MOVING!

I am moving my blog to another site. Please follow and continue reading! You can now find me at:

www.yourworldupsidedown.wordpress.com

Hope to see you all there!

New Years Resolution and a Look a Israel v. Hamas

First, before I begin my long overdue article, let me apologize once more. The last few months have been exceedingly busy, and I have not written in quite some time. Busyness however is not excuse, for whatever I say, I would have had time to write something, perhaps not a long something, but something none the less. My actions have no excuse, you, as my readers, deserve an apology. It was rude of me, and although my hope has always been to have a multitude of readers, I have most likely turned away many by my neglect of writing. All of this to say, I am sorry, and hope to assure you of my future faithfulness. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to write consistently, once a week. Now there may be times when it truly is impossible, for example I am going on a Missions Trip to Mexico the end of January, and blogging will not be an option. But whenever it is at all within my power, I will post at least once a week. Some may be long, others short, but something will be there. In conclusion, I wish to thank those readers that have stuck with me, despite the inconsistency. And now on to the long overdue thoughts.

Israel v. Hamas

Unless one lives in complete obscurity, they have heard something about Israel and Gaza. Yes, there is a war going on in the Middle East. However, some seem to think it is a boxing match instead.
Although the publicity is recent, this conflict has been going on for many years. And has, in fact, been terribly one sided. Hamas, from Gaza, has been launching missiles and such into Israel with no provocation whatsoever. The only difference now, is that Israel has finally decided to fight back. They are tired of being hit again and again with no retaliation, as anyone would be in such circumstances.
Strangely, if one were to believe the media, Israel is the bad guy, lobbing missiles and fighting the poor poverty stricken people. Some claim their retaliation has been ‘disproportionate.’ It seems if one is a known terrorist, such as Hamas, killing innocent civilians over and over again, is expected and therefore no surprise. If however, one is not considered a terrorist, but is attempting to deal a decisive blow to the enemy, who is killing the innocents, one is acting disproportionately. People seem to believe this is a boxing match. First, make sure the opponents are of the same weight class, if one is heavier; disadvantage him in some way to make it fair. Then only allow them to fight during the rounds, require them to take breaks, and may the best man win! It sounds ideal, but this is not boxing match, it is in fact, war. When the enemy will not respond to anything other than force, force must be used.
In Israel, they are encouraged not to use the available planes. Why? Because Hamas does not have planes. That would give Israel a distinct advantage. Israel has tanks, but is discouraged from using them, for the same reason. If this keeps up, and the emphasis on ‘fair fight’ remains, the war will never end. For, neither will have an advantage, and therefore, neither will overcome. There is another issue as well. Even if Israel agreed to ‘play fair’ and never used an opportunity or advantage, nothing guarantees that Hamas would do the same. Hamas has already proved, over and over again, that they will use all and any means available to them, to kill innocent people. As my Dad put it, “If a man were trying to kill me with a knife, and I had a gun, I wouldn’t throw away the gun and grab a knife so it was a fair fight.” Think about it. Is Israel the ‘Bad Guy?’
Put yourself in Israel’s place. Every morning, as you wake, you wonder if your house will be standing that night. You leave your family, hoping that you will see them again. Walking to work, you wonder how many missiles will rain down on your city today, and how close they will get this time. Deep down, you wonder how long you will survive…. The next may not be a close call, it may be too late. Thinking of the men and women fighting for you, you squeeze your eyes shut, hoping to squeeze out the thoughts as well. You breath a prayer, that someday you will be able to live in peace and security, but you wonder, is it truly possible?


The following is an e-mail I received from a man I know who is living in Haifa. He has a son and daughter in the Israeli army.

As I watched the news the first night after the war began, I was amazed at how quickly people are prepared to condemn Israel for "over doing it", claiming that our response is disproportionate. But, how much is proportionate? The City of Sderot received 8 years of missiles!! Last Sunday, almost 200 more missiles were fired from Gaza into areas of Israel, endangering lives and entire communities. One person was killed and others were injured, including women and children. Since then, the missiles from Gaza have attacked not only Sderot, but additional cities and communities in the south, such as Ashdod, Ashkelon, Yavne, and more recently, Beer Sheva. An accusation that Israel is "over doing it" is hypocritical and ludicrous. Israel is forced to fight its enemies with one hand tied behind its back and now the world wants us to use just one finger. Since Hamas doesn’t have planes, we can’t use planes. The same goes for tanks. But if we were to respond to Hamas’s attacks on us with the same kind of mindless bombardment the world would be even more outraged. Hamas targets civilians almost exclusively, and children (schools) in particular. Israel is making a great effort to surgically target only Hamas’s terrorist infrastructure. More than 600 tunnels have been dug and used by Hamas to smuggle weapons into Gaza. Israel was able to break into Hamas radio programs placing calls to Gaza residents' phone lines warning them to get out of all buildings where Hamas is hiding their rockets and military equipment. Israeli spokespersons were shown on Arab T.V., speaking to the people of Gaza, in an effort to get them to convince their leadership to stop firing on Israel - all to no avail. It should be remembered that the residents of Gaza voted for these unrepentant murderers. The Hamas charter calls for the total elimination of Israel and they have never budged from this declaration.
The attacks on Israel are clearly the work of the devil, who has implanted a hatred for Israel and for the Jewish people into the minds of the nations. While the tone of many leaders is that Israel has the right to defend herself, the message is also clear: "Defend yourself and respond, but not too much." Even as I write, various countries, and the leadership of the UN, are trying to get Israel to declare a cease-fire. Every time we did this in the past, it allowed our enemies to re-group, re-arm and re-organize for the next level of terrorist activity.
The Israeli government finally took action after almost daily rocket attacks on our civilian population in the south since we unilaterally abandoned and expelled the Jewish communities in Gaza in August 2005. Between 10,000-11,000 rockets and mortars have pummeled Israeli communities in the south since that time. In truth, this was an insufferable situation long before this past Shabbat when Israel finally struck back in force. Israel has waited too long and did too little to stop the assaults against our citizens by the Hamas. When the missiles starting reaching Ashkelon and Ashdod, as well as Yavne, and Beer Sheva was (at that time only) threatened, the eyes of some of our leaders were finally opened and action was taken that was long over due. This late Israeli response comes as Israel enters into an election campaign which greatly complicates matters. The Government that is leading this war effort is composed of the same people who forced Israel to leave Gaza, and then allowed Hamas to run in the Palestinian elections and are directly responsible for the terrorist buildup in Gaza. All the Zionist political parties, even the most radical leftists are supporting Israel’s military response though some are against a ground offensive, which is being prepared but not in operation at the time this is being written. Less than half an hour ago, I received a call from another brother, who is being called up (some 8,500 reservists have been activated as part of a ground-war preparedness) and whose unit is expected to go into action at any time. All of this is the direct result of the Oslo activities, back in the early 1990's, as a result of which Israel agreed to negotiate with terrorists and talk about exchanging land for peace. Now, the so-called Quartet has said that the Road Map and Peace Process is irreversible and must be pursued, even in the midst of war. The world has gone mad.
There are many within the Body of Christ who, amazingly, want to see the establishment of a Palestinian state on the soil of Israel's ancient homeland. They are blinded to the fact that such a state would be an Islamic state, whose residents, as a religious group, are opposed to everything we believe in, from the point of view of the Scriptures. Yet, they see only the "social" issue and not the big picture, of inviting the devil into our living room.
Nasrallah flexed his muscles shortly after the beginning of the military operation, in a speech condemning Israel and Egypt (the latter because it would not allow Gaza residents to enter Egypt). If Iran convinces the Hizballah to enter into the picture, to cause a 2-front war with Israel, it would be for Iran's benefit, as it would probably take Israel's attention away from bombing Iran to stop its nuclear program from getting to the point where it could attack Israel. But, if the Hizballah enters the picture, it is doubtful whether Israel will tolerate its action and will probably undertake a major offensive against it - in Lebanon, having learned the bitter lessons of the Second Lebanon War in 2006.
In the meantime, the good thing that came out of Israel's response to Hamas over the last 2 days, is that Syria broke off its indirect negotiations with Israel, through Turkey, over the matter of the Golan Heights. So, at least that matter was removed from discussion - at least for now.
Well, enough for now. Many thanks for your prayers on behalf of my family, and particularly for Hanni and Netanel, as well as on behalf of Israel. We need them going up as sweet-smelling incense before the Throne of Grace. Netanel's unit is about 17km from Gaza and his base (for the next 2 months) is well within missile range of Hamas. Hanni is stationed in the north and reports that Hizballah is chomping at the bit to fire thousands of missiles into Israel.
My concern is that Hamas will again say that it is willing to enter into a period of "restraint", if Israel will cease its air assaults. As mentioned above, that has always given Hamas time to regroup and re-arm. But, Hamas cannot ask for a cease-fire, unless it has the upper hand in the war, which at this time it doesn't have. So, it is asking other countries and political entities to intervene and place international pressure on Israel to stop its efforts to end terrorism against its citizens. Israel is not that willing to stop until it is assured that Israeli communities are safe from further missile and terrorist attacks.
In the midst of the anti-terrorist activities, Israel has provided humanitarian aid by the dozens of truckloads into Gaza. It has also saved the lives of some of the Palestinians who were working in tunnels blown up by the IDF. Many injured Palestinians were removed to Israeli hospitals for operations and treatment. These are all documented and photos are available.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated, particularly for Hanni and Netanel.
Much love and blessings always. May this new year be one of good health, strength and increasing joy through our Messiah Yeshua. May He protect us all from all harm and enable us to accomplish all that He has purposed for us since before the foundation of the world.
Marvin

An Apology

To all my faithful readers, sorry it has too long since my last post. I am suffering from writers block. Recently, some ideas have started bouncing around, but they have not made it to paper as of yet. With the holiday bustle and everything I just have not gotten around to writing. However, this is no excuse. I will try to have something up soon. Thank you for taking the time to read, and for being patient with me when I fail to post regularly~

A Christmas Thought

My sister forwarded this to me, and I thought it was a wonderful idea. Therefore, I pass it on to you as a easy, painless way to spread the kindness this Christmas season....

GREAT IDEA!! When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one cardand send it to the address listed below. If we pass this on and everyonesends one card, think of how many cards these special people who havesacrificed so much would get.
When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, pleaseconsider including the following:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001

Post Election Day Blues?

Ah, the day after Election Day, a day that is customarily filled with exceeding joy where one group is concerned and reluctant resignation with the other. However, should it truly be so? Consider the examples of Senator John McCain and President George W. Bush. These men are an example to the nation of what true character does, even while experiencing a less than desirable outcome.
Personally, I hoped the election would have a different outcome. Watching the news in anticipation, I held onto hope even when they started mentioning the fact that it would take a miracle for McCain to win. I knew that such miracles had occurred; therefore, I continued to believe it was possible. Ironically, I left the room for a short time, and that was when everything happened. By the time I returned, it was over. Barak Obama was now President Elect. John McCain had lost the 2008 presidential election. It had happened.
It seemed to take a while for the whole thing to sink in. I sat there, wondering at the rapidity with which things can happen, and realizing that all my hopes and dreams lay at my feet in complete ruin. To my surprise however, I was not depressed and upset. I was not angry or irate. I did not bemoan the fate of our nation. As I said, my reaction was a shock even to myself. I did not know what to make of it. Was something wrong with me?
Then I understood. No, there was not anything wrong with me. I was not a traitor to my candidate, my country, or even to myself. In fact the exact opposite was true. My love of country and patriotism were overcoming all frustration. True, the outcome was not my desire. But to the very core of my being I am an American, I love my country, I respect her leaders. Barak Obama went from being the opponent to being the elected leader of my beloved nation. That changes things. No, I still don’t agree with many of his policies. I wonder what will change in this great nation throughout the next four years. But as far as President Elect Obama is concerned, I respect him, I honor him, and I will pray for him, as all those willing to take on the burden of leading this country deserve.

2008 Presidential Election

We are only weeks away from a historic election. It would be amusing to view the desperation of the two presidential candidates if there was not so much at stake. How refreshing and exciting to live in a democracy where we the people get the chance to make a difference! However is it not alarming that some people are going to put their rights under a democracy to use, by voting to elect a man who seems to wish to undermine that very foundation? Barak Obama and his running mate, Joe Biden, have both assured us that they will attack certain aspects of our democracy. Universal health care and redistribution of wealth to ensure “fairness,” are not democratic policies, instead they are socialistic. If I remember correctly, socialism has not done anyone any good lately. Usually it results in oppression of the people. I for one, plan on voting to continue a democracy, instead of voting to undermine it. Perhaps we should remember President Gerald Ford’s words, “A government big enough to give you what you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.”

Cruelty to Animals vs. Cruelty to Humans

During the past few weeks, there have been several stories reported in the newspaper and on the radio regarding the mistreatment of animals. A man jailed for throwing a kitten against the wall, that later had to be euthanized, another kicking his ex-girlfriend’s pit bull off a balcony, he too facing prosecution, and yet another case concerning the Hormel pig farm, where among other things, the employees killed piglets by throwing them against the ground.
It should be obvious that treating a living thing with such gross inhumanity is wrong. Just look at the outcry of the public at the exposure of these incidents. The disgust is rampant and the cry for prosecution is becoming deafening. Many are asking the question: what kind of people can do these horrendous things? Evidently, those guilty have violated a universally accepted, and expected, value of life .
Personally, I am shocked and disgusted by these stories. No living creature deserves such treatment. But here is where our nation has a double standard. I was recently shown a five minute video that changed my life. It had no words, merely classical music accompanying photos. However, by the time that five minutes had concluded, I was in tears and sick to my stomach, even as I write about the experience, I feel the tears and the sickness returning. What I saw will never leave me, the pictures are engrained into my very being, and painful though they are, I would not want it any other way. I am extra-sensitized to anything at all regarding this issue. A word brings an image. The images that made up that five minute presentation were of abortions and aborted children. Yes, children. One cannot look at the picture of an infant’s head, a perfect head, complete with tiny eyes, nose, mouth, ears, even hair, a face you could kiss and croon over, laying detached from the body in the hands of a physician, and not be moved. A doctor did this unthinkable, inhumane thing; a doctor had killed this child, and justified it by calling it a mere lump of tissue.
Does no one else see how skewed our society is! There is a stream of public outcry against people who have mistreated animals. I agree that animals should be treated with kindness, but which is more valuable, and animal life, or a human life? Several years ago a horrendous crime was committed. Scott Peterson murdered his wife Lacy, who was pregnant with their unborn child. Caught and convicted, he was charged with two murders, and rightly so, for he took two lives. However, doctors are allowed to kill millions of unborn children a year, and it is not considered a crime. It seems the only difference between a murder and a choice is whether or not the subject was wanted. I tremble for a society in which worth is based entirely on desire. If the child is wanted, it is protected, if not, it is disposed of. How long will it take for this attitude to permeate our society? When will it become the norm for an adult child to decide between paying for their parents to go to a nursing home, and having them disposed of as too great a burden? If we take this attitude to the extreme, the value of our own lives relies merely on how loved we are by our family and friends. Once they decide we are no longer worth it, our value is gone, and we may as well be exterminated. Consider well. Save the piglets, kill the children? I think not. Value based on the feelings and desires of others? I shrink and tremble at the thought.