There are lots of "why" type questions that i often ask myself and to God, but very seldom do i get answers for them.Most times, when i see whats happening in lives of some of the good people i know, i can't help myself from asking "why " type questions.
Sometimes God's ways seem very perplexing, very confusing, His workings are not at all understood.I asked some veterans of faith and they answered me " it is better to thank God for everything He gives us, good or bad" . Just as i ask "why 's " to my dad, i sometimes say to myself , it is in same manner , iam asking to my father God.Habakkuk, asked, Nehemiah reminded God about the good works he carried out,Jonah asked.But too much dwelling on why's, seems really dangerous, it can sow seeds of doubt on God's sovereignty and also make us to falter from His tracks.
I have been trying not to ask why, instead praise Him.I sure have plenty of reasons to praise God, but looking at the lives of some of my close ones, and the injustice prevailing ,
"why" , pops up now and then.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Life in India
A stark contrast is clearly visible, one side i can see big , expensive cars, and on other side people below a dollar a day income.In big cities, i see people living on pavements , with just a sleeping bag for possession,traffic everywhere, long queues for daily fetching of water and lack of basic sanitation, the other side big software companies, beautiful university campuses, everything side by side, India is truly a country of contrast.Yet within this country are beautiful places, beautiful people, mouthwatering cuisines, diverse culture, different language, innumerable customs and traditions, different religions , but the harsh reality is still the people on the pavements , yet they go about their daily life with a sense of hope which is very hard to understand.I seem to lose hope looking at the conditions and corruption within my country but truly feel wordless to describe the spirit within those fighting for each meal , every day.
Friday, July 9, 2010
The land between Tigris and Euphratus-Mesopotamia
I remember studying about the Mesopotamian civilization that existed during the time of Indus civilization in my history books.With eyes wide open and with great interest i , read about the people, society and practices of those civilizations.Presence of the excavated sites reveals , their ancient houses , made up of brick, mortar and stone was much like ours.Ordered street , with houses built one after the other,well constructed drainage system , reveals existence of construction methods much before the modern inventions.Known for polytheism, art, pottery, writing, well established trade , this ancient Mesopotamia , the cradle of civilizations ,which existed during 3100 BC , was much advanced than what we can probably imagine.
Its worth pondering, at their methods and practices, at a time when the present technology was non existent.
Just feel like going back into those times, and watching the people , their lives, their families, their beliefs which sustained them, Looks like this land and its people ,between the Tigris and Euphrates, were much ahead of their time.
Its worth pondering, at their methods and practices, at a time when the present technology was non existent.
Just feel like going back into those times, and watching the people , their lives, their families, their beliefs which sustained them, Looks like this land and its people ,between the Tigris and Euphrates, were much ahead of their time.
Quotes from "RESURECTION" by LEO TOLSTOY
In Nekhlyudov, as in all of us, there were two men. One was the spiritual being, seeking for himself only the kind of happiness that meant happiness for other people too; but there was also the animal man out only for his own happiness….”
“One of the commonest and most generally accepted delusions is that every man can be qualified in some particular way—said to be kind, wicked, stupid, energetic, apathetic and so on. People are not like that.” (252)
“Human beings are like rivers: the water is one and the same in all of them but every river is narrow in some places; flows swifter in others….”
“One of the commonest and most generally accepted delusions is that every man can be qualified in some particular way—said to be kind, wicked, stupid, energetic, apathetic and so on. People are not like that.” (252)
“Human beings are like rivers: the water is one and the same in all of them but every river is narrow in some places; flows swifter in others….”
Tolstoy's view on Christ
* Five years ago I began to believe in the doctrine of Christ, and in consequence a great change has been wrought in me.
Men need only trust in Christ's teaching and obey it, and there will be peace on earth
* I saw that Christ does not require us to turn the other cheek, and to give away our cloak, in order to make us suffer; but He teaches us not to resist evil, and warns us that doing so may involve personal suffering.
* ‘Do not resist evil’ means never to resist evil, i.e., never offer violence to anyone. If a man reviles you, do not revile him in return; suffer, but do no violence.
* The precept ‘not to resist evil’ is one that contains the whole substance of Christ’s doctrine, if we consider it not only as a saying, but also as a law we are bound to obey.
* To affirm that the Christian doctrine refers only to personal salvation and has no bearing upon state affairs is a great error.
Men need only trust in Christ's teaching and obey it, and there will be peace on earth
* I saw that Christ does not require us to turn the other cheek, and to give away our cloak, in order to make us suffer; but He teaches us not to resist evil, and warns us that doing so may involve personal suffering.
* ‘Do not resist evil’ means never to resist evil, i.e., never offer violence to anyone. If a man reviles you, do not revile him in return; suffer, but do no violence.
* The precept ‘not to resist evil’ is one that contains the whole substance of Christ’s doctrine, if we consider it not only as a saying, but also as a law we are bound to obey.
* To affirm that the Christian doctrine refers only to personal salvation and has no bearing upon state affairs is a great error.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
my missed oppurtunities
When we look back at some missed chances in my life, sometimes a thought or two would cross my mind , telling me if only this had happened then things would have been different.
But on greater introspection and upon reflection from the Bible , i am able to dispel those thoughts away , since each every event in an individuals life , remotely random ones too are ordered by tne divine hands of the master planner, little by little His plan unfolds, and one day in future we are able to make sense of the events of the past .Sometimes it just remains a mystery , for i walk by faith , not by sight.When one door closes, another opens.
A quote here-
If you view all the things that happen to you,
both good and bad, as opportunities,
then you operate out of a higher level of consciousness.
-Les Brown
But on greater introspection and upon reflection from the Bible , i am able to dispel those thoughts away , since each every event in an individuals life , remotely random ones too are ordered by tne divine hands of the master planner, little by little His plan unfolds, and one day in future we are able to make sense of the events of the past .Sometimes it just remains a mystery , for i walk by faith , not by sight.When one door closes, another opens.
A quote here-
If you view all the things that happen to you,
both good and bad, as opportunities,
then you operate out of a higher level of consciousness.
-Les Brown
The Republic by Plato
Plato’s opinion are written in a book called The Republic.Plato in his book emphasizes on the value of virtues in human life and in the society.He gives importance to the value of justice.Plato believed in the importance of presence of equality in society.
He set himself in pursuit of knowledge of noble character. Plato believed that every human has three souls , which make their inputs into the individuals character.
The rational soul is the distinguishes between the right and the wrong, acts wisely.While the will or the spirited soul, is the courageous part, which carries out the action and the desire part is the emotional drive.
He set himself in pursuit of knowledge of noble character. Plato believed that every human has three souls , which make their inputs into the individuals character.
The rational soul is the distinguishes between the right and the wrong, acts wisely.While the will or the spirited soul, is the courageous part, which carries out the action and the desire part is the emotional drive.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Rwandan Genocide of 1994
I read the stories of various survivors, the torturous time they underwent , it was truly Hell let loose in Rwanda.The memories of these horrifying crimes can never ever be etched away from the minds of Rwandans.In 1994, around 80000 Rwandan were killed, by the Hutu majority(Interahamwe ).Those killed belonged to the Tutsi minority. This was done as an organized mass scale slaughter , within the timeframe of 100 days.
The exterminations were planned very carefully , with the armed militia present in every neighborhood, armed with grenades and AK-47.It is said to have started on April 6, 1994, with the killing of Rwandan President Habyarimana.
The Hutu militia then based on ID’s revealing ethnic identity, went from one area to another killing the Tutus. The first day ended with thousands of Tutus being murdered.
UN could nothing, nor the other countries.Though they rescued their own civilians not much was done to stop the killings. Even within the safe areas, the killings continued, until by mid july, when the Tutsi RPF forces captured Kigali. The Hutu government had to flee to Zaire. International Federation of Human Rights Leagues and the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch released a 900 paged report titled, "Leave None to Tell the Story.",documenting the events of the genocide , which also criticizes the U.N., the U.S., France and Belgium for not taking action to prevent the killings. The secretary general of UN and US president Bill Clinton apologized to the people of Rwanda.
The exterminations were planned very carefully , with the armed militia present in every neighborhood, armed with grenades and AK-47.It is said to have started on April 6, 1994, with the killing of Rwandan President Habyarimana.
The Hutu militia then based on ID’s revealing ethnic identity, went from one area to another killing the Tutus. The first day ended with thousands of Tutus being murdered.
UN could nothing, nor the other countries.Though they rescued their own civilians not much was done to stop the killings. Even within the safe areas, the killings continued, until by mid july, when the Tutsi RPF forces captured Kigali. The Hutu government had to flee to Zaire. International Federation of Human Rights Leagues and the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch released a 900 paged report titled, "Leave None to Tell the Story.",documenting the events of the genocide , which also criticizes the U.N., the U.S., France and Belgium for not taking action to prevent the killings. The secretary general of UN and US president Bill Clinton apologized to the people of Rwanda.
We fear we'll end
When life goes in directions we didn't expect, and when those directions include suffering and frustration, we can easily become discouraged. We wonder if God has forgotten us. We worry that our lives will sputter out like a car that has run out of gas. We fear we'll end, "not with a bang, but a whimper," to quote T. S. Eliot's
Monday, July 5, 2010
Motivated by the live traffic feed results
Today i rigged a little bit into the Traffic feed , and found to my surprise people who have visited, from several countries, many unexpected destinations and read several of my blog pages.It makes me feel happy , as though some kind of recognition has been given to me.Though i write often like "keeping a journal", its good to feel that others too are reading these.
I realize how correct Maslow was, about the various needs that humans have, especially the need for recognition and acceptance.
If only we would walk a little mile extra each day to encourage others who are part of our lives, the world would become a very wonderful place to live, our homes will be a happier abode
Encouragement will increase motivation,
endorphins triggered would heal one of stress,
a positive mood will ensue,
you in turn will influence others positively.
Ruth Joyful
I would like to add this quote,
Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.
Voltaire
I realize how correct Maslow was, about the various needs that humans have, especially the need for recognition and acceptance.
If only we would walk a little mile extra each day to encourage others who are part of our lives, the world would become a very wonderful place to live, our homes will be a happier abode
Encouragement will increase motivation,
endorphins triggered would heal one of stress,
a positive mood will ensue,
you in turn will influence others positively.
Ruth Joyful
I would like to add this quote,
Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.
Voltaire
The Rainy Day by Rabindranath Tagore
The Rainy Day by Rabindranath Tagore
Sullen clouds are gathering fast over the black fringe of the
forest.
O child, do not go out!
The palm trees in a row by the lake are smiting their heads
against the dismal sky; the crows with their dragged wings are
silent on the tamarind branches, and the eastern bank of the river
is haunted by a deepening gloom.
Our cow is lowing loud, ties at the fence.
O child, wait here till I bring her into the stall.
Men have crowded into the flooded field to catch the fishes
as they escape from the overflowing ponds; the rain-water is
running in rills through the narrow lanes like a laughing boy who
has run away from his mother to tease her.
Listen, someone is shouting for the boatman at the ford.
O child, the daylight is dim, and the crossing at the ferry
is closed.
The sky seems to ride fast upon the madly rushing rain; the
water in the river is loud and impatient; women have hastened home
early from the Ganges with their filled pitchers.
The evening lamps must be made ready.
O child, do not go out!
The road to the market is desolate, the lane to the river is
slippery. The wind is roaring and struggling among the bamboo
branches like a wild beast tangled in a net.
Sullen clouds are gathering fast over the black fringe of the
forest.
O child, do not go out!
The palm trees in a row by the lake are smiting their heads
against the dismal sky; the crows with their dragged wings are
silent on the tamarind branches, and the eastern bank of the river
is haunted by a deepening gloom.
Our cow is lowing loud, ties at the fence.
O child, wait here till I bring her into the stall.
Men have crowded into the flooded field to catch the fishes
as they escape from the overflowing ponds; the rain-water is
running in rills through the narrow lanes like a laughing boy who
has run away from his mother to tease her.
Listen, someone is shouting for the boatman at the ford.
O child, the daylight is dim, and the crossing at the ferry
is closed.
The sky seems to ride fast upon the madly rushing rain; the
water in the river is loud and impatient; women have hastened home
early from the Ganges with their filled pitchers.
The evening lamps must be made ready.
O child, do not go out!
The road to the market is desolate, the lane to the river is
slippery. The wind is roaring and struggling among the bamboo
branches like a wild beast tangled in a net.
I am happy that it finally rained.
Today it rained in this town of mine, oh ! what a joy to see those tiny drops of water wet this parch land, the shrubs, trees , creepers and the climbers all looked wet with the drops , welcoming these long awaited guests who were so reluctant to come down.Everyday , over past week , i saw the clouds gathering in the evening, the dark clouds, forming an assembly, thunderously echoing their voice in unison ,but the drops inside seemed to be holding tight , not willing to shower down , their blessings.Though for a short period , yet it rained, and I am happy that it finally rained.The smell of earth (due to Streptomyces griseus), was so welcoming.The breeze followed, adding its inputs into this unfolding rain scenario.
Send these showers often Lord!.Let me add to this few lines from Longfellow's poem on the summer rain.
Joyful
In the country, on every side,
Where far and wide,
Like a leopard's tawny and spotted hide,
Stretches the plain,
To the dry grass and the drier grain
How welcome is the rain!
Rain in Summer
by Henry W. Longfellow
Send these showers often Lord!.Let me add to this few lines from Longfellow's poem on the summer rain.
Joyful
In the country, on every side,
Where far and wide,
Like a leopard's tawny and spotted hide,
Stretches the plain,
To the dry grass and the drier grain
How welcome is the rain!
Rain in Summer
by Henry W. Longfellow
Saturday, July 3, 2010
My Neem tree
Though i don't live in a very green place, nor is my part of country blessed with with a pleasant climate, which i really long to prevail, yet my house has in front of two gigantic trees , they almost loom into the sky, their wide canopy covers everything below, giving us a cool shade, a haven to birds, and especially their greenness is something which is very attracting to me.Too many attempts by others to cut it down, every time we intervened, and today as i call it, when i see it from a distance " our patriarch"..Its been there for more than a decade and i hope to see it for a long long time.
The tree seems to echo to me , some kind of strength, some kind of dignity in its gigantic nature, it stands there quite composed, providing joy to us .I love to look at it every morning, hears the birds sing their songs, and the swaying branches dancing to their songs.This is our mini effort to save two trees, when we see many a tree falling down under the axe.
The tree seems to echo to me , some kind of strength, some kind of dignity in its gigantic nature, it stands there quite composed, providing joy to us .I love to look at it every morning, hears the birds sing their songs, and the swaying branches dancing to their songs.This is our mini effort to save two trees, when we see many a tree falling down under the axe.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"Cheap grace is the deadly enemy of the church. We are fighting today for costly grace."
"Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field. For the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price, to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble. It is the call of Jesus Christ, at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him. Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock.
"Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his son. "Ye were born at a price."
And what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us."
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
http://christianaudio.com/free
"Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field. For the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price, to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble. It is the call of Jesus Christ, at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him. Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock.
"Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his son. "Ye were born at a price."
And what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us."
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
http://christianaudio.com/free
The MOROCCON nomadic life
Morocco is a country located in the northern part of the African subcontinent.Its people , their beliefs , their customs , especially their food is very interest arousing.
The nomadic life seen at the Saharan border, was unbelievable.People living there in tents and shelters brazing the extreme heat and winds of the desert, it was truly unbelievable to imagine their life there.
Yet they live in the most dignified manner , cooking their simple food, mostly vegetables, relying on their camels for transportation and goats for milk.
The spices of Morocco needs mentioning, it adds the special flavor and aroma to their cuisine.
The breads baked in special traditional ovens made with desert sand, which brought forth brown crusty bread looked beautiful.The desert winds aiding the cooking process. Both Berbers and Saharan nomads live here, the Saharawi nomads are more known.Their rich folklore , their handicrafts are unique.
Its amazing to see people living in small tents with everything inside getting layed with the desert sand, yet to see them milk their goats, herd their camels, eat their food together like a family, with the food spread for all on one plate and each sharing the meal, dipping the bread in the gravy kept commonly for all, depicted a life more enriching then our comfort filled, stress filled , without family time , rush hour lives.
This is from my own writing for another of my blog.
The nomadic life seen at the Saharan border, was unbelievable.People living there in tents and shelters brazing the extreme heat and winds of the desert, it was truly unbelievable to imagine their life there.
Yet they live in the most dignified manner , cooking their simple food, mostly vegetables, relying on their camels for transportation and goats for milk.
The spices of Morocco needs mentioning, it adds the special flavor and aroma to their cuisine.
The breads baked in special traditional ovens made with desert sand, which brought forth brown crusty bread looked beautiful.The desert winds aiding the cooking process. Both Berbers and Saharan nomads live here, the Saharawi nomads are more known.Their rich folklore , their handicrafts are unique.
Its amazing to see people living in small tents with everything inside getting layed with the desert sand, yet to see them milk their goats, herd their camels, eat their food together like a family, with the food spread for all on one plate and each sharing the meal, dipping the bread in the gravy kept commonly for all, depicted a life more enriching then our comfort filled, stress filled , without family time , rush hour lives.
This is from my own writing for another of my blog.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
To My Wife - by Oscar Wilde
To My Wife - by Oscar Wilde
I can write no stately poem
As a prelude to my lay;
From a poet to a poem
I would dare to say.
For if of these fallen petals
One to you seem fair,
Love will waft it till it settles
On your hair.
And when wind and winter harden
All the loveless land,
It will whisper of the garden,
You will understand.
I can write no stately poem
As a prelude to my lay;
From a poet to a poem
I would dare to say.
For if of these fallen petals
One to you seem fair,
Love will waft it till it settles
On your hair.
And when wind and winter harden
All the loveless land,
It will whisper of the garden,
You will understand.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)