Flying

One of the things I love in life is flying. No matter how much I get annoyed with people at work, or situations in my life, when I get in the air, I feel free. The cares of the world just go away. When I am flying, I get to sit back a view God's creation. When you see the views from the air, you just can't help but be in awe. I get to see the magnificent mountains with the streams and river flowing down the valleys. I see elk grazing on the side hills, bears foraging for food, and deer running through the golden wheat fields. I am so fortunate to see things from the air, that many people will never have the chance to see. God's creation is absolutely amazing!

I dreamed of flying for many years. At first it was airplanes. Then I saw a helicopter in action on a forest fire. That changed my mind right there. I thought, "I want to do that some day!" Finally in 2007 I was able to see the dream start to come true. I took my first lesson on June 1, 2007. On Aug 16, 2007 I got my private license. That was huge accomplishment for me. I was now a pilot. I continued, and finished my instrument rating on April 3, 2008, and finished my commercial license on April 16, 2008. I am currently working on my CFI so I can teach others to fly.

I am so blessed to be able to fly. God has blessed in so many ways that may have kept me from flying. It is by His hand that I am flying and I pray that I can honor and glorify Him with all I do flying!

War, right or wrong?

I have been having this discussion with a friend lately, and it was suggested that I post my thoughts here. The discussion included whether war, or in this case, the war in Iraq, was necessary, constitutional, or biblical. So here are a few thoughts. I would appreciate any comments.

Some would argue the constitutionality of this war, but President was acting on information he received. That and he was acting to protect our country and the freedoms afforded in it. So many people seem to forget that fact, and would rather nitpick the war than to support our troops who willingly go into harms way, risking life and limb to protect our right to say negative things about them.

Is the war necessary? Maybe, maybe not. What if we had never gone into Iraq? What would it be like today? Maybe they would have had WMDs by now. How many more people would have died under Saddam's rule? Is it better to wait for another attack on the US to go in, or to do a pre-emtive strike and make sure another attack does not happen?

Now to the important question. Is it biblical? I guess you could ask if war itself is biblical. Yes and no again. Due to the fall on man in the garden of Eden, sin was introduced to the world. Now, people no longer got along. We see the first murder recorded in Gen 4. As there are more and more people on the earth, people start taking sides in a matter. To complicate things, God confused their languages at Babel. Then disagreements start a fight, people join sides and you get a little war. All the result of sin. Selfishness, greed, jealousy can all start a war, or just a wrong reaction. I guess I am saying war is a result of sin.

God used war. He told Israel to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan. Isn't that war? And God commanded it. He also allowed other countries to make war with and to conquer Israel as punishment for disobeying. Again this is a result of sin being in the world, but God used it.

How does all of this tie in to the Iraqi war? I don't think you could claim it is unbiblical. All one can say is that God is using it somehow. How would you know that God isn't using the US to punish Iraq? I just don't think you can make a claim as to a war being unbiblical. We do not know why God has allowed it, or what He is doing through it.

War is never pleasant. People get hurt and people get killed. It is not easy to watch someone die. You do learn to deal with it though. It is not easy to deal with death, especially when you know the person wasn't saved. You know that he is suffering more in eternal separation from God.
If war could be avoided, and lives saved, it would be great, but you cannot always avoid it.

Where were you?

I was sitting there in my truck at work today when I heard that phrase. September 11, 2001. I was at work when it happened. I clocked out and when I got back to my dorm room, and friend called and said to get to a TV or radio. I flipped the radio on and heard the news instantly. I spent many hours that day (outside of class) watching the news to find out all the details. The images do not fade in my mind. It still angers me to this day, that someone could so easily plan and execute something like that, and justify it in the name of religion.

I wonder how easily people (and even myself at times) forget what happened? We remember once a year. See the images once a year. But then go back to our lives, because it does not affect us anymore. Because we forget so easily, how does that affect our security as a country. People feel that their rights are being violated by having to go through extra security at the airport or train depot. Or maybe are afraid that their emails or phone calls are being record, and think this is a violation of rights. Would you rather have an easy time at the airport, or would you rather go through that extra security and know you are safe from another 9/11? I will take that latter option.

I would also like to thank all of those that serve us. To the police, fire, medical and military that fight to make out streets and nation a safe place to live. They strive to make us secure from another attack, and I will support then 100%.

A special thanks to my friend Ryan, who serves out country in the Army! He has done two tours of duty in Iraq. Thank you my friend for serving and protecting our freedoms.

And to all my fellow Marines, SEMPER FI !!!!! God Bless!