A Letter to Congress

Written By: Kirk Peterson

Psychology Determines Prosperity

In all my study on economics and finance, I have found the one simple truth that the psychology of the nation determines our economic prosperity.  Their fundamentally is no greater indicator to economic success then the confidence of the people.  I don't know about you, but I see a lot more people in my neighborhood with Christmas lights outside there house this year.  People are beginning to have positive outlooks about the future again and it shows in their actions.  It is for this VERY reason that congress can NOT afford to go over the 'fiscal cliff'.  Not only did the Central Budgeting Office state that we would go into recession if we let this happen, I can promise you if Washington does not act, the psyche of the nation will take a major hit and the confidence not only in congress but in the economy will falter--which will only lead us to another recession. 

So what can our leaders in Washington do?

Where the 'Fiscal Cliff' negotiations stand

The Democrats want the highest tier income tax rates to increase back to the Clinton Era levels.  The Republicans want major spending cuts.  Both parties want tax reform.  The Executive branch wants the same thing the Democrats do with increases in taxes.

Attack the Problem at the Source

A balanced approach does sound promising.  However, by raising tax rates, you only cover over the real problem with the budget--SPENDING.  I definitely don't agree with raising taxes in a fragile economy like we see but unfortunately the Democrats & Obama will not budge.  Also, I think the Republicans would be willing to raise tax rates to the Clinton Era level if they knew there money would not be wasted with government inefficiency.

The Bottom Line: ACCOUNTABILITY

The private sector has proven throughout history to be incredibly more efficient then big government.  Why?

The biggest problem with government and it's inefficiency is that they are not held ACCOUNTABLE.  In the private sector, businesses are held accountable by their shareholders, if a project goes bad and way over budget, stock prices start to tank and people loose jobs.  With government, they just write another check and push things along.  With our budget crisis at the dangerous levels we now find ourselves, we can not afford NOT to hold our government accountable.

I propose the Republicans agree to the Clinton Era Level tax rates if they get radical spending cuts from the Democrats.  I suggest we create a PRIVATE (not public) De-regulation Commission that is in charge of going line item by line item on looking at Government programs to cut the fluff and create quantitative accountability for each and every Government program. 

The US tax code is over 70,000 pages for heavens sake!  No one is going to put the tremendous amount of work in that is required to reign in the massive amount of government spending & waste we have without creating a commission to do it.  Of course the government would want to have checks and balances over this proposed agency, but you get the idea...

There you have it congress.  Your solution to the 'fiscal cliff'.  I believe in making things easy.  Stay big picture on setting the framework and attack the SOURCE of the spending problem rather then just raising taxes to pay for government inefficiency and waste.

The New Civil War

Written By: Kirk Peterson

America Chooses a President

I know many of my fellow Republicans were depressed and dejected after Obama won re-election.  I picture us all in robes, wearing backwards baseball caps, depressed and sulking just as Stephen Colbert portrayed on his show. 

See the Nov. 7th episode here: http://www.colbertnation.com/full-episodes/wed-november-7-2012-doris-kearns-goodwin

Being the proverbial political junkie, I love to watch the comedy satire shows The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.  I was particularly interested to hear what John Stewart had to say on the Democratic victory. One of his views in particular made my ears perk up and speaks to something I have spoken to many times recently in my blogs.  I'm paraphrasing here but--he said that conservatives like to paint Democrats as having low moral character and somehow their views on issues like gay marriage and abortion marks them as morally wrong.  We ALL fall short of gods glory and EVERYONE of us sin.

"22We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

23For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins." -Romans 3:22-24 (New Living Translation)

 

Christan/Democrat/Humanity it makes no difference what label you use--since the fall of man, sin has entered the heart of man and evil desires and temptation steal us away from the higher road that we might walk on otherwise.  I think a lot of the world views people of faith as hypocrites in this regard for we often judge others at times when we need to be looking at our self.  God has definitely put on my heart that our country has fallen so very far in our morals that we are in dangerous waters.  In my study on the book of Genesis, I'm reminded of how far Man had fallen before and of God's perfect judgement on the world with his great flood.

God's Truth

See Image Here: http://www.geeksofdoom.com/GoD/img/2012/02/2012-02-28-noahs_ark.jpg

5The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. 6So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. 7And the Lord said, “I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth. Yes, and I will destroy every living thing—all the people, the large animals, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and even the birds of the sky. I am sorry I ever made them.” 8But Noah found favor with the Lord. - Genesis 6:5-8 (New Living Translation)

In my study on the book of Genesis, I was taken aback by the statement, everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. Man had fallen so far into sin, that their EVERY thought and ACTION was EVIL! Can you imagine a world so dark and foreboding? Though the heart of man has sin, thank the Father in heaven, we also still have light and righteousness through Jesus The Messiah. Our world is in a state of decaying morals and I see more wickedness and corruption spreading throughout our land. Think back to our grandparents generation here in the United States. Remember the strong moral character people had back then? You could let your kids play in the neighborhood without worrying. People left their front door unlocked and neighbor's helped each other out when they needed it. Even though we have not fallen to the extent that man had in Noah's time, God's judgement is coming not by water but by fire. 

5They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. 8But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment." -2 Peter 3:5-10 (New Living Translation)

See Image Here: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gEMBGYJEkPbmckZtx7E6Pih1zDtDmhKRpralgr4dPZAOuE_Ma_fIBOeisFaGfODyKLoGICIefFP2SU_J_zUyc60pewftosPg7PEcqeN4fFVMnU0rN5s7aEk45vWjWkZVQFjW6dCEY2Zg/s1600/Judgement%2520Day%5B1%5D.jpg

God has perfect justice and his judgement on the world was to destroy His entire creation with a flood and it broke his heart. However, there was one person---only one person in the entire world who found favor with the Lord and that was Noah. 

"9This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God. "-Genesis 6:9 (New Living Translation)

It took Noah 120 years to build the ark. Can you imagine the tremendous amount of Faith it would have taken for him to bear the trials that surely came from the evil of man around him when he was being obedient to God and fulfilling his command to build the ark that would act as the new beginning for man after the flood?

The New Civil War

After the election, I was left there standing saddened by the outcome.  I found it very interesting that our political system pits two sides against each other struggling for victory.  At a time when our country needs to unite to face the incredible challenges laid out before us, our political system instead divides us.  Why?  Is it really the natural course of our country's thinking, the equilibrium of our thoughts and beliefs that lead us to two separate teams and groups: Democrats vs. Republicans.  Or is it by design?  Has someone or something chosen to make the political system this way to further some larger and more sinister agenda? 

See Image Here: http://www.soldierstudies.org/images/webquest/civil%20war%20soldiers.jpg

24“A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse.25Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. 27...Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house." -Mark 3:24-25; 27 (New Living Translation)

Gods word tells us the fate of a kingdom that is divided.  The bible tells us the destructive nature of feuding and the consequence it has in our family.  Many of us have seen this not only in the history of our world with the rise & fall of governments, but here at our home with our own families.  Satan is crafty.  The heart of man is tempted by sin, but it is only through repentance by acknowledging our evil and asking our creator for forgiveness that we can be washed clean. 

Unfaithful Jerusalem

"21See how Jerusalem, once so faithful, has become a prostitute. Once the home of justice and righteousness, she is now filled with murderers. 22Once like pure silver, you have become like worthless slag. Once so pure, you are now like watered-down wine. 23Your leaders are rebels,

the companions of thieves. All of them love bribes and demand payoffs, but they refuse to defend the cause of orphans or fight for the rights of widows. 24Therefore, the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, he Mighty One of Israel, says, “I will take revenge on my enemies and pay back my foes!

25I will raise my fist against you. I will melt you down and skim off your slag. I will remove all your impurities. 26Then I will give you good judges again and wise counselors like you used to have.

Then Jerusalem will again be called the Home of Justice and the Faithful City.” 27Zion will be restored by justice; those who repent will revived by righteousness. - Isaiah 1:21-27 (New Living Translation)

 

Our country was once the home of justice and righteousness and I pray for our land.  We have to be the UNITED states of America and work together to make some bold decisions that will not only affect our kids, but all future generations.  I pray that America can be the hope of the world again. 

See Image Here: http://mrayton.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/repentance.jpg

 

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts. Can't Lose!

Written By: Kirk Peterson

I was recently talking to a Dr. I work with about the election and the course of our country.  We love to talk about politics and since we have opposing views on a number of issues we like to try and convince each other who is more right, ah the epic battle of words we have--good times!  I'm reminded in our discussion, that so many people in our country have such a hard time discussing their various political views when someone doesn't agree with them....hmmmm, kind of like our political leaders?  Just as congress needs to work together again, maybe we here on 'main street', could stand to take some of our own advice and be a little more open about things...

Character of a Man

Our country is at a crossroads.  Paul Ryan said it best with, "I have not seen a time in our nation's history when the man and the moment meet so perfectly. Mitt Romney is the man to lead."  I see the moment that Paul Ryan is speaking to as one of the greatest moments in America's history.  Just look around at the tremendous challenges our country faces: the fragile U.S. ECONOMY that has only been smothered by Obama's big government agenda; the DEBT CRISIS that has seen more then 6 trillion dollars added & lead by Obama's negligent overspending; and very troubling CONCERNS ABROAD with unrest in the middle east, the uncertainty the Arab spring brings, Iran's nuclear aspirations and Europe's own even more challenging debt crisis.

Given the gravity and weight of the moment, the man we choose to lead our country could not be more crucial.  We must look to a man with strong moral excellence.  Someone who has shown the characteristics of a man that is very similar to those described in God's word.

5In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. -2 Peter: 5-7 (New Living Translation)

A Telling Sign of a Man

Perhaps there is no better place to look for the character of each of the men running for president, then how they run their respective campaigns.  Obama has run a campaign that is described by Paul Ryan as, "Attack and Blame".  What a simple but very accurate way to describe the incumbent President's campaign.  Let's take a moment and unpack this great statement made by Paul Ryan. 

ATTACK

Barrack Obama's campaign has focused solely on attacking and destroying the character of Mitt Romney.  Obama's camp has spent millions of dollars building up false accusations against Romney only to see the debates bring to light the heart of the man that Romney is.  Remember, Bill Clinton (the Democrats biggest hitter in Obama's re-election campaign) himself, said that Mitt Romney would make a great president. 

Obama told us in a speech back in 2008 that if you don't have an agenda to run on then all you can do is attack your opponent.  I find it VERY troubling and quite a sign of his character that Obama would choose to run his campaign the very way he described back in 2008. 

Interesting also, that Obama's campaign would accuse and attack Romney for not having specifics on his vision for the country.  Obama has not shown anything about his vision for the country up until a little over a week ago when they released their 15 page plan.  Which begs the question, whey wait so long to lay out your own vision for the country?  I heard hints of the reason back in his speech to the DNC when he brought up green energy, roads & bridges and education.  When my wife and I heard that in his speech, we looked at each other and laughed.  It was the EXACT same thing Obama said back in 2008.  If you feel that the presidents plan has brought a real recovery to the U.S. economy with: the poverty rate never having been so high; true unemployment closer to 15% as opposed to the mainly reported 7.8%; 50% of graduates of college not being able to find a job and the some 26 million Americans either unemployed or underemployed under his administration---then I suggest that you need to take ANOTHER LOOK!  So, again to attack a person on not giving specifics when you yourself have done a far worse job of it yourself, I find both ironic and a strong sign of your character.

Perhaps Mitt Romney said it best in the last debate, "Attacking me, Mr. President, is not an agenda."

BLAME

Another strong sign of strong moral character is being accountable for your actions.  In Barrack Obama, I believe we have a candidate that looks to blame things on others far to often. 

First on the economy, rather then taking responsibility for the current state of the United States economy, Obama instead blames everything on Bush's administration and takes no responsibility.  Well I hate to tell you this Mr. President, but you have been in office these past 4 years and we have solid evidence on exactly how your leadership has left things in our economy.  You had almost 2 years in office where the democrats had control of congress and could have brought legislation that fit with your vision.  So, what did you choose to do?  Did you tackle the greatest challenge facing our country at the time, the economy?  No, Obama instead choose to shove through Obamacare.  Something at the time that over 80% of Americans did not want.  A vision where legislators said things like Nancy Pelosi, don't read the bill--just sign it, push it through and we can fix it later.  Wow!

Benghazi.  Even if you give the President the benefit of the doubt and maybe they strategically needed to blame the attack on the video for fear of sparking more violence against the United States in the middle east; you can't take away the fact that the president should have taken responsibility for his administrations handling of the attack and brought the truth to light for the American people.  Hearing the father of one of the fallen soldiers tell his story, you get a sense of the moral consequence our country made with our choices following the attack and the importance in finding out the truth of what happened there.

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts. Can't Lose!

At no better time did I see the strong moral character of Mitt Romney then during the last and final presidential debate.  When I watched the debate, I saw a man who showed humility and looked like a strong presidential candidate.  I felt Romney took the high road during the debate.  Rather then getting pulled into the muck by Obama and his attacks, Romney choose to show the country and the world exactly what his vision for the United States of America would be and the path he would lead us on. 

As a man of faith, I believe the best leader the world has ever seen is Jesus Christ--the son of God.  Jesus, having absolute power could have done anything he wanted to do while he was here on earth and in doing so, could have been any kind of leader he wanted to be.  Jesus choose to come as a humble servant and obediently followed God's plan in being the perfect sacrifice for all mankind.  Even though we can never attain the perfect level of leadership that The Messiah showed us, we can hope to aspire to follow in his footsteps.

While both campaigns certainly have had there share of attacks, I believe the Romney campaign has shown strong character in laying out their vision for the country.  Romney, like the great American president in Ronald Regan, has 5 core principles that he will use to help lead the U.S. toward prosperity again.  Despite the Obama campaign's attacks to the contrary, the Romney/Ryan comeback team does offer some specifics on what they would do within these 5 key principles.  In addition, using these 5 key principles as framework, both Romney & Ryan have said they want congress to debate the exact specifics by reaching across the isle and working together.

When people cry for exact specifics, I personally find it almost humerus to proclaim that ONE man can show exactly how our country can dig itself out of the great challenges of our day.  I would argue that way of thinking speaks to leaders of dictatorships rather then leaders of government elected by the people for the people.  I believe that a great republic should debate these challenges in the halls of congress--having all sides come together and compromise to find the best solution.  Isn't that what our founding fathers dreamed about and created for us in founding our great nation?


See Mitt Romney's Plan here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFQAZYZrjVU
Read Mitt Romney's Plan here: http://www.mittromney.com/JobsPlan


In 5 days our country will elect our next president.  I hope and pray given the weight and gravity of the moment, that we take to heart what Paul Ryan said. 

"I have not seen a time in our nation's history when the man and the moment meet so perfectly. Mitt Romney is the man to lead."  -Paul Ryan

Our True Founding Father

Written By: Heidi Peterson

How it Began

On my way to work in 2008, I drove up a hill leading to the exit ramp onto Denver's main drag, I-25. Open fields were sprawled around me, but looking to my left, I could see dozens of cars zooming down the highway. I had just filled up the tank of my car minutes ago, and it was the most expensive tank of gas I'd ever purchased. Prices were approaching $4.00 a gallon then, which was shocking at the time. This was quite a difference from the $.99 a gallon price I remembered prior to 9/11 happening in 2001. Something was going awry in our country; it hit me in that moment. I felt like high gas prices were not the only thing Americans were about to face. There was more to come. Thoughts of the United States and examples of how we had been rejecting God in recent years crossed my mind. I said a prayer to myself in my heart that afternoon, "Lord, if this is what it takes to wake our country up, if we are being judged, let it be so. Even if I and other believers have to be uncomfortable for awhile in order for my country to repent and seek you, so be it." Click here for image: http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/drive-on/2012/03/19/gasx-large.jpg

"When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 NIV

 

Feeling the Squeeze

It didn't take long to discover what else was in store for the United States. Kirk and I had to leave our home in Colorado in order for Kirk to find a decent full-time job. Instead of many jobs to choose from in Denver, there were only a couple, none of them near us. We had no children yet and I was up for exploring, so I told him to look anywhere in the country. He was offered two jobs in Charleston, South Carolina. That is how we ended up in the South. The Great Recession hit just as we were moving. This allowed us to get a good deal on our first house, but rumors about stocks plunging and the housing crisis made this accomplishment bittersweet. We wondered what was in store for us down the road.  Click here for image: http://wemoveitusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/moving2zd3.jpg

In August, 2008, we found out I was pregnant with our first baby boy. We were elated, but in my heart I hoped I was not bringing a baby into a world that would be painful to live in, one where we could not protect him from danger in the coming years....

The Anointed One

I had never heard of Barrak Obama until I happened to watch a portion of "Oprah" one afternoon prior to moving from Colorado. I never watched that show on a regular basis, but for some reason became interested. Obama seemed intelligent, and it was obvious Oprah was very impressed with him. She asked if he were thinking about running for president. He avoided the question. Oprah made him promise that if he decided to run, her show would be the first place he'd annouce it. I don't remember his response. All I remember is that smirk, one I would see often on TV in the coming years.  Click here for image: http://gothamist.com/attachments/jen/2007_12_opob.jpg

Of course, Obama did decide to run for president. At the time, I worked in a dental office where I was the only conservative. My co-workers were elated about Obama, just as they had been when Nancy Pelosi became Speaker of the House. They attended the Democratic Convention in Denver. I already felt dread about the idea of an Obama presidency, although I couldn't express why. Before I left, my co-workers gave me a guidebook on Charleston and an Obama doll they had bought at the convention. They bought it as a joke. Sometimes I come across it in my guestroom closet, Obama's fake plastic face smirking as I look for other miscellaneous items. Someday, I'm going to make some money on ebay off that doll, a replication of the first African American president in America.

It was time for the 2008 elections soon after moving. Kirk and I were at odds on who to vote for. I felt very strongly that John McCain needed to win. Kirk fell for Obama's charisma and voted against  his long-standing Republican views. We argued all the way to the polls, and cancelled out each other's vote.

The night Obama won, Kirk stayed downstairs to watch his victory speech. I walked upstairs with a heavy heart. Putting my hand on my 3-month pregnant belly, tears streamed down my face. We were in trouble, my family along with our country.

A Dream is Conceived

In the years of Obama's presidency, Kirk and I started our small family, bringing two precious boys into the world. God allowed us to survive the economic crisis and keep both of our jobs, although I only worked 1-2 days a week. Being a mom was my most important profession. Many around us lost their jobs and houses, and I saw first-hand how grocery prices climbed. The only problem was, our paychecks remained the same.

I don't remember when the idea came into being, but like a broken record, it kept popping into my mind. "There needs to be prayer at the US Capitol for the 2012 elections." I would pray about what God wanted me to do, but no details were given. Nonetheless, I couldn't let it go. When I'd get busy and forget for awhile, it would pop into my head again.
"But Lord, am I supposed to organize this? Where do I start? Where do I get time to work on it? " There was silence until the summer of 2012. I watched some Charles Stanley sermons on "changing the tide" in our country and following God's path for the your life.
The urge became stronger to do something. It wasn't enough just to vote this year; God wanted something more.  Click here for image: http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/white-house-night-shot.jpg

One night after a particularly moving Charles Stanley sermon, I opened my Bible randomly hoping God would reveal something to me. I opened my Bible to Haggai, a book I was not as familiar with. I read a story of the rebuilding of God's temple in Jerusalem, and it reminded me of our country. The people had gotten complacent, ignoring God, but He wanted them to turn back and rebuild His house.
"Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem like nothing?...."Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord, 'and work. For I am with you." Haggai 2:2-4 NIV
 I was energized; there was hope for our country if we seeked Him!

I looked online for an event to pray for our nation around the elections and found a couple things, but nothing matched what God had laid on my heart, until I found David's Tent (www.davidstentdc.org).

 

 

 

 

Chasing the Vision

Tears came to my eyes when I saw the promotional video. The DC House of Prayer had gotten a permit to put a tent behind the White House for 40 days leading up the the election, where there would be praise and worship 24/7 to our true Founding Father, the Lord Almighty. I had to get the word out, and I had to pray Kirk would let our family go be a part of this vision that had been on my heart for so long.  See David's Tent DC video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6jIRmbr7uM

Kirk supported me, and a couple days ago we drove eight hours with our young boys to the heart of our country, Washington DC. It was a beautiful time of year, and the fall colors refreshed our souls. We were ready to tackle this adventure to praise God in our nation's Capitol! I told my older son, Brody, who is 3 and half, about our plans before we left. A few times he asked, "Is God going to be there? Is Jesus going to be there?"
"He will be there," I said. "We won't be able to see Him, but he'll be in our hearts."

Originally I had planned to visit David's Tent the evening we arrived in DC, but it was dark and we were beat when we got there, so we decided to call it a night. Sliding between the sheets in our hotel room, I prayed God's will would be done for our country, and that he'd keep us safe during the next day's adventure to the White House.

 

 

David's Tent

Our family took the shuttle to the Metro station and though confused at first, managed to figure out what line to take to the White House. The Metro was crowded, and the thought crossed my mind, "God created each one of these people, and He loves them all deeply. Do they know?"

When we stepped off the Metro, it felt like we were in another world after being in Charleston the past five years. People were busy and they were walking quickly, intent on getting to work or their next appointment. We navigated through the busy streets until we came to a walkway. In the distance I saw a big tent. Could that be it?

The boys found some crunchy leaves to stomp on; we let them get their wiggles out. As we walked toward the White House it became clear that we had seen David's Tent. We were almost there.
"Run Brody! Run to the tent!" Brody took off running full speed until he could touch the tent. Slapping the side, he yelled, "I'm here! I'm at the tent!"
As Kirk and I got closer, we realized there was a very soft song playing and people were praying inside. We sheepishly found an aisle and sat down, our boys calmly listened to the music. For a while, we all sat peacefully enjoying the music. I felt God's presence there; I knew He was pleased that His people were worshipping Him and praying for our nation. We sang some of the songs; the woman singing had a beautiful voice, like Sarah McLachlan.
In my heart, I prayed that God's will would be done for our nation, and thanked Him for letting us be a part of seeking His will for the 2012 elections in the Capitol.

Eventually the boys got restless, and they had to go outside the tent to let some energy loose. We talked to the girls at the information tent, who informed us there had been visitors from all 50 states and 13 countries. God had called people from all over the nation to praise Him with one voice for our nation!

We prayed once more in the tent and then the boys had enough sitting still. After getting a glimpse of the White House and walking once more through DC to the Metro, it was time to get back home.

On the Metro, our younger son, Cole, sat on Kirk's lap a few rows behind Brody and I. A few minutes into the ride, Brody asked, "Where's my kitty?" I opened the diaper bag expecting to find his beloved stuffed friend laying inside, but he wasn't there. My heart broke as I realized he must have dropped his lovey somewhere in DC. I usually made Brody leave him in the car, but let him bring him this time in case he was nervous in the noisy city. He had slept with and been comforted by his kitty for the past couple years. How would he live without him? Brody laid his head on my lap and fell asleep until we got to the station.

In the shuttle on the way back to the hotel, I told Brody that his kitty was lost. He wept bitterly into the side of my arm for a few minutes. When we got back to Charleston, I asked Brody if he remembered where he last had kitty. "At the White House," he told me, "with the beautiful music." I realized that Brody had left part of his heart behind in our nation's Capitol, and he was ok with that. We bought him a "replacement" the next day. He immediately found a kitty in the stuffed animal aisle and proclaimed, "here's my kitty!" He picked up loving him where he had left off with his old best friend, although he will never be forgotten.

 

Now What?

Our journey to the Capitol is over, but our prayers will continue. This election is important and requires urgent prayer on behalf of our nation. Please join with us to pray God's will be done!

 

A Tarnished Symbol of Freedom

Written By: Kirk Peterson

The Heart of Man

As I watched the 2nd presidential debate I couldn't help but get a little discouraged and cynical about our political process.  Most people I talk to really just want to hear what each respective candidate has to say on the major issues and challenges that our nation is facing.  However, it seams to often these days, the candidates spend more time on attacking each other and defending themselves rather then laying out their vision for our country and how they plan on leading us to prosperity.  If you listen to the political analysts they will tell you that negative ads really do make the most bang for your buck and even though people say they hate them, they do influence people.  Welcome to the wide world of our current political process people.

Here is a shot of the debate hall from Wednesday nights debate.  Click here: http://images.enstarz.com/data/images/full/6387/second-presidential-debate-2012.jpg?w=614
Do you see that great symbol of freedom and America in the background?  As I was watching the debate I kept asking myself if those principles that our founding fathers built for us still flowed through the veins of this great nation and I questioned the heart of our country... 

"3When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. 4Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift, 5but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected." (Genesis 4:3-5, New Living Translation)  God was looking at the heart of each man with their offering and that is why he accepted one and rejected the other.  If you have been reading my blogs, then you know how far I think our morals have fallen here in the U.S.  So, given how far we have fallen, how can our country find its way out of the darkness?  Click here for image: http://heartofsin.com/images/logoA.jpg

"4And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 5In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone."  (2 Peter: 4-7, New Living Translation)  Our world is indeed filled with corruption and the moral fibers of our land are not what they use to be.  At no other time in our history have we been so polarized as a country.  In my study of the book of Genesis, I have learned how crafty and smart Satan is.  One of his greatest tools is lying and twisting the truth to show the heart of man temptation.  Since the fall of man, within each and every one of us lies sin and we all fall.  The bible tells us another one of Satan's tools is confusion and I can't help but think of all  of this when I look at our country and how lost we seem in our morals and direction.  Click here for image: http://img.ehowcdn.com/article-new/ehow/images/a04/is/ba/write-personal-faith-statement-800x800.jpg

Though I do see all the darkness, the bible tells us of the light of the world, Jesus The Messiah.  "Jesus, the Light of the World 
12Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12, New Living Translation).  Click here for image: http://www.barbdesimon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/jesus-the-light-of-the-world.jpg

A Tarnished Symbol of Freedom

When we look at the eagle, a strong symbol of freedom for the United States of America, I see a tarnished emblem.  I picture a chipped and warn badge that has had to endure all the war, pain, suffering and divisiveness of our history.  Dulled from sin and blackened by darkness.  Yet, like a warriors shield dented and broken from battle, I still see strength.  Click here for image: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00Ynjf9kKLSx_4oizMCxkE0OtWQscqxNI69_O_mG24IvaJoVsArJVZkYuqQNf5BfcD3voWzfX4i6xAszaI5oC0-KYXVM5HhivJ-XR5i_wQi19USNg-WJRrLAtje85KdO5PTetHv7ProQ/s400/Eagle.jpg

God's word tells us of putting on the armor of God to battle Satan.  Though our challenges are great and our path is daunting, in equipping the armor of God I see hope for our nation and I am confident in His promises. 
 

The Whole Armor of God  "10A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."  (Ephesians 6:10-18, New Living Translation)  Click here for image: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PYsIQKX81hj_MGUsrxXcKvkWXzTujT_H1TPYmsCin4WKWg4a5yEkP9kRlfhhUBmdkZfaNwn3F88LBflNg_-RJih2JgMvKYQnY0EVNLrTnaFOwZQCK5IV7hrGiQAs7BuwB4nTkWodeRA/s1600/b9d4_the_armor_of_god.jpg

Or and the darkness has not understood it.

 

The Broken System

Written By: Kirk Peterson

The Broken System

With the political season breaking into full swing I have been speaking to many of my friends and colleague's about the election.  I was amazed and a little bit discouraged by what I found.  Almost everyone I spoke to, in one way or another, had deeply cynical views on the whole political process.  Their views were that all our politicians are corrupt, having sold out long before they came into power in office, and feel that their vote doesn't matter in a system that is broken.  Can you blame them?

The state of our current system dictates that a candidate has to have a significant amount of money to even have a chance to win.  So the argument that someone would have to shake a few hands and make some promises to even get a chance to be elected does hold some weight.  You do here some success stories like Marco Rubio, where our political officers come from humble beginnings and make a difference in the varied political landscape.  However, if the system is broken, does the problem lie in the design or in something else?

Our founding fathers built the best foundation and government the world has ever seen.  The 3 branches of government all have checks and balances for each other and ultimately are all held accountable by the people.  I have always been an optimist, but my faith has shown me that since the fall of man, within the heart of man is sin.  It is no more evident than in my kids, though they are so precious and innocent, they still have selfishness, jealously and greed in their heart.  23For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. -Romans 3:23-24 NLT.  Maybe the current state of our system has more to do with the hearts of our leaders then the system itself.  So the question becomes, what can we do to fix it?

Hope of Our Land

I have begun to see the spirit of compromise start to make it's return to Washington and I pray that congress can start to work together again.  Romney himself said it best in the first presidential debate that they need not compromise their principles but need to find common ground to work together.  As long as congress takes that to heart and goes to work on the daunting challenges facing our land, then there is hope.

 14Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.- 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT.  Our country was built on putting God first.  Take a look at our founding doctrines here:

Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

Constitution
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html

Many in the evangelical community feel that we have been so blessed as a nation because we put God first.  We have strayed so very far from those days and our values have slowly eroded away to dangerous levels.  The sirens should be going off shouting warning, warning at how far we have fallen.  Dangerous, for the bible says that the ruler of this world is Satan.  However, God's truth tells us of His plan to bring everything under the authority of Jesus Christ before He triumphs over Satan and lastly death itself.

I think many of us, whether Christan in faith or not, could agree that the values of America have fallen and are in major need for an overhaul. 

The path before U.S.

Our country was founded and built on freedom and is the very heart of our land. The spirit of compromise is finding its way back to Washington and I see hope. One path laid before us leads to uniting the states and pulling us out of the darkness we find ourselves in, and one path does not.  In just under 30 days America will elect our next president.  No matter who is elected, I pray that our leaders in congress can take their new found acceptance for compromise to heart and break the deadlock that has plagued our political system for the past few years.  If they do that, then maybe, just maybe we can win back some of those people I talked to about our broken system and get them to believe in America again.  Hmmm, believe in America, hey that would make a great slogan for candidate for president wouldn't it?

Why are Founding Fathers Got it Right

Written By: Kirk Peterson

Democrats Outmaneuver Republicans

Recently a friend of mine asked me who I thought was going to win the political race. Seeing how polarized the country is now, you know the race is going to be close and will probably come down to the wire. If the democrats continue to outmaneuver the republicans, I fear they will pull it out come November. The democrats saw a big opening in trying to win the military vote back from the republicans who held a 10% advantage there in the 2008 race with McCain and focused on them at the DNC. Also, in trying not to lose the evangelical vote, the democrats quickly voted to include God and Israel in their 2012 platform. Furthermore, in focusing on diversity at the DNC, I feel they hoped to shore up the minority vote there as well. Bottom line, if the republicans want to pull out the election in November, they need to be more politically savvy. Overall Score: Dems 1- Rep 0.

Blueprint to a Republican Victory

Focus on demographics you can win, not what you can’t--The republicans need to focus on the key demographics that they can still get. They did a great job in pulling back some of the female vote at the RNC but can still do more there. Also, their apparent new strategy on focusing on the evangelical vote is certainly a good idea given what happened there with Bush.

Go bold on specifics for their polices—everyone wants specifics when it comes to politics, but that is not the nature of the beast. In my last blog I spoke on the two great challenges that our nation faces today: the economy and the debt. Even if the Romney/Ryan ticket doesn’t want to get too specific on their policies, I think it is crucial for Romney to show the nation how his successful business experience is going to translate into great prosperity for the US economy. Bottom line, the “Comeback team for America” needs to get more specific on how they are going to lead America to greatness again!

Obama’s Vision for our Country

Here are some fun facts for you to chew on, under Obama’s great leadership:

· The poverty rate has NEVER been higher in our nation

· There has NEVER been more people on welfare then there is now

· More jobs come from GOVERNMENT than any other sector

· Gave the GOVERNMENT the biggest control over our freedom EVER with Obamacare

The question you need to ask yourself about your choice in November is if weather you want a nation that is built around the GOVERNEMENT or a nation that is built around the PRIVATE sector?

Why our Founding Fathers got it right

Here is one great example on why I think the PRIVATE sector does a much better job in most cases vs. GOVERNMENT. The idea of green energy sounds great, getting our nation off our addiction to foreign oil sounds so promising. So, how did the government do with all that stimulus money they had for green energy? I have one word for you: Solyndra. Most analysis on how the government did with the stimulus money for green energy have shown exactly what I mean by inefficient and wasteful. Bottom line, the government has too much inefficiency and has proven throughout history to be downright woeful in spending money wastefully. At a time when we HAVE to be sound on our budget and right the ship when it comes to our budget deficit, do you really want big government driving the US ‘forward.’--or do we want to ‘Believe in America’ again and bring freedom to the people again?

You know where my vote is. I’m going to bet on America and freedom Mr. Biden, and do everything I can to see the Romney/Ryan comeback team lead our country.

I would love to hear any thoughts or comments, so please leave comments here on my blog.

Written By: Kirk Peterson

TO INSPIRE A NATION

Listening to Paul Ryan speak with his recent vice presidential nomination, I felt compelled to write...

Our nation has endured very hard times recently and needs leadership that is willing to take the right steps to correct our path and bring prosperity back to the American dream and our way of life here in the US. Our choice for candidates for president in the 2012 election can be brought down to two choices: one for setting our great nation down the path towards destruction and one for the promise of hope.

WHY I VOTED FOR BARACK OBAMA

In the 2008 election I chose to vote for President Barack Obama. Given the looming challenges that faced our next president, I felt we needed someone who was a strong leader who could guide our nation back from the economic brink that we were barreling towards. The economic collapse from the financial crisis had already begun its destructive work in our economy, and our country's place in the world had been challenged by the emergence of China as a super-power and the surprisingly increasing negative view of the US abroad.

Seeing Obama take a major chance in bringing his campaign to the foreign stage at a time when he did not even have the democratic nomination locked down, I felt showed something of his character. He inspired crowds to come out and support and cheer his nomination abroad, which further solidified his choice for me. I couldn't have been more wrong.

My conservative republican beliefs naturally had me veer toward McCain. However, as the famous Saturday Night Live skit with some of Will Ferrel's best work as president Bush put it, senator 'McRage' really did give me cause for concern with his aggressive policy on war and foreign policy.



BELIEVING IN LIBERTY AND COUNTRY AGAIN

View Paul Ryan's acceptance speech here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrRBXKgAxSs

When I listen to Paul Ryan speak, I become energized by the hope the Romney/Ryan ticket brings in actually correcting the course of our great nation and the challenges we currently find ourselves in. I feel, just as the Romney/Ryan ticket is currently showing, the two biggest problems we have right now are the economy and the budget. Who better to lead US (like my play on words there) then a champion of the free markets and business to guide us out of the looming darkness of our economy then Mitt Romney? My dad was a very successful businessman, and some of the first conversations I had with him on politics and economics was back in my senior year of high school in the late 1990's. I asked him about the struggling US auto industry and what we could do to recapture the great standard that we use to hold in car manufacturing. He said one of the single greatest problems our nation had was the budget. He said that no business can run very long with the massive amount of debt that we had. So, I asked him what the struggling auto industry should do, and you know what he said? They should cut production all the way down to meet the current demand and clean up their balance sheet to get their debt back in line. Great advice Dad, I see why you were so successful in business.

Paul Ryan's budget plan has seen some major backlash on its aggressive cuts, but the simple fact remains that no country (let alone business) can run very long on the massive amount of debt we have. Something has to be done about our overspending, and I'm more than confident seeing what Paul Ryan has already done in Congress and the type of character he has shown in accepting the nomination for vice president--if anyone can actually make it happen, it's him.


SOCIALISM VS. THE AMERICAN DREAM

Some of you reading this may feel that saying Obama will bring about the destruction of our nation is hyperbole. However, Obama has shown me over and over again during his presidency that his great vision for our country truly is socialism. He proclaims he is for the middle class, but I ask you fellow middle classers, how has his socialistic policies left you these past few years? He slammed down our throats a health care system that overwhelmingly 80% of the country did not want. He championed the greatest number of Americans on welfare in our nations history all the while piling more and more debt upon future generations--at a rate no other US president has. What ever happened to the strong American values our parents' generation had and the promise of the American dream where if you work hard, though life will show you many struggles, you can overcome and succeed?

Recently a doctor I work with challenged me to think about a gaping hole I see in my conservative values. After many discussions on the matter with him, I've come to the conclusion that conservatives really do (for the most part) seem to forget about the poor, even when God's Word tells us we need to take care of them. So what does that mean about conservatives and what can we do about it?

Jesus called out to them, "Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to be fishers of men". (Matthew 4:19, New Living Translation)

God knew there was a greater purpose for Peter and Andrew then commercial fishermen, and promised to show them how to bring people to God. We can take care of the poor, but maybe there is a better way than to simply give them fish when they are hungry. Maybe there is a greater purpose in each and every one of them...

As a nation, I think we can do a better job for the poor. If we focus more on helping these people acquire the skills they need to make it in a world that is getting harder to live in and less on simply giving them the fish they need to fill there bellies, I believe we can make a difference. Recently I heard a commentator speak on this very subject on Fox News and I agree with him. We should focus more of the entitlement programs for the poor on teaching them how to work and succeed in this world then simply handing them things. The human spirit is so much more resilient then we give it credit for, and no matter the circumstances we face, a path to prosperity is always out there.


WHAT CAN CONGRESS DO?

If our country wants to get back that great American dream that our founding fathers built for us, then congress needs only apply one solution. That's right world, I'm going to throw out there the one simple thing our legislative branch needs to do to steer our ship back to prosperity....COMPROMISE.

Somewhere along the line our politicians, chosen by the people to represent us, lost this idea and decided that it is their way or the highway. Well, unfortunately world, not everyone has the same views. Just look how polarized America is these days? In a time when our country is crying out to our leaders to guide us out of the darkness, perhaps the simple idea of comprising and debating the challenges we face can bring solution.


CLOSING

I'm very open to discussing anything any of you have read and would love to hear some of your views. Please post here on my blog or inbox me on facebook.


9 The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, "You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?" 10 Jesus replied, "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who I am, you would ask me, and I would give you living water."11 "But sir, you don't have a rope or a bucket," she said, "and this is a very deep well. Where would you get this living water? 12 And besides, are you greater than our ancestor Jacob who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his cattle enjoyed?" 13 Jesus replied, "People soon become thirsty again after drinking this water. 14But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life." (John 4:9-14, New Living Translation)