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I've just read an article about God and war. It's about a commentary about how the US Congress considers military action in Syria.

First of all, I am not fond of wars. In fact, I am strongly against it and I fear that with one offensive war, another comes after. Then another.

Also, I am not that really interested in wars, but I know that this is something that concerns everyone especially if a world-scale war will occur. So here's my take on it.

It's a bit hard to comment on this kind of topic. If you read the Old Testament, there are parts that talk about destroying other cities and nations and not sparing the women and children. And to think that this were God's commands in those days. It may perhaps be partly the reason why some people stray from the Truth because they find it contradictory to a loving and merciful God or perhaps they don't fully understand it and picture a God that causes war.

Well I've done a bit of research because I, myself wanted to know more about it and well, one thing led to another. I found this great article about "Does God harden people's hearts so they won't be saved?" and I think some parts of it gives explanation about the wars in the Old Testament. But other than that, it also answers a more difficult question of does God harden people's hearts. It provides great insights. Quite a bit hard to swallow but great insights. I got into this because I didn't quite understand what the verse in Isaiah 6:10 was saying. But now, I think I know a bit of it and that I know God doesn't harden people's hearts and that He doesn't want anyone to perish.

I digress but with regards to the current situation, I don't think that this military action against Syria is a good idea or that it speaks of what God would want to happen.

In the mean time, just as the closing paragraph of the article is saying, "Pray for our leaders to seek and follow God's leading in these challenging days."
 
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I still believe in marriage and I am really against divorce. But hey, who am I to say such things. I'm not even married! So how should I know and what right do I have to utter such words. But still, divorce is such an awful thing. In my perspective, I hate it when people break up. Even as lovers. It's too sad. Too awful. Too heartbreaking. I've always believed in two people working out together even if the spark of love has gone out. It's such a waste for such a beautiful bond between two people to be broken by the negativities life brings. Yes. I'm still naive with these things.

I just read an article stating that my country is the only country left with no divorce. And I really really hope and pray that it stays that way. Just because the rest of the world agrees with divorce doesn't mean ours should do the same. But who am I to know? I'm just one person with one vote against divorce. And people always have different thoughts about these kinds of things and the majority I believe is pro-divorce. Especially now that the Philippines is sort of gearing its way in liberating itself from tradition and moralities of life. It would be nice if people don't make a hasty decision in marrying someone if they cannot bring themselves to live with the pledge and oath marriage brings (in sickness and in health...for better or for worst...for richer or for poorer...till death do us part). Marriage is sacred and should not be separated by man. The sad news is, people tend to marry for all the wrong reasons and realize that they don't know the person at all (domestic violence, irreconcilable differences, martyrdom, infidelities, drunkenness or addiction). Also, I have read something from a person that I look up to that it would be better if you married someone who can put up with you, who you can put up with and who knows how to pick himself/herself up. When the feeling, spark, chemistry, or love have all died down, you just can't give up on a commitment. Besides, true love is not based on feelings at all. I just don't see divorce as a solution. But hey, people are people. I fear that if the time comes, my vote won't even count. It's just so sad. 

Malta was the last country to have approved divorce after four years of separation. The law was introduced prior to peoples' votes who are mostly Catholic. *sigh* It's just so sad. The Prime Minister himself was against divorce but, "This is not the result I wished for, but the will of the people has to be respected and the parliament should enact a law for the introduction of divorce."

So much for human rights and free will.
"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." - Hebrews 13:4 -


"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female'. 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." 
- Mark 10:6-9 -

"For marriage is a sacred institution established by God and one that is meant to last for life." - Fireproof - 
 
I feel grief at what happened recently in Japan. I feel sorry for all those people who lost their homes, jobs, and loved ones. I was just overwhelmed by the destruction it caused. It's like watching a scene from a movie about a huge natural calamity affecting the earth. It's like a movie about the end of the world. And it's likely going to happen not just in movies, but in reality. 

When I first heard about the devastation that happened in Japan, what came to my mind was that Armageddon is coming. Lately, natural calamities are happening in different parts of the world, war is on-going, and most of the people are blinded by the glitz and glamour of entertainment, luxury, and pleasure. When I saw the images of the devastation that happened in Japan, I was awestruck by the impact of the mishap it brought there. The damage was so great. People losing their homes. Fire began erupting in different places. Companies closed down. Food stocks got empty. Industrial plants burning down. It's just awful. I feel really bad for them. But it's Japan. I believe that they can stood from the destruction that it left them. After all, they have done this before. I can compare it to the bombings that occurred there before. They will be able to rise from it. But still, let us pray for them that they will withstand this calamity and they will go through from this traumatic event in their lives. 
I am really touched by what Utada Hikaru wrote about the calamity. It's not just her music and talent that makes me admire her, but it's her great personality and good soul. She continues to be an inspiration and an awesome role model for everyone.