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 27, 2008
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.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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....
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...
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!
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)