Review: God's war on terror

I didn't get to share my thoughts on Walid Shoebat's book "God's war on Terror." Very biblically sound, Walid Shoebat and Joel Richardson draw striking similarities between Allah and Satan using descriptions from both the Qu'ran and the Bible. Here are some examples:

The largest one is that Islam denies the trinity and the deity of Jesus. In fact, until I started learning about Islam, I didn't realize how much Islam and Christianity are polar opposites although they share much history through the Bible. Islam denies every major tenet of Christianity: the deity of Jesus Christ, the Cross, and the trinity. "They blaspheme who say Allah is one of three." (Qur'an 5:73)

However, in the Old Testament, the prophets speak of all three deities: "Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there [am] I: and now the Lord GOD (the father), and his Spirit (the Holy Spirit), hath sent me" (the son).-Isaiah 48:16

Shoebat beautifully laid that one out for me but in the first three verses of Genesis, Father God creates (In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth), Holy Spirit moves with Him (And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep.the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters) and the son, who is also God, speaks into creation (And God said, Let there be light: and there was light). This ties into John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

In his book, The beginning of the world, Creationist Henry Morris makes talks about the triune nature of God being the very foundation of our universe:

The doctrine of the trinity is not explicitly formulated in these first two verses, but it is clearly consistent with them. The New Testament speaks of God, Son, and Holy Spirit, each distinct and yet each equally and eternally the One God of creation. The Father; through through the son, as the incarnate Word, reveals the Father; the Spirit proceeds from the Father through the Son to make applicable and effectual the will of God in His creation. Thus, the spirit was "moving" in creation. Motion implies energy, resulting in the various physical phenomena of the creation. This is the essence of what scientists mean by matter, the phenomena associated with which always involve motion, through space, in time. The universe created is thus a space/matter/time "continuum." Space is the ever-present background within which everywhere occur material phenomena--matter--the manifestation and application of which everywhere involve time. Thus, the created physical universe is really a triuniverse, perhaps reflecting the nature of its triune creator. (Morris, pg.17)

Christian apologist Nabeel Qureshi, converted from Islam, also has a similar stance on the trinity. It's too long for me to quote, but it's worth reading.

Back to Shoebat's book, both satan and Allah are described as "beings of light." The Bible describes Lucifer as a lamp in Rev 8:10 which is what the Qur'an describes Allah as-- "a lamp." When reading this comparison, I was floored:

This "lightning bolt" described by Mohammed is described by Jesus: "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18)...The Bible warns us regarding the manner in which satan disguises himself as "an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14). John as well describes him: "I saw a star fall from heaven to the Earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit" (Revelation 9:1). This "star" is referred to as "him," a person and not and actual star. The Qur'an even calls Allah "The Lord of Star of Sirius" (Qur'an, chapter of the star 53:49)

Both desire world denomination...look at Rev 13:7

I recently read son of hamas and it was eye opening into what Islam really is. I urge everyone, Christian, Muslim, Atheist to read it. It also opens the reader up to what really has been happening in the Middle East for the past few decades and what is to come. It has already happened to Lebanon and it is slowly happening to an anesthetized America. Just watch this video from answeringmuslims.com

Both practice beheading.

Again, until I started reading about what is currently happening to Christians in other countries, I didn't realize how close Christ's coming is, how true His word is presently. Christians have been persecuted, are persecuted, and will continue to be persecuted. The link Shoebat makes between satan and Allah is both practice beheading. Revelations 20:4 reminds us of what we might face for the sake of the gospel:

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and [I saw] the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received [his] mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Shoebat points out that only in Islam beheading is practiced according to doctrine and imbedded in the youth so that graffiti is written "We knock on the gates of heaven with the skulls of Jews." Muhammed had gelling with this for quite some time. During the battle of Badr, Muhammed was thrilled with beheading and upped the an-tee in the Jewish village ofQurayzah.

These things are going on today. Shoebat notes Jewish-American Nicholas Berg, who was abducted and beheaded in 2004 and reporter Daniel Pearl in 2002 by Islamic militants. Many people in Sudan, Ethiopia, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and others are being tortured and killed unless they confess Allah as their Lord.

Here in America, The Cordoba Initiative, named after an area of Spain taken over by jihad, plans to build a mosque 600ft near ground zero. The link explains backdrop for the implications and Walid explains what Imam faisal abdul Rauf really plans to use this space:

There's controversy on Shoebat's validity and intentions but I find most of his book spot on and he is doing much more than griping and theologizing in a forum. He's informing the public about what muslim organizations in arabic and others are starting to speak out as well. Nabeel Qureshi, a former devout muslim, along with David Wood run answeringmuslims.org and also have something to say about the mosques:

It's better to read the site here:

http://www.answeringmuslims.com/search?q=mosque+on+ground+zero where it sites in the Q'ran that muslims are to 1) not befriend unbelievers 2) smile in their face, curse in their hearts, 3) fight unbelievers until they confess there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.

Christians are called to love their enemies. It is not in our doctrine to take vengeance. That is the Lord's. The most important thing is whether or not you have Jesus or not. Because he is in control, I don't worry about a thing. I'm just doing his work to speak the truth. Islam is not peaceful and if you really want to talk to seek truth, pray. Don't come here just to debate. You want to know why there's an oil spill? Because the U.S. turned their backs on Israel and we're too blind to see it. All these tornadoes and storms are gonna keep coming. You see. But Jesus is in control and I'm ready to go with him. Everything that is in the Bible has come to pass. He is coming soon.

The Vitaglide has arrived!

The long awaited vitaglide has finally arrived to Beth Abraham! It's still waiting on the pallet to be evaluated and assembled, but hopefully by next week it will be in full swing. I hope it will be utilized as negotiated: that all residents whether on or off therapy can use the machine as long as they have medical clearance.

Quadriplegics are quickly cut off from therapy and do not get the cardiovascular or physical training they need to maintain pushing off the wheelchair. The Vitaglide does this while it enables all users, even those with limited hand function, to use the machine with minimal to no assistance!

Beth Abraham therapists have much to learn in the realm of transferring. This is why many quadriplegics fail to get any mat time to practice trunk and balance control, bed mobility. I hope to maybe bring in someone to do an inservice in this arena.

ADLs are also put on the back burner: cathing, bowel programs, dressing. But let's deal with one thing at a time!

There's other exciting things going on for the SCI support group this summer. We've been invited to this years health fair along with NYCSCIA--more info to come! We've also been having individual meetings with our coordinator, Dan Tratt, to discuss our goals and how to meet them. Since I did so well with the vitaglide proposal, I decided to take an online course in grant writing. So far it's going well and I look forward to writing proposals for Wheels of Progress and support the work they do.

Get your salsa on!

Nicky's Favorite salsa mixes...

While searching for funky seventy compilations at my favorite Ithaca record shop, I spotted a CD with Latin Funk that I might like to add to my collection. It was Playtime Latin Soul Boogaloo. I was hooked. I was already starting to play bass and Ray Baretto's 'Tin tin deo' was right up my alley. My ears just perked and tuned into each instrument.

There's nothing like listening to salsa in the summertime. Growing up in New York City, men would bust out the congas when the sun was hot enough, and we'd gather and listen, while eating piraguas (snow cones). Their rhythms seeped into my skin so that even I am able to pick up a drum and beat out the african bu bu clap sound and everything else in between. Another one of my favorite tracks is 'amor y paz' by Ralphy Leavitt. Heartfelt lyrics and an on point band. Punto. What about 'Tin Marin?' It seems the older generation always knows about this song. This album is a rarity so download it or buy it if you can!!!

Track list:

1. Benitez - Latin Thing

2. Ralfi Pagan - Latin Soul

3. The Tnt Band - Meditation

4. Eddie Palmieri - Tema Del Apollo

5. Orchestra Harlow & Ismael - Grazin’ In The Grass

6. Joey Pastrani - Sincerely

7. Johnny Colon & Orchestra - Mira Ven Aca

8. Ray Baretto - El Bantu

9. The Innovator - Contract Back

10. Ricardo Ray & Bobby Cruz - Tin Marin

11. Raphael Cortuo - Sorongo

12. Ray Baretto - Tin Tin Deo

13. Johnny Pacheco - Raisins & Almonds

14. The Lebron Brothers & Orchestra - Dance, Dance, Dance

15. Frankie Dante & Orchestra Flamboyan - Dame Un Tipi

16. Joe Sataan - I’m Satisfied

17. Ralphy Leavitt - Amor Y Paz

http://rapidshare.com/files/393850353/playtimebugaloo.rar.html

WAH HOO WAH!

That is a Tau term I had to shout because I succeeded in getting the Vitaglide to Beth Abraham! I'm so proud of the hard work I put into it and the few that supported me. I honestly started to think that it wasn't going to happen and was going for a plan B. But as long as this institution exists, the residents are going to need good equipment! There will be a ribbon cutting and plaque presented during the health fair in May or June.

Today's workout was especially good on the core. We worked with the ball again, squeezing the ball to myself focusing on my core. It also worked my biceps because the motion of my arms is like a sideways curl. Every quad should try this! I'll try to get Monica to video some of this so people can see, it really is helpful information.

I'm also hoping to start hand cycling soon. There is a spin cycle program at Mt. Sinai which is great just to get the feel of it from people who really know what they're doing and there's Achilles heel which meets in Central Park on saturdays. I'll post more on this as the weeks progress. Yay spring!

Training

I've been training at Asphalt Green and I really enjoy it. It's fully accessible and everyone is very helpful and considerate. It's also not just for jocks or gym rats. It's the next YMCA with a full line of gym classes, camps and training programs. Located at 91st and York ave, there are beautiful skyline views and it's just a great way to get out out of here. I'll bring my ipod or my Barnes and Noble eReader, the "nook" and read in the cafe until a few minutes before my accesaride is due.

My trainer leslie and I, have been working on a myriad of different things. Most notably, my hand dexterity. We do hand shakes to stimulate sensation and muscle movement. It feels great to use my right hand again and Leslie uses massage to get the nerves "reminded" again too. I'm not sure how much it will stick long term, but I know it is therapeutic and it makes my hands feel alive, more normal!

We've also been hitting the triceps and the rear deltoids hardcore. These muscles aid in lifting, transferring and pushing. She resists me only using her hands which is enough and I do flies on the cables. Then I'm ready to push in the chair a bit, concentrating on keeping my posture; shoulders down and back, tightening the core. It helps with keeping straight as I've been leaning to the right side. Speaking of the the core, our core exercises include pressing large balls to concentrate using the core muscles, and slowly lifting/transferring medicine balls for the same purpose. It's very tiring!

My transferring is slowly becoming easier over time. I'm still fighting for the vitaglide for Beth Abraham. It's so hard to keep physically motivated after they cut you from therapy! But quads especially need something that can help keep them moving, pushing, so they can have better bed mobility, transferring skills. It also feels good to be able to go out and manage the urban jungle or participate in a handcycling! My hope is that this will be the beginning of quads supporting each other in physical maintenance because unfortunately, there will be more quads at Beth abe.

Son of Hamas

I downloaded the ebook, "Son of Hamas" by Mosab Hassan Yousef and it is an eye opening testimony to God's truth and mercy and prophecy regarding Israel and Palestine. Born in Israel occupancy, Mosab grew up as a devout Muslim whose father was involved with Hamas. Hamas is an Islamic organization that fights for palestinian freedom from Israeli occupancy. They are religious zealots that view the land as belonging to Allah and that it is their duty to vanquish the Israelis according to the Qur'an. Initially when I saw this story on youtube, many muslims were offended and said muslims were not like that. I was intrigued and had to look further into it and sure enough, in his book, Mosab describes his father has being a loving, compassionate man, incapable of committing terrorist acts:

"Once," he answered, "I left the house and there was an insect outside. I thought twice about whether to kill it or not. And I could it." That indirect answer was his his way of saying that he could never personally participate in that kind of wanton killing. But the Israeli civilians were not insects. No, my father did not build the bombs, strap them onto the bombers, or select the targets. But years later I would think of my father's answer when I encountered a Christian Bible that describes a young innocent named Stephen. It said, "Saul was there, giving approval to his death" (Acts 8:1) I loved my father so deeply, and I admired so much about who he was and what he stood for. But for a man who could not bring himself to harm an insecct, he had obviously found a way to rationalize the idea that it was fine for somebody else to explode people into scraps of meat, as long as he didn't personally bloody his hands. (Hassan pp. 133-134)

This really put things in perspective for me. Sure there are peaceful muslims who give and are kind. And there are Jews of the like and Christians. What makes one "true" ? Can we rely on evidence? Yes The Lord says we should love him with all our heart, soul and mind (Matt 22:37) and although we cannot transmit faith, we can see evidence and Mosab presents it well.

I urge anyone curious about what Islam is and what the state of Israel and Palestine is and read his book. For more info go to sonofhamas.com

If you think living in a nursing home is hell, listen to his story! you will thank God for his mercy! Pray for Mosab's continual growth in the faith and mental healing from all of that mess. I know I will once I break free from here.

If you don't know Jesus, I'm praying for you. It's not easy finding Jesus. Often times, we're so busy being prideful, doing our own thing that He needs to break us to get our attention and then we need to depend on Him to get us through. It is those times we grow close to the Lord.

"I'm slowly learning how to let go of the fact that I'm not in control and it gives me a lot of freedom. I don't get too bent out of shape when people are vehement unbelievers. I will present a video presentation or interview and they will say "where are the facts!?" after Jesus has declared himself God, fulfilled prophecies, done miracles and rose from the dead. 9 times out of 10 the person knows nothing of the Bible and is not even worth responding. It doesn't shake my faith because bottom line is the only person who can break through to some people is Jesus himself. I grew up Christian and He literally had to break me to get through to me! But I rather be walking in paradise than burning for eternity later. I rather be in a chair now, living for Gods glory." (Alamo, March '10)

I played guitar!

Nothin fancy, but it felt good to pluck strings again. I had the music therapist put one of those dunlop thumb pics on me and she gave me her acoustic. It's hard to keep the pic straight and sturdy for a solid sound but it's a start! I can even press the high E and B strings with my middle finger! I didn't give much reaction as to not get any hopes up but I gave input as to how I wanted to proceed from there. "Maybe you'll get more return..." she said. I had to stop her right there. "Listen, I'm here to play music and feel good. That's it. I don't like when people add in hopes of me gaining this or that. That, does not feel good. I also don't like you playing therapist with me."

Lately she had been rubbing me raw, trying to get into a psychologist role, asking about my feelings every time she screwed up on the recording process. I would just stop and need to take a breather, but she would nudge me to "let it out."

So hopefully she got the message and I can move forward and even play with her out of the room. Wow I've really grown to dislike her!

I played guitar! I won't call myself a guitarist again but I can dabble at least. We'll see where it goes.