Big Changes Ahead?

With Bush on his way out and Obama on his way in, it's pretty evident that there are going to be some big changes. 

This past weekend, the economic world leaders met in Washington to discuss the emerging world-wide recession. Without really knowing what the details are, the meeting ended up with the leaders vowing to cooperate to improve the world-wide economy.

What "vowing to cooperate" means, I really don't know. Were they not cooperating before? Was Europe or Asia doing something to drive down the American economy? Last time I checked, all 3 continents were in economic trouble. 

With Bush being a lame duck president, I have to think that president elect Obama will also cooperate with whatever was talked about during the meetings.

For whatever reason, it just does not seem on coincidence that the economy has been doing this poorly right before the election. America has had 7 and 1/2 years of George W. Bush and then all of the sudden we've been bombarded in the media about how bad the economy is.

When Barack Obama won the election, there was support world-wide. Many called him a, "global president" in hopes that Obama will unite the world, bring peace and stability. 

Could there be drastic changes with Obama? After all, his slogan during the election was, "We can Change."

There are some who are speculating that the American dollar is in such bad shape and will be replaced.

Unbelievable? Unimaginable? Impossible? Take a gander across the Atlantic and look at Europe. The countries that make up the European Union abandoned their currencies for the Euro in which was supposed to make a stronger, more stable economy. 

Could this happen to America? Is this the answer to bringing up or economy? Will this country sell out it's sovereignty and make alliances and unions with other countries?

I'm not making prophecies or predictions, but this country is ready to follow a new leader and is ripe for being capable of making a drastic change. A lot of people in this country seem to believe that Obama is the answer and will follow his lead. 

We'll see what happens next.

What Christmas is about.

"Tis better to give than receive." 

While most people love to receive gifts for the holidays (or any time for that matter), most people can agree that it feels equally good to give gifts to people.

How much better would it feel to give a gift to someone who can really use it? How much even better does it feel to find out that person was really in need of it?

Gospel for Asia has a Christmas catalog of items to purchase gifts to some of the poorest people on the planet. Whether you are a follower of Christ or not, these people are in dire need of resources and here's a way to help out a family or even a village.

For more information, go to: http://www.gfa.org/gift

WWJD?...about prop 8 (California)

WWJD?...about prop 8
WWJD? (What Would Jesus Do)



Remember the bracelets and t-shirts that came on the scene in the late 90s and made Jesus cool? I wonder how much money all those companies made off of "WWJD."

After the WWJD craze has past, it seems to have indirectly brought itself back. This time in a slightly more important role.

Prop 8 has divided the state of California. Family members, friends and even clergy. Churches have supported both sides of the issue. While most churches were very much in favor of prop 8, there were a significant number of churches who were quit vocal in the, "No on 8" campaign.

I've heard church members say, "Prop 8 goes against God's design for a man and woman."

I've also heard other church members say, "God loves everyone. God would never want people to be treated unequally."

So what would Jesus do about prop 8? How would He react?

First and foremost, I think He would be sad about how our churches have become divided.

Whether you are for or against 8, it's pretty clear to see that churches in California (and America), are divided. Obviously God does not sway on the issue of same sex marriage. One side of the churches has to be right in God's eyes and the other wrong.

I believe Christ would be sad that His church has lost sight that an issue like gay marriage which God so clearly speaks out against in His Word (Genesis 2:24-25, Leviticus 18:22).

However, I'm not so sure that Jesus would be hosting rallies and accusing opponents of prop 8. While I'm sure Christ would say homosexuality is wrong and is a sin, I think Jesus would be more concerned about the state of the church and the role of God's people today.

If you read about the life of Christ, you will notice that the people who he denounces are hypocritical people who accuse people of one thing, yet aren't very pure themselves.

A modern example of this would be if a person who is in favor of prop 8 tells a homosexual that he or she is wrong and perverse. However, the accuser might have problems with lust or regularly commits adultery in the heart.

Jesus makes it clear that true members of His church are to be separate of this world. Meaning they live in this world, but don't part take in the world's goals for prosperity. Jesus had the power to overthrow the Roman empire and send fire and brimstone from heaven upon every "sinner" that the scribes and Pharisees condemned...but He didn't.

He didn't even accuse them. He had compassion on them and wanted them to be a part of His Kingdom.

Jesus knew that this Earth is not His plan for eternity. It will be judged and burned when the time is right. He didn't waste His time getting into silly arguments and pointless debates. His ultimate mission was to do the will of the Father and think of the God's Kingdom...not judging the world (yet).

Be careful what you wish for

Note: Prop 8 in California amends the constitution to define marriage as 1 man and 1 woman only. It passed 52% to 48% in the Nov 4 election.

This entry has to do with prop 8 (California), but isn't solely about prop 8.

Since prop 8 passed, thousands of opponents of the proposition have been protesting it. They're confident that like earlier in 2008, the legislation can be overturned because it is deemed unconstitutional.

Whether you are for or against prop 8, the voice of the people should be honored. Had 8 not been passed, I would have honored that, even though I would be against it.

Having our vote taken away would set another precedent for the future in taking away the voice, the vote of the people and putting it in the government's hands.

Opponents of prop 8 will probably get what they want in overturning 8, but at what cost? They argue that prop 8 takes away freedom. How about the vote of the people being taken away? Is that not unconstitutional.

Now What?

Prop 8 passed, but it's hardly a time to celebrate. Yes, for the time being marriage is only between a man and a woman, but here's California stands:

- The state is divided nearly 50/50 about this issue. Yes on 8 won by a slim margin (by about only 4%).

- What does California do with all the couples who were legally married? Does California recognize those marriages or take them away?

- In 2000, CA voters voted that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. In 2008, CA judges overruled that vote and instituted that same was legal...so there is a precedent which could overturn prop 8.

This is a really tough situation on both sides. As a proponent of prop 8, first and foremost, I have uphold my principles and beliefs. I can't compromise that. However I don't want to make it look like I hate homosexuals...Although I disagree with their lifestyle, I do realize that there are heterosexual people out there who do a lot worse things.

My argument in favor of prop 8 is that it is perverts God's design for man and woman in regards to marriage. However, there are probably more cases where heterosexuals have perverted God's plan through rape, sexual abuse, incest, and fornication.

My guess now is that prop 8 will at some point in time be reversed. More and more people are starting to sway their position. But if you look at how society has declined over time, this should really come as no surprise.

If 8 is taken away, at least we can say that the majority of California wants to honor marriage as 1 man and 1 woman. If that is taken away, it's the government who will look bad.

Jump on the Obama Band Wagon

"Obama's the Messiah."

"Obama's the anti-Christ."

"Obama's Arabic."

"Obama's a terrorist."

"Obama's the savior of this country."

These are all things that I've read or heard during the election campaign.

The country is usually pretty divided about presidential candidates, but I've never seen anything like this.

I am a sub teacher and coach peewee hockey and it's amusing to see these kids chant, "O BA MA!" like they mean it. I didn't even bother asking why asking they were for Obama. I actually wonder if most of adults out there know any more than these kids.

Whether people like to admit it or not, Barack Obama appeals to America because he's a younger president, eloquent, up to date with pop culture, and represents diversity because of his race.

He's about as diverse a guy as I've ever seen. He has African American roots from Kenya, and a white Mother. He lived in Indonesia for 4 years in his childhood, so he appeals to Asians and he has a Middle Eastern middle name.

I saw a headline today that read, "Obama's is the first Global President." I was a little taken back by that quote. I'm not real big on globalism ( does European Union ring a bell).

Obama seems to have the approval of a large number of celebrities. I don't quite understand that one... If you know anything about Obama's tax plan, he basically wants to be a modern Robin Hood by taxing the Rich and distributing to the poor. I wonder if all the celebrities know about that. I don't think Oprah really cares about that, though. When you can use hundred dollar bills to blow your knose, what's a little tax increase matter?

I don't want to seem like I'm bashing Obama, because I'm not. I am happy that the presidential color barrier has been broken, but should that really be a legit reason to vote someone for president? What I am saying is that I'm not sold on him, I think he lacks experience and I really don't know enough about him to really form an opinion.

Who is Barack Obama? I guess we're all about to find out!

Is Prop 8 Really a Rights Issue? (California)

California Prop 8: "Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to marry. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. Changes California constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. Provides that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California..."

It's the biggest argument that opponents of prop 8 have: Prop 8 eliminates equality and human rights of all citizens. Even a significant number of heterosexual people are now vocally opposing prop 8. 

To the casual voter, prop 8 does seem to be discriminatory towards homosexual couples who wish to be married.

But is it? What exactly is marriage? If you look just about any dictionary, you'll find that the number one definition is defined as a union between a man and a woman. In 2000, Californians voted on legislation 22 to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. However, in 2008, 4 California judges overruled the people to state the it was unconstitutional, making same sex marriage legal.

Opposers of prop 8 are arguing the human rights are at stake if this proposition passes. But is it really? Same sex couples in California can obtain domestic partnerships which allows them the same legal rights and privileges as married couples.

So the issue of 8 is not a human rights issue. It's a morality issue. 

Voting No on 8 would change the special and unique thing that marriage is: Between a man and a woman.