One Last Post

Good Morning All! Happy day after election day! No matter who you voted for, aren't you glad that you won't be getting phone calls from the "candidates" (recorded voice messages), fliers in the mail, awful, negative election ads or harassed by people of both sides of the spectrum? C'mon, I am pumped about that alone!

Anyway, I will bore you with a couple of other good blogs I have found... well, just because I like what everyone had to say...

This is about flyering at a church, and their policy. But what I like is this paragraph:

"I explained that we wanted Grace to be a safe place for people on the Right and the Left, that we had many people here just starting their spiritual journey, and that we weren't going to confront them with political conversion."

Ok, and while I don't always agree with Donald Miller, I for the most part like what he has to say... as well, I just think he is someone who really thinks through his decisions. Read this article... what a great mind he has, and I praise the Lord he is using it for Christ!

Finally, I must say, I am most excited for the election to be over because of how hateful we all are during it. With the Facebook phenomena, people have status updates, and over the last weekend, I have been sick to my stomach reading them all. By far, the worst one was...

"Person is thankful that God is in control... even over stupid people."

-OR-

"Person is moving to Iraq...I'd probably be safer from terrorists there."

But I also saw some I liked. This one from a friend who was overall sad about McCain losing, but I respect how he handled it...

"Person is glad the election is finally over. No more calls, commercials, or flyers in the mail. Alright President Obama lets get this country in order."

I am sure you all saw some you liked and some you didn't... just glad we don't have to deal with this for another 4 years. Whew...

Election Day

Well, folks... Election Day is upon us, and I for one am ready for it to be OVER! That's right... I want it to be over. And at this point, I don't really care what happens, who wins, etc. I am just ready for us to know who our next leader will be.

It's funny, I have lots of opinions right now... all of which I want to share with you. But I have no idea where to begin.

How about this? I voted today. I chose to vote today, because I feel like I can, in good conscience, vote for one of the candidates. I have always heard people say that we have to vote, to not vote is the wrong choice. My opinion may have been swayed today. Read this article by Derek Webb. Interesting. But like I said, I, in good conscience, voted today.

Who did I vote for? I am debating on whether I should share this information on a public forum... but I feel like I should. Why? Well, first of all, if you know me at all you can probably guess who I voted for. But also because why should I keep it a secret?

I am proud to say that I voted for Barack Obama.

I think he is a good choice to lead this country for the next four years. I like his policies, how he has presented himself, and personally I think that we do need change in this country (ok, ok... it has become a cliche, but I do think we need it). How is that for vague? Not much substance... just know I have thought about it and done my research. I feel like Obama is the choice that I can in good conscience vote for. Here is a blog I read from time to time and the 14 reasons he voted for Obama... Part I. Part II. Overall I agree with what he said about Obama and am in line with him as to why I voted the way I did.

So what is next? I guess my final opinion (for today). I happened upon this guy's blog from the Burnside Writer's Collective Blog. Love the Burnside Writer's Collective and all the thoughtful opinions there. Bryan posted his thoughts about the election yesterday and I have to say I right there with him. Especially the part about how he hates what politics have done to America. Don't I know it.

Folks, I have been raised a Democrat. My parents are both Democrats so it is fair to say that was the way I was raised. However, I consider myself an Independent, a moderate, middle of the road voter.

Want to know something else? I have always, always been the "liberal" in the conservative circles. I grew up in Virginia (which has not always been a swing state... up until a couple of years ago it was always Republican). I went to a school with a heavy military base population. Needless to say I was a minority.

Then I went to the University of Michigan... which is very, very liberal. But not the people I hung out with.

I am a conservative, evangelical Christian.

So, needless to say my friend groups (both in college and now) tend to be on the right side of the political spectrum. And again, I am in the minority.

And normally, I don't think this is a bad thing. Unless it is an election year. And then I just am floored with how divisive and ugly and hateful politics make people, especially Christians.

Do you know that I once had a person I consider a friend tell me to my face "I don't know how you can call yourself a Christian and vote Democrat. Makes me think you aren't a Christian."

Yep, you read it right people... someone called into question my faith because I vote Democrat.

Correct me if I am wrong, but where in the Bible does it say that Republican=Christian and Democrat=unbeliever? Last time I checked the definition of a Christian is someone who has made a genuine decision to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. But, again, correct me if I am wrong.

Neither party is perfect. And both have policies that are blatantly against what Christians believe. But is our affiliation with one political party expressing to nonbelievers an incorrect view of what Christianity is? Christ came to this earth to reconcile us sinners with God. No matter what else is going on, I believe that nonbelievers need to know what we as Christians stand FOR, and not for what we stand against.

I stand for Christ first.

Then everything else. Let's spread His word. And by the way... politics isn't the best way to do so. I am finishing up Philip Yancey's "The Jesus I Never Knew," and in it Yancey points out that the church has failed the most to spread the Gospel when it has depended upon the government to do so. Forcing our beliefs on others isn't the answer.

Ok... so I feel like I have spent a lot of time ranting and raving today... just a lot on my mind. I lift up this country in prayer today... because we are all fallen and need help. Good thing God is in control.

PS, Go out and vote, if you can do so in good conscience. And if you do, make sure to get your free Starbucks, free Krispie Kream donut, and free Ben and Jerry's ice cream scoop!

PPS. Thanks for sticking with me to the end... I know it wasn't very linear in thought today.

Financial Crisis

I will be the first to admit that finance and politics really aren't all that interesting to me. I believe that I have said it before, but I will say it again... I have lots of opinions but ultimately don't know if blaming a party is the way to go.

So, here is the article of my frustration.

Do I know who caused this financial situation?

NO.

Do I care who caused it?

Not really.

Do I think Democrats blaming Republicans and Republicans blaming Democrats is going to help?

Absolutely NOT.

Ok, so personally, I have traditionally voted Democrat. Will that always be the way I vote? I don't know. I am very middle of the road. And probably because I don't think being bipartisan or blaming each other is going to allow for change or reform. Change, in my opinion, comes from the grassroots, from people acting out the change they want to see.

I do think that there is blame in situation. Some of those who were given mortgages and loans should have never been given them in the first place. Maybe there should have been more government oversight. However, we are here now people. Where do we go from here?

I don't know. I am trying to do my part... learn how to be financially responsible for myself and for my future. I am trying to learn what it looks like to truly honor God with all of my purchases, with all that He has entrusted to me.

Maybe if we all, businesses and government included, learned how to be financially responsible and not greedy, we might be in a better place. But, then that would call for a change of heart. A change in how we all approach money and life. We live in a fallen world, and I just pray for a day when we won't have know this type of worry and suffering anymore.

Christ, teach me and us how to trust you to provide for us, even amidst the uncertainty of these times. Teach me how to live You out to others during this time. Lord, come soon! We again have proven that we are fallen and can do nothing without You. I pray for those who are now without a home and little money. May this draw them to you. I pray for those who are now worried about their fortunes. May they, too, come to know you. May be we all just turn to you rather than to our own capabilities... because those will fail us. Lord, thank you for using all things to draw us to you. Amen.

Opinions

These questions were originally posted here, and I thought I would add my two cents for all of you who care... or just because it gives me something to bite off and chew as I process through what God is teaching me. (which, by the way, is that I need to actually care about theology and I am working through that. I am beginning to read more and to be ok with having to read things multiple times to understand. Then once I understand the theology, trying to search where in Scripture it is backed up.)

+ Will the individual faiths of John McCain and Barack Obama (as known through their writing and what is reported) influence your vote in November? Do you think it should or shouldn't?

Good question, my friends.

In and ideal world, the President of the US would be a Christian and we would know because his actions and character would lead us to believe there has been a genuine change of heart.

But that being said, I personally do not believe the President needs to be a Christian. And for that matter, if the person you choose to vote for is a Christian, then put that on the plus side for him. However... do I think a voter should vote for a person only because they are a Christian? NO!!! being a Christian does not necessarily make a good leader, especially for a county that was founded as a FREE nation with a SEPARATION of church and state.

Ultimately, no it will not influence my vote at first glance. If I was torn, it might sway me. But for this upcoming election, I am not torn. I know who I am voting for. Go Obama (and no he isn't perfect, but I don't want another four years for a Bush wanna be, and that is what McCain is turning into... what happened to the moderate I used to like? Did he want the presidency so bad that he was willing to stop being himself? not cool, McCain, not cool).

+ Do you believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, and if not, how does that affect your view of Jesus?

I personally do believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God.

But, did you all know it took me a long time to reach this conclusion, and to be ok with that?

I grew up believing that the Bible was just a book written for its time with little bearing on my life. When I became a Christian my senior year of High School, I took a leap of faith, I guess. I decided that even if I can't fully comprehend the Jesus was both fully man and fully God, or understand why He would die for me, or how God could make this world in only 7 days, or how come there seems to be some evidence for evolution, etc I did believe in the Gospel and I was going to start living that way.

It took me a while to really comprehend all the changes that would come with believing in God and all that it meant. It was probably about a year or so later that I really had to start coming to terms with the Bible being the inerrant Word of God. Some days i still don't want to believe it... why does it have to be so hard, and so seemingly (by the world's terms) exclusive and judgemental? But, I do believe in Jesus, and He makes no mistakes, including in His word. And honestly, there is no explanation for why I changed my mind except to say that it is the work of the Holy Spirit in me.

+ Whom do you believe is primarily responsible for caring for the poor and oppressed: the government, the local church, or the individual?

Another good question.

I think responsibility falls on all parties here... but I guess ultimately to the individual, because that is where it has to start.

I personally do not do enough for the poor and the oppressed. I speak lots, but do little. And that is something I absolutely need to work on. And I will admit I don't do much because I am comfortable right here in America with little everyday contact with the poor and oppressed in my own town, country and ultimately world. But, God has given me as believer the ability to empathize with these people and to want to do more, to think as humans, as God's creation they deserve more and should be treated with more respect than that.

But now, I do think there is some responsibility that goes to the local church. Why as a church are we not loving the least of us? Pretty sure Jesus did, pretty sure He told us to in Matthew 25 (see verse 40, specifically). I don't think we are doing too well here, church. again, I am one of the worst and a huge hypocrite here, and I will answer for it someday. We should be feeding the hungry, clothing the naked... and loving those who do not know him, including homosexuals, those who have had abortions, drug addicts, all of them. And more often than not the church judges them and sends them on their way. That is sad. So, I think we as a church have a responsibility to do something.

And finally, the government should do something. My reasons are very "Christianized" if you will, well, because I am a Christian and that is how I see and respond to the world. But as evidenced by all the non Christians who do many great and wonderful things for mankind, the government should be doing something and taking care of its own people.

Ok... hope all my opinions don't offend too many... and, well, that they made sense. But here is what I was thinking.

Let's all go and do something... volunteer, love the lost, do something to love the least!

Changing Tune

There was a point in time where I like McCain; I could have dealt with him in office. Now, I am not so sure.

Why did I like him?

Because he seemed moderate. He seemed reasonable... like he was ok with not being straight Republican.

But now, McCain has gone all Bush on us, and I am not so sure anymore.

Here is an article that shows once again, McCain is flip-flopping.

What am I going to do if the tickets are McCain and Clintion? Vote third party? Abstain from voting? Move to Canada? Tell me people, what am I to do?

voting pro-choice doesn't mean your pro-death!

Thank you! Read this article... ok?!?!

So, election years might be what my nightmares are made of.

First of all, with this primary season the election stuff starts a good year before hand.

Secondly, I could probably recite to you each and every candidates ad. I do not want to see one more ad. Too bad its April and the election isn't until November.

And, finally... anyone else notice how much division an election, or politics for that matter, can cause? I am a Christian. I am a liberal.

GASP!

Yes, you can be a Christian and a liberal. Not all Christians vote Republican.

Again, GASP!

However, I am tired of people being closed-minded and attacking me for it.

Ok, not a sarcastic one... for real GASP!

Yes, I have had brothers and sisters not listen to me and my reasons for voting one way or why I stand where I do on politics. Instead they try to make me feel stupid, make me feel like I am not a Christian for my views, etc. They attack me (to quote one, "I do not think you can be a Christian and a Democrat at the same time.")

Well, here is a news flash. God isn't a Republican. He is also not a Democrat. In fact, I am pretty sure He is anti our laws and government. He wishes for us to be blameless and to be perfect. Except, we screwed that up at the Fall of man in the Garden of Eden. So instead we have man made laws that are supposed to help regulate morality and keep chaos from reigning here on Earth.

So, while I want morality to be regulated, we have to realize that you can't hold those who do not agree with you to the same standards. If someone doesn't see sleeping around as wrong, how can you expect them to view things like abortion as wrong? They are blinded to the Truth people!

Also, on the note of our political parties. Neither one is perfect. Ummm, Republicans, what about helping out those once they are born (ahem, read the article)? Ummm, Democrats, no matter what you say, you are killing a life with abortion.

So, now, friends who are Republican and see me as evil for not voting Republican... please respect my decision. I respect yours and do not attack you for not loving the lost and the least by not providing them with health care or food. Please do not attack me for my parties decision to be pro-choice (which isn't pro-death, but the right for a woman to choose what to do to her body), or for their stance against the war in Iraq. Ok... just respect me as a sister in Christ.

Now, I leave you with one quote from the article that I think is quite convicting. It is convicting to me as a Christian, not as a Democrat... so I hope it is convicting for each one of you.

Speaking at Wheaton College, Tony Campolo once had great opposition to his words (which have been quoted various times, various ways, with the meaning still valid), “I have three things I’d like to say today. First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don’t give a shit. What’s worse is that you’re more upset with the fact that I said shit than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night.”

2007 ReCap

Click here for some great political cartoons that cover 2007. I won't comment on all of them, but I do have to comment on a couple.

#3:
I only enjoy this one now that I have been living in Durham/Raleigh and worked at Duke. The Duke Lacrosse players were raped by the justice system, and I hope Nifong gets punished. Amazing how a little power can really go to some one's head... especially when they want to make some sort of political statement.

#5:
Gas prices are outrageous. And there are probably a million reasons why... I won't disagree with that. I, however, will say that I am sure one major reason why they are so high is because of the oil companies' greed. End of story. They are earning more than plenty and here we are all paying an arm and a leg for it. I am positive I spend more on gas each week that I do on food. Sad.

#9:
I think this cartoon is so true. I do not think anyone should be forced to take a vaccine. I do think the vaccines for polio, chicken pox, etc make sense to have. You have them as I child, and they have proven to be successful. I know there are some arguments that they may trigger autism... and maybe when I am a mother I will do some more research. However, i am hesitant about this whole cervical cancer vaccine... it doesn't cure cancer... nor 100% prevent it. All it does is protect against a virus that could possibly (sense they might factor here?) cause cervical cancer. I am sorry, at this point I would not want my daughter having the vaccine. And I don't think the government should mandate it. But, hey if they mandate it, and as this cartoon points out, lets make circumcision mandatory. It has been shown to prevent the spread of AIDS. (sarcasm here for the last sentence or two, just in case you missed it).

#21:
I admit it. I love People Magazine. I miss Behind the Scenes on VH1, and I have been known to watch a True Hollywood Story. However, I am sickened by the celebrity gossip world. I think it has gone to far. What has Paris Hilton ever done to be famous? She can't act (but seemingly has been hired for some really bad movies). She can't sing, yet she had a record. She is pretty (maybe? I don't think so), and rich... and therefore news worthy. And not just People news worthy, but what she does gets on the News... on CNN... All I have to ask is... really? CNN and other news outlets, please stick to real news. If you are desperate for something to cover, look to people who are truly making a difference in your community. I know there are some. Oh, and if I see one more story about Anna Nicole and her whole saga on CNN or any real news outlet I will barf and never watch again. Got it?

#25:
Enough said. I personally agree with this cartoon. That is all.

#42:
I don't know why everyone was so high strung about the airport delays over Thanksgiving. I flew and definitely had some delays but nothing to stress about. The hype made it all very anticlimactic.

Well, that is all. Happy Holidays!

PS, I am still not good at the regular updating of this blog... but I am trying. I was inspired recently by a friends blog. I wish I could write like her. I'll keep trying, though!