Putting a nativity in my yard at Christmas is not a statement of hatred toward unbelievers. Displaying an American flag in my front yard is not a statement of hatred toward non- Americans. Putting a "Yes On Prop 8" sign in my front yard is not a statement of hatred toward gays. The sign is my declaration of agreement with the definition of marriage being the union of one man with one woman, just as God designed it. I support this Proposition for a number of reasons and this article from a paper in Vallejo sums it up fairly well:
Proposition 8 - Truth vs. Myth
Article Launched: 10/28/2008 08:33:42 AM PDT
Proposition 8 - Truth vs. Myth
Over the last few weeks, we have seen many letters to the editor, political advertisements and news stories regarding Proposition 8. Unfortunately, many of these seem to be providing accidentally mistaken or deliberately incorrect information. I offer the following as a way to provide correct information:
g Myth: Proposition 8 strips constitutional rights from gay and lesbian couples.
Fact: Proposition 8 does not take away any rights. According to section 297.5 of the California Family Code (look it up) gay and lesbian domestic partners have "the same rights, protections and benefits" as married spouses. Proposition 8 does NOT change this.
n Myth: Gay marriage cannot (or will not) be taught in California schools.
Fact: The California public education code directs that marriage be taught as part of the kindergarten through 12th grade curriculum. Currently, some schools teach it and some schools do not. If Proposition 8 is not passed, schools will be free to teach gay marriage whether or not parents agree. This has already happened in Michigan and, in response to the Michigan example, the California Superintendent of Schools stated "nothing inappropriate will be taught in California schools" (KPIX News story, Oct. 22). Please note the important choice of the word "inappropriate." The superintendent knows, as should we all, that if Proposition 8 is not passed, gay marriage will not be considered "inappropriate" and, as such, will become an eligible topic to be taught to school children under the dictates of the education code.
n Myth: Proposition 8 discriminates against gays and lesbians.
Fact: The sole purpose of Proposition 8 is to prohibit the redefinition of marriage. In fact, the entire proposition is only 14 words long, the SAME 14 words passed by nearly two-thirds of the voters in the state of California in 2000. "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." It is a very simple statement.
n Myth: Marriage as an institution has already failed, so gay marriage won't make any difference.
Fact: Traditional marriage is an ideal worthy of emulation. Sure, there are situations when the ideal is not reached (or able to be maintained), but that does not mean it is something for which we should not try. Children reared in the home by a loving father and mother are provided with the best framework possible for future success and stability. Again, the world is not perfect and, occasionally, this is not possible. It is essential, however, that we as a society always strive for the best things possible and, failing reaching those goals, we make the best of what we have.
There are far more myths out there than I have time to mention in this brief letter. I would encourage anyone considering their position regarding Proposition 8 to research the proposition and what it means. If you agree that four activist judges should not be permitted to thwart the will of the people and that the definition of marriage, marriage between a man and a woman, should be the only marriage recognized in the state of California, I respectfully ask that you join me and many others Nov. 4 in voting "yes" on Proposition 8.
Steven Davis
We must understand that there is a battle in this world between God and his enemy. The enemy is crafty and subtle in spreading his lies. When someone who professes to believe in Christ states that a home where two people of the same sex are raising a child and the child is kind, polite, etc. thus causing this person to consider that it is a valid relationship, it disturbs me. When satan approached Eve and whispered the lie that God had denied access to all the fruit in the garden, it caused her to doubt God. Now, satan is asking "Does God really say that marriage is a man and a woman only?" Christ spent much time with sinners, however, He never embraced or approved of their sin, He forgave it and told them to go and sin no more. He told them to turn from sin and turn to God. If there are marriage failures in the community of believers, the answer is not to try alternatives to marriage, Christians have been sucked into the enemy's lies and need to return to God and live according to His Word. Love is always revealed in Truth. Our society is disintegrating rapidly, and our children, grandchildren and future generations will be swallowed if we do not act to keep principles that are important in place. When four judges have the ability to overturn a vote of the people....it's appalling. My placing a nativity scene on my lawn is a proclamation that God sent a Savior to the world. My placing a flag in my front yard is a proclamation that I live in a free country and people have given their lives for that freedom. My placing a "Yes on Prop 8" sign in my yard is a proclamation that God has designed marriage between a man and a woman to display Christ to the world. Eph. 5:32 " This mystery (a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.) is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church."
How can you beat having a Christmas that includes "Baby's 1st"? And of course, Madeleine is so sweet and easy going, it is even more delightful. Due to work and tea schedules, our family Christmas celebration was postponed to Monday the 28th. I'm still evaluating extended holidays and how I want to address them in the future. I was actually pretty tired that day after hosting the 11th annual tea at my home, and when I got dressed and came downstairs my energy was in great need of a boost. Enter my hero: Jared. He inquired of the plan and made himself immediately available to assist in whatever was needed. Together we planned the side dishes and got to work on preparing them. The family assembled at 2:30 to eat and then we exchanged gifts. 
My All About Madeleine book made for me by Tim. I look at it almost everyday and smile. 
Auntie Keeg made MJ a cute hair bow and a nice warm afghan. 
The family altogether minus my older brother Ron's family 
Gettin' crazy! 
My sister Pat and I managed to get our new granddaughters together for a photo with Santa. Madz was 6mos. and Sophie 2mos. 
Looking forward to many more Christmases and watching the families grow!
On Valentine's Day, Alex and Keegan spent the day at Santa Monica and then to the Getty winding up in the garden at sunset. There, Alex proposed to Keegan and she accepted his proposal. They are planning a January 2011 wedding after both have graduated from college. 
Jared entered into the Paramedic Program at NCTI in March. He is working hard to keep his grades in the top percentile and will finish the didactic portion in September followed by his clinical and infield training.
At the end of the movie, he was all tuckered out.
There was much fun to be had, playing Wii. Kylie and Katie did "Dancing With the Stars". 
The morning we left to drive home, it was snowing. We hated to leave because we kind of wanted to enjoy some snow, but the schedules waiting at home demanded our return. April brought an engagement party for Keegan and Alex. It was that day that Keegan asked Lauren to be her matron of honor. 
A couple days later, Lori gave a very nice baby shower for Lauren at my house. Such an enjoyable time with family and friends....we are blessed!
