Greetings,
I began this blog one year ago. On October 13 I sat down and created this site. My goal was to provide an opportunity for me to share my thoughts. Since then I have taken you on a journey of my soul. In this venue I have shared my hopes and dreams, my pain and suffering, and, most importantly, my heart. I wanted to take a moment and thank you for being a part of my life during this last year. Your presence has inspired me. Your comments have comforted me. It is such a blessing to know that there are people out there that takes time to join me on my journey home.
This past year has been a whirlwind of excitement for me. Our daughter graduated and went off to college. My ministry at our church has expanded, I have had the blessing of one more year with my wife, and I have had the privilege of sharing my life with you.
For those of you who are familiar with my life know that I struggle with pain and odd symptoms associated with my brain surgeries. This past year I have seen symptoms of dizziness, tremaors, seizures, and memory loss. Through all of that God has still blessed me. I give thanks to God for every day He lets me live and work in His kingdom. So, with all that said I want to take time and wish this blog a happy birthday. On October 13, 2009 I set out to share my life and gather friend along my journey home. It has been a blast and I hope this next year will be even better.
So, as we continue to share this journey I pray that this site might bring you joy, peace, and laughter. So, let us, once again, walk this road together as we share our lives!
Blessings,
Derek
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The Will of the People vs the Will of God!
Greetings,
Since everything you read and everything you watch is talking about the mid-term elections I thought I would write about it as well. First of all, you have to realize that I am a history lovin', voter registration card totin', election night junkie! Last night was like Christmas for me. I do the same thing every election. I go vote, and then later in the night, just when the Eastern poll are closing, I get some food, set up voter central (me, a nice comfy chair and a laptop), and get the remote control ready for action. I also usually make sure that my bladder is empty (I don't want to have to leave the room if at all possible!).
I don't know what it is that fascinates me so much about elections. I have always enjoyed politics but elections fascinate me. I think it's because I love to see democracy in action. Not only are there the senate, house, Governor, and local races going on but there are important amendments as well. And that is what I want to share with you today...the amendments!
I don't know what your state elections are like but Colorado's is crazy. It seems like every two years somebody is trying to change our state Constitution. I mean to tell you that Colorado has to have the craziest looking Constitution. It makes me think that we have just decided to write our Constitution in pencil so that anything we put down we can easily erase. Colorado voters are one of a kind. I am not kidding! In one election cycle 54% of the people can vote to enforce term limits and then in the next election cycle vote to get rid of the very same term limits. In one cycle we can vote to create legislation that returns our tax dollars and then in the next cycle vote to let the legislature keep more of them. We're CRAZY! It sometimes seems as if we use the ballot box to send up test balloons. Let's see how it works if we keep our tax dollars, OH CRAP!, now we don't have any money for education or welfare! No problem let's just rid of that crappy law! And the crazy thing is that the very same people who loved it two years ago hates it today! I guess my problem is that I am a snobby voter. I happen to think that changing the Constitution of any state should be a lot harder than it is in Colorado. I happen to think that a document that was used to create statehood shouldn't be used as if it were a rough draft from some seventh grade writing class.
I mention this to share with you a rather difficult decision that I had to make on election Day. It was titled amendment 62. This amendment asked the voters of Colorado to change the definition of "person" in our state Constitution to include all individuals beginning from conception. Now, first of all, let me make myself perfectly clear...I believe that life begins at conception. The probably that I had with the amendment was that I could see where it was leading. If language in our state Constitution defines a person as a child at the moment of conception any type of abortion could be, legally, a type of murder. Let me make myself perfectly clear again...I am anti-abortion. However, what that means to me might mean something totally different to you. As a Christian I value all life. Yet, I believe that there are tough decisions that have to be made concerning pregnancies. But those choices aren't mine to make. I would certainly try and talk a pregnant woman out of an abortion or try and convince her that adoption is a wonderful option. However, at the end of the day, the choice is not mine to make.
The problem that I have with amendments like amendment 62 is that we are trying to legislate that which the body of Christ should be doing. We are trying to make people live out our beliefs. It is not the government’s role to teach the individual about faith or enforce their views based on that faith. I see what the amendment is trying to accomplish, the protection unborn children, and I applaud them for that stance. I just think we are trying to put our responsibilities upon the shoulders of our government. It seems to me that asking the government to do that which God calls us to do is backing the wrong horse. Our faith does not rest with the government but with God.
Because of that reason I voted "NO" on 62. It was not an easy choice and it took much prayer. Amendment 63 seems like the type of legislation that a Pastor would vote for...but I didn't. Just as I do not want the government pushing their agendas onto me I am not in favor of pushing my beliefs onto them. We must find a better way. We must ask God to guide us in our life and our actions. Abortion is not an option for me nor do I think God approves of it. But faith like that can't be manipulated at the ballot box. It must not be a change in law it has to be in a change of heart!
All I can say is that election 2010 was awesome! I can't wait for 2012! I better start getting my food and laptop ready!!!
Until Next Time!
Blessings,
Derek
Since everything you read and everything you watch is talking about the mid-term elections I thought I would write about it as well. First of all, you have to realize that I am a history lovin', voter registration card totin', election night junkie! Last night was like Christmas for me. I do the same thing every election. I go vote, and then later in the night, just when the Eastern poll are closing, I get some food, set up voter central (me, a nice comfy chair and a laptop), and get the remote control ready for action. I also usually make sure that my bladder is empty (I don't want to have to leave the room if at all possible!).
I don't know what it is that fascinates me so much about elections. I have always enjoyed politics but elections fascinate me. I think it's because I love to see democracy in action. Not only are there the senate, house, Governor, and local races going on but there are important amendments as well. And that is what I want to share with you today...the amendments!
I don't know what your state elections are like but Colorado's is crazy. It seems like every two years somebody is trying to change our state Constitution. I mean to tell you that Colorado has to have the craziest looking Constitution. It makes me think that we have just decided to write our Constitution in pencil so that anything we put down we can easily erase. Colorado voters are one of a kind. I am not kidding! In one election cycle 54% of the people can vote to enforce term limits and then in the next election cycle vote to get rid of the very same term limits. In one cycle we can vote to create legislation that returns our tax dollars and then in the next cycle vote to let the legislature keep more of them. We're CRAZY! It sometimes seems as if we use the ballot box to send up test balloons. Let's see how it works if we keep our tax dollars, OH CRAP!, now we don't have any money for education or welfare! No problem let's just rid of that crappy law! And the crazy thing is that the very same people who loved it two years ago hates it today! I guess my problem is that I am a snobby voter. I happen to think that changing the Constitution of any state should be a lot harder than it is in Colorado. I happen to think that a document that was used to create statehood shouldn't be used as if it were a rough draft from some seventh grade writing class.
I mention this to share with you a rather difficult decision that I had to make on election Day. It was titled amendment 62. This amendment asked the voters of Colorado to change the definition of "person" in our state Constitution to include all individuals beginning from conception. Now, first of all, let me make myself perfectly clear...I believe that life begins at conception. The probably that I had with the amendment was that I could see where it was leading. If language in our state Constitution defines a person as a child at the moment of conception any type of abortion could be, legally, a type of murder. Let me make myself perfectly clear again...I am anti-abortion. However, what that means to me might mean something totally different to you. As a Christian I value all life. Yet, I believe that there are tough decisions that have to be made concerning pregnancies. But those choices aren't mine to make. I would certainly try and talk a pregnant woman out of an abortion or try and convince her that adoption is a wonderful option. However, at the end of the day, the choice is not mine to make.
The problem that I have with amendments like amendment 62 is that we are trying to legislate that which the body of Christ should be doing. We are trying to make people live out our beliefs. It is not the government’s role to teach the individual about faith or enforce their views based on that faith. I see what the amendment is trying to accomplish, the protection unborn children, and I applaud them for that stance. I just think we are trying to put our responsibilities upon the shoulders of our government. It seems to me that asking the government to do that which God calls us to do is backing the wrong horse. Our faith does not rest with the government but with God.
Because of that reason I voted "NO" on 62. It was not an easy choice and it took much prayer. Amendment 63 seems like the type of legislation that a Pastor would vote for...but I didn't. Just as I do not want the government pushing their agendas onto me I am not in favor of pushing my beliefs onto them. We must find a better way. We must ask God to guide us in our life and our actions. Abortion is not an option for me nor do I think God approves of it. But faith like that can't be manipulated at the ballot box. It must not be a change in law it has to be in a change of heart!
All I can say is that election 2010 was awesome! I can't wait for 2012! I better start getting my food and laptop ready!!!
Until Next Time!
Blessings,
Derek
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Vision!
Greetings,
It has been a month since my last blog entry. I felt as if I had to step away from this blog so I could concentrate on my book manuscript. I am happy to say that I have completed my first draft and I am in the process of revision. I feel a certain sense of accomplishment having completed my first draft and I am excited to get back to sharing my thoughts with all of you.
Today I want to talk about something that has been on my heart for almost a year now. For those who do not know I am the pastor at a small Presbyterian church in Las Animas, CO. I have been their pastor for the past ten years. About eight months ago God placed on my heart a conviction to begin seeking a vision for the church in the decade.
At first I struggled with the thought of looking that far into the future of our church. If I have learned anything from my surgery experiences is that you take things one day at a time. Having that mentality was, precisely, what God wanted to challenge me with. In my calling of this vision God has spoken to me a clear and concise way. He has placed a burden on my heart and I am seeking to fulfill His call on my life.
As I began this process of "visioneering" I ran into a road block. What exactly is a "vision"? I suppose you could define it as something people see with their eyes. Or, it could be something people perceive in their mind's eye. Or, it could defined as the ability to see. All of these definitions are correct and can apply to many circumstances. Yet, they didn't help me with my calling.
The challenge that God has given to me is to formulate a vision where our church is headed and how do we get to where we are suppose to be. As I said before I have spent long hours reading, studying, and praying. I have cried out to God in my times of frustration and I have wept at the realization of God's love for me. My time of seeking a vision for my church has been a time of great healing for me.
I have learned about God's desire to see His church move boldly into the decade to come. I have learned that, despite what statistics say, God's people are growing and maturing. I have also learned that without vision the people will perish. (Proverbs 29:18). My time of reflecting and listening has brought me closer to God than I have been for quite some time. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that God had not sent me on a journey for only the vision of the church but for a vision of my life as well.
I will be presenting my study to the church at the beginning of next year. I am excited to begin the process of refining this vision with the different groups and committees within our church. It excites me to think that we are taking God's will so seriously.
What about you? Do have a vision for your life in the next ten years? How about the next five years, or one year? Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34 "So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. ”I am not sure, however, this is a scriptural mandate to forsake any hopes, dreams, or plans, you might have for tomorrow. To me the act of looking and planning for the future is a giant step in the practice of our faith. God wants us to look ahead, not in anger but in faith. Our ability to trust God with our future plans is the building blocks of our faith.
I pray that each of us might take the time on our journey home to pray and listen for the plans that God has for you. It might be painful at first. Visions are usually that way. God wants to come into our life through the working of the Holy Spirit. He desires for His Spirit to mold us and make us into followers of the Christ.
I am overjoyed and pumped up for the church's vision to begin but now is not the time. Yet, when God says "GO" I will off and running. Truthfully, I feel like a greyhound dog waiting for the gate to be opened so I can chase that fake rabbit around the track. So church, be ready for a vision for our future!
Until Next Time!!!
Derek
It has been a month since my last blog entry. I felt as if I had to step away from this blog so I could concentrate on my book manuscript. I am happy to say that I have completed my first draft and I am in the process of revision. I feel a certain sense of accomplishment having completed my first draft and I am excited to get back to sharing my thoughts with all of you.
Today I want to talk about something that has been on my heart for almost a year now. For those who do not know I am the pastor at a small Presbyterian church in Las Animas, CO. I have been their pastor for the past ten years. About eight months ago God placed on my heart a conviction to begin seeking a vision for the church in the decade.
At first I struggled with the thought of looking that far into the future of our church. If I have learned anything from my surgery experiences is that you take things one day at a time. Having that mentality was, precisely, what God wanted to challenge me with. In my calling of this vision God has spoken to me a clear and concise way. He has placed a burden on my heart and I am seeking to fulfill His call on my life.
As I began this process of "visioneering" I ran into a road block. What exactly is a "vision"? I suppose you could define it as something people see with their eyes. Or, it could be something people perceive in their mind's eye. Or, it could defined as the ability to see. All of these definitions are correct and can apply to many circumstances. Yet, they didn't help me with my calling.
The challenge that God has given to me is to formulate a vision where our church is headed and how do we get to where we are suppose to be. As I said before I have spent long hours reading, studying, and praying. I have cried out to God in my times of frustration and I have wept at the realization of God's love for me. My time of seeking a vision for my church has been a time of great healing for me.
I have learned about God's desire to see His church move boldly into the decade to come. I have learned that, despite what statistics say, God's people are growing and maturing. I have also learned that without vision the people will perish. (Proverbs 29:18). My time of reflecting and listening has brought me closer to God than I have been for quite some time. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that God had not sent me on a journey for only the vision of the church but for a vision of my life as well.
I will be presenting my study to the church at the beginning of next year. I am excited to begin the process of refining this vision with the different groups and committees within our church. It excites me to think that we are taking God's will so seriously.
What about you? Do have a vision for your life in the next ten years? How about the next five years, or one year? Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:34 "So then, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own. ”I am not sure, however, this is a scriptural mandate to forsake any hopes, dreams, or plans, you might have for tomorrow. To me the act of looking and planning for the future is a giant step in the practice of our faith. God wants us to look ahead, not in anger but in faith. Our ability to trust God with our future plans is the building blocks of our faith.
I pray that each of us might take the time on our journey home to pray and listen for the plans that God has for you. It might be painful at first. Visions are usually that way. God wants to come into our life through the working of the Holy Spirit. He desires for His Spirit to mold us and make us into followers of the Christ.
I am overjoyed and pumped up for the church's vision to begin but now is not the time. Yet, when God says "GO" I will off and running. Truthfully, I feel like a greyhound dog waiting for the gate to be opened so I can chase that fake rabbit around the track. So church, be ready for a vision for our future!
Until Next Time!!!
Derek
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