It is not some cosmic joke by which humanity merely "happened".
It is not some beautiful coincidence that the very stuff of stars (i.e. star dust) is the very stuff that makes up our kind.
In our desperation to ignore the very truth in front of our eyes we claim to know the very minutest of details of a "just because" moment.
Why do we so desperately try to organize reality into organic and inorganic? Most of us do not even know why we use those words. We get confused. Does organic mean life? But no -- it just means a lot of carbon. Yet a lot of Carbon tends to indicate what we call life - but is merely having life, enough to justify being ALIVE?
Reality is causal and it is created - not inorganic and organic, but rather created and uncreated. We need physical space and matter and energy to exist. We need dust, metals, gasses, the Higs Boson, solar flares, stars, gravity, water, heat, etc to exist.
We can not help but observe that which is created and that which is caused by created things -- we are incapable of observing the uncreated. It simply does not "exist" and therefore the uncreated can not be touched, tested, timed, experienced - fathomed at all in our finite minds.
Shatter your mind and suppositions for a moment and think about what you do not know. How easily can your mind deduce things that exist, that are created. But can any of us comprehend one thing, any thing that is not created that does not exist? Even a unicorn exists metaphysically.
Alas, but we can all comprehend one such essence - a concept, an existence that is not created yet exists all the same.
All of humanity can comprehend God - an uncreated god none the less. We know His existence, yet we can not prove it, touch it, test it, time it. Why is it that all of us in our hearts can know God?
The mere essence of knowing one thing that is not created but potentially (heck we know the truth) Creator - should drive us to our knees.
Instead we, like two year olds filled with self centered delusions, carry on as if we are the center of reality, that we are uncreated but exist none the less - by happenstance.
So the cosmic joke is us, in thinking that we merely happened. That the infinitely seeming perponderance of universal coincidences and concurrences neccessary for existence all occured without deliberate cause, without being deliberately created.
Hmph... and why do we celebrate Christmas again?
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Monday, November 26, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Two Words
your life is your life
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
be on
the watch.
there are ways out.
there is a light somewhere.
it may not
be much light but
it beats the darkness.
be on the watch.
God will
offer you chances.
know them.
take them.
you can’t beat death
but
you can beat death in life, sometimes.
and the more often you learn to
do it,
the more light there will be.
your life is your life.
know it
while you have it.
you are marvelous
Jesus waits to delight
in you
don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission.
be on
the watch.
there are ways out.
there is a light somewhere.
it may not
be much light but
it beats the darkness.
be on the watch.
God will
offer you chances.
know them.
take them.
you can’t beat death
but
you can beat death in life, sometimes.
and the more often you learn to
do it,
the more light there will be.
your life is your life.
know it
while you have it.
you are marvelous
Jesus waits to delight
in you
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
My World View (Again)
This statement of my faith is not debatable, meaning that I do not enter into argument/debate over these issues. My focus is fellowship with the Father and the Son, and then with YOU as an outflow of that fellowship (1 John 1:1-4). I am not focused on convincing others of the correctness of my views. -It took me 38 years...but I will debate with you your beliefs, until you concretely tell me what you believe - and why.
I BELIEVE the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ's ("agape") love, which is greater than any differences we possess, and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians.
I BELIEVE worship of God should be spiritual. Therefore, I remain flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct my worship.
I BELIEVE worship of God should be inspirational. Therefore, I give great place to music in my worship.
I BELIEVE worship of God should be intelligent. Therefore, I place great emphasis upon the teaching of the Word of God that He might instruct me how He should be worshiped.
I BELIEVE worship of God should be fruitful. Therefore, I accept reality as His love in my life and my recognition of this perspective as the supreme manifestation that I am truly worshiping Him.
I BELIEVE in all the fundamental doctrines of orthodox evangelical Christianity.
I BELIEVE in the inerrancy of Scripture, that the Bible, Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, infallible Word of God.
I BELIEVE in the trinity - one God eternally existent in three separate persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I BELIEVE that God the Father is the personal, transcendent, and sovereign Creator of all things.
I BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human, that He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, provided for the atonement of our sins by His vicarious death on the cross, was bodily resurrected by the power of the Holy Spirit, ascended back to the right hand of God the Father, and ever lives to make intercession for us.
I BELIEVE that after Jesus ascended to Heaven, He poured out His Holy Spirit on the believers in Jerusalem, enabling them to fulfill His command to be His witnesses in the entire world, a responsibility shared by all believers today.
I BELIEVE that all people are by nature separated from God and responsible for their own sin, but that salvation, redemption, and forgiveness are freely offered to all by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. When a person repents of sin and accepts Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, trusting Him to save, that person is immediately born again and sealed by the Holy Spirit. All his/her sins are forgiven, and that person becomes a child of God destined to spend eternity with the Lord.
I BELIEVE in the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Scriptures, and that they are valid for today if they are exercised within the scriptural guidelines. I covet the best gifts, seeking to exercise them in love that the whole Body of Christ might be edified. I believe that love is more important than the most spectacular gifts, and without this love all exercise of spiritual gifts is worthless.
I BELIEVE that church government should be simplistic rather than a complex bureaucracy, and I depend on the Holy Spirit to lead, rather than on fleshly promotion.
I AWAIT the pre-tribulation rapture of the church and I believe that the second coming of Christ with His saints to rule on earth will be personal, pre-millennial, and visible. This motivates me to holy living, heartfelt worship, committed service, diligent study of God's Word, regular fellowship, and participation in adult baptism by immersion and Holy Communion. (I was baptized as an adult the day prior to my marriage, for how could I be ready to be married to my wife, if I could not first be married to God?)
I SEEK to teach the Word of God in such a way that its message can be applied to an individual's life, leading that person to greater maturity in Christ.
I REJECT: (1) The belief that true Christians can be demon possessed. (2) "Five point Calvinism" (i.e., a fatalistic Calvinistic view that leaves no room for free will. Specifically, I reject the belief that Jesus' atonement was limited, instead I believe that He died for all people, and I reject the assertion that God's wooing grace cannot be resisted or that He has elected some people to go to hell. Instead, I believe that anyone who wills to come to Christ may do so). I REJECT (3) "Positive confession" (the faith movement belief that God can be commanded to heal or work miracles according to man's will). (4) Human prophecy that supersedes the Scripture. (5) The incorporation of humanistic and secular psychology and philosophy into Biblical teaching, and (6) the over-emphasis of spiritual gifts or experiential signs and wonders to the exclusion of Biblical teaching.
So there you have it. Now tell me, what do you believe?
I BELIEVE the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ's ("agape") love, which is greater than any differences we possess, and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians.
I BELIEVE worship of God should be spiritual. Therefore, I remain flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct my worship.
I BELIEVE worship of God should be inspirational. Therefore, I give great place to music in my worship.
I BELIEVE worship of God should be intelligent. Therefore, I place great emphasis upon the teaching of the Word of God that He might instruct me how He should be worshiped.
I BELIEVE worship of God should be fruitful. Therefore, I accept reality as His love in my life and my recognition of this perspective as the supreme manifestation that I am truly worshiping Him.
I BELIEVE in all the fundamental doctrines of orthodox evangelical Christianity.
I BELIEVE in the inerrancy of Scripture, that the Bible, Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, infallible Word of God.
I BELIEVE in the trinity - one God eternally existent in three separate persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
I BELIEVE that God the Father is the personal, transcendent, and sovereign Creator of all things.
I BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human, that He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, provided for the atonement of our sins by His vicarious death on the cross, was bodily resurrected by the power of the Holy Spirit, ascended back to the right hand of God the Father, and ever lives to make intercession for us.
I BELIEVE that after Jesus ascended to Heaven, He poured out His Holy Spirit on the believers in Jerusalem, enabling them to fulfill His command to be His witnesses in the entire world, a responsibility shared by all believers today.
I BELIEVE that all people are by nature separated from God and responsible for their own sin, but that salvation, redemption, and forgiveness are freely offered to all by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. When a person repents of sin and accepts Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord, trusting Him to save, that person is immediately born again and sealed by the Holy Spirit. All his/her sins are forgiven, and that person becomes a child of God destined to spend eternity with the Lord.
I BELIEVE in the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Scriptures, and that they are valid for today if they are exercised within the scriptural guidelines. I covet the best gifts, seeking to exercise them in love that the whole Body of Christ might be edified. I believe that love is more important than the most spectacular gifts, and without this love all exercise of spiritual gifts is worthless.
I BELIEVE that church government should be simplistic rather than a complex bureaucracy, and I depend on the Holy Spirit to lead, rather than on fleshly promotion.
I AWAIT the pre-tribulation rapture of the church and I believe that the second coming of Christ with His saints to rule on earth will be personal, pre-millennial, and visible. This motivates me to holy living, heartfelt worship, committed service, diligent study of God's Word, regular fellowship, and participation in adult baptism by immersion and Holy Communion. (I was baptized as an adult the day prior to my marriage, for how could I be ready to be married to my wife, if I could not first be married to God?)
I SEEK to teach the Word of God in such a way that its message can be applied to an individual's life, leading that person to greater maturity in Christ.
I REJECT: (1) The belief that true Christians can be demon possessed. (2) "Five point Calvinism" (i.e., a fatalistic Calvinistic view that leaves no room for free will. Specifically, I reject the belief that Jesus' atonement was limited, instead I believe that He died for all people, and I reject the assertion that God's wooing grace cannot be resisted or that He has elected some people to go to hell. Instead, I believe that anyone who wills to come to Christ may do so). I REJECT (3) "Positive confession" (the faith movement belief that God can be commanded to heal or work miracles according to man's will). (4) Human prophecy that supersedes the Scripture. (5) The incorporation of humanistic and secular psychology and philosophy into Biblical teaching, and (6) the over-emphasis of spiritual gifts or experiential signs and wonders to the exclusion of Biblical teaching.
So there you have it. Now tell me, what do you believe?
Monday, May 21, 2012
Holes
I haven't seen, touched, spoken with my brother or sister in over 10 years... I look at my children, my brother and sister in laws...Nelson and his brothers, Melissa and her siblings... I see the closeness... elusive to me. They touch without touching, and are loyal regardless of worth. I don't even have pictures.. some fading memories. It feels like they are dead, yet I never had the shock and grief associated with death. I feel as if a hand grenade was thrown through that part of my life leaving shrapnel and scars...and deadend nerves. I have in my life family and friends and siblings - deep emotional connection. It is fulfilling but I still have holes. Holes but no grief... I guess that is good. Apathy on the subject actually. Because I don't have them, my own family is so precious to me. I am close to only one cousin- but even there, the eternal warring between our parents have created a chasm between us. We can't be as close as we once were because of the damage our parents are causing -- funny, perhaps sibilings in the bloodline are cursed? We even cancelled a family trip because we didn't want to offend our parents. Must we wait until they are dead before we can resume our relationship? I want my children to grow close to their cousins. I see holes in my family fabric - they weaken what was -- render the fabric of who I am a bit worn. And yet, I have peace in my siblings- gained through life and through Christ. Mike, Rob, Mark, Heather, Dima, Jane, Callie, Karina, Carrie, Jim, Jerry, Nelson, Scott, Carey, Nick... and others yet to come. Still, I pause on birthdays and moments like today. Why do funerals remind me of my siblings? I don't miss them, yet I love them... my siblings, not funerals.
I want to save my children from a fate of distance. I hope my wife can teach them about being bonded to each other - I'll do what I can, but I suppose my own testimony is horrible on the subject.
And yet, if the opportunity arose, I would and will naively run towards both my brother and sister - just for a chance to see their faces, feel them, hear their voices, play with their children... I long for this, yet I do not weep. Is that weird?
I love my sister in laws and brother in law deeply... they fill the gap a lot... but the holes remain. I always want to spoil them, because I have such a distance from my own. I see the strength they have with eachother, I undersetimate at times. Especially when they fight... but it endures. I wonder what that type of love/loyalty is like?
I guess we all have holes. At least mine are manageable.
I want to save my children from a fate of distance. I hope my wife can teach them about being bonded to each other - I'll do what I can, but I suppose my own testimony is horrible on the subject.
And yet, if the opportunity arose, I would and will naively run towards both my brother and sister - just for a chance to see their faces, feel them, hear their voices, play with their children... I long for this, yet I do not weep. Is that weird?
I love my sister in laws and brother in law deeply... they fill the gap a lot... but the holes remain. I always want to spoil them, because I have such a distance from my own. I see the strength they have with eachother, I undersetimate at times. Especially when they fight... but it endures. I wonder what that type of love/loyalty is like?
I guess we all have holes. At least mine are manageable.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Where the Feeling Comes From
the heart. the brain? God?
Does it matter? We can feel. joy, love, pain, hunger, hope...
I want to sing from where the feeling comes from.
I spent the day enjoying so many things... morning at Starbucks... with my little girl, catching up with Jerry... then my wife and I strolled through a farmers market...then Sophia and I played in the park... cooked some tamarind chicken, then I caught up with Scott O. at another starbucks... then met the new babysitter, left for a gathering of church peeps... came home, snuggled in bed and watched some Netflix...It's midnight now.
My Jesus, this life is worth all the emotions, good and bad. I do want Heaven, but I am glad you gave me today.
Does it matter? We can feel. joy, love, pain, hunger, hope...
I want to sing from where the feeling comes from.
I spent the day enjoying so many things... morning at Starbucks... with my little girl, catching up with Jerry... then my wife and I strolled through a farmers market...then Sophia and I played in the park... cooked some tamarind chicken, then I caught up with Scott O. at another starbucks... then met the new babysitter, left for a gathering of church peeps... came home, snuggled in bed and watched some Netflix...It's midnight now.
My Jesus, this life is worth all the emotions, good and bad. I do want Heaven, but I am glad you gave me today.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
New Year, Same Questions
- Do you believe in God?
- If yes, was God created and subject to the Universe or is God the creator of the Universe? If no, how are you sure that God does not exist?
- Is there a purpose to existance? If so, what is it?
- Is there a purpose for human life?
- What happens when we die?
- What is the soul? Does it exist?
- What is the mind? Is it different than the soul?
- What is the secret to love?
- What is the secret to peace?
- What do you do all day? Why?
- What are you accomplishing? Is it worth it?
- What does it mean to be alone?
- What is Good, what is Evil, do either or both of them exist?
- What does it mean to be something (sad, happy, hungry, red, blue, rich, fat, alive, dead)?
- Do you think?
- How do you know?
- Do you have a purpose?
- Are you Good?
- What determines if something/ someone is Good or Not Good.
- Are you powerful? How do you know?
- What is more powerful than you? Why?
- Do you pray? Why?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
More Vibrant than Yesterday
I miss "us" -- how we used to be. Young. Laughing. Blissfully unaware of tomorrow.
I miss how cold wind used to feel "brisk" and "crisp" -now it feels just cold, and bone deep.
I miss the broken hearts and the long long phonecalls into the night. The bittersweet.
But then again I look back on yesterday through glasses tinted.
Today is more vibrant than yesterday. And I am well practiced at ignoring tomorrow.
I can wear a scarf to fight the aching cold -besides, warming up in bed with my wife is very nice.
A heart that beats a thousand times with love, strong and pure -- is of more worth than a thousand bleeding hearts that broke.
Today I face my future with steady feet on solid ground. With nothing to miss, not even memories
I miss how cold wind used to feel "brisk" and "crisp" -now it feels just cold, and bone deep.
I miss the broken hearts and the long long phonecalls into the night. The bittersweet.
But then again I look back on yesterday through glasses tinted.
Today is more vibrant than yesterday. And I am well practiced at ignoring tomorrow.
I can wear a scarf to fight the aching cold -besides, warming up in bed with my wife is very nice.
A heart that beats a thousand times with love, strong and pure -- is of more worth than a thousand bleeding hearts that broke.
Today I face my future with steady feet on solid ground. With nothing to miss, not even memories
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas 2010
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all...
Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a savior who is Christ the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men...
Merry Christmas, may your soul have rest and your yoke be light.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all...
Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a savior who is Christ the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men...
Merry Christmas, may your soul have rest and your yoke be light.
Friday, November 19, 2010
My Unwritten Book -sigh..
Page 1:
Somewhere along the way you will die.
Page 2:
Every human on the planet has a different point of view on his or her own mortality. I believe in the commonly accepted Christian version of Heaven and Hell, and for my part would like to spend eternity hanging out with Jesus. My brother on the other hand believes that life just ends, game over. My father believes that he will be reincarnated into someone else – he'll get another chance on life, kinda like starting over in a video game.
What do you believe?
With certainty you will die a physical death someday. Very few know how, fewer know when, and no one can know what happens next. Even with my faith, I do not know. Faith by its very definition requires a belief in something for which you do not have any proof.
Yet you know you will die – physically at least. How do you cope with that? How long will you live? 100 more years? Maybe. 80 years? Still not certain. 50 years? You hope. 20? 10? 5? 1? How sure are you that you will be here even 1 more year from now?
Drunk drivers kill people. Planes explode. People choke on their food. Criminals mug and kill victims. Random mortar shells land on civilian homes. Hurricanes hit coastal Cajuns. Typhoons hit Sri Lankans. Earthquakes kill Chinese.
Events beyond our control, from the mundane to the spectacular occur all the time and they make predicting how long we will live very unpredictable. And the fact is most people don't know what they believe happens next. Because they do not know – they mostly ignore. And then they "act" like they are in control, or have a plan.
I love how in the Bible, Jame's (the brother of Jesus) says:
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
When will you vanish?
Do you ignore the uncertainty of your life and then act like you are in control? By not comprehending the extreme blessing or sheer luck of having a tomorrow, the individual is not able to fully appreciate and enjoy the nuances and experiences of living. At least that is the point of this book. I hope to convince/shock/scare you into waking up to your own situation. And then I hope to encourage you to live your life in an extraordinary way.
It is my hope to help you cherish tomorrow and to gain insights on how to get more out of your life.
Somewhere along the way you will die.
Page 2:
Every human on the planet has a different point of view on his or her own mortality. I believe in the commonly accepted Christian version of Heaven and Hell, and for my part would like to spend eternity hanging out with Jesus. My brother on the other hand believes that life just ends, game over. My father believes that he will be reincarnated into someone else – he'll get another chance on life, kinda like starting over in a video game.
What do you believe?
With certainty you will die a physical death someday. Very few know how, fewer know when, and no one can know what happens next. Even with my faith, I do not know. Faith by its very definition requires a belief in something for which you do not have any proof.
Yet you know you will die – physically at least. How do you cope with that? How long will you live? 100 more years? Maybe. 80 years? Still not certain. 50 years? You hope. 20? 10? 5? 1? How sure are you that you will be here even 1 more year from now?
Drunk drivers kill people. Planes explode. People choke on their food. Criminals mug and kill victims. Random mortar shells land on civilian homes. Hurricanes hit coastal Cajuns. Typhoons hit Sri Lankans. Earthquakes kill Chinese.
Events beyond our control, from the mundane to the spectacular occur all the time and they make predicting how long we will live very unpredictable. And the fact is most people don't know what they believe happens next. Because they do not know – they mostly ignore. And then they "act" like they are in control, or have a plan.
I love how in the Bible, Jame's (the brother of Jesus) says:
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
When will you vanish?
Do you ignore the uncertainty of your life and then act like you are in control? By not comprehending the extreme blessing or sheer luck of having a tomorrow, the individual is not able to fully appreciate and enjoy the nuances and experiences of living. At least that is the point of this book. I hope to convince/shock/scare you into waking up to your own situation. And then I hope to encourage you to live your life in an extraordinary way.
It is my hope to help you cherish tomorrow and to gain insights on how to get more out of your life.
And the World Waits
And the world waits...
Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.
Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.
Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'
For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Being Beautiful
it never took much to be beautiful.
It takes a smile and some effort to comb your hair and scrub your cheeks. but most of all, it takes love.
Smile at people. Hug them. Listen and let them speak for hours, without saying a word. Be confident in your own happiness and share it with others. Encourage others to be ok with being happy. Look people in the eyes and make sure to look for the warmth in their eyes.
Touch people. Touch their shoulder while they are talking to you. Get in close and smell them - even if they smell bad, purify them in your mind and make them smell more beautiful than roses.
Love them deeply - even if it will rock their boat because they have never been loved deeply before. Without any desire of romance, regardless of gender, just purely and in an agape fashion, connect and Love Deep....
Let each individual that you meet know that they are sincerely valued by you, important to you, and most of all treasured by your God.
Control your emotion. Control your connection. Be a leader, and teach people how to handle a true relationship.
In English, our word "love" is limited - so for most of us, we reserve it for our immediate families and our romantic partners.
I tell my friends (men and women) that I miss them and I love them. They know the difference between that love and the love that I share with my wife, my siblings, and my parents....
But they know that it is Love.
Loving others makes you beautiful and attractive - and in the process you will be doing some good.
It takes a smile and some effort to comb your hair and scrub your cheeks. but most of all, it takes love.
Smile at people. Hug them. Listen and let them speak for hours, without saying a word. Be confident in your own happiness and share it with others. Encourage others to be ok with being happy. Look people in the eyes and make sure to look for the warmth in their eyes.
Touch people. Touch their shoulder while they are talking to you. Get in close and smell them - even if they smell bad, purify them in your mind and make them smell more beautiful than roses.
Love them deeply - even if it will rock their boat because they have never been loved deeply before. Without any desire of romance, regardless of gender, just purely and in an agape fashion, connect and Love Deep....
Let each individual that you meet know that they are sincerely valued by you, important to you, and most of all treasured by your God.
Control your emotion. Control your connection. Be a leader, and teach people how to handle a true relationship.
In English, our word "love" is limited - so for most of us, we reserve it for our immediate families and our romantic partners.
I tell my friends (men and women) that I miss them and I love them. They know the difference between that love and the love that I share with my wife, my siblings, and my parents....
But they know that it is Love.
Loving others makes you beautiful and attractive - and in the process you will be doing some good.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Waiting on Sophia
Sitting up late tonight
Everything is going so right, but I'm feeling just a little bit outside
I listened to the laughter of a little girl playing
I hugged my wife and listened to her breathe
In another world
there lives another little girl, her life became a hurricane swirl
I feel her kicking and I am praying
It's just her mother that she hopes to see
Heartache mixed with joy
the Kingdom plays with broken toys
And all of us angels, we just fly along
Laughter mixed with tears
All the Saints have disappeared
We turn off our tv's and go back to singing our songs.
Talking with Jesus tonight
thank you for my comfortable life, but I'm feeling just a little bit outside
I listened to the dancing of my little girl kicking
I kissed my wife and got down on my knees
Lord I feel
Heartache mixed with joy
the Kingdom plays with broken toys
And all of us angels, we just fly along
Laughter mixed with tears
All the Saints have disappeared
We turn off our tv's and go back to singing our songs.
I close my eyes to dream
I see families as they weep, their children are buried too deep
I felt my daughter dancing
I hugged my wife and drifted off to sleep
Everything is going so right, but I'm feeling just a little bit outside
I listened to the laughter of a little girl playing
I hugged my wife and listened to her breathe
In another world
there lives another little girl, her life became a hurricane swirl
I feel her kicking and I am praying
It's just her mother that she hopes to see
Heartache mixed with joy
the Kingdom plays with broken toys
And all of us angels, we just fly along
Laughter mixed with tears
All the Saints have disappeared
We turn off our tv's and go back to singing our songs.
Talking with Jesus tonight
thank you for my comfortable life, but I'm feeling just a little bit outside
I listened to the dancing of my little girl kicking
I kissed my wife and got down on my knees
Lord I feel
Heartache mixed with joy
the Kingdom plays with broken toys
And all of us angels, we just fly along
Laughter mixed with tears
All the Saints have disappeared
We turn off our tv's and go back to singing our songs.
I close my eyes to dream
I see families as they weep, their children are buried too deep
I felt my daughter dancing
I hugged my wife and drifted off to sleep
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Advice For the Reader
God has given me a wonderful life....lots of interesting experiences.
I want to write them here, but I am afraid what I would write, intended for praise, would be seen as boasting... so, I will just be content in being thankful for my blessings....
My advice:
learn to talk with God
maximize the body, mind, and soul that he has given you
don't eat too much, don't focus on food at all...
relax
point your every thought to god, as if in conversation, and you will make better decisions and be less stressed
love people - even the ugly ones, the fat ones, the mean ones, the selfish ones....
BIG LESSONS:
1. We have no free will
2. People act and react based on their level of happiness and or pain
3. Happiness is inversly correlated to Selfishness
4. Love is a choice - it requires sacrifice
5. Don't try to use your own mind to solve problems, seek God and the counsel of lots of other people older than you.
HOW TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS:
do not be original, copy those who are better than you, improve upon those who have good ideas, always surround yourself with people that are older than you, smarter than you, and more liked than you (trust me, it rubs off).
One of my best friends is about 15 years older than me, he has been married (happily) for a LOOOONG time, has 5 kids, a great house, has spent his entire career in my industry, loves God, has a better understanding of polymers and engineering than I do, and has a good understanding of who he is...
I have watched him sooooo closely....how he thinks, prays, talks with his wife, does his business, manages his kids....fix his car, handle emergencies....and I have learned his dreams and goals...
By being around him, he has "rubbed off on me"... he is one of many people like that in my life.
OH AND LEARN TO PRAY. PRAY ALL THE TIME FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE....it works.
I want to write them here, but I am afraid what I would write, intended for praise, would be seen as boasting... so, I will just be content in being thankful for my blessings....
My advice:
learn to talk with God
maximize the body, mind, and soul that he has given you
don't eat too much, don't focus on food at all...
relax
point your every thought to god, as if in conversation, and you will make better decisions and be less stressed
love people - even the ugly ones, the fat ones, the mean ones, the selfish ones....
BIG LESSONS:
1. We have no free will
2. People act and react based on their level of happiness and or pain
3. Happiness is inversly correlated to Selfishness
4. Love is a choice - it requires sacrifice
5. Don't try to use your own mind to solve problems, seek God and the counsel of lots of other people older than you.
HOW TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS:
do not be original, copy those who are better than you, improve upon those who have good ideas, always surround yourself with people that are older than you, smarter than you, and more liked than you (trust me, it rubs off).
One of my best friends is about 15 years older than me, he has been married (happily) for a LOOOONG time, has 5 kids, a great house, has spent his entire career in my industry, loves God, has a better understanding of polymers and engineering than I do, and has a good understanding of who he is...
I have watched him sooooo closely....how he thinks, prays, talks with his wife, does his business, manages his kids....fix his car, handle emergencies....and I have learned his dreams and goals...
By being around him, he has "rubbed off on me"... he is one of many people like that in my life.
OH AND LEARN TO PRAY. PRAY ALL THE TIME FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE....it works.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Simple Truth
You are loved deeply. If you haven't heard the words or felt the touch of love, then you are not listening to the right music nor holding the right hands.
Noone should die thinking that love is far away. Love is here -- always.
It is whispered in your ears all the time, all day long. Learn to cancel out the noise of a distracting life, and learn to feel loved.
Love others and you will find peace, rest, and sanctuary.
Noone should die thinking that love is far away. Love is here -- always.
It is whispered in your ears all the time, all day long. Learn to cancel out the noise of a distracting life, and learn to feel loved.
Love others and you will find peace, rest, and sanctuary.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Critical Thinking
A majority of humankind is content with existing in a state of constant distraction, unable or unwilling to truly discern the nature of their world and life.
I can make that statement with enough confidence that only a few people on the planet would be able to make an opposing argument and plausibly defend it in a good conversation.
(Hint: if you thought the the first statement was insulting, the second statement arrogant, or if you "just don't care" then you most likely are not one of the people qualified to create a suitable retort. And you are probably one of the people that I have depicted in the first statement.)
ok, ok... moving on. Here is the first tip to increase your intelligence:
1. Define everything. Do not slip into a habit of just accepting the given "meaning" of something. Pick up a dictionary, read articles, talk with people, gain a perspective on everything you discuss and think about.
"Where are you?"
I am here...
"Where are you?"
I am here in Houston, Texas
"Where are you?"
I am here in a composition of atoms, organized into clusters or molecules (most of which are commonly termed "water"), which themselves have formed into macro-groups commonly refered to as tissue, fluid, also called cells, these cells are organized into tissue and fluid systems which are contained as one 5'5" unit, called Sidhartha Sen, which is in a shell of materials called clothing, upon a chair, fixed within an outer shell called shelter, this shelter being called an apartment, with a positional situation within Houston, Texas, USA, North America, Earth, Sol System, Milky Way, Universe...
"Who are you?"
Uh, oh...
"How do you know"
ok, stop
"what do you believe?"
"what do you know?"
"why"
"How do you work?"
"How do you come to have knowledge?"
So many simple questions and most people have minds that are two weak to answer them... even in a silent moment of meditation.
So then how can these people claim to have "faith" "belief in God" "support for Democracy" "a relationship" with anything; when they don't even know what they mean when they say these things?
I can make that statement with enough confidence that only a few people on the planet would be able to make an opposing argument and plausibly defend it in a good conversation.
(Hint: if you thought the the first statement was insulting, the second statement arrogant, or if you "just don't care" then you most likely are not one of the people qualified to create a suitable retort. And you are probably one of the people that I have depicted in the first statement.)
ok, ok... moving on. Here is the first tip to increase your intelligence:
1. Define everything. Do not slip into a habit of just accepting the given "meaning" of something. Pick up a dictionary, read articles, talk with people, gain a perspective on everything you discuss and think about.
"Where are you?"
I am here...
"Where are you?"
I am here in Houston, Texas
"Where are you?"
I am here in a composition of atoms, organized into clusters or molecules (most of which are commonly termed "water"), which themselves have formed into macro-groups commonly refered to as tissue, fluid, also called cells, these cells are organized into tissue and fluid systems which are contained as one 5'5" unit, called Sidhartha Sen, which is in a shell of materials called clothing, upon a chair, fixed within an outer shell called shelter, this shelter being called an apartment, with a positional situation within Houston, Texas, USA, North America, Earth, Sol System, Milky Way, Universe...
"Who are you?"
Uh, oh...
"How do you know"
ok, stop
"what do you believe?"
"what do you know?"
"why"
"How do you work?"
"How do you come to have knowledge?"
So many simple questions and most people have minds that are two weak to answer them... even in a silent moment of meditation.
So then how can these people claim to have "faith" "belief in God" "support for Democracy" "a relationship" with anything; when they don't even know what they mean when they say these things?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Talking with God
"you mean you actually speak with God?"
"yes"
"you mean you pray to Him?"
"no, well I pray too, but we speak, have dialogue...its cool"
"you're insane..."
"faithful"
"How do you know its God and not the devil, or just your brain?"
"The content of the conversations are different... and he just whispers..."
"huh?"
"The devil speaks AT everyone, he talks, whispers, yells, pleads in your ear... and he always wants you to keep talking, keep thinking, keep going in endless circles of diatribe... never finding peace, never finding progression, always stressful, or distracting...EVERYONE speaks to him."
"uh, yeah... ok" *sarcasm*
*sigh*
"when I pray, God doesn't talk back.. .he just lets me talk, and talk, scream, yell, whisper, plead.... I end up talking at Him, not to Him..."
"So you're like Satan" *grin*
"In a way, but unlike satan, I've learned to shut up, to get quiet, to listen, learn - to let myself be loved, and to obey."
"Obey? - Sounds like slavery"
"It is, we all are slaves, we all serve a master... some the Devil, others money, others lust, drugs, power, amusement, family, duty, righteousness, charity, philanthropy, careers, pride...no one can serve two masters, I bow to God. If anyone will be a good master, it will be Him."
"I'm not a slave, I have free will"
"Sure"
"I DO. I am not a robot - what would the point be in that?"
"African slaves were able to think, feel, sing, cry, but they were still slaves. They only had one choice, to obey or not. All humans are the same."
"What's the point in having religion, or belief in God, if there is no free will? - That would make God responsible for all the evil in the world..."
"Depends on how you define Evil...evil from your point of view is not the same as His..."
"whatever, bad is bad, good is good... you're crazy"
"man is hungry, his family is starving, he sees a huge field with tons of corn, and he has a gun...
farmer has worked all season, fingers to the bone, yielding a whole field of corn - and yet the harvest wont be enough to pay the mortgage....if the hungry man takes the corn to feed his family is he good or is he a thief? Are all thieves bad? If the farmer defends his farm and kills the thief, is he defending his family or a murderer?"
"You're an ass... that's a hypothetical"
"It happens all the time, the first time recorded is the story of Cincinattus...the american civil war and WWII were started in much the same way...just not over corn. BUT if the murderer and the thief, learned to listen, speak and obey God THEN the thief would have asked the farmer, the farmer would have fed the thief...God would have been glorified..."
"Dude, over my head"
"I know. I can't explain it, I am not God."
"So when you speak to him, he speaks back..."
"NO, when HE speaks to me, I shut up and listen."
"When does he talk?"
"All the time...but I am not always listening"
"Why?"
*shrug* "I let life lure me into disobediance, God whispers, he refuses to talk above the chatter and confusion of life... I must seek Him"
"You're weird"
"yup"
"You really believe in a God like that"
"I believe in a God that has broken me, rebuilt me, broken me again, rebuilt me again, given me riches and poverty, heartbreak and a physically broken heart, a career that many would spend their whole lives questing for, a beautiful intelligent loving wife, a future, and GRACE. I exist to serve him, good or bad, better or worse, young and old, rich, poor, sick, healthy, in this life and the next...he has placed the begining of wisdom on my poor shoulders, and softened my voice... he has replaced my boyish laughter with a steady voice that can sing and command, and my innocent eyes have been opened to all that I have done, will do, and am doing...in essence, I speak with God and He speaks to me... and that God I trust - to do less would be insane."
"too deep for me..."
"you should learn to swim then..."
"shallow water seems fine" *smirk*
"thats where the sharks are"
"ever thought that I am one of those sharks"
"no, you are a lamprey feeding off the shark, dependent on it, rather than swimming on your own. I want you to swim... like we are doing right now"
"hmm"
"gotta go, my wife needs me... "
"see ya"
"bye"
"Uh, tell Him hi, the next time you chat"
"He heard you" *grin*
--True Account
"yes"
"you mean you pray to Him?"
"no, well I pray too, but we speak, have dialogue...its cool"
"you're insane..."
"faithful"
"How do you know its God and not the devil, or just your brain?"
"The content of the conversations are different... and he just whispers..."
"huh?"
"The devil speaks AT everyone, he talks, whispers, yells, pleads in your ear... and he always wants you to keep talking, keep thinking, keep going in endless circles of diatribe... never finding peace, never finding progression, always stressful, or distracting...EVERYONE speaks to him."
"uh, yeah... ok" *sarcasm*
*sigh*
"when I pray, God doesn't talk back.. .he just lets me talk, and talk, scream, yell, whisper, plead.... I end up talking at Him, not to Him..."
"So you're like Satan" *grin*
"In a way, but unlike satan, I've learned to shut up, to get quiet, to listen, learn - to let myself be loved, and to obey."
"Obey? - Sounds like slavery"
"It is, we all are slaves, we all serve a master... some the Devil, others money, others lust, drugs, power, amusement, family, duty, righteousness, charity, philanthropy, careers, pride...no one can serve two masters, I bow to God. If anyone will be a good master, it will be Him."
"I'm not a slave, I have free will"
"Sure"
"I DO. I am not a robot - what would the point be in that?"
"African slaves were able to think, feel, sing, cry, but they were still slaves. They only had one choice, to obey or not. All humans are the same."
"What's the point in having religion, or belief in God, if there is no free will? - That would make God responsible for all the evil in the world..."
"Depends on how you define Evil...evil from your point of view is not the same as His..."
"whatever, bad is bad, good is good... you're crazy"
"man is hungry, his family is starving, he sees a huge field with tons of corn, and he has a gun...
farmer has worked all season, fingers to the bone, yielding a whole field of corn - and yet the harvest wont be enough to pay the mortgage....if the hungry man takes the corn to feed his family is he good or is he a thief? Are all thieves bad? If the farmer defends his farm and kills the thief, is he defending his family or a murderer?"
"You're an ass... that's a hypothetical"
"It happens all the time, the first time recorded is the story of Cincinattus...the american civil war and WWII were started in much the same way...just not over corn. BUT if the murderer and the thief, learned to listen, speak and obey God THEN the thief would have asked the farmer, the farmer would have fed the thief...God would have been glorified..."
"Dude, over my head"
"I know. I can't explain it, I am not God."
"So when you speak to him, he speaks back..."
"NO, when HE speaks to me, I shut up and listen."
"When does he talk?"
"All the time...but I am not always listening"
"Why?"
*shrug* "I let life lure me into disobediance, God whispers, he refuses to talk above the chatter and confusion of life... I must seek Him"
"You're weird"
"yup"
"You really believe in a God like that"
"I believe in a God that has broken me, rebuilt me, broken me again, rebuilt me again, given me riches and poverty, heartbreak and a physically broken heart, a career that many would spend their whole lives questing for, a beautiful intelligent loving wife, a future, and GRACE. I exist to serve him, good or bad, better or worse, young and old, rich, poor, sick, healthy, in this life and the next...he has placed the begining of wisdom on my poor shoulders, and softened my voice... he has replaced my boyish laughter with a steady voice that can sing and command, and my innocent eyes have been opened to all that I have done, will do, and am doing...in essence, I speak with God and He speaks to me... and that God I trust - to do less would be insane."
"too deep for me..."
"you should learn to swim then..."
"shallow water seems fine" *smirk*
"thats where the sharks are"
"ever thought that I am one of those sharks"
"no, you are a lamprey feeding off the shark, dependent on it, rather than swimming on your own. I want you to swim... like we are doing right now"
"hmm"
"gotta go, my wife needs me... "
"see ya"
"bye"
"Uh, tell Him hi, the next time you chat"
"He heard you" *grin*
--True Account
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Condensed Surfing
So, I started looking at the random posts on my facebook page... and clicked on one... a friend of mine and her mom were heading for Europe... then another click and I notice that a friend is having twins... another click and I learn that the heart surgery went fine...click..and I see the wedding photos from last weekend...click...the trick or treating wasn't as fun this year...click...trick or treating rocked... click... someone's recently divorced mom is starting to date again... click... the dog is ok, but the vet wants him to get some more vaccines... click...she can't believe McCain lost (idiot)... click... he is thinking about moving to Canada now that Obama won (idiot)...click... God is in control regardless of who is president... click...there is no God and no burning bush... click....click...click...
3 hours of my life gone...but i have witnessed/experienced about 2 years of life... weird.
3 hours of my life gone...but i have witnessed/experienced about 2 years of life... weird.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
How To Marry A Russian...
Taken from our wedding website... http://sidandkatya.wedding.com
Our Story
How We Met:
As luck would have it, Sid was hosting a business dinner at Perry's where Katrina was the hostess. They shared some small talk while Sid waited on his clients to arrive. Ever the self promoter and go getter, Katrina mentioned that she would love to do some consulting if ever the chance arose. With a "why not" type of shrug, Sid got her contact information. He had work in Russia (Omsk) which would require translation...
How We Got Engaged:
Over the next 9 months they became very good friends... she was the side kick helping him figure out the best romantic dates for the girl of the hour, and he was the "big brother" rescuing her away from drunk boys that she didn't want to go home with... Each one always accepted the other, despite their flaws. It was true friendship. One day, Stacie Yates (Alegria)birthday to be exact (April 26), Mikel Zirulo mentioned to Sid that she thought it obvious and "perfectly ok" for the two to date. And with the simple sweetness that many of us have come to recognize of Mikel's clarity, it all clicked for Sid! He did love her (Katrina that is, not Mikel)! The next 72 hours were a blur. Somehow, including an international fair, some rollerblade wheelie things, a cowboy hat, and some paintings... the two ended up kissing and in love... it would be their only date however... The madness ensued over the next week though. Sid left for an extended trip to New York and various locations in Europe. He stopped in Cartier's and Tiffany's in Manhattan, Munich, and Paris... well to say the least, Sid realized that he was loving his best friend... a person that he knew inside and out, someone he admired and enjoyed... engagement made sense. Keep in mind, he was in Europe, so with a $1500.00 cell phone bill later, he returned to Houston and promptly asked her to marry him. Together they went to Jareds (not Cartier nor Tiffany's) and found the perfect ring. That night, May 14th, 2007, they formally announced their engagement to a gathering of close friends.
Our Story
How We Met:
As luck would have it, Sid was hosting a business dinner at Perry's where Katrina was the hostess. They shared some small talk while Sid waited on his clients to arrive. Ever the self promoter and go getter, Katrina mentioned that she would love to do some consulting if ever the chance arose. With a "why not" type of shrug, Sid got her contact information. He had work in Russia (Omsk) which would require translation...
How We Got Engaged:
Over the next 9 months they became very good friends... she was the side kick helping him figure out the best romantic dates for the girl of the hour, and he was the "big brother" rescuing her away from drunk boys that she didn't want to go home with... Each one always accepted the other, despite their flaws. It was true friendship. One day, Stacie Yates (Alegria)birthday to be exact (April 26), Mikel Zirulo mentioned to Sid that she thought it obvious and "perfectly ok" for the two to date. And with the simple sweetness that many of us have come to recognize of Mikel's clarity, it all clicked for Sid! He did love her (Katrina that is, not Mikel)! The next 72 hours were a blur. Somehow, including an international fair, some rollerblade wheelie things, a cowboy hat, and some paintings... the two ended up kissing and in love... it would be their only date however... The madness ensued over the next week though. Sid left for an extended trip to New York and various locations in Europe. He stopped in Cartier's and Tiffany's in Manhattan, Munich, and Paris... well to say the least, Sid realized that he was loving his best friend... a person that he knew inside and out, someone he admired and enjoyed... engagement made sense. Keep in mind, he was in Europe, so with a $1500.00 cell phone bill later, he returned to Houston and promptly asked her to marry him. Together they went to Jareds (not Cartier nor Tiffany's) and found the perfect ring. That night, May 14th, 2007, they formally announced their engagement to a gathering of close friends.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
New Year
No one is perfect. We all have fear, we all have pride. We all make mistakes. I have lied, cheated, and hurt many people. Many people have lied, cheated, and hurt me.
Life happens. We choose to feel hurt and angry. And we choose to feel joy and hope.
We all want to be better people, honorable, kind, just, good. In essence, most people want to be righteous. But in the light of our inadequacies, our failures, and over all let downs, we loose hope. Some people cry. Some get angry. Others run.
You are people who I have come to call my friend. Not because of your perfections, nor because of your imperfections, but rather because you hope for a good future - for yourselves and your children.
You try to understand things like faith. Faith in things greater than your self. Faith in the virtues and essences that drive your soul. Faith in your family, community, your people.
You believe in the connection that comes from your folk. Your community creates a sense of harmony, security, and joy. You have witnessed failure, heartbreak, dishonor, betrayal, and still you have poured yourselves into your community. Forgiving the faults of others, bridging peace, and learning to keep the flames of your small community alive.
Most of all you try to have a definition of Family, that transcends the ties of blood - into something more real: trust, loyalty, and love. You understand that real family is built by relationship. You implicitly realize that an unknowable love, exists in the tether of friendship, romance, and long endured time.
Family forgives. Family adapts. Family endures.
Life happens. It is how we deal with the choices before us, that determines the memories of our hearts, the songs of our lives, and the stories of our souls.
If any God exists, yours or mine, then let Him be honored by our ability to stay true to our beliefs... even when we are injured the most - especially when we are afraid, angry, and confused.
God, wants truth and relationship. You know this. The relationship with God is easy to mimic when we have no need of His wisdom and grace. But when times send us into places that are dark, angry, or sorrowful, it is our trust in His truth that truly defines our song.
I hope you are facing the New Year with hearts ready for new adventures, burdens, and Joy. I wish you peace and hope you honor your responsibilities to your community, to your children, to your God, and most of all to each other.
Always your friend, and always ready to listen,
Sidhartha
27 Dec 2007
Life happens. We choose to feel hurt and angry. And we choose to feel joy and hope.
We all want to be better people, honorable, kind, just, good. In essence, most people want to be righteous. But in the light of our inadequacies, our failures, and over all let downs, we loose hope. Some people cry. Some get angry. Others run.
You are people who I have come to call my friend. Not because of your perfections, nor because of your imperfections, but rather because you hope for a good future - for yourselves and your children.
You try to understand things like faith. Faith in things greater than your self. Faith in the virtues and essences that drive your soul. Faith in your family, community, your people.
You believe in the connection that comes from your folk. Your community creates a sense of harmony, security, and joy. You have witnessed failure, heartbreak, dishonor, betrayal, and still you have poured yourselves into your community. Forgiving the faults of others, bridging peace, and learning to keep the flames of your small community alive.
Most of all you try to have a definition of Family, that transcends the ties of blood - into something more real: trust, loyalty, and love. You understand that real family is built by relationship. You implicitly realize that an unknowable love, exists in the tether of friendship, romance, and long endured time.
Family forgives. Family adapts. Family endures.
Life happens. It is how we deal with the choices before us, that determines the memories of our hearts, the songs of our lives, and the stories of our souls.
If any God exists, yours or mine, then let Him be honored by our ability to stay true to our beliefs... even when we are injured the most - especially when we are afraid, angry, and confused.
God, wants truth and relationship. You know this. The relationship with God is easy to mimic when we have no need of His wisdom and grace. But when times send us into places that are dark, angry, or sorrowful, it is our trust in His truth that truly defines our song.
I hope you are facing the New Year with hearts ready for new adventures, burdens, and Joy. I wish you peace and hope you honor your responsibilities to your community, to your children, to your God, and most of all to each other.
Always your friend, and always ready to listen,
Sidhartha
27 Dec 2007
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Solving Iraq
Consider giving Iraq statehood...
Then all their people would be our people. Our laws would be their laws. Our soldiers would be defending our people.
Iraq could be divided into 3 states... giving them 6 senators and a ton of congressmen.
They would get roads, hospitals, schools, a vote, freedom of religion, freedom of speech... they would have the right to bear arms and eat at McDonalds.
They would pay taxes, and we could declare a state of emergency and rebuild that part of OUR country very fast.
We could offer incentives:
1. Any business that invests in Iraq will pay no income tax or social security tax. Doctors, Engineers, and Teachers will get a government stipend for 5 years on top of normal salaries, and have no income tax.
2. Amnesty and "no-look-backs" for people claiming to be of Iraqi decent... immediate citizenship for 5 years... after that, you need birth certificates like the rest of us.
3. If you want to be a us citizen or green card holder, do a tour for two years in Iraq as a Teacher, Engineer, or Doctor, or a 1 year tour as a soldier...upon your completion of rebuilding or defending our Country, you will have an immediate granting of your status with the US.
4.Offer domestic US citizens to live in Iraq for a period of time in exchange for no income tax.
In addition to the incentives, adding Iraq as states under the protection of the US - our country gains a permanent footing in the middle east, access to oil, independence from Saudi, and we now have a good rational for investing in the region.
Terrorism against Iraq would be considered terrorism against the US... requiring a permanent military (national guard) presence.
As Iraqis become adjusted to their status as Americans, the majority will desire to maintain their liberties, they will encourage promotion of capitalistic ideas and discourage violence against their homes...
Regional oppression will create a desire to immigrate into Iraq from areas like Saudi, Iran, Qatar, etc.
Economic wealth can be exponentially increased as the US/Iraq builds an economic trade alliance with UAE (United Arab Emirates) and Dubai.
The current parliment becomes the state senate, the PM becomes one of the Govenors...
In Ten years we would have peace, and a new New York...
Then all their people would be our people. Our laws would be their laws. Our soldiers would be defending our people.
Iraq could be divided into 3 states... giving them 6 senators and a ton of congressmen.
They would get roads, hospitals, schools, a vote, freedom of religion, freedom of speech... they would have the right to bear arms and eat at McDonalds.
They would pay taxes, and we could declare a state of emergency and rebuild that part of OUR country very fast.
We could offer incentives:
1. Any business that invests in Iraq will pay no income tax or social security tax. Doctors, Engineers, and Teachers will get a government stipend for 5 years on top of normal salaries, and have no income tax.
2. Amnesty and "no-look-backs" for people claiming to be of Iraqi decent... immediate citizenship for 5 years... after that, you need birth certificates like the rest of us.
3. If you want to be a us citizen or green card holder, do a tour for two years in Iraq as a Teacher, Engineer, or Doctor, or a 1 year tour as a soldier...upon your completion of rebuilding or defending our Country, you will have an immediate granting of your status with the US.
4.Offer domestic US citizens to live in Iraq for a period of time in exchange for no income tax.
In addition to the incentives, adding Iraq as states under the protection of the US - our country gains a permanent footing in the middle east, access to oil, independence from Saudi, and we now have a good rational for investing in the region.
Terrorism against Iraq would be considered terrorism against the US... requiring a permanent military (national guard) presence.
As Iraqis become adjusted to their status as Americans, the majority will desire to maintain their liberties, they will encourage promotion of capitalistic ideas and discourage violence against their homes...
Regional oppression will create a desire to immigrate into Iraq from areas like Saudi, Iran, Qatar, etc.
Economic wealth can be exponentially increased as the US/Iraq builds an economic trade alliance with UAE (United Arab Emirates) and Dubai.
The current parliment becomes the state senate, the PM becomes one of the Govenors...
In Ten years we would have peace, and a new New York...
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