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Marines and Reality

After spending a wonderful Thanksgiving with Kids and grandkids, I was invited to a friends home on Thursday evening for a cigar and the opportunity to spend some time with two Marine Corps Cobra pilots.  My impression is always the same.  These guys are not like most of us who have never worn the uniform.  The discipline, sacrifice, and focus of Marines is on a much higher level than any group that I have been a part of-including football teams and church organizations.  (as a side note, imagine how much Kingdom work could be done if Christians were as dedicated as Marines!)                                                                                   

The purpose of this post is to pass along some anecdotal information that in some small way disproves some of the charges from the left about our Iraq policy and our military.                    

The Iraqis really don't want us there-we are only making the country worse.  I was told a story about a convoy that was making it's way along a narrow road, only to encounter a young girl seated Tiennaman Square like in the middle of the road.  The road was to narrow to pass her and she was not in a mood to move.  After a period of time investigating her reasons for her actions, our Marines determined that the entire road for the next few miles had been booby trapped by terrorists--her actions probably saves many casualties.  That young lady risked much by blockading our convoy.  It appears that she really liked Americans.  Imagine that!

John Kerry's insinuation that only dummies end up in the military.  One of the pilots I talked to indicated that he loves spending any free time he has reading everything he can by Mark Steyn, Victor Davis Hanson, and Hugh Hewitt.  I can only conclude that this pilot-who has a degree from West Virginia University--seems to be plenty bright.  I would like to add that I only wish that those making policy decisions in our country had the same reading habits.

Our men and women in uniform are NOT all like the the perverts and misfits that were at Abu Gharib.  I'll just direct you to a photo and story that I haven't seen in any newspapers.  Check out www.snopes.com/photos/military/gebhart.asp     These warriors have great hearts too.

God bless these brave men and their squadrons as they prepare to head back to Iraq.



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A Message For Thanksgiving

 I was recently honored to speak for a few minutes at church about why giving is important to me.  With some minor adjustments, I'd like to pass along those thoughts and challenge whoever reads this to do some pondering as we approach Thanksgiving.

About a month ago several adults and 15 or so youth from Zion went to the extreme east edge of Tijuana to build two houses for families there.  The poverty there is incredible.  One can't imagine the gratitude that is shown for a "house" measuring 12 feet by 12 feet.  Oh yeah, they get a window, door, and roof--but no plumbing or electrical service.

At the same time I was finishing a book by Pastor Don Piper.  He told his story about being crushed by an eighteen wheeler, being dead for 90 minutes of our time, and what it was like to spend that period at the gates of Heaven.  He was amazingly brought back to life here, spent over two years in excruciating pain as he rehabilitated and has had to readjust his life to the new normal that his injuries have created.

We were also practicing and singing an anthem in worship entitled "What shall I Render to the Lord"-for all His benefits to me?

What amazing perspective these events offered!  Let me list a few of the blessings God has given me.

        1.  Christian grandparents and parents who took the time to explain God's providence, His plan of salvation, and consistently modeled Christ's love.
        2.  A faithful sister, who is also a friend, and her family.
        3.  A loving and Godly wife who definitely keeps me on track.
        4.  Three challenging daughters - all believers.
        5.  An honest, hardworking business partner of 31 years.
        6.  All the work we can do and then some.
        7.  Financial blessings enough to have a home here - most always filled with laughter.
        8.  An almost new car, nice clothes, and if you could see me, plenty of food.
        9.  God has provided enough for all 3 daughters to attend private Christian colleges.
        10.  I've been on two cruises.  I have a DVD player and a very faithful friend who records all the Steelers games for me to watch.
        11.  God inspired someone to invent the cell phone--I can call my   grandson from anywhere, anytime.
        12.  We have been given a wonderful church, a solid Pastor, sound and inspiring preaching and teaching, and our closest friends-our Zion family.

This is only a partial list-- I'm too tired to list the blessings I've received from listening and reading Rush, Hugh Hewitt, RC Sproul, Dr. Kennedy, Pastor Demel, Luther, Calvin and even Doug Haugh.

 My challenge is this--take a FEW precious moments and make your own list.  I think it will make Thanksgiving even more meaningful.

Thanks be to God and God Bless!
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Easy To Be A Liberal

                In the wake of a painful loss in the mid-term elections, it occurred to me that it really is a simple thing to be a leftie.
                 First and foremost--a liberal can never be called a hypocrite.  While conservatives , and especially Christian conservatives are and should be held to a high standard, most of the libs I've seen have no standards.  I think that by definition one cannot be a hypocrite if they are not violating a standard of behavior that they have set as the bar for acceptable behavior.  Think Ted Kennedy.   I'm quite sure that he has never bloviated about faithfulness in marriage, moderation in adult beverage comsumption,  reckless driving, or cheating in school.  So by definition, he can never be called a hypocrite.
                   We, as conservatives who stand for values(you know the list), have a much more difficult road to walk.  But it is a very important road.  There is an entire cottage industry in this country dedicated to  catching conservatives and especially Christians being hypocrites.
Our elected representatives and those of us who support them need to realize that if we talk the talk, we need to walk the walk.  While we ALL fall short, there have been way too many scandals in the Republican Party.  Our political leaders and those clergy and church leaders who have chosen to enter the arena of ideas need to do a much better job of modeling  conservative(and where applicable Christian) behavior.
                    I guarantee you, people are watching.  If we are to make a difference in 2 years, we had better clean up our side of the aisle.  NOBODY expects the other side to.  Think Ted Kennedy.

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Senator Kerry, It's Not That Hard

                 It really isn't fair to pile on Senator Kerry for his ridiculous slander against the fine men and women of our military.  But I feel compelled.  Whatever he meant to say, his true feelings of condescending arrogance toward those he considers his inferiors slipped out.  Once again, we are reminded that many on the Left consider us regular folks too stupid to make decisions for ourselves.  If Senator Kerry had an open mind, I would invite  him to meet the multitude of service members of our church.  I am amazed that each and every one of them, from the E3's to the Colonels seem to be well adjusted  and extremely productive members of our community.  If the Senator came by, and he didn't come with the attitude he had during the Presidential campaign-"Where do I get me a hunting license?",  he would find that the members of the military here in Fallbrook are bright, serious people that are quite fulfilled in their choice of careers.  Yea I know, I'm preaching to the choir and he will never understand.  Remember that next Tuesday!
                  Here is some advice for the Senator.  This whole mess could go away very quickly with a few simple words.  Start with I'm sorry.  Lose the pretense that you are the smartest guy since (pick one:  Joe Biden, Chuck Shumer, Howard Dean).   Maybe the Sen. could make a few sincere statements supporting those dedicated, driven, dare I say patriotic folks that serve in our stead.  Of course, if he did these things, he would be a Republican and to him, that's almost as foul as not having an Ivy League degree.
                   I hate to say it, but until Senator Kerry apologizes, we'll have to keep him on double secret probation, but I would like to thank him for the boost he's given our side one week from this important election.  Make sure you vote early and often.

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