Prop 8

As we know, the big dilema in California right now is Proposition 8. On Election day, we found ourselves sitting at the edge of our seats waiting to hear what the outcome was. Unfortunatley, we had to wait till the following morning! As soon as Eloy woke up in the morning, on comes the News! Around 10, it was confirmed that Prop 8 had passed. Now that it was approved, Prop 8 will add an amendment to the California State Constitution stating 14 simple yet profound words:
"Only Marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California."

• For centuries, marriage as a legal, civil and religious institution between a man and a woman has protected children and society in every country and culture.


• In early March 2007, a Massachusetts high school banned parents from attending a seminar for students on how they can know they are homosexual.


• Recently, 4 California Supreme Court judges overturned the decision of the people and legalized same-sex marriage.


• Over 1.1 Million California voters signed petitions to place Prop 8 on the ballot
  

What does a Yes vote on Prop 8 mean?

1. It restores the definition of marriage to what the vast majority of California voters already approved and human history has understood marriage to be.


2. It overturns the outrageous decision of four Supreme Court judges who ignored the will of the people.


3. It protects our children from being taught in public schools that "same-sex marriage" is the same as traditional marriage.

What does a NO vote on Prop 8 mean?

1. The sanctity of marriage will be destroyed and its powerful influence on the betterment of society will be lost.


2. Teachers may be required to teach young children that there is no difference between same-sex marriage and traditional marriage.


3. It will establish a precedent that a few corrupt judges can ignore the will of the people .
   
   

As we watched the News last night, a story came on the caught my attention and broke my heart.

LOOK WHAT THESE PEOPLE HAVE DONE TO MY PLACE OF WORSHIP! This is horrible. How barbaric! It really does bring a tear to my eye.

Heres the Story:

ORANGEVALE, CA - The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department says they don't have any early leads on who spray paint-vandalized a Mormon church in Orangevale. The graffiti, sprayed sometime late Thursday or early Friday morning, was on the church's front sign and nearby sidewalks.
In red lettering, it read, "No on 8."
"Paint washes off and we're just thankful there was no major damage done," said LDS Church spokeswoman Lisa West.
For the church, the damage is more emotional than physical. They, along with other religious organizations, had encouraged followers to support Proposition 8.
"This is a very emotionally charged issue and we understand it goes to the core of people's lives," West said.
She said all they can do is let the vandalism go and move on. But moving on does not seem to be on the agenda for many No on 8 supporters.
"If you strip somebody of their rights, nobody's going to let go of that," said No on 8 protester Jason Word.
"It's more than just marriage for us. It's very personal for us in that we feel attacked," said Darnell Fray-Stephenson, also demonstrating for No on 8.
For the third night in a row, No on 8 protesters gathered at the State Capitol to voice their frustrations over the ban on gay marriage.
Some have taken it further.
A Bay Area group has started a Web site accusing the church of advocating for the Yes on 8 campaign, and says they should have their status as a religious organization stripped.
"The Church of Jesus Christ of LDS did not donate any money to Prop 8, but supported the measure, and encouraged members to go out and give up their time and their means," said West. "The (church) members themselves did donate."
At the Friday night Capitol protest, many of those in opposition to Prop 8 said they weren't familiar with the Web site. They also said they're outraged that someone vandalized a church on their behalf.
"We certainly don't agree with that," said Fray-Stephenson.
"I think that rallies we've been having here have been real peaceful," said Word, "I think that's the message we should use."
Many of the No on 8 protesters said they're looking ahead to Sunday afternoon, saying it's going to be their biggest rally yet. They say it could include protesters from across the state, convening at the Capitol.
The Sacramento Police are planning for a large crowd.
News10/KXTV
Copyright 2008 / All Rights Reserved

In the end, I know our Heavenly Father will watch after all his children and protect us from what is evil. Last sunday we volunteered to make phone calls to people to remind them to vote YES on Prop 8. It was wonderful! When you serve the Lord, with full purpose of heart, you feel like you have a purpose! As we made our Phone calls, Andrea kept singing one hymn:

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;

Forward into battle see His banners go!
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before.
At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;

On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!

Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;

Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.
Like a mighty army moves the church of God;

Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.

We are not divided, all one body we,

One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.
Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,

But the church of Jesus constant will remain.

Gates of hell can never ’gainst that church prevail;

We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,

Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.

Glory, laud, and honor unto Christ the King,

This through countless ages men and angels sing.