption grew especially ripe in Zaire, where Mobutu was known to indulge in more than an occasional little armadillo.The plurious of wealth was therefore uneven. The rural populous was reduced to tenement farming.

The Boston Tea Party was held at Pearl Harbor.

Americans wanted no involvement in the French and Indian War because they did not want to fight in India.

Moses was told by Jesus Christ to lead the people out of Egypt into the Sahaira Desert. The Book of Exodus describes this trip, including the Ten Commandments, various special effects and the building of the Suez Canal.

Zorroastrologism was founded by Zorro. This was a duelist religion.

During the Dark Ages it was mostly dark.

Christianity was just another mystery cult until Jesus was born.

The mother of Jesus was Mary, who was different from other women because of her immaculate contraption.

The fall of empires has been a good thing, because it gives more people a chance to exploit their own people without outside interference.

Roman girls who did not marry could become Vestigal Virgins, a group of women who were dedicated to burning the internal flame.

Machiavelli, who was often unemployed, wrote The Prince to get a job with Richard Nixon.

History is nothing more than the behind of the present.This gives incites from the anals of the past.

The British Empire is in a state of recline. Its colonies have slowly dribbled away leaving only the odd speck on the map.

Civil rights leader Martin Luther Junior was slain in the 1960s, shortly after making his famous "If I Had A Hammer" speech.

World War II began turning around when the Allies landed near Italy's toe and gradually advanced up her leg.

Hitler shot himself in the bonker.

When the Davy Jones Index crashed in 1929 many people were left to political incineration. Some, like John Paul Sart, retreated into extraterrestrialism.

The New Deal was an idea inspired by Franklin Eleanor Roosavelt.

Satan Husane invaided Kiwi and Sandy Arabia.

Spartacus led a slave rebellion in ancient Rome and then appeared in a movie about it later.

Judyism had one big God named Yahoo.

Martin Luther nailed 95 theocrats to a church door.

The greatest writer of the Renaissance was William Shakespeare. He was born in the year 1564, supposedly on his birthday. He never made much money and is famous only because of his plays. He wrote tragedies, and comedies, all in Islamic pentameter.

Romeo and Juliet are an example of a heroic couplet.Romeo's last wish was to be laid by Juliet.

Writing at the same time as Shakespeare was Miguel Cervantes. He wrote Donkey Hote.

During the Renaissance America began.

Christopher Columbus was a great navigator who discovered America while cursing about the Atlantic. His ships were called the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Fe.

Later, the Pilgrims crossed the ocean, and this was called Pilgrim's Progress. The winter of 1620 was a hard one for the settlers. Many people died and many babies were born. Captain John Smith was responsible for all this.

One of the causes of the Revolutionary War was the English put tacks in their tea. Also, the colonists would send their parcels through the post without stamps. Finally the colonists won the War and no longer had to pay for taxis.Delegates from the original 13 states formed the Contented Congress.

Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were two singers of the Declaration of Independence.

Franklin discovered electricity by rubbing two cats backwards and declared, "A horse divided against itself cannot stand."Franklin died in 1790 and is still dead.

Soon the Constitution of the United States was adopted to secure domestic hostility.Under the constitution the people enjoyed the right to keep bare arms.

Abraham Lincoln became America's greatest Precedent. Lincoln's mother died in infancy, and he was born in a log cabin which he built with his own hands.

Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves by signing the Emasculation Proclamation.

On the night of April 14, 1865, Lincoln went to the theater and got shot in his seat by one of the actors in a moving picture show. The believed assinator was John Wilkes Booth, a supposedly insane actor. This ruined Booth's career.

The Greeks were a highly sculptured people, and without them we wouldn't have history. The Greeks also had myths. A myth is a female moth.

The Greeks invented three kinds of columns, Corinthian, Doric and Ironic.

Socrates was a famous Greek teacher who went around giving people advice. They killed him. Socrates died from an overdose of wedlock. After his death, his career suffered a dramatic decline.

In the Olympic games, Greeks ran races, jumped, hurled the biscuits, and threw the java.

Eventually, the Romans conquered the Greeks. History calls people Romans because they never stayed in one place for very long.

Julius Caesar extinguished himself on the battlefields of Gaul. The Ides of March murdered him because they thought he was going to be made king. Dying, he gasped out: "Tee hee, Brutus."

Nero was a cruel tyranny who would torture his subjects by playing the fiddle to them.

Joan of Arc was burnt to a steak and was cannonized by Bernard Shaw.

Finally Magna Carta provided that no man should be hanged twice for the same offense.

In midevil times most people were alliterate.

The greatest writer of the futile ages was Chaucer, who wrote many poems and verses and also wrote literature.

Another story was William Tell, who shot an arrow through an apple while standing on his son's head.

It was an age of great inventions and discoveries. Gutenberg invented removable type and the Bible.

Another important invention was the circulation of blood.

Sir Walter Raleigh is a historical figure because he invented cigarettes and started smoking.

Meanwhile in Europe, the enlightenment was a reasonable time. Voltaire invented electricity and also wrote a book called Candy.Gravity was invented by Issac Walton. It is chiefly noticeable in the autumn when the apples are falling off the trees.

Johann Bach wrote a great many musical compositions and had a large number of children. In between he practiced on an old spinster which he kept up in his attic.Bach died from 1750 to the present.

Bach was the most famous composer in the world and so was Handel.

Handel was half German half Italian and half English. He was very large.

Beethoven wrote music even though he was deaf. He was so deaf he rote loud music. He took long walks in the forest even when everyone was calling for him. Beethoven expired in 1827 and later died for this.

The sun never set on the British Empire because the British Empire is in the East and the sun sets in the West.

Queen Victoria was the longest queen. She sat on a thorn for 63 years. She was a moral woman who practiced virtue. Her death was the final event which ended her reign.

The nineteenth century was a time of a great many thoughts and inventions. People stopped reproducing by hand and started reproducing by machine. The invention of the steamboat caused a network of rivers to spring up. Cyrus McCormick invented the McCormick raper, which did the work of a hundred men.

Louis Pasteur discovered a cure for rabbis.

Charles Darwin was a naturalist who wrote the Organ of the Species.

Karl Marx became one of the Marx brothers.

The First World War, caused by the assignation of the Arch-Duck by an anahist, ushered in a new error in the anals of human history.

Christmas Story from the Front Lines

This is a good one. Merry Christmas to the brave men and women serving in our nation's War on Terror.

Here's the story.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

A Waste of Time?

Apparently, few Americans were paying much attention. Homosexual activists need to accept the fact that most Americans do not want gay marriage. Americans have become more tolerant towards homosexuality but there is a waterline.

In case you missed it, here's the story about "gay day."

Monday, November 24, 2008

E Harmony Shake Down

This one will get you angry. It underscores our homosexual adversaries will and their persistence. Gay groups believe that Obama's election will serve as their springboard to mainstreaming their radical agenda. Time will tell but vigilance is more than required right now.

Unfortunately, one of the good guys has taken a hit. E Harmony, the leader in quality online dating services has just been mugged by the "politically correct" mob and their homosexual allies.

You can read the story here.

Unfortunately, the cost of ongoing expensive litigation forced founder Neil Warren and his business to capitulate. I fear though that this capitulation will not satisfy the wolves. Emboldened, other pro-family, Christian companies may be targeted for similar treatment.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Virtual Affair Leads to a Real Divorce

You will have to read this one to believe it.

Scripture makes the point that its not only our actions which can be sinful, but what's in our hearts too (Matt. 5:27-28)....

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Rising Tide Against Life

If President-elect Obama is to be taken at his word ( and time will tell if this is true), shortly after his inauguration, more unborn babies will die. Abortionists are crowing about Obama's pledge to refund international abortions using your tax dollars. President Bush ended this practice shortly after his election in 2000. Now its back. Additionally, Obama's congressional allies are poised to send him the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). This new law would gut current state laws that regulate abortions. This law would permit abortion on demand up until the due date and would use your tax dollars to fund it.

This is an unfortunate consequence (one of many we fear) of electing a leader who does not value unborn life.

We believe that this decision demands a robust response from all people who value the God-given gift of life.

Thursday, November 06, 2008

California Homosexual Activists Challenge Marriage Ban

No surprises here. Page one in the homosexual activists playbook is to use sympathetic courts to gain their wishes...Keep in mind that they cannot win at the ballot box...Note the ominous comment at the bottom of the story about how the California Supreme Court has elevated sexual orientation into a protected class like gender, rac, etc.

Keep praying.

Gay rights backers file 3 lawsuits challenging Prop. 8

Lawyers for same-sex couples argue that the anti-gay marriage measure is an illegal constitutional revision. Backers of the measure attack the suits.

By Maura Dolan and Tami Abdollah November 6, 2008. Los Angeles Times

Reporting from San Francisco and Los Angeles -- After losing at the polls, gay rights supporters filed three lawsuits Wednesday asking the California Supreme Court to overturn Proposition 8, an effort the measure's supporters called an attempt to subvert the will of voters."If they want to legalize gay marriage, what they should do is bring an initiative themselves and ask the people to approve it," said Frank Schubert, co-chairman of the Proposition 8 campaign. "But they don't. They go behind the people's back to the courts and try and force an agenda on the rest of society."

Lawyers for same-sex couples argued that the anti-gay-marriage measure was an illegal constitutional revision -- not a more limited amendment, as backers maintained -- because it fundamentally altered the guarantee of equal protection. A constitutional revision, unlike an amendment, must be approved by the Legislature before going to voters.The state high court has twice before struck down ballot measures as illegal constitutional revisions, but those initiatives involved "a broader scope of changes," said former California Supreme Court Justice Joseph Grodin, who publicly opposed Proposition 8 and was part of an earlier legal challenge to it. The court has suggested that a revision may be distinguished from an amendment by the breadth and the nature of the change, Grodin saidStill, Grodin said, he believes that the challenge has legal merit, though he declined to make any predictions. Santa Clara University law professor Gerald Uelmen called the case "a stretch."

UC Irvine Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky said his research found too little case law on constitutional revisions to predict how the state high court might resolve the question."There is very little law about what can be done by amendment as opposed to revision," he said.Jennifer Pizer, a staff lawyer for Lambda Legal, said the initiative met the test of a revision because it had far-reaching magnitude."The magnitude here is that you are effectively rendering equal protection a nullity if a simple majority can so easily carve an exception into it," she said. "Equal protection is supposed to prevent the targeting and subjugation of a minority group by a simple majority vote."Glen Lavy, an attorney for the Proposition 8 campaign, called the lawsuits "frivolous" and "a brazen attempt to gut the democratic process."The first action was filed by the ACLU, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Lambda Legal. Santa Clara County and the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles also sued, and Los Angeles lawyer Gloria Allred filed a third suit on behalf of a married lesbian couple.All the lawsuits cited the constitutional revision argument, and two of them asked the court to block Proposition 8 from taking effect while the legal cases were pending."The court must hold that California may not issue licenses to non-gay couples because if it does it would be violating the equal protection clause," Allred said at a news conference.A California Supreme Court spokeswoman said the court would act "as quickly as possible" on the challenges.Other lawsuits could follow, but gay rights groups have called on supporters not to file cases in federal court. They fear that a loss at the U.S. Supreme Court could set back the marriage movement decades."We think it is early to go into federal court and ask federal courts to say we have a federal right to marry," Pizer said.In addition to going to court, gay rights advocates sought to assure about 18,000 same-sex couples that their marriages will remain valid.The groups cited comments by Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown, who has said the initiative was not retroactive. If the marriages are challenged in court, that case too would go to the California Supreme Court. Experts differ on whether the law would protect the marriages.The California Supreme Court voted 4 to 3 on May 15 that a state ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. The ruling also elevated sexual orientation to the constitutional status of race and gender, an elevation that provides strong legal protection from discrimination.

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Good News from California!

There are a few bright spots nationally after Tuesday's election.

One is in California where voters passed Proposition 8, banning homosexual marriages and overturning an earlier decision by the California State Supreme Court.

Here's the story.

Monday, November 03, 2008

Voting for Your Family

Its the economy, stupid? Yes, but sadly so. Unfortunately, many Americans pay little attention unless something takes a bite out of their wallet.

This election will have consequences for the glue of our culture. While economics are important, vital issues like life, marriage, euthanasia, stem cell research, religious freedom, etc., will be shaped by the presidential winner. Their philosophies in these areas and their appointment of judges will set a course for America's culture for the next decade or more.

Where do McCain and Obama land on these issues? Here are our predictions.

1- Judges. The next president will likely appoint two if not three U.S. Supreme Court Justices plus scores of lesser judges. Their decisions on key issues will impact this country for 50-100 years. Obama will appoint leftist activist jurists, who will find and uphold rights expanding abortion on demand, homosexual marriage and hate crimes. Additionally, Obama appointees will rule with the view that the Constitution is a living document, easily changed by the issues of the time. McCain appointees will be more akin to Chief Justice John Roberts; generally conservative and religiously sensitive. His appointees will lean more towards strict interpretation of the Constitution versus activist jurists that Obama would appoint. Obama, as most liberals, sees the court as a prime tool to enact social change. McCain sees the court as protectors of tradition and conservative values.

2- Marriage. The definition of marriage battle continues to rage nation-wide. The good news for pro-marriage supporters is that the traditional definition of marriage is winning in most states. Unfortunately though, the ultimate firewall failed-Congress during the Bush year's was unable to ignite a U.S. Constitutional Amendment. McCain has always supported traditional marriage. However, he is not a supporter of a U.S. Constitutional Amendment, deferring that decision to the states. Obama, on the other hand, wants it both ways-support homosexual marriage and traditional marriage. Oil and water don't mix though. McCain will be supportive of citizen-led attempts to strengthen traditional marriage and to push back alternative relationships. An Obama presidency will mean an uphill fight for pro-marriage forces.

3-Life. There is a stark difference on this issue. Simply, Obama sports one of the most radical abortion records in Congress. McCain has been reliably pro-life. Factoid: More babies will die under an Obama presidency while more will live under McCain. Obama has also announced that his first act will be to sign FOCA, the Freedom of Choice Act, which will sweep away many current state regulations which regulate abortion practices.

4-Religion in the public square. Obama and his secularist allies will work to expunge and marginalize conservative Christians from the public square. These believers will be seen as too radical, intolerant, bigoted and judgemental. On the other hand, McCain will likely continue the federal government's growing partnership of faith based initiatives, started by President Bush.

The soul of America will be shaped by our vote. What will America decide?

Thursday, October 30, 2008

1948 and 2008 Elections Eeerily Similiar?

The election of 1948 has been deemed the greatest upset in American presidential races. Incumbent President Harry Truman, a Democrat, trailed by double digits entering into the final days of the race to challenger Governor George Dewey, Republican governor of New York.

Truman won by nearly 5 points and won over 300 electoral votes.

Could a repeat happen in 2008?

Here's more on the election of 1948.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Ritter To Be Sued Over Abortion Contracts

Oops. Did the Governor break the law to refund his political masters?

More below...

Lawsuit challenges $18 million in contractsawarded to Colo. abortionistsADF attorneys and allied attorneys file suit asking court to cancel illegal state contracts

DENVER — Alliance Defense Fund attorneys and allied attorneys filed suit Wednesday, asking a Colorado court to cancel $18 million in illegal state contracts awarded over the last year to a Planned Parenthood affiliate and a Boulder abortion provider.“Public officials cannot toss aside the democratic process and the rule of law,” said lead counsel and ADF-allied attorney Barry Arrington of the Arvada law firm Arrington & Associates, P.C. “The governor and other state officials are not at liberty to ignore the will of the people on this matter. Colorado voters amended the state constitution to prohibit tax dollar subsidies to abortion providers.”The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Colorado taxpayer Mark Hotaling, contends that five contracts which Gov. Bill Ritter and the executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Jim Martin, awarded to two abortion providers unconstitutionally use taxpayer funds to subsidize abortion.In 1984, Colorado voters approved the Abortion Funding Prohibition Amendment to the Colorado Constitution, which prohibits the direct or indirect use of public funds to pay for abortion. In 2001, the Health Department, under then-Executive Director Jane Norton, conducted an audit of the operations of Rocky Mountain Planned Parenthood and its affiliate Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains Services Corporation. The department ended funding for Planned Parenthood after finding that it indirectly subsidized the abortion operations of its subsidiary.Under Ritter and Martin, however, the department disregarded the ruling and awarded five funding contracts to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains Services Corporation and Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center, which both provide abortions. The funding of their abortion operations is in direct violation of the Abortion Funding Prohibition Amendment.The lawsuit asks the court to declare that the contracts violate the Colorado Constitution and to prohibit the Colorado Department of Health from awarding further contracts to the two abortion providers.“The people of Colorado felt strongly that no taxpayer should be forced to pay for a procedure that takes innocent human life, so they amended the state constitution to put a stop to it,” said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Steven H. Aden. “Apparently, Gov. Ritter felt so strongly to the contrary that he was willing to ignore the law and circumvent the will of the people to impose public funding for abortion on demand.”The complaint filed with the District Court for the City and County of Denver, Colorado, in Hotaling v. Ritter is available at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/HotalingComplaint.pdf.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Homosexual "Marriage" Flourishes Under An Obama Presidency

I don't like to be Chicken Little and cry out that the sky will fall.

But, the fact of the matter remains that an Obama presidency will usher in an era of unprecedented social liberalism the like that this nation has never seen before.

Here's another case in point. Obama has publicly endorsed efforts to expand homosexual marriage. Despite the outright false statements by his Vice-Presidential running mate (maybe Biden hasn't read the fine print yet), an Obama presidency will be ground-zero for homosexual marriage activists.

Its already rolling in California. Here are the details from our friends at Family Research Council....PS-Your vote matters in three weeks.

Homosexuals Having a Field Day with CA Schools
"It really is what we call a teachable moment," argued Liz Jaroflow, the interim director of a local California charter school. This is how she and other administrators rationalize the decision to take a class of impressionable first graders on a field trip to their teachers' lesbian "wedding." At the suggestion of a parent, Jaroflow herded the five- and six-year-olds onto a bus during school hours last Friday and surprised Erin Carder and Kerri McCoy at City Hall. Now the unorthodox excursion is putting San Francisco's school district at the center of a national debate on counterfeit marriage. When asked what educational value the trip had, Jaroflow pointed to the "historical significance of same-sex marriage" and "civil rights." "...[I]t's not controversial..." she told reporters. "It's certainly an issue I would be willing to put my job on the line for." Whether or not the district will ask her to do so is unclear. According to the Chronicle, Jaroflow did ask for parents' permission, and two families opted out. Across California, however, voters are in disbelief. The trip, a disgraceful abuse of school time, is just a preview of the indoctrination to come if Proposition 8 fails. Ironically, this happened just days after "No on 8" launched ads last week claiming same-sex "marriage" would not be taught in schools, no matter what the outcome on November 4. Not only will it be taught, it's obvious that the lessons are already underway!

Freedom of Choice Act To Be Law Under Obama

If Barack Obama becomes the next President, more unborn babies will die.

Obama and his abortionist congressional allies will quickly pass the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA).

This is the most radical piece of pro-abortion legislation ever considered by our nation. The details are chilling.

Here is a good synopsis of FOCA.

The entire text is listed below...

What FOCA Would Do:
All sides in the abortion fight agree, if FOCA were to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by a pro-abortion President, it would, among other effects, provide for taxpayer-funded abortion on demand even late in pregnancy, grant abortionists immunity from legal action, allow abortionists the discretion to perform abortions on minors without notifying a parent, and deny health care workers the right to refuse to make abortion referrals as a matter of conscience.
"The legislation (FOCA) would invalidate existing and future laws that interfere with or discriminate against the exercise of the rights protected . It also would provide an individual aggrieved by a violation of the act a private right of civil action in order to obtain appropriate relie f" - Planned Parenthood website.
"As a general matter, if FOCA were enacted, it would wipe out a very large number of existing state laws on abortion, substantially impede the ability of states to regulate abortion, and override nearly 40 years of jurisprudential experience on the subject of abortion." - USCCB Memorandum on FOCA
FOCA would automatically overturn state abortion reporting requirements in all 50 states, 44 states' laws concerning parental involvement, 40 states' laws on restricting later-term abortions, 46 states' conscience protection laws for individual health care providers, 27 states' conscience protection laws for institutions, 38 states' bans on partial-birth abortions, 33 states' laws on requiring counseling before an abortion, and 16 states' laws concerning ultrasounds before an abortion.
FOCA seeks to eliminate any civil pro-life opposition in the public square:
"The bill would give women the right to file civil suits against any person or government agency that sought to limit their ability to get an abortion." - MSNBC Briefing Book: Issues '08.
Presumably this would not only include federal and state legislators who merely introduce legislation seeking restrictions on abortion but also against peaceful pro-lifers who pray and offer alternatives in front of abortion facilities.
FOCA-type legislation increases rates of abortion:
According to NARAL's web site, seven states ( California , Connecticut , Hawaii , Maine , Maryland , Nevada and Washington ) have legislation on the books similar to FOCA.
In Maryland , FOCA-type legislation has been on the books since 1991. According to Planned Parenthood's Alan Guttmacher Institute, the abortion rate in the United States DECREASED nine percent since 2000 to 19.4 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age in 2005. By contrast, the state of Maryland in 2005 produced a rate of 31.5 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age, an INCREASE of eight percent since 1991.
Other states with similar FOCA laws on the books show abortion rates larger than the national average of 19.4 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age:
California has a rate of 27.1 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. Abortions in California represent 17.3 of all abortions in the United States .
Connecticut has a rate of 23.6 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age. The rate has increased 12% since 2000, when it was 21.1 abortions per 1,000 women.
Hawaii has a rate of 21.8 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age.
Nevada 's rate is 27.0 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

"Flipper Bill" Ritter Wrong Again on Life.

C'mon Guv.

When you ran for election in 2006, you touted yourself as a pro-life Catholic Democrat, who valued the sanctity of life.

Yet on Tuesday, you aligned yourself with the abortion crowd, cronies and rationalizers. The issue at hand-Amendment 48, which simply states that life begins at conception.

Here's the link to yesterday's story.

What I don't understand today is how a "pro-life' Catholic can oppose this amendment?

Maybe you haven't been totally honest with us. Or maybe you have made a political calculation-that forgiveness will be extended to you by the pro-lifers, whereas your leftist political masters (such as Planned Parenthood who funded your election) would take you to task in your re-election bid in 2010?

Next time be honest about your beliefs.

Either way, its time to call you Flipper Bill.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Fresh Pickings from Canada on Same-Sex Marriage

Word is in from our northern cousins on the Canadian experiment with same-sex marriage. And its not pretty.

These new rights have spawned a wave of intolerance and oppression against any dissent.

Read here about the current Canadian experiment with same-sex marriages.

The Truth About the Financial Crisis

The truth hurts.

For days now, Democrat revisionists have laid the blame for the financial crisis at the feet of the Bush Administration.

But their charges are untrue. Maybe they just forgot the truth.

Interestingly, an article in the New York Times dated September 30, 1999 sheds light on this current darkness.

Here it is.

Monday, September 29, 2008

A Great Movie for Your Family

See this movie. If we want good movies to dominate in our theaters, we need to patronize a movie like Fireproof.

Here's the link.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

A Liberal Gets Marriage Right

I don't particularly care for most of David Blankenhorn's liberal politics, but we can agree on this: marriage is the best thing for kids.

David has penned a great article in the Los Angeles Times. Its a must read for those who believe in marriage and its efficacy on our culture.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Banning Gay Marriage Is A Big Deal....

It may not be a big issue for McCain or Obama, but it is the biggest social issue facing voters this fall.

And here is the question: will our nation allow homosexuals to marry?

California is ground zero. This fall, voters will decide whether current court ordered homosexual marriages will stand. We hope its overturned. We also hope that Californians will reject this latest overreach by a court and preserve the definition of marriage

We wish McCain was more vocal on this issue. Barack Obama has been pretty quite too. McCain states that he will support homosexual marriage bans while Obama will not.

Here is the latest on this key issue.

Friday, September 12, 2008

The Fraud of Abortion

Abortion is one of the great evils of our time.

It robs the life given by God of an unborn child, extinguishing whatever potential and accomplishments that child would achieve with their life.

Not only does abortion kill unborn children but it emotionally scars those who have one and who perform this procedure. Yet, abortionists believe that freeing a woman from an unintended pregnancy is a higher choice irregardless of the corresponding death of her unborn child.

Participating in the death of another human being tarnishes the soul. Today's abortion ethos of "giving the mother choice" is akin to Nazi Germany's dogma of the 1940's. Hitler believed that he could choose who would live or die in his "final solution to the Jewish problem."

This warped mentality is alive and well today. Case in point is this death view of life by a group of Canadian "doctors."

Check out this incredible story here.

This is a scary anti-God view. No human has the right to decide who lives or dies.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Sacrifice and 911

Sacrifice and 9-11


Most of us can remember where we were on the morning of September 11, 2001. I was driving to a meeting when a work colleague of mine called me and told me to turn on the radio. The news stunned me. Like the Pearl Harbor generation, Americans were dumbfounded that our nation had again been brazenly attacked without warning.

Shortly afterwards, President Bush would declare the war on terror. Seven years have passed since that fateful day. It has been a costly struggle. Thousands of American soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors have either given their lives or have been injured. Their sacrifices have kept our nation safe.

But there is an ongoing spiritual war which embraces humanity and is far more deadly. Ephesians 6:12 teaches that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Satan is the ultimate terrorist. His goal: to force spiritual darkness and bondage upon every human.

To win this war requires sacrifice too. Scripture teaches that Christ’s sacrifice has saved us from this spiritual darkness (1 John 2:2). Without it, we are outside of God’s Kingdom. While our national sacrifice is great and mounting, it does not compare to the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The good news is that sacrifice always births freedom whether it is the war on terror or the great spiritual war of good versus evil.

This year, in light of 9-11, are you willing to accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for your spiritual freedom?

Friday, August 29, 2008

Sex By The Numbers

Here is the sex update from the June 2008 USA Today survey...

-5 million opposite-sex umarried couples live together, up from half-a-million in 1970. Our view:This trend has been building for years. Our divorce culture has spawned a generation of young skepketical adults who are leery of a life-long commitment. This "psudo-marriage" gives them the near benefits of marriage without the commitment. Howedver, nearly 70 percent of co-habitors divorce if they marry.

-10% of American couples are cohabitating while that number is 30% in Western Europe and Canada. There are enough of these couples now to call their relationships "mainstream." Our view: See above. Faith plays a large part in marital formation for many couples. There will be some restraint of cohabitation in America due to our ongoing religious beliefs. Yet, many younger Christians see no problem with it.

-20% fewer marriages were reported in the U.S. in 2005 than in 1995. Our view:This is a disburbing trend. What it means is that more children will be born out of wedlock than to intact two-parent homes. This trends needs to be reversed.

-63% of Americans say that homosexual marriage should be permissible and that the government should not ban it. At the same time, more than 50% of churchgoers believe that gay marriage should be prohibited. Our view:We would take issue with this number since most marriage-definition amendments pass at the state level. However, there is a growing cultural sentiment that homosexuals should have a equal partnership incumbent of the same rights and rewards of marriage.

-55,000 homosexual couples from other states will legally wed in California. Our view: It is likely that the voters of California will repeal this misguided court decision in November. In 2000 more than 60 percent of the California electorate voted for a law defining marriage between one man and one woman. We believe a majority sentiment towwards this position still exists.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

9-year-old boy told he's too good to pitch

This one comes from the "hard to believe file"....

Jericho Scott is nine years old and plays baseball. He possesses a blazing fastball and is so good that local little league officials in New Haven, Connecticut have told him that he cannot pitch anymore.

Here's the story.

Playing sports is about winning and unfortunately losing. Banishing a stand out athlete sends a powerful message that mediocrity is more important than excellence.

Let's hope this call gets over turned.

The Pelosi Deception

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is at it again.

Now I will cut the esteemed Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives a break as to her intentions and grant her a naviete pass on this one.

Here's what Pelosi said on Sunday's Meet the Press....""doctors of the church" have not been able to define when life begins and that "over the history of the church, this is an issue of controversy."

Really. Nancy Pelosi self-describes herself as "an ardent, practicing Catholic." One would then assume that she would be very knowledgeable about the teachings of her church. Apparently, for whatever reasons, she is not. Now again, I don't want to accuse her of untruth, but only hold her accountable for her words...

The Catholic Church for a millenium has held the view that life begins at conception. Denver Archbishop Charles Chaput added that "Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is a gifted public servant of strong convictions and many professional skills. Regrettably, knowledge of Catholic history and teaching does not seem to be one of them."

He adds the punchline: "Abortion kills unborn, developing life. Its is always evil, and so are the evasions employed to justify it. Catholics who make excuses for it- whether they're famous or not-fool only themselves and abuse the fidelity of those Catholics who do sincerely seek to follow the Gospel and live their Catholic faith.


Could Pelosi's statement be more about politics than intellectual honesty?

Archbishop Chaput Nails the Abortion Issue

Hoorahs again to Denver's Archbishop Charles Chaput and his clairvoyant column on abortion.

With the backdrop of this week's Democratic National Convention looming, Chaput issued a clear and concise statement on life and abortion.

Here it is. You don't want to miss this one.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Finding Life in Death

This very powerful. It was written by a man who died last month. Copy and keep this one....


Tony Snow was a television commentator who eventually became President Bush's press secretary. He had several bouts with cancer and he recently lost his battle with the disease. Last October, during the midst of his illness, Tony Snow shared what spiritual lessons he had been learning through his ordeal. Here are Tony Snow's own words:

Blessings arrive in unexpected packages--in my case, cancer. Those of us with potentially fatal diseases--and there are millions in America today--find ourselves in the odd position of coping with our mortality while trying to fathom God's will. Although it would be the height of presumption to declare with confidence "What It All Means," Scripture provides powerful hints and consolations.

The first is that we shouldn't spend too much time trying to answer the "why" questions: Why me? Why must people suffer? Why can't someone else get sick? We can't answer such things, and the questions themselves often are designed more to express our anguish than to solicit an answer.

I don't know why I have cancer, and I don't much care. It is what it is, a plain and indisputable fact. Yet even while staring into a mirror darkly, great and stunning truths begin to take shape. Our maladies define a central feature of our existence: We are fallen. We are imperfect. Our bodies give out.

But despite this--or because of it--God offers the possibility of salvation and grace. We don't know how the narrative of our lives will end, but we get to choose how to use the interval between now and the moment we meet our Creator face-to-face.

Second, we need to get past the anxiety. The mere thought of dying can send adrenaline flooding through your system. A dizzy, unfocused panic seizes you. Your heart thumps; your head swims . You think of nothingness and swoon. You fear partings; you worry about the impact on family & friends. You fidget and get nowhere.

To regain footing, remember that we were born not into death, but into life--and that the journey continues after we have finished our days on this earth. We accept this on faith, but that faith is nourished by a conviction that stirs even within many non believing hearts--an intuition that the gift of life, once given, cannot be taken away. Those who have been stricken enjoy the special privilege of being able to fight with their might, main, and faith to live fully, richly, and exuberantly--no matter how their days may be numbered.

Third, we can open our eyes and hearts. God relishes surprise. We want lives of simple, predictable ease--smooth, even trails as far as the eye can see--but God likes to go off-road. He provokes us with twists and turns. He places us in predicaments that seem to defy our endurance; and comprehension--and yet don't. By His love and grace, we persevere. The challenges that make our hearts leap and stomachs churn invariably strengthen our faith and grant measures of wisdom and joy we would not experience otherwise.

'You Have Been Called'. Picture yourself in a hospital bed. The fog of anesthesia has begun to wear away. A doctor stands at your feet; a loved one holds your hand at the side. "It's cancer," the healer announces.

The natural reaction is to turn to God and ask him to serve as a cosmic Santa. "Dear God, make it all go away. Make everything simpler." But another voice whispers: "You have been called." Your quandary has drawn you closer to God, closer to those you love, closer to the issues that matter--and has dragged into insignificance the banal concerns that occupy our "normal time."

There's another kind of response, although usually short-lived a n inexplicable shudder of excitement, as if a clarifying moment of calamity has swept away everything trivial and tiny, and placed before us the challenge of important questions.

The moment you enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, things change. You discover that Christianity is not something doughy, passive, pious, and soft. Faith may be the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But it also draws you into a world shorn of fearful caution. The life of belief teems with thrills, boldness, danger, shocks, reversals, triumphs, and epiphanies. Think of Paul, traipsing though the known world and contemplating trips to what must have seemed the antipodes (Spain), shaking the dust from his sandals, worrying not about the morrow, but only about the moment.

There's nothing wilder than a life of humble virtue--for it is through selflessness and service that God wrings from our bodies and spirits the most we ever cou ld give, the most we ever could offer, and the most we ever could do.

Finally, we can let love change everything. When Jesus was faced with the prospect of crucifixion, he grieved not for himself, but for us. He cried for Jerusalem before entering the holy city. From the Cross, he took on the cumulative burden of human sin and weakness, and begged for forgiveness on our behalf.

We get repeated chances to learn that life is not about us, that we acquire purpose and satisfaction by sharing in God's love for others. Sickness gets us part way there. It reminds us of our limitations and dependence. But it also gives us a chance to serve the healthy. A minister friend of mine observes that people suffering grave afflictions often acquire the faith of two people, while loved ones accept the burden of two peoples' worries and fears.

'Learning How to Live'. Most of us have watched friends as they drifted toward God's arms, not with resignation, but with peace and hope. In so doing, they have taught us not how to die, but how to live. They have emulated Christ by transmitting the power & authority of love.

I sat by my best friend's bedside a few years ago as a wasting cancer took him away. He kept at his table a worn Bible and a 1928 edition of the Book of Common Prayer. A shattering grief disabled his family, many of his old friends, and at least one priest. Here was an humble and very good guy, someone who apologized when he winced with pain because he thought it made his guest uncomfortable. He retained his equanimity and good humor literally until his last conscious moment. "I'm going to try to beat [this cancer]," he told me several months before he died. "But if I don't, I'll see you on the other side."

His gift was to remind everyone around him that even though God doesn't promise us tomorrow, he does promise us eternity--filled with life and love we cannot comprehend--and that one can in the throes of sickness point the rest of us toward timeless truths that will help us weather future storms.

Through such trials, God bids us to choose: Do we believe, or do we not? Will we be bold enough to love, daring enough to serve, humble enough to submit, and strong enough to acknowledge our limitations? Can we surrender our concern in things that don't matter so that we devote our remaining days to things that do?

When our faith flags, he throws reminders in our way. Think of the prayer warriors in our midst. They change things, and those of us who have been on the receiving end of their petitions and intercessions know it. It is hard to describe, but there are times when suddenly the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you feel a surge of the Spirit. Somehow you just know: Others have chosen, when talking to the Author of all creation, to lift us up--to speak of us!

This is love of a very special order. But so is the ability to sit back & appreciate the wonder of every created thing. The mere thought of death somehow makes every blessing vivid, every happiness more luminous and intense. We may not know how our contest with sickness will end, but we have felt the ineluctable touch of God.

What is man that Thou art mindful of him? We don't know much, but we know this: No matter where we are, no matter what we do, no matter how bleak or frightening our prospects, each and every one of us who believe, each and every day, lies in the same safe and impregnable place, in the hollow of God's hand.

Friday, July 25, 2008

The New Purity Tidal Wave

All over our nation, parents and their daughters are taking up the cross of personal purity. Reacting to a teen culture that is in the gutter regarding sexual purity, father-daughter purity balls are sweeping across our country.

Check out this great story and be encouraged!

The Latest Batman Flop...

I am not sure whether to laugh or cry about this movie...We are all familiar with the genre of the ongoing Batman saga. Unfortunately, today's movie writers tend to delve into the dark and sublime of the Batman character, portraying him as being just a touch above the criminals he pursues in Gotham City.

The latest installment surely fits this bill.

While some will tout its value as a morality play between good and evil, this is one you and your family need to skip.

Children need to see evil as evil and good as good. This is an adult movie where these differences get blurry.

While Batman retains a certain altruistic fascination by many, this one flops.

Philippians 1:10 tells us "to discern what is best in order to be pure and blameless until the day of Christ."

Friday, July 18, 2008

Bad News for the Brits- More Babies Out of Wedlock

This might be a blip on the radar for most but its big news...British media is now reporting that the new D-Day in Britain has arrived- where more babies are born out of wedlock than in marriage.

While some will hail this as a breaktrhough to a whole new world, in reality its a tragedy that will eventually redefine Great Britain.

Americans need to be careful. This virus is already on our shores....

Thursday, July 17, 2008

The Righteous Will Live By Faith

“The righteous will live by faith.” Eight of the most important words for believers are found in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk (verse 2:4). This verse seems straight forward and pretty easy to do. But, the idea of trusting God when everything else is going wrong is often tough and counter-intuitive to how most of us think. If anything, our strongest urge may be to grab the wheel of life and start steering. Yet, that conversion of thought is an ongoing and compelling message of Christianity.

In Habakkuk’s era, the Jewish nation was coming to an end. Corruption and religious hypocrisy were at their zenith. God tells the prophet that He would not only bring swift judgment on Israel soon but it would be delivered by the hands of the Babylonians, the renowned cruel and barbaric warriors of that age. Habakkuk was stunned. From his perspective, his people deserved God’s judgment but not to the level that would be inflicted by the Babylonian army. Yet, somewhere within the fabric of his being, Habakkuk finds the answer to the imminent storm of destruction and judgment- “the righteous shall live by faith.”

Life is not storm-less. Most of us will not experience the brutal end of our nation or a terrifying end of the life we know each day. But, there are still major challenges that will come through our lives- illness and death, loss of a job, the rebellion of a child, a failed relationship, etc. Christians have never been immune from suffering, illness, poverty or any of the deprivations of life. For many believers, there seems to be an extra portion of these pestilences at times.

Noted Christian author Francis Schaffer posed the question that we must each answer- how then should we live?

Habakkuk got it right. Will you?

Monday, July 14, 2008

Unmarried Men A Growing Threat in China

Today's post comes from our good friend Chuck Colson and his Breakpoint commentary. Here is the link to the article....


In late June an angry crowd, estimated at 10,000 people, set fire to a government building and police cars in southwestern China. More than 150 people were injured, and it took 1,500 paramilitary and riot police to restore a semblance of order.

The crowd was protesting the “alleged cover-up of a teenage girl’s rape and murder” by three young men, including the “son of a local politician.”

While news agencies cited the incident as an example of unrest over corruption and injustices, there is another Chinese problem highlighted in this story: “China’s testosterone problem.”

That’s the term the New Republic used to characterize the social problems caused by the male-female imbalance in China. As writer Mara Hvistendahl tells us, China “has the largest gender imbalance in the world . . .” There are 37 million more men than women in China; and “almost 20 percent more newborn boys than girls nationwide.” In some parts of China, there are 60 percent more male children than female!

The imbalance is the product of China’s infamous “one-child policy,” in which the government told villagers, and I quote, “YOU CAN BEAT IT OUT! YOU CAN MAKE IT FALL OUT! YOU CAN ABORT IT! BUT YOU CANNOT GIVE BIRTH TO IT!”

Many villagers complied, but with a twist: They made sure that the “one child” would be a boy, who could earn more than girls could. As a result, a researcher at the Chinese Institute for Social Sciences estimates that 10 percent of Chinese men will be unable to find wives.

Of course, frustrated men will make their presence felt, as Beijing is learning. After the first generation of “one child” boys hit adolescence, China’s juvenile crime rate more than doubled. Chinese officials complained about young men committing crimes “without specific motives, often without forethought.”

Sound familiar? History teaches us that unattached, unmarriageable males are “disproportionately responsible for drug abuse, looting, vandalism, and violent crime.” This was true of “frontier towns,” “immigrant ghettos,” and our own inner-cities. There is no reason to think that China will be any different.

And the worst is yet to come as the imbalance grows larger. Government officials worry about the “hidden threat to social stability” posed by a cohort of “hopeless, volatile men.” Wars have often started, historically, when men tried to find wives elsewhere.

But the best the government can come up with are slogans like, “Boys and Girls are both treasures.” Meanwhile young Chinese men gather in bars where they pay $15 a minute to assault the waiters. Yes, you heard me correctly. Even more ominously, if the customer prefers, the waiter will dress in women’s clothing. No wonder ordinary Chinese are worried for the safety of their daughters!

It is hard to find a better example of the consequences that arise from defying the moral order that God has written into His creation. China thought it could create a harmonious society where every child was wanted; now unwanted men threaten its very stability.

China fears its own sons and worries about its daughters all because it followed a false worldview, ignoring God’s design.

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

The Obama's on Homosexual Marriage

They're for it. At least they are today. Here's the link to Michelle Obama's speech to a Gay and Lesbian group...

If elected, Barack Obama and his legislative cronies and judges could overturn 3,000 years of human law and history on marriage. I am not trying to scare anyone, but marriage as a the human icon of relationships would be changed forever.

In a blog last week, I mentioned what a vote for Obama would mean. One of those prognostications would be the advent of (and your acceptance of)gay marriage nation wide. Michelle Obama's statements confirm this troubling notion.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Arizona Legislature Vetoes Marriage Amendment

What's up in Arizona? Attempts to get a marriage amendment on the AZ state ballot was defeated yesterday.

Seems as though a key supporter of it was on vacation...Keep your fingers crossed that it will come back again. In light of the judicial fiat in California re gay marriage, state constitutional amendments are the firewall against homosexual marriages...

Here's the AZ story.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Colorado Dems Explain SB 200

State Rep. Bernie Buescher has a problem. You see, Rep. Buescher is a liberal Democrat representing a Republican state house district in Grand Junction. How he got into this position is another story. Often, Bernie will tell his constituents one thing in Grand Junction, yet will vote much differently with liberal Front Range Democrats at the Statehouse in Denver.

You might be interested to hear how Rep. Buescher explained his vote for SB 200, the new law the gives men the right to be in women's bathrooms....

Men using the women's bathroom?
Business owners believe discrimination bill crosses line
By By Emily Anderson
Grand Junction, CO Colorado,
GRAND JUNCTION — Allowing men in women’s bathrooms is not what Rep. Bernie Buescher, D-Grand Junction, envisioned when he voted for Senate Bill 200 in May.

A sign in front of Mike’s Auto has been telling drivers on North Avenue differently for more than a week.

The sign, reading “Bernie Buescher, Shame on you, Men in girl’s bathrooms,” refers to a new state law designed to prohibit discrimination based on a person’s religion or sexual orientation in several places, including “facilities.” “Facilities” include hotel and public accommodations, not bathrooms, Buescher said.

“It prohibits discrimination — it says nothing about men using women’s bathrooms,” Buescher said. “Should it be interpreted that way, I’d be the first to lead an effort to modify it.

“The use by the wrong person of a bathroom is illegal, it is still.”

The owners of Mike’s Auto, Mike and Susan Gregg, said they read about the bill on a citizen link on Focus on the Family’s Web site and believe “facilities” include bathrooms. Susan Gregg said she was outraged a transgender man might be allowed to use the same bathroom as her granddaughters.

“It opens the door to men that are transvestites, cross dressers, whatever,” Gregg said.

The sign went up June 11 and has already prompted a few phone calls, messages and caused a few people to pull over and drop into the store. Most of the comments are positive, said Gregg.

Orville Powders, a Mike’s Auto employee, said he’s taken about four calls a week since the sign went up. Callers are evenly split on the issue, Powders said.

“The ones that like it really like it, the ones that don’t like it really don’t like it,” he said.

Senate Bill 200 became law May 29. It passed the state House with a 38-26-1 vote and the Senate with a 20-15-0 vote. Grand Junction Republicans Rep. Steve King and Sen. Josh Penry voted against the act.

Jonah and Reaching Today's Ninevites

We all know about the fish that ate Jonah.

But there is much more to this fish story. Its a story that has a lot of modern-day application to the public square.

At the heart of the legendary Old Testament story is the ministry of Jonah. Other OT passages refer to Jonah as a prophet who lived around 750 B.C. The Jewish nation was divided between the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah. The ruling Israelite king was likely Jereboam II and it was time of prosperity and international influence. Yet, storm clouds were on the horizon. The rising power was the Assyrian Empire, home-based in Ninevah in modern day northern Iraq.

Throughout the entire saga of Jonah catching a ship for the far-side of world and being thrown overboard and swallowed by a fish, a couple of salient facts emerge which are relevant for us today in the public square. The story may be from antiquity but these principles are timeless.

First, God is creator of all. He has made the rightous and the unrightous. He brings rain and sun on them equally.

Second, as creator, He alone will determine each human's fate. To assume that God wants to eliminate someone for their political or social beliefs is presumptive.

Third, as creator, God has allowed human wickedness for centuries. While the issues are different, today's immoral and unrightous humans are no different than the Ninevites of Jonah's time.

Fourth, like Jonah, we need to be reminded that God's priority is not politics. God did not call Jonah to be a spectator at the destruction of Ninevah. Instead he called him to instigate a revival. God is not that concerned about one's political equation. He is more interested in one's spiritual condition.

Jonah's problem was inside of him. Like many Jews of the time, he believed that Yahweh God was Israel's alone, relegating wicked people like the Ninevites to destruction. God wanted to dismiss that prejudicial view.

There is an election in 4 months or so. Americans will line up on the right, left or in the middle. It is tempting to go down the path of wishing ill for our political opponents.

But would that be what God would want? In light of Jonah, the answer would be no.

More on SB 200-Its Bad!

Over the last several weeks, I have chronicled and commented on the signing and implementation of Senate Bill 200, soon to be the law in Colorado.

This is the worst piece of social legislation that I have seen in my years as a lobbyist at the state legislature.

Below are comments about SB 200 from my good friend, State Rep. Kevin Lundberg from Berthoud. Read it and weep. This law infuriates me....

"SB 200, which the governor signed despite thousands of calls urging a veto, adds sexual orientation to the list of groups covered under civil rights legislation. Governor Ritter has given assurances that SB200 will not force businesses to accept clients that compromise their moral standards, but from what I learned when we debated this bill in the House I know he is completely wrong. That is the very purpose of this far-reaching legislation!


Another troubling part of this law is the censorship it imposes on printed materials. The section banning anything published that condemns homosexual behavior could be applied to anything, even the Bible. I don't expect anyone to force this conclusion soon, but the law is so open-ended that a judge could use this law to censor the Bible and any other published information he finds objectionable.


Finally, SB200 stripped away the people's constitutional right to review this bill at the ballot box. They included a "safety clause", declaring that it was necessary for the law to take effect immediately for the "preservation of the public peace, health, and safety." This removes the people's constitutional right to demand a vote on the legislation. In my opinion this abuse of the constitutional rules for lawmaking should on its own make this law illegal. We might see if any judge has the courage to agree"

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Pro-Life Plans to Demonstrate at DNC..

Its starting to heat up, that is with pro-life demonstrators. It will be interesting to see how Denver handles these protestors.

Here's the story.

Pray.

A Vote For Obama....

There is no need to wait any longer. Normally, I don't chime in about the presidential election until the dust settles from the conventions in September, the candidates pick their veeps and the 2 month, 24 hour a day sprint to the election begins.

But, here is my summary of what a vote for Obama will mean:

-More abortions.

-Lose the war in Iraq (so much for the 4100 or so Americans who died there).

-Higher taxes.

-Advocacy for gay marriage nationwide under the guise of civil rights.

-More government including government run health care.

-Higher gas prices.

-More intolerance of Christianity in the public square.

-More international confusion, ie will USA talk directly with the thugs in Havana, Tehran, etc?

-Unprecedented clout to the labor, education and other unions.

-Repeal of the Bush tax breaks.

And the best for last---daily doses of Obama's messianic commentary of "change we can believe in."

Thursday, June 12, 2008

The Belly-Button Factor

For all the things that separate us as humans, one small item unites every human being- your belly button.

This year, Colorado voters will have a historic opportunity to define the beginning of life in the November election. Recently, our friends at Colorado Equal Rightssuccessfully placed a proposed constitutional amendment defining life on the November ballot.

Their goal: To see that the Colorado's state constitution is amended to include pre-born from the moment of fertilization as having their "person hood" clearly established, so that they may enjoy equal protection under the law.

We heartily endorse this measure for many reasons. The one that stands out though is this- life begets life. When life becomes cheap, society suffers. Recognizing and conferring person hood status on unborn humans validates life.

By the way, Psalms affirms unborn person hood. Check out Psalm 139:14-16...For you created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother's womb. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. Your eyes saw my unformed body."

Friday, June 06, 2008

Teenage Disaster!

This story breaks my heart.

Rersearchers at the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a new report that one in four teenage girls has a sexually transmitted disease. Here's the report. Read it and weep.

This report alone should stoke a parent uprising in our nation. What are we doing? What are we allowing our young people to do and experience? A generation ago, people winked and patted you on the back if you and your girlfriend visited the local "overlook" on Friday night. But, back then, there were very few nasty diseases one could catch. Today, the price for premarital sex could be your life.

Despite the self-promoting comments by abortion providers like Planned Parenthood, stating that the numbers reflect a failure of abstinence only education, the fact remains that a lot of young girls will be scarred for life.

What the reports fails to mention is the importance of parents in this battle. Parents need to be the main provider of sex information for their kids.

Obviously we are failing at this important issue.

Thursday, June 05, 2008

California Gay Marriage Polls

The first of many polls measuring voter support for the California gay-marriage ban is in. With no surprises, the results are mixed.

I could be wrong, but I still believe that this voter referendum to reverse the California state supreme court's ruling last week to legalize gay marriage, will be successful in November.

You can bet though that we will see a lot of opposition to this citizen initiative from Hollywood and other anti-marriage forces in California as we head towards the election.

FYI. In California in 2000, 61 percent of the voters approved Proposition 22 which defined marriage between a man and a woman.

Your thoughts?

Great New Movie-Coming Soon

Facing the Giants in 2007 was one of our favorite movies.

Now, there is a new one coming soon, Fireproof.

Check it out here...

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Why Gay Marriage Will Not End

Some conservative pro-marriage allies are thinking out loud now that the fight for traditional marriage is lost. Their rationale goes something like this: we lost so let's cut our losses and run. Perhaps this will appease the gay marriage freight train. I don't think so.

Here's a link to one of the best op-ed's written about this issue. I think the author nails it.

Your thoughts?

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

California Gay Marriage Decision Threatens Nation

Hold on pro-marriage Coloradans, the fight may not be over yet for the definition of marriage in our state.

Here's why. Unlike Massachusetts, California has no law restricting marriage to state residents. There's no waiting period or residency requirement.

Here's a link to Judge Baxter's of the California State Supreme Court minority opinion.

In wake of last week's outrageous court decision in California legalizing gay marriage, homosexuals from all over the nation will soon flock to the Golden State to acquire marriage licenses and then return home. Their intent: to sue in their home state for court rulings which will uphold their California-granted marriage license.

Stay tuned. The fight for marriage is not over yet.

Monday, May 19, 2008

FRC Hits Nail on Head about Calif Gay Marriage

My good friend Tony Perkins from the Family Research Council in Washington, DC, hits the nail on the head regarding recent court action last week on gay marriage.

Read his article here.

Eight years ago, California voters overwhelmingly (61 percent) approved a law defining marriage
between one man and one woman. Known as the California Defense of Marriage Act, California voters sent a clear message about their intent. Obviously, the California State Supreme Court didn't get the message.

Fortunately, relief from this outrageous decision may come this fall in California. A major grass root effort to place a constitutional referendum on the November ballot for California voters on the definition of marriage is gaining steam.

Last week's court decision throws mud in the face of California voters.

Your thoughts?

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Homosexual Marriage OK in California- For Now...

They say that what happens in California eventually spreads nation wide. This is one trend that we hope stops at the Nevada border.

Today, the California State Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage is legal. For now.

Here's the story.

Remember, California does not have a constitutional amendment defining marriage. Colorado does (passed in 2006). This ruling will have little legal impact here other than to fuel local homosexual-activists to grind their axes.

The good news is that there is a large grass-roots effort in the Golden State to pass such an amendment this fall.

Your thoughts?

Better Public Education?

On Wednesday, Governor Bill Ritter signed into law what he calls "better" laws for public education.

The gist of these bills is to change how students are taught and tested to measure their academic progress.

The report card for Colorado public education is not pretty. Our state ranks near the bottom nationally in pupil educational achievement and low in the number of students who acquire college degrees.

Here is the story.

We have always applauded steps that strengthen public education. Well-educated children portend for good jobs, positive lifestyles and healthier communities. What we are concerned about is that reform dollars will be sucked into administrative or bureaucratic educational entities and never reach the desks of our kids.

Your thoughts?

Friday, May 02, 2008

Marriage Does Matter

Does marriage really matter to you?

A new study reveals that your political, religious and cultural views could determine your chance for a happy marriage.

The good news is that the majority of Americans still get married at some point in time in their life. The bad news is that most Americans have become comfortable with the notion of divorce. More than one-third of all Americans (33%) get divorced at least once. The most prolific divorcees are "downscale" adults at 38%, African-Americans at 36% and those who consider themselves politically liberal at 37%.

The news really does get much better with younger Americans. By a large margin, Americans under the age of 30 remain optimistic about getting married at some point. However, they have little confidence that they will remain married.

By the way, the population with the lowest divorce rate are Catholics at 28%, evangelical Christians at 26%, "upscale" adults at 22% and those who consider themselves conservative politically at 28%.

One could safely say that faith matters in marriage.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Tax Everyone for the Foibles of the Few

Today's thoughts are about Colorado public policy "101"...

Every year, there are a few bad ideas which gain traction at our state legislature. One of the hot ones this year is the marriage tax proposal.

Democratic senator Jon Morse from Colorado Springs has proposed a $25 surcharge on Colorado marriage licenses (current fee is $10) to fund the court appointed child advocate program, known as CASA.

While we believe in the mission of CASA and its advocacy in child abuse cases, taxing couples who are getting a license to marry is bad policy. Colorado lawmakers should be doing whatever it takes to encourage couples to marry, not pass laws that de-incentivize marriage. Colorado already has one of the lowest marriage rates in the nation.

There are other ways to fund CASA. Taxing everyone for the foibles of a few is wrong-headed.

For more information on SB 47, visit this link.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Divorce is Costly

Divorce is costing American taxpayers a ton of money. The old saying that one never ever solves their problems but only trades them in for new ones, certainly applies here.

Here's the link to a new national study tracking the cost of divorce and family fragmentation to our nation.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

More Evidence That Kids Need Marriage

These articles reinforce what we all knew already.

This was sent to us and its good. It's a timely reminder that marriage was intentionally created by God to bless adults and children. Our culture has lost that grip...

Marriage Matters to Children
April 10, 2008 on 12:00 am In Marriage, Children
The Claremont Institute (http://www.claremont.org/) recently published two book reviews having to do with the significance of marriage to the well-being of children, and the cohesiveness of society in general. The books reviewed are: “Marriage and Caste in America: Separate and Unequal Families in a Post-Marital Age,” by Kay S. Hymowitz, and “The Future of Marriage,” by David Blankenhorn.
These are two fascinating and informational books that you ought to read. The reviewer, F. Carolyn Graglia, writes: “Over the past four decades, American adults have seemed more concerned with enjoying their own existence than with the generation and welfare of children.” And in her book, Hymowitz writes: “Children of single mothers are less successful on just about every measure than children growing up with their married parents regardless of their income, race, or educational levels: they are more prone to drug and alcohol abuse, to crime, and to school failure; they are less likely to graduate from college; they are more likelyl to have children at a young age, and more likely to do so when they are unmarried. Soaring divorce rates and out-of-wedlock births (37% of U. S. births are illegitimate) have made ours a nation of separate and unequal families.”
The propensity to divorce is apparently correlated with two-income families. Hymowitz notes that the “traditional families, with breadwinner husband and stay-at-home wife had the lowest rate of divorce.” Women employed 80% of the time since the birth of their first child are twice as likely to be divorced as stay-at-home moms.
Today, more than 40% of all first marriages end in divorce (the rates for second and third marriages are higher), and more than half of all U.S. children will spend “at least a significant part of their childhood living apart from their father.”
Shacking up, having babies out of wedlock as an entitlement for working women who don’t have the time or inclination to create a marriage, having babies out of wedlock because of irresponsible sexual behavior (and not considering adoption to a two-parent mom and dad)…all of these now-normalized behaviors reek of narcissism and indicate that we worry less about children and more about adults being unfettered by morality, good sense, or compassion to the needs of children.
Strong Marriages = Strong Communities
April 9, 2008 on 12:00 am In Marriage
Pastor Alexander Hardy, Jr. of the New Dimension Worship Center in Frederick, Maryland banded together with 16 other churches to present Families United ‘08 two weekends ago. This was a three-day conference for children and adults, including workshops and fun and games. Sunday was even declared Marriage Day in Frederick, by way of a proclamation from the mayor and aldermen.
The point of this effort was to send a message of hope and perseverance to younger adults. The religious aspect was not incidental: one participant said that building a relationship with God has made all the difference in building relationships with his wife and children: “When we got married, we didn’t know God. God has taught us to be humble; taught us we don’t always have to be right or have it our way.”
All together, about 350 people attended this event, with six couples renewing their vows in front of their children and community. Inspiring!

Friday, April 04, 2008

New Survey Supports Evangelical Marriages

George Barna (noted Christian researcher) just released his latest work on the state of marriage in the U.S.

The good news is that people of faith, particularly evangelical Christians, have a high rate of marriage and remain married too.

The bad news is that our culture continues to twist away from traditional life long marriage. Young people, who were surveyed, reported that while they would like a life long marriage, they were pessimistic that that goal could be realistically achieved. In fact, most expected to be married several times during their life.

For more info, click here for the report.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Easter Is About Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the heart of the Easter message. Through his death on a Roman cross, Christ made it possible to forgive us. In turn, we are to forgive others. Jesus taught that "if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your father will not forgive your sins" (Matt. 6:14-15).

Many of us need forgiveness this day or we need to forgive someone who has transgressed us. A lack of forgiveness is the root cause for so much of the human "heart break" in our world today.

Here's a great story penned by Jean Torkelson in today's Rocky Mountain News which hits this nail on the head.

Forgiveness is not only an act of spirit and will but an act of the heart. This Easter, who do you need to forgive or ask for forgiveness?

Monday, March 17, 2008

Abortion Bad for Women's Health

A badly needed debate is underway in Great Britain. New research shows a causal link between abortion and psychological problems for women.

A recently released report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Great Britain sounded the alarm. The report recommends that women should not be allowed an abortion until they have been informed of the possible risks to their mental health.

Find out more at this link.

We need this debate in America.

Monday, March 10, 2008

California Challenges Homeschoolers

California homeschoolers were slapped in the face by a recent court ruling of the state's second district court of appeals. The court said all children ages 6 to 18 must attend public or private school full time until they graduate from high school or must be tutored by a credentialed teacher.

On Saturday, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger weighed in vowing to reverse the court's decision. ""Every California child deserves a quality education, and parents should have the right to decide what's best for their children. Parents should not be penalized for acting in the best interests of their children's education. This outrageous ruling must be overturned by the courts, and if the courts don't protect parents' rights then, as elected officials, we will."

There is no provision in the California Education Code or elsewhere in state law that addresses the issue of homeschooling. Homeschool advocates want to keep it that way, despite the governor's support for a new law to help them. They believe current code supports their practices and that new laws would include regulations and possibly restrictions on homeschooling. "We just want to leave it alone because it's good the way it is," said Loren Mavromati, who homeschools her two children and volunteers with the California Homeschool Network, an advocacy organization made up mostly of homeschooling parents. "The law as it stands is working well in California."

A legislative remedy is unlikely despite Schwarzenegger's stance. The California State Assembly is controlled by Democrats who have little support or sympathy for homeschooling.

Read the full story here.

The Potter's Wheel

In the Hands of the Potter

For most of us, the idea of being clay is not real appealing. We live in a time in which we are told to be the masters of our own lives, the captain’s of our destiny. The idea that we would willingly surrender our fame, fortune and future for some unseen master or world seems ludicrous to most. But, the bible teaches us this way.

Eternal shaping is God’s main business for each of us. Scripture witnesses to this fact over and over again. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah had this notion that we are all on the potter’s wheel (Jeremiah 18), being shaped for eternity. Jeremiah saw the potter as God, molding His followers into beautiful eternal vessels. Jesus taught that we are to pursue the Kingdom of Heaven and the work of the potter (Matthew 6) above everything else, irregardless of the cost. His bottom-line: we are to place our lives, fame and fortune into God’s formative hands. Being soft and moldable clay is one of the great secrets of a successful Christian life.

The question of that time, and one which is still very applicable today, is whether or not you will allow God to shape you for eternity. To do so will require you to swim against the popular currents of our culture. How moldable are you? Take a visit to the Potter’s house soon. The bottom-line: take your hands off the wheel and get onto the potter’s wheel.

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

The Pulpit and the Culture Intersection

More and more, pastors are asked or are pressured to preach "on the culture." For some pastors, this is dangerous turf fraught with landmines. For others, it is as natural as breathing.

From my view, there is a balance point.

At issue for most pastors who preach regularly is a reasonable balance. Many pastors do not see themselves as political advocates or operatives. More often than not, they see their ministry as being above the political fray.

In 2008, politics are front and center for many parishioners. Pastors are in a unique position to influence the hearts and minds of voters towards Kingdom perspectives.

While Scripture is not an inherently political document, there are verses that guide believers and their interactions with rulers and the government. For example-Romans 13:1-7 and Luke 20:25 to name a few.

These need to be preached on.

Friday, February 08, 2008

Republicans Take the Lead in Bad Behavior

Republicans 2 Democrats 1. That's the current tally for bad legislative behavior this year.

You may not believe this latest installment of bad behavior.

The latest gaffe or "foot in the mouth" award goes to Republican house representative Larry Liston from Colorado Springs. On Wednesday, Rep. Liston called unmarried teen parents "sluts" at a caucus meeting.

Here's the story.

Chagrined, and to his credit, Rep. Liston apologized for his remarks. While Liston felt the weight of appropriate condemnation from his collegues, his greatest pain likely came from his wife- "she made it very clear that I could have said something far different and that was at 6:50 a.m."

Stay tuned.

It's Not Suppose to Be This Way

Everyday, the news is filled with a story of people behaving badly. The latest installment was the tragic shooting Thursday in Kirkwood, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis.

The latest episode involved a deranged man opening fire at the local city council meeting, killing two police officers and three city officials before being shot dead by other policemen. Here's the story.

It's not suppose to be this way. But more and more, people who have dead-ends in their lives appear to only be able to solve their problems through violence on others.

A decade ago, news like this would have shocked our nation to its core. Not now. In a culture satiated with crime, violence and ugliness, its just another day....

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Democrats Bask in Capital Sunshine

Colorado Democrats basked in the sun of political power and momentum during Thursday's annual state of the state speech by Governor Bill Ritter. Their ascent to almost total political power in Colorado in the last ten years is stunning by any account.

In 1998, the political power shoe was on the foot of Republicans. Bill Owens was in his first term as Colorado's first Republican governor in nearly 25 years. The "R's" held majorities in both state houses. Their where whispers that a Republican hegemony could rule Colorado fo 20 years. But then things began to slowly change for the "woe-be-gone" Democrats.

Their secret recipe: they found a message which resonated with the electorate (health care, green energy, strong education); they discovered a band of rich Democratic political billionaire underwriters (you know these names-Tim Gill,Patricia Stryker and Jared Polis); they enlisted the help of a sympathetic media; and they began an incremental plan of slowly grabbing legislative seats in competitive districts. They also had a bunch of help from an overly confident and somewhat obtuse Republican party who lost their governing compass.

Fast forward to January 10th, 2008. The Democrats have all the political and idea momentum in Colorado. You could just feel their collective energy, their confidence and smug dismissal of their now "wo-be-gone" Republican counterparts. They are the masters of the public agenda. Will they fumble the ball away as the Republicans did in the early 2000's? Time will tell. Its hard to imagine Team Democrat losing much ground in the future. And, Colorado voters may change their allegiance down the road again. But for now, they are the ones in the sun...

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

The Right Position for 2008

At the beginning of each new year my mailbox is stuffed with mailers offering to maximize my talents and to position me professionally, personally and financially. They all tout that I can achieve the success and happiness I need if I follow their advice and purchase their material.

I have no doubt that God wants me to utilize my gifts to their utmost for His kingdom. Being sharp in these key areas will benefit me. But here’s where the subtle trap comes in- it would be very easy to twist my gifting and promote my abilities for my own gain, ignoring what God has given me for now. God gifts all of us with unique abilities to further His Kingdom. My gifting is a means to and end, not the endgame. We tread on thin ice when we alone attempt to position ourselves by championing our abilities.

A good biblical reminder is Abraham. Here was a man who experienced spiritual highs and lows. On the one hand, God exercised a covenant with him, promising him that his descendants would be more numerous than the dust of the desert (Gen. 13:16). Yet, on the other hand, his faith wobbled when he could not see how God could accomplish this covenant and he conceived an illegitimate son with his wife’s female servant (Gen. 16:4).Through these mistakes, Abraham still emerged as one of the pillars of the Old Testament, a man whose heart was for God and who realized that God would position and provide everything he needed, even if it meant losing his promised son (Gen. 22).

Abraham learned a vital lesson, one which is applicable today. What God desires most from us is not our position in life but a heart bent towards him.

As 2008 unfolds, trust in God to position you and your family. Don’t ignore sharpening your unique gifts or skills. Just be wary that you don’t make yourself the endgame. God is at work in your life, profession and family (Rom. 8:28). Instead, trust God to continue to place you exactly where He wants you to be.

As RMFC moves forward in 2008, our desire is to be rightly positioned by God. We believe that it’s the season now for building a strong marriage culture in our region. Please note all of the excellent resources in this newsletter, including our 2008 Colorado Legislative Preview and our upcoming marriage and family seminars. These seminars are taught by great communicators and are designed to enrich your relationship. Happy New Year!

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Your Position in 2008

Happy New Year!

The older I get the faster the years go by. I am convinced of thus fact. But I have also noticed that the older I get the more concerned I am about being in a good position, whether it be financial, professional, spiritual or relational.

But as I think about it, I don't think that's what God wants first from me, at least not at the start. A shift in the "winds of life" could change my position(s) pretty quick.

A subtle danger lurks when we attempt to position ourselves by promoting our own merits and abilities. Overtly, it sets up a dangerous trap for us- to make the "means to an end" the endgame when it shouldn't be so. Covertly, it takes God out of the equation. There is nothing wrong in using our God-given gifts and skills to accomplish the mission God has given each of us in life. But it can be subtly twisted.

I have come to believe that God doesn't care about our position in this life. What matters most to God is our heart. What wants from us is a position based on Him, that is a by product of our life and not a way to promote ourselves without God.

Check out Proverbs 27:2.."let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips."

Your thoughts.