Talking Sex

I came back Sunday night from a wonderful weekend trip to the Grand Canyon with my seventeen-year-old son. As I flipped through the Denver Post, I came across a Colorado Voices column written by Mark Thrun. It was given priority placement on the front page of the Perspective section. I was vexed and my mood was deflated.

Called Talking (shhh) sex, the column amounted to an attack on those who think it is a good idea to teach children to abstain from sex until married. A doctor by profession, Mark Thrun made himself out to be a professional and a concerned parent. A simple Google search of his name filled me in on what his real dog was in this fight. If you are interested then look for yourself.

That aside, Dr Thrun, parroted the old myth of “safe (unmarried teen) sex.” Just throw on a condom, (properly) and your worries are gone. Declare yourself emotionally ready and copulate like mad. Teach sex education in the schools and all will be well.

Yes, I am in favor of teaching children to abstain from sex until they are married but what I really want them to know is how dangerous sex can be. I want them to know that a condom, properly applied, will not protect them from STDs; it will not protect their heart either.

There is an epidemic of STDs amongst young people. Part of that epidemic is created by teens believing that as long as they use a condom they are safe. It’s time to admit that the condom evangelists are not telling the truth. It’s time to quit blaming those who advocate abstinence. It’s time to tell the truth of what sex was intended for and the blessing of sex in it’s proper place and the curse of it’s abuse.

Philip

Grand Canyon Trip 2

Saturday 10:30pm

What a great day!

Micah and I had breakfast in Tuba City and then drove through Moencopi. Both places have changed beyond my recognition in 29 years.

Then it was off to the Grand Canyon.

I can't even try to describe it's awesome beauty. We walked along the rim, amazed at what our eyes were taking in.

I will sleep so good tonight. I will look back on this weekend forever. I have enjoyed this time with my son.

Tomorrow we will head back to Denver. We will probably make some stops along the way.

Good times!

Philip

Grand Canyon Trip

Friday 10:00pm

I am in Kayenta, Arizona as I write this. My son Micah and I left Denver at 7:30 this morning for the trip of a lifetime. We go to the Grand Canyon tomorrow.

I have been there before, close to thirty years ago, when my wife and I lived on the Hopi reservation. We lived near Tuba City, Arizona in the village called Moenkopi.

Tomorrow morning Micah and I will have breakfast in Tuba and then drive about an hour and a half to the Canyon.

It's the trip of a lifetime because I get to do it with this son and this time in his life will never come again.

I will always remember it and I hope he will treasure the memories too.

I will get to be there when he has his first view of the vastness of the canyon. I remember my first look. It was the actual feeling of having my breath taken away. We will take pictures but they will never capture what the human eye sees.

So that is what I look forward to. But even more than that, I treasure three days alone with my son. I hope that will be a memory even greater than seeing the Grand Canyon.

Philip

Joy and Strength

Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because your strength comes from rejoicing in the Lord.”
(Nehemiah 8:9-10 Holman)

The way I usually read this verse is “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” As I read it this morning in the Holman version, it took on a deeper meaning. The joy comes from rejoicing and that leads to strength.

The rejoicing comes from focusing on God. I think a big part of it is thanksgiving. We remember all He has done for us and rejoice in that.

The opposite is when we focus on what we don’t have and how hard life is. The result is a bummer mood. We get down and soon weakness takes over.

I am thankful for so many blessings. I am thankful for a God who loves me and gave His life so I can be restored. I am thankful for the strength that He gives.

Philip