Election time!!

Election time is here and so are all the politics that go with it. Vote for Kerry, he cares for the working man! Vote for Bush, he has strong Christian morals! Vote for Nader, he's got a cool name!

Seriously, its that time again and I am wondering who I am going to vote for. Oh, you just assumed that I was going to vote for Bush? See what happens when you assume things....you are wrong!

Now you think I am a Kerry lover or Nader freak, don't you? That's not the case either. It's just this year, I am trying to make an informed decision. I want to make sure that my vote is going to the one that I feel is best qualified to be President of the United States.

This is prolly different than most Christians (conservative ones at least) that have already made their mind up to vote for Bush because "He is Pro-Life and against same sex marriage." In their minds, that is all that it takes for them to cast their vote towards him. Which, to be honest, is exactly what I did last election. I voted for Bush because it was the "right" thing to do and because he was "a good Christian guy."

So what has changed for me? Have I gone liberal? (Whatever that means!) Am I now a moderate because I am weighing the options? Nah, not at all. I just think I need to examine the different philosophies of the different parties. I need to examine and study what thier ideas are for the way that the country should be led. And all by the way, I need to examine the candidates themselves to see where they stand on issues. I believe their is an over-stereotyping of the two main parties.

It seems to me - please note that I am not a political expert, nor do I play one on TV - but usually you have people making their votes on two differnt issues. Either you vote for the party that benefits the "working" man or you vote for the Pro-lifer/anti-same sex marriage. You choose either or. OR, maybe that is just where I living.

Now don't get me wrong, the way you choose how to vote is totally up to you and I will not hold it against you. I am just trying to stress a point.

Maybe we should consider the other issues than the ones we hang on to so tightly. For example, why don't those who "scream" pro-life, examine the philosophy of governement and how the government should be operated. Can't we take a break and just weigh all the issues?

Maybe those that "scream" about the working man could stop and consider the morals of the man and his opponent?

I just think that it is time that we break out of the stereotype and start to think outside our political boxes and consider other things. Not to go liberal, nor to go conservative. Maybe its time that we put more thought into the upcoming election.

SO.........

Who am I going to vote for?


Wouldn't you like to know?

I don't understand. Do you?

I am having a hard time with all this. It is hard for me to understand "why" all this has happened this way. Why did God call me to Pellville for this to only end in such a fashion? Why does God see it necessary for me to have this illness and vice? Why did God call me into ministry to start with?

I have always been taught not to question God. Its wrong they tell me. It is not trusting Him. That makes me wonder. Wonder whether or not they are right? David questioned God didn't he? He asked how come God wouldn't destroy those who defile the temple/sanctuary and defile God's name.

Why? Tell me Lord, why? Why has all this happened? Why do I struggle with this depression that covers me like white on rice? Why do you not intercede into my life on my behalf, or better yet on Your behalf?

Man this is painful. It hurts worse than anything else before it. But somehow blogging makes me feel like I am getting it out. Maybe I am.

Thanks Levi for reminding me that I haven't blogged in awhile. This has helped.

I resigned...

Well, tonight has been one tough night. I informed both the church and the youth group that I am resigning, with October 17 being my last Sunday. It was probably the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life. The love and support that this church has shown us has been unparralled. It has been great to serve and live here with these people. I know that God has great things in store for them and I pray and hope that my time here will add to the advancement of the kingdom of God.

Whew! Its unbelievable. I can't believe it. This is almost surreal. I am numb. But it was something that I must do.

I have been dealing with depression for such a long time now. This battle has been quiet at times and fierce at other times. It has been a calm battle and an intense battle. Depression, it stinks. Seriously, I hate it. I hate what it does to me. I hate everything that it controls in my life.

But like someone (actually many) have said, I can and will beat it. I have the support of a lovely wife and the support of awesome friends.....and the support of a church. We will prevail - FOR HIS GLORY.