And even though Jesus was God's Son, He had to learn from experience what it was like to obey, when obeying meant problems and difficulties. -Hebrews 5:8 TLB paraphrased by author
Recently, an actor with a career spanning over half a century told of his humble beginnings and one of his character choices that changed his life forever, "I was newly married and a new father. We were barely making it; living off my waiting tables and doing a few acting jobs here and there.
A man called one day offering an assignment paying a lot of money (back then) to play a young rebellious man spewing out obscenities to his father. After thinking of the disrespect it would bring to my father, a good man, I turned it down and declared I would only play roles in which my family could be proud.
Almost a month later, the man called back with a respectable role and an offer to represent me as my agent. He said he could not stop thinking about me. He said, 'If a man feeding his family off pennies could turn down an assignment offering this much money, there had to be something to him.' He represented me as my agent for 30 years until his death.
The role he offered me was Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" That actor was Sidney Poitier, who went on to win for his work in the movie, Lilies of the Field, 1963; the only Oscar for Best Actor awarded to an African-American in a 40 year span of U.S. history. Mr. Poitier's choice during that difficult time changed the course of his life.
Have you noticed that much of how we respond to life's circumstances has to do with our character? God desires to build character within us. He desires to train (discipline) us as His children.1 Training and disciplining does not always feel good. In fact, it can be downright painful.
Ask any private in a military boot camp or any professional athlete during his training season. The Apostle Paul encouraged us about God's training, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." 2
Many times, throughout Scripture we find God saying to man...I wanted to know what was in your heart. I tested you to know if you would keep My commands. After Abraham's character test, God said, "Now I know that you love Me." To the Israelites He said, "I tested you in the wilderness so that I would know what you would do." 3
As with any test, the day or season of the test is not the time to develop and prepare. Therefore, I believe the time to cooperate with God to build character is the now--everyday. In the everyday processes of life, we have opportunity to develop character (moral strength). Choices create character.
Problems and adversity give us opportunity to develop character. The Apostle Paul (as incredible as it may sound) in one of his letters to the Roman church, encouraged them to rejoice when facing difficulties, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally, our hope and faith are strong and steady." 4
We develop character every time we make a right choice. John C. Maxwell, America's expert on leadership and successful executive says, "We create it (character) every time we make choices--to cop out or dig out of a hard situation, to bend the truth or stand under the weight of it, to take the easy money or pay the price." 5 By daily recognizing, developing, and refining the moral strength in us, we are co-laborers in building the character God desires to see in His children.
We desire people of character in our churches, our cities, our countries, and our world. Most if not all of the success stories turned failures in recent years, have been partially due to lack of character. No one can rise above the limitations of his character. Billy Graham was asked to comment on how he was able to maintain character in the face of so many ministry leaders showing a lack of character.
He responded with, "People have put me on too high a pedestal. We do the same with other leaders. I know, however, I am not as good as some people think I am. I have seen men in the depths of wickedness and have thought to myself, 'There I go, except by the grace of God.' I have to depend on God every day to help me live as I should." We also must depend on the grace of God to help us live, as we should. To develop character in your life on a daily basis:
oMake right choices. Remember character is a choice. Invite God in on your choices. You will find it makes a lifetime of difference.
oRecognize your character will preach the gospel. Determine to set a good example for those watching your witness.
oRemember bad company corrupts good character. Watch the company you keep. Are they a good influence upon your life or a bad one?
oDepend on the grace of God. When you make a mistake, repent, and begin again. My pastor, Mike Hayes says, "God is a God of new beginnings. Look at how He provides us an opportunity for a fresh start each new season, New Year, new month, new week, and every fresh morning."
We have determined that choices create character. If you have been unfortunate to make quite a few wrong choices in life as I have, then this will be good news to you. Pastor Amy Hossler encouraged me saying, "Even a wrong or bad choice repented of can eventually build good character." Our Father God has promised (if we ask for it) to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Additionally, He promised to work all things to our good.9
It seems our Father God is painstakingly involved in working character in us. However, it is up to us to work together with him so that we may reap the harvest of righteousness he longs to give us. Join me as I cooperate with God in creating good character in me with one good choice at a time.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Top 5 Celebrity Nail Colors of Fall 2010
Fall is just around the corner, and one of the hottest trends this year is nail colors. With celebrities flaunting the coolest shades from Los Angeles to New York City, this top 5 list will give you the low down on the hottest nail color shades to rock this fall.
Number 5 - Classic Black
No one can go wrong with classic black nail polish. Especially if you buy Chanel's Black Satin. Celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Kidman have been seen walking around the streets of Hollywood with this shade on. With the right outfit, say a white tank top, a colorful scarf, and short jean shorts, you will be turning heads with this celebrity nail color in no time.
Number 4 - Ruby Red
Fall is a great time to wear a shade of red on your nails. Last fall, celebrities like Hilary Duff and Lo Bosworth were seen sporting this nail color. What's great about red is that you can wear it with a variety of outfits and with both casual and formal attire. One brand that I think makes a great Ruby Red is NARS. It is the shade called Rouge Andalou. An outfit that I think would look great with ruby red nails would be a knee length, form fitting black dress.
Number 3 - Dark Purple
Fall is a great time to show off your edgier side with darker shades like dark purple. With the darker color pallet of clothes that you will be wearing in autumn, dark purple will be subtle yet rich. Celebrities love being discrete, and lately Lauren Conrad and Mischa Barton have both been wearing this color around. You know it's going to be a hit on you with celebs like LC and Ms. Barton rocking it on the red carpet. And Paradoxal by Chanel is definitely the dark purple shade you need this fall.
Number 2 - Nude
The reason I love this color is because it blends in so well with the fall colors around you. Miley Cyrus, Lauren Conrad, Jennifer Lopez, and Paris Hilton love showing off their picture perfect nails in this color. This isn't a flashy or showy look, and it looks great for formal events that you will be attending this fall. Pair your nails it with a black top and some beige pants like Angelina Jolie did, and I'm sure you'll be getting some compliments this fall. Mimosas for Mr. and Mrs. by OPI is a great brand for nude nail polish.
Number 1 - Robin Egg Blue
This craze started in the spring, with Beyonce first introducing the world to the trend in her "Why Don't You Love Me" music video. People catch on fast when celebrities like Beyonce wear a hot new nail color, especially the people at Chanel. They seem to be on top of every nail trend these days, and they didn't disappoint with the Robin Egg Blue color either. Their Nouvelle Vague color is definitely the color you need this fall to mix it up a bit. However, the color is hard to find, so look around! Celebrities as big as Ke$ha, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Port, and Jessica Alba all love this color. Pair this shade with some cute jeans and a mute tone top, and you'll be the envy of your friends in no time.
I hope that you enjoyed my countdown of the top 5 celebrity nail colors of Fall 2010. Remember to always mix it up and have fun!
Number 5 - Classic Black
No one can go wrong with classic black nail polish. Especially if you buy Chanel's Black Satin. Celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Kidman have been seen walking around the streets of Hollywood with this shade on. With the right outfit, say a white tank top, a colorful scarf, and short jean shorts, you will be turning heads with this celebrity nail color in no time.
Number 4 - Ruby Red
Fall is a great time to wear a shade of red on your nails. Last fall, celebrities like Hilary Duff and Lo Bosworth were seen sporting this nail color. What's great about red is that you can wear it with a variety of outfits and with both casual and formal attire. One brand that I think makes a great Ruby Red is NARS. It is the shade called Rouge Andalou. An outfit that I think would look great with ruby red nails would be a knee length, form fitting black dress.
Number 3 - Dark Purple
Fall is a great time to show off your edgier side with darker shades like dark purple. With the darker color pallet of clothes that you will be wearing in autumn, dark purple will be subtle yet rich. Celebrities love being discrete, and lately Lauren Conrad and Mischa Barton have both been wearing this color around. You know it's going to be a hit on you with celebs like LC and Ms. Barton rocking it on the red carpet. And Paradoxal by Chanel is definitely the dark purple shade you need this fall.
Number 2 - Nude
The reason I love this color is because it blends in so well with the fall colors around you. Miley Cyrus, Lauren Conrad, Jennifer Lopez, and Paris Hilton love showing off their picture perfect nails in this color. This isn't a flashy or showy look, and it looks great for formal events that you will be attending this fall. Pair your nails it with a black top and some beige pants like Angelina Jolie did, and I'm sure you'll be getting some compliments this fall. Mimosas for Mr. and Mrs. by OPI is a great brand for nude nail polish.
Number 1 - Robin Egg Blue
This craze started in the spring, with Beyonce first introducing the world to the trend in her "Why Don't You Love Me" music video. People catch on fast when celebrities like Beyonce wear a hot new nail color, especially the people at Chanel. They seem to be on top of every nail trend these days, and they didn't disappoint with the Robin Egg Blue color either. Their Nouvelle Vague color is definitely the color you need this fall to mix it up a bit. However, the color is hard to find, so look around! Celebrities as big as Ke$ha, Christina Aguilera, Whitney Port, and Jessica Alba all love this color. Pair this shade with some cute jeans and a mute tone top, and you'll be the envy of your friends in no time.
I hope that you enjoyed my countdown of the top 5 celebrity nail colors of Fall 2010. Remember to always mix it up and have fun!
Bonanza of God's Billboards
Once upon a time, Americans traveled the highways searching for the latest word of God. But not anymore! Those same roadside messages, plus a batch of new ones, can now be viewed anytime at home on your own personal computer. Google currently lists nine sites carrying these "messages from God."
Do you remember the original billboards? Someone in Florida started the ball rolling with eighteen messages in white type on black billboards all "signed" by God.
South Florida motorists spotted such disarming "quotes" as:
Let's meet at my house before the game. -God
C'mon over and bring the kids. -God
Others messages spoke in a friendly but more serious tone:
What part of "Thou Shall Not ..." didn't you understand? -God
That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing ... I meant that. -God
Now the messages have gone from billboards to cyberspace. A couple of sites include the original eighteen sayings as well as a good number of new messages. Evidently, God keeps coming up with new ones. Hey, the graphics are great! Check them out! Just plug "God's Billboards" in Google and click on the top sites.
Like the originals, these new "quotes" vary from witty to thought-provoking. For instance:
All I know ... is everything. -God
If you must curse, use your own name! -God
The real Supreme Court meets up here. -God
As a public service (or disservice depending on how you look at it), I've rounded up the whole lot of God's Bilboard messages for your edification. If I have missed one, let me know.
Let's meet at my house Sunday before the game. -God
C'mon over and bring the kids. -God
What part of "Thou Shalt Not..." didn't you understand? -God
We need to talk. -God
Keep using my name in vain, I'll make rush hour longer. -God
Loved the wedding, invite me to the marriage. -God
That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing... I meant it. -God
I love you and you and you and you and... -God
Will the road you're on get you to my place? -God
Follow me. -God
Big bang theory, you've got to be kidding. -God
My way is the highway. -God
Need directions? -God
You think it's hot here? -God
Have you read my #1 best seller? There will be a test. -God
Do you have any idea where you're going? -God
Don't make me come down there. -God
In Eternity...do you want the smoking or non-smoking section? -God
Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life. Need directions? -God
When I was hungry, did you give me something to eat? -God
When I was thirsty, did you give me something to drink? -God
When I was a stranger, did you invite me in? -God
When I needed clothing, did you clothe me? -God
When I was sick and in prison, did you look after me? -God
Words count; be careful, I'm listening. -God
Make up your mind; is Jesus a lunatic, a liar, or my only begotten Son? -God
Your soul is eternal; where are you taking it? -God
Of course I love you, I gave you my Son, didn't I? -God
Read my New Testament. I've included a message for you. -God
No, belief and baptism are not options. -God
What part of "Thou Shalt Not..." didn't you understand? -God
We need to talk. -God
If I didn't exist, there would be no atheists. -God
No, I didn't give you certainity, faith is required. -God
Follow me. -God
That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing... I meant it. -God
Eternity is a long, long, l-o-n-g time. -God
You just think it's hot here. -God
The only important thing about Christianity is that it's true. -God
Do not murder. -God
Don't wait for the final judgment. It takes place every day. -God
Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction. Don't follow the crowd. -God
Come, follow me. -God
Would you give up your life to perpetuate a hoax? Neither would Stephen, James, Peter, or Paul. -God
Love your neighbor as yourself. -God
You are not an accident. I have a purpose for you. -God
Sin is addictive; the terminal point of addiction is damnation. -God
What's in your future? Read all about it in my #1 bestseller. -God
Some seed fell along the path, some fell on rock, other seed fell among thorns, still other seed fell on good soil. Which are you? -God
You are very important to me. My Son paid for you with his life. -God
I didn't promise you a picnic; I promised you a cross to bear. -God
Words matter. I hear ever careless word you say. -God
When nations stop honoring me, I stop blessing them. -God
If life doesn't teach you humility, you're just not paying attention. -God
If you created yourself, obey your own law; if I created you, obey me. -God
Do not steal. -God
Do not commit adultery. -God
Do not give false testimony. -God
Honor your father and mother. -God
Work as though it all depends on you; pray as though it all depends on me. -God
I won't allow temptation beyond what you can bear. -God
Use the Scriptures to verify what you hear. -God
Faith is required, but not blind faith. Search for the evidence. -God
Who do you serve? yourself? or me? -God
Blind guides speak from the pulpit too. -God
Hate and lust will destroy you. -God
If you don't control your thoughts, who does? -God
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. -God
Whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. -God
Evolution is the mythology of fools. -God
Worship is not entertainment; entertainment is not worship. -God
Follow me, not man-made traditions. -God
What ever happened to the church I established? -God
My word is sufficient. Beware of those who add to it or subtract from it. -God
Faith without deeds is useless. -God
Forgive others, and I will forgive you. -God
Either stand with me or stand with the world. Neutrality is not an option. -God
You cannot serve both God and Money. -God
Do you love me? Keep my commandments. -God
Why do you call Me Lord, Lord and do not the things I say? -God
Heaven or Hell, it's your choice. -God
Say, wouldn't they make great church marquee messages? Many of them are direct quotes from the Bible. Show them to your your church, and see what they think. Or maybe, (Yeah, I know it's a radical idea.) maybe we ought to take them to heart.
Do you remember the original billboards? Someone in Florida started the ball rolling with eighteen messages in white type on black billboards all "signed" by God.
South Florida motorists spotted such disarming "quotes" as:
Let's meet at my house before the game. -God
C'mon over and bring the kids. -God
Others messages spoke in a friendly but more serious tone:
What part of "Thou Shall Not ..." didn't you understand? -God
That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing ... I meant that. -God
Now the messages have gone from billboards to cyberspace. A couple of sites include the original eighteen sayings as well as a good number of new messages. Evidently, God keeps coming up with new ones. Hey, the graphics are great! Check them out! Just plug "God's Billboards" in Google and click on the top sites.
Like the originals, these new "quotes" vary from witty to thought-provoking. For instance:
All I know ... is everything. -God
If you must curse, use your own name! -God
The real Supreme Court meets up here. -God
As a public service (or disservice depending on how you look at it), I've rounded up the whole lot of God's Bilboard messages for your edification. If I have missed one, let me know.
Let's meet at my house Sunday before the game. -God
C'mon over and bring the kids. -God
What part of "Thou Shalt Not..." didn't you understand? -God
We need to talk. -God
Keep using my name in vain, I'll make rush hour longer. -God
Loved the wedding, invite me to the marriage. -God
That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing... I meant it. -God
I love you and you and you and you and... -God
Will the road you're on get you to my place? -God
Follow me. -God
Big bang theory, you've got to be kidding. -God
My way is the highway. -God
Need directions? -God
You think it's hot here? -God
Have you read my #1 best seller? There will be a test. -God
Do you have any idea where you're going? -God
Don't make me come down there. -God
In Eternity...do you want the smoking or non-smoking section? -God
Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life. Need directions? -God
When I was hungry, did you give me something to eat? -God
When I was thirsty, did you give me something to drink? -God
When I was a stranger, did you invite me in? -God
When I needed clothing, did you clothe me? -God
When I was sick and in prison, did you look after me? -God
Words count; be careful, I'm listening. -God
Make up your mind; is Jesus a lunatic, a liar, or my only begotten Son? -God
Your soul is eternal; where are you taking it? -God
Of course I love you, I gave you my Son, didn't I? -God
Read my New Testament. I've included a message for you. -God
No, belief and baptism are not options. -God
What part of "Thou Shalt Not..." didn't you understand? -God
We need to talk. -God
If I didn't exist, there would be no atheists. -God
No, I didn't give you certainity, faith is required. -God
Follow me. -God
That "Love Thy Neighbor" thing... I meant it. -God
Eternity is a long, long, l-o-n-g time. -God
You just think it's hot here. -God
The only important thing about Christianity is that it's true. -God
Do not murder. -God
Don't wait for the final judgment. It takes place every day. -God
Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction. Don't follow the crowd. -God
Come, follow me. -God
Would you give up your life to perpetuate a hoax? Neither would Stephen, James, Peter, or Paul. -God
Love your neighbor as yourself. -God
You are not an accident. I have a purpose for you. -God
Sin is addictive; the terminal point of addiction is damnation. -God
What's in your future? Read all about it in my #1 bestseller. -God
Some seed fell along the path, some fell on rock, other seed fell among thorns, still other seed fell on good soil. Which are you? -God
You are very important to me. My Son paid for you with his life. -God
I didn't promise you a picnic; I promised you a cross to bear. -God
Words matter. I hear ever careless word you say. -God
When nations stop honoring me, I stop blessing them. -God
If life doesn't teach you humility, you're just not paying attention. -God
If you created yourself, obey your own law; if I created you, obey me. -God
Do not steal. -God
Do not commit adultery. -God
Do not give false testimony. -God
Honor your father and mother. -God
Work as though it all depends on you; pray as though it all depends on me. -God
I won't allow temptation beyond what you can bear. -God
Use the Scriptures to verify what you hear. -God
Faith is required, but not blind faith. Search for the evidence. -God
Who do you serve? yourself? or me? -God
Blind guides speak from the pulpit too. -God
Hate and lust will destroy you. -God
If you don't control your thoughts, who does? -God
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. -God
Whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. -God
Evolution is the mythology of fools. -God
Worship is not entertainment; entertainment is not worship. -God
Follow me, not man-made traditions. -God
What ever happened to the church I established? -God
My word is sufficient. Beware of those who add to it or subtract from it. -God
Faith without deeds is useless. -God
Forgive others, and I will forgive you. -God
Either stand with me or stand with the world. Neutrality is not an option. -God
You cannot serve both God and Money. -God
Do you love me? Keep my commandments. -God
Why do you call Me Lord, Lord and do not the things I say? -God
Heaven or Hell, it's your choice. -God
Say, wouldn't they make great church marquee messages? Many of them are direct quotes from the Bible. Show them to your your church, and see what they think. Or maybe, (Yeah, I know it's a radical idea.) maybe we ought to take them to heart.
How to Decide Who to Marry
All my life, I always found myself doing the exact same thing my friends were doing. They went to some random school- I followed them there. They decided that they needed tutoring- so did I. They decided to play cricket- and so did I. They started liking pretty girls- and surprise surprise, I too started liking girls, the prettier ones. I could have liked the so the called ugly ones- but my friends didn't like them, and hence, I had to dislike them too. I was just another sheep among the herd.
On hearing this particular "funny" comment of mine, my mom talked me into agreeing to marry some pretty girl. Obviously, most of my self-professed sane friends had taken up the herculean task of marrying- and I had to follow suit. I didn't find this funny at all!
My mom said that, like I never used to be alone, and preferred combined studies for all the Home-Works the teacher used to give me, for all the exams I used to prepare for; in the same way I needed combined effort to do all the Home-Work of washing vessels and for the all the exams I'll be facing in my Life- I would need somebody... I needed to combine my efforts with a great girl... Just like the rest of my friends.
But I knew in my heart that I was not like my most friends. I never made quick decisions like them. I was never in a hurry. I enjoyed my food slowly. I liked to talk slowly. I enjoyed slow, old movies, not the new racy raunchy thrillers. I liked playing chess slowly- I hated the rapid chess players more than cleaning my room. I was slow in my emotions- and I was slow in understanding my own emotions. I never immediately knew how to feel in the big moments of life- I was emotionless for the first ten minutes, as I witnessed India winning the T20 World Cup. So you can imagine, I did not know how I should feel or say in one very alien situation like this- meeting some random girl, the village match-maker had chosen for me.
I was quietly sitting, confused, trying to keep a smile on my face and understand the environment around me. I felt charged emotions around me- expectations, anxiety, fear, joy and love. I had only seen the girl's photo so far and now I was looking at her feet. I was too shy to look straight in her eyes.
My mom stroked my hair gently- "Look at her! Silly Boy!"
Everybody around me laughed, including her. I could distinguish her young lively merry laughter from all the many old dry mirth. There was no ridicule in her voice- perhaps just a little bit of curiosity. She wasn't worried about this whole situation as much as I was. This may not be her first time, like it was mine, I concluded.
I slowly raised my head, capturing in my mind the dazzling Mysore silk and gold ornaments covering her beautiful body. I never thought about this before- looking at a girl, and looking for a soul-mate. I had never done this. But now in this moment of grandeur, I felt that my eyes were looking at a goddess of grace, of charm, of beauty. She was breath-taking, Love personified- and still she humbly smiled at my mortal gaze on her divinity.
I was looking in her eyes- there was nothing else I wanted to see. I had seen her sweet dimpled chin, her rosy shiny lips, the strange curve of her wicked smile, her long thin nose- I had seen them all- they were all charming- but her big brown eyes- they were teasing me, tormenting me- daring me to break the eye-contact & look anywhere else. And I couldn't dare. She knew that I was at her total mercy. She realized this- her eyes were smiling- no they were dancing. Why were they so happy? How did I suddenly become so... so infatuated, with a mad rush of wanting to marry her? No, I needed to marry her!
"Well?" my mom asked.
I was too busy staring at that honey coloured goddess of beauty.
My mom held my hand, stood up and said, "Looks like he doesn't like her. It was a waste of time coming this far... Let's go son..."
"No! Mom! I like her... I really... really like her, really!" I hastily shouted in confusion.
Everybody laughed- including her. How I loved to see her laugh!
My face turned red immediately as I bowed my head low in embarrassment- this emotion came super-fast!
I soon found myself with her, alone, on a large swing in her garden.
"You realise that I have no say in our wedding?" she told me, frankly and much too quickly.
Maybe her family was old-fashioned, so I asked- "Your father is very strict?"
She nodded.
"If you don't like me, just say the word and I'll say no to the wedding..." I managed to say through my disappointment.
"After your display of being infatuated with me? I don't think so..."
"I can say that there's some other girl..."
"Is there?" she asked, no, she demanded.
"No!" I shrugged my shoulders. There were probably a hundred one-way crushes in my case- but never did I feel like, what I felt for her- with her, I knew, it was love.
"How can you say that you really like me, after just looking at me?! You used 'really' one too many times!!!"
"I don't... know... " I was embarrassed. How could I explain to her my emotions when I myself didn't quite understand!
"You gave into your massive levels of dopamine for me...."
"What... Dopa... what?"
"Dopamine! You Dumbo! It's a chemical in your brain which gets generated when you are infatuated with someone... you know... it makes everything about the person you are infatuated with, look charming, and glittery and funny and cute and every other good word in the dictionary that you can find!"
"So it is my Dopamine that's making you look so super-pretty?"
"I am super-pretty, you Dumbo! It's because I'm so super-pretty that you are generating massive dopamine! Your own brain is fooling you into thinking that you love me... but it is not love. It's just infatuation. After a few months of being with me- you may find me as repulsive as a sewer rat!"
"My own brain fooled me?" I asked getting puzzled.
"Yes! You have to think about your own thinking!"
"Huh?" I was getting more and more confused!
"You have to think and analyse how your brain thinks & works, and then based on this analysis, you should think properly, you know, ignoring the infatuation related feelings, and taking logical decisions based on real facts?"
"Ohhhh I get it, Ok! That's profound!" I said, pretending to understand.
"Didn't you Google?"
"Google what?"
"How to decide, who to marry?"
I was dumb-struck! What was this girl saying?
I slowly said the correct answer which probably was crime against humanity according to her- "I... I didn't... Google that..."
"How stupid can you be? Don't you Google before buying a phone? Before buying a laptop? Before going on a trip? So how can you NOT Google before marrying somebody?"
Did that just make sense? Or was I just being my usual emotionally-retarded self?
"What you have for me is Dopamine," she continued her sermon, "And Dopamine is not love! But oxytocin is real love- that comes after years of knowing each other- from trust- from compatibility in many things, in sense of humour- and in love. And I want pure oxytocin, not some, quick, on the spot generated random dopamine!"
I was quiet for a while. I thought I understood what she meant- yet I felt like I didn't get what she really meant...
There was an awful silence, and for just too long. I had to break it.
"So your father gives you no freedom?" I asked her.
"Yes"
"And that's why after finishing your studies, you are sitting idly at home?"
"Yesss"
"If you were free, what would you be?"
She looked at me- I found her eyes dancing again, "I would be a super great teacher! Teach little kids- those cute little devils- I will give them what I never had- freedom- to think, to hope, to dream, to fly... to be..."
"Wow!"
"Yes! And I will never beat them, even if they are naughty... and I'll teach them how to sing... how to dance... how to play music... how to be happy... science... history... maths, I'm not that good at maths, but they're kids, right, they'll never know!" she started laughing in a very different tone- a happier tone. She looked so happy just imagining being a teacher!
How much would she love being one?!
I took out the paper from my pocket and handed it to her. She paused her laughter and read the letter that I gave her.
"This is the Teacher's License Test application form!" she exclaimed in joy.
I nodded- "Well, If I won't mind, your father also shouldn't, right?"
"Yes" she nodded excitedly.
"Your English teacher- the one who taught you from your first grade till tenth, was my English teacher too. I found her. You see, I never make decisions hastily... so I "Googled" you... in a different way. I met our common teacher. Found all your school books- they were filled with your handwritten cute words- your wishes and fantasies and dreams. As I read them, I realized that I liked you... I especially loved those poems about butterflies and rainbows..."
She was turning red and her eyes were welling up- she was going to cry- soon.
"Don't, please, don't cry!" I begged her, holding her hand softly in mine- frankly speaking I was just looking for an excuse to hold her hand.
"You read my school books? Those poems? Those essays?" she asked as tears ran through her honey-coloured cheeks.
"Yes" I said, handing her my handkerchief.
"And you have a handkerchief! It's so clean and white!" she said raising her eyebrows. She started sobbing loudly now.
She was crying even more, because I gave her a clean handkerchief? And her parents were looking at us through the window. Oh God!
"Please... your parents are looking!" I asked her, as I tried to block the view of their parents. I stood gently rubbing her cheeks- drying them with my palm. And soon she stopped crying.
"You must think that I'm a cry-baby" she asked finally getting back her composure.
"You're just being a girl!" I winked.
"Dumbo! So when did you read those books?" she asked me.
"About a month ago... Listen, we're running out of time... So what do you say?"
"Say about what?"
"Well, you want to be a teacher... and I want to be... I want to be your husband..."
She looked at me. And just smiled at me- no nod of the head was there. No, no wink either!
"Tell you what," I continued, "the Teacher's License Test is in 6 months, prepare well for it and take the test, pass it, and take another six months to grow some oxytocin in your brain, for me- I'll provide the seeds and the necessary sunshine if you want, and then, you decide whether you want to say yes or maybe..."
She nodded with a giggle- "I may say no!"
"To this cute face!" I said pointing at my face. I acted as if I was offended. But I was relieved... I didn't have to Google "How to decide who to marry"; or is it "How to decide whom to marry"? I'll have to Google that!
On hearing this particular "funny" comment of mine, my mom talked me into agreeing to marry some pretty girl. Obviously, most of my self-professed sane friends had taken up the herculean task of marrying- and I had to follow suit. I didn't find this funny at all!
My mom said that, like I never used to be alone, and preferred combined studies for all the Home-Works the teacher used to give me, for all the exams I used to prepare for; in the same way I needed combined effort to do all the Home-Work of washing vessels and for the all the exams I'll be facing in my Life- I would need somebody... I needed to combine my efforts with a great girl... Just like the rest of my friends.
But I knew in my heart that I was not like my most friends. I never made quick decisions like them. I was never in a hurry. I enjoyed my food slowly. I liked to talk slowly. I enjoyed slow, old movies, not the new racy raunchy thrillers. I liked playing chess slowly- I hated the rapid chess players more than cleaning my room. I was slow in my emotions- and I was slow in understanding my own emotions. I never immediately knew how to feel in the big moments of life- I was emotionless for the first ten minutes, as I witnessed India winning the T20 World Cup. So you can imagine, I did not know how I should feel or say in one very alien situation like this- meeting some random girl, the village match-maker had chosen for me.
I was quietly sitting, confused, trying to keep a smile on my face and understand the environment around me. I felt charged emotions around me- expectations, anxiety, fear, joy and love. I had only seen the girl's photo so far and now I was looking at her feet. I was too shy to look straight in her eyes.
My mom stroked my hair gently- "Look at her! Silly Boy!"
Everybody around me laughed, including her. I could distinguish her young lively merry laughter from all the many old dry mirth. There was no ridicule in her voice- perhaps just a little bit of curiosity. She wasn't worried about this whole situation as much as I was. This may not be her first time, like it was mine, I concluded.
I slowly raised my head, capturing in my mind the dazzling Mysore silk and gold ornaments covering her beautiful body. I never thought about this before- looking at a girl, and looking for a soul-mate. I had never done this. But now in this moment of grandeur, I felt that my eyes were looking at a goddess of grace, of charm, of beauty. She was breath-taking, Love personified- and still she humbly smiled at my mortal gaze on her divinity.
I was looking in her eyes- there was nothing else I wanted to see. I had seen her sweet dimpled chin, her rosy shiny lips, the strange curve of her wicked smile, her long thin nose- I had seen them all- they were all charming- but her big brown eyes- they were teasing me, tormenting me- daring me to break the eye-contact & look anywhere else. And I couldn't dare. She knew that I was at her total mercy. She realized this- her eyes were smiling- no they were dancing. Why were they so happy? How did I suddenly become so... so infatuated, with a mad rush of wanting to marry her? No, I needed to marry her!
"Well?" my mom asked.
I was too busy staring at that honey coloured goddess of beauty.
My mom held my hand, stood up and said, "Looks like he doesn't like her. It was a waste of time coming this far... Let's go son..."
"No! Mom! I like her... I really... really like her, really!" I hastily shouted in confusion.
Everybody laughed- including her. How I loved to see her laugh!
My face turned red immediately as I bowed my head low in embarrassment- this emotion came super-fast!
I soon found myself with her, alone, on a large swing in her garden.
"You realise that I have no say in our wedding?" she told me, frankly and much too quickly.
Maybe her family was old-fashioned, so I asked- "Your father is very strict?"
She nodded.
"If you don't like me, just say the word and I'll say no to the wedding..." I managed to say through my disappointment.
"After your display of being infatuated with me? I don't think so..."
"I can say that there's some other girl..."
"Is there?" she asked, no, she demanded.
"No!" I shrugged my shoulders. There were probably a hundred one-way crushes in my case- but never did I feel like, what I felt for her- with her, I knew, it was love.
"How can you say that you really like me, after just looking at me?! You used 'really' one too many times!!!"
"I don't... know... " I was embarrassed. How could I explain to her my emotions when I myself didn't quite understand!
"You gave into your massive levels of dopamine for me...."
"What... Dopa... what?"
"Dopamine! You Dumbo! It's a chemical in your brain which gets generated when you are infatuated with someone... you know... it makes everything about the person you are infatuated with, look charming, and glittery and funny and cute and every other good word in the dictionary that you can find!"
"So it is my Dopamine that's making you look so super-pretty?"
"I am super-pretty, you Dumbo! It's because I'm so super-pretty that you are generating massive dopamine! Your own brain is fooling you into thinking that you love me... but it is not love. It's just infatuation. After a few months of being with me- you may find me as repulsive as a sewer rat!"
"My own brain fooled me?" I asked getting puzzled.
"Yes! You have to think about your own thinking!"
"Huh?" I was getting more and more confused!
"You have to think and analyse how your brain thinks & works, and then based on this analysis, you should think properly, you know, ignoring the infatuation related feelings, and taking logical decisions based on real facts?"
"Ohhhh I get it, Ok! That's profound!" I said, pretending to understand.
"Didn't you Google?"
"Google what?"
"How to decide, who to marry?"
I was dumb-struck! What was this girl saying?
I slowly said the correct answer which probably was crime against humanity according to her- "I... I didn't... Google that..."
"How stupid can you be? Don't you Google before buying a phone? Before buying a laptop? Before going on a trip? So how can you NOT Google before marrying somebody?"
Did that just make sense? Or was I just being my usual emotionally-retarded self?
"What you have for me is Dopamine," she continued her sermon, "And Dopamine is not love! But oxytocin is real love- that comes after years of knowing each other- from trust- from compatibility in many things, in sense of humour- and in love. And I want pure oxytocin, not some, quick, on the spot generated random dopamine!"
I was quiet for a while. I thought I understood what she meant- yet I felt like I didn't get what she really meant...
There was an awful silence, and for just too long. I had to break it.
"So your father gives you no freedom?" I asked her.
"Yes"
"And that's why after finishing your studies, you are sitting idly at home?"
"Yesss"
"If you were free, what would you be?"
She looked at me- I found her eyes dancing again, "I would be a super great teacher! Teach little kids- those cute little devils- I will give them what I never had- freedom- to think, to hope, to dream, to fly... to be..."
"Wow!"
"Yes! And I will never beat them, even if they are naughty... and I'll teach them how to sing... how to dance... how to play music... how to be happy... science... history... maths, I'm not that good at maths, but they're kids, right, they'll never know!" she started laughing in a very different tone- a happier tone. She looked so happy just imagining being a teacher!
How much would she love being one?!
I took out the paper from my pocket and handed it to her. She paused her laughter and read the letter that I gave her.
"This is the Teacher's License Test application form!" she exclaimed in joy.
I nodded- "Well, If I won't mind, your father also shouldn't, right?"
"Yes" she nodded excitedly.
"Your English teacher- the one who taught you from your first grade till tenth, was my English teacher too. I found her. You see, I never make decisions hastily... so I "Googled" you... in a different way. I met our common teacher. Found all your school books- they were filled with your handwritten cute words- your wishes and fantasies and dreams. As I read them, I realized that I liked you... I especially loved those poems about butterflies and rainbows..."
She was turning red and her eyes were welling up- she was going to cry- soon.
"Don't, please, don't cry!" I begged her, holding her hand softly in mine- frankly speaking I was just looking for an excuse to hold her hand.
"You read my school books? Those poems? Those essays?" she asked as tears ran through her honey-coloured cheeks.
"Yes" I said, handing her my handkerchief.
"And you have a handkerchief! It's so clean and white!" she said raising her eyebrows. She started sobbing loudly now.
She was crying even more, because I gave her a clean handkerchief? And her parents were looking at us through the window. Oh God!
"Please... your parents are looking!" I asked her, as I tried to block the view of their parents. I stood gently rubbing her cheeks- drying them with my palm. And soon she stopped crying.
"You must think that I'm a cry-baby" she asked finally getting back her composure.
"You're just being a girl!" I winked.
"Dumbo! So when did you read those books?" she asked me.
"About a month ago... Listen, we're running out of time... So what do you say?"
"Say about what?"
"Well, you want to be a teacher... and I want to be... I want to be your husband..."
She looked at me. And just smiled at me- no nod of the head was there. No, no wink either!
"Tell you what," I continued, "the Teacher's License Test is in 6 months, prepare well for it and take the test, pass it, and take another six months to grow some oxytocin in your brain, for me- I'll provide the seeds and the necessary sunshine if you want, and then, you decide whether you want to say yes or maybe..."
She nodded with a giggle- "I may say no!"
"To this cute face!" I said pointing at my face. I acted as if I was offended. But I was relieved... I didn't have to Google "How to decide who to marry"; or is it "How to decide whom to marry"? I'll have to Google that!
Women Men Avoid - 3 Top Reasons You Will Keep Missing Your Dream Man
Some women get it right with men, while others get it wrong. In fact, they get it wrong all the time. They thought it was the guy, but they never really know that it was their own fault. Hey! woman, stop blaming others for your failure with men.
If only you knew the truth about men that could change the entire course of your relationship henceforth. There is an old saying that; it is the truth you know that sets you free. You must understand that inasmuch as men love women, and can't resist their sight, or being in their circle, there are certain ladies with certain attributes, that guys run away from, and avoids like a plague. Would you love me to show you these attributes?
Suffice it to say that women are No. 1 weakness of every man, but why are they avoiding some, and flowing freely with others, even when it is obvious that the former are better than the latter in all ramification.
Highlighted below are the 3 top reasons why some ladies will never get it right with guys.
1) All about dollars. Guys avoid ladies who see them as the alpha and omega. Such ladies are not interested in doing or achieving anything for themselves, their intent for having a man is to place all their life burdens upon him, without no clue that guys detests liabilities. Do something with your hands, you will be appreciated by him.
2) The ideal world. Ladies who don't believe that an ideal world only exists in the dream realm, like that of "James Bond 007" making love on the inside of the ocean, are always on the losing end with guys. Wake up lady, we are in a real world that contain real things like mosquito bites, settling bills, and many challenges.
3) Unstable as water. These are ladies who jump from one relationship to the other. She has no credential of staying with a particular man for long. She is out of a relationship today, but into another one tomorrow, for no genuine cause. The implication of this to guys is that if she did not stay with him or others for long, she probably won't stay any longer with me. One truth about men is that they want loyalty.
Rid yourself of these 3 canker worms, and you won't be numbered again amongst those that men avoid, but as someone that they love, cherish and adore.
If only you knew the truth about men that could change the entire course of your relationship henceforth. There is an old saying that; it is the truth you know that sets you free. You must understand that inasmuch as men love women, and can't resist their sight, or being in their circle, there are certain ladies with certain attributes, that guys run away from, and avoids like a plague. Would you love me to show you these attributes?
Suffice it to say that women are No. 1 weakness of every man, but why are they avoiding some, and flowing freely with others, even when it is obvious that the former are better than the latter in all ramification.
Highlighted below are the 3 top reasons why some ladies will never get it right with guys.
1) All about dollars. Guys avoid ladies who see them as the alpha and omega. Such ladies are not interested in doing or achieving anything for themselves, their intent for having a man is to place all their life burdens upon him, without no clue that guys detests liabilities. Do something with your hands, you will be appreciated by him.
2) The ideal world. Ladies who don't believe that an ideal world only exists in the dream realm, like that of "James Bond 007" making love on the inside of the ocean, are always on the losing end with guys. Wake up lady, we are in a real world that contain real things like mosquito bites, settling bills, and many challenges.
3) Unstable as water. These are ladies who jump from one relationship to the other. She has no credential of staying with a particular man for long. She is out of a relationship today, but into another one tomorrow, for no genuine cause. The implication of this to guys is that if she did not stay with him or others for long, she probably won't stay any longer with me. One truth about men is that they want loyalty.
Rid yourself of these 3 canker worms, and you won't be numbered again amongst those that men avoid, but as someone that they love, cherish and adore.
How to Make Your Relationship Stronger
It takes two. This is a great truth about relationships, perhaps the greatest of all truths. If you are involved with a partner who takes no interest in or responsibility for the other half of your relationship, then read no further and simply move on, no matter how much it hurts. If. on the other hand, there is reason to believe that your partner is willing to try to help strengthen your relationship, then there are some steps you can take that will bolster your half of the relationship while at the same time encouraging your partner to reciprocate.
The Beatles were wrong - love is not all you need, although it is certainly essential. The other two essential ingredients are respect and trust. The first steps necessary to strengthen respect and trust in your relationship are fairly straightforward. If you want to build mutual trust, then be trustworthy. If you want to build mutual respect, then be respectful and be respectable. But the devil, as they say, is in the details.
Try this - promise yourself that for an entire month you will be completely honest with your partner about everything. This is even more difficult than it sounds, because in order for it to work you must only avoid telling lies, but also find the courage to speak the whole truth about your ultimate intentions and motivations. This will require some deep soul-searching on your part because, like all other human beings, the person you are most likely to lie to is yourself. You will know you are on the right track if you uncover a truth about yourself that makes you squirm with discomfort. Once you have discovered a truth like this, confess it to your partner. An example of such a confession might be, "A lot of my self-sacrificing behavior towards you is motivated not so much by an unselfish desire to make you happy, but rather by a selfish desire to make you love me, so I can be happy."
The Beatles were wrong - love is not all you need, although it is certainly essential. The other two essential ingredients are respect and trust. The first steps necessary to strengthen respect and trust in your relationship are fairly straightforward. If you want to build mutual trust, then be trustworthy. If you want to build mutual respect, then be respectful and be respectable. But the devil, as they say, is in the details.
Try this - promise yourself that for an entire month you will be completely honest with your partner about everything. This is even more difficult than it sounds, because in order for it to work you must only avoid telling lies, but also find the courage to speak the whole truth about your ultimate intentions and motivations. This will require some deep soul-searching on your part because, like all other human beings, the person you are most likely to lie to is yourself. You will know you are on the right track if you uncover a truth about yourself that makes you squirm with discomfort. Once you have discovered a truth like this, confess it to your partner. An example of such a confession might be, "A lot of my self-sacrificing behavior towards you is motivated not so much by an unselfish desire to make you happy, but rather by a selfish desire to make you love me, so I can be happy."
Unforgivable Sin and Mental Illness - How Do I Know If I Have Committed the Unforgivable Sin?
As a Professional Counselor and an active Christian, I have often met clients who come to me ashen faced and trembling because they have believed that they have committed the unpardonable sin. That is, Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. I talk to them from my own experience of which I have recorded in a book for those folk to find for themselves that such an offense can only be committed when you die. There are many recorded people in the past who have died cursing Jesus Christ and His Sacrifice. That my dear friends is the unforgivable sin. You have died breathing your last breath cursing the only redeeming name that can ever save your soul. Jesus. Upon death, you can't turn around and ask for forgiveness because your will and your breath have gone, long gone.
God is a loving God. He is always willing to hear a repentant heart. Many a cursing man or woman has received forgiveness at the Cross simply by acknowledging their sin and allowing God to forgive and let them move on in life. Many wonderful Hymns have been written from that craggy place on their knees speaking of that 'once I was blind and now I see' place. of such hymn writers as John Newton and his wonderful hymn " Amazing Grace". He (Newton) went on to give God all the Glory through his writings.
Think about the cursing of Philosopher Voltaire who declared that the Bible would no longer be on the earth within 100 years of his death, yet his house where he lay on his deathbed cursing the Name of Jesus Christ, went on to become a publishing house for Bibles!. He died in a state of unforgiveness. Once dead, he had no more will of his own nor breath to renounce his cursing and to ask for God's forgiveness. You see you must confess your sins with your own breath and tongue, before you die. Otherwise your will is not your own once you die.
What a tragic experience it is to attend an unbeliever's funeral at the crematorium, where the funeral director states in a bold voice, "....so and so..............did not believe in a God and did not want any religious recognition of such an entity."
I am not interested in the theological technicalities. All that I am interested in is the nature of God. What is His nature? Is He loving and nurturing or is he as the song states " From a distance the world looks like its in harmony ending with the lyrics, God is watching us from a distance " written by Julie Gold and sung by Bette Middler. Is He really at a distance? or is He tangible within our hearts to feel? God understands our hearts. He is always willing to let us turn a new leaf and start again. Look at the wonderful hymns that John Newton wrote that we still sing today with a lump in our throat. How tragic if God had assigned a life of doom and damnation for Newton if, he never allowed such sinful behaviour ( his drunkeness and cursing life) to be washed away and forgiven. The world would surely have been robbed of the glorious words of forgiveness from a broken heart. see below for the words of Amazing Grace by John Newton.
Yes, it is a most serious offence to Curse the Name and Workings of Jesus Christ through the works which he wrought only by the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, God, all merciful, just wants to pick up every cursing tongue and wash it with His love and set it back in place to show His glory. It is the devil who perpetuates the guilt and belief that once even a thought crosses into your mind that you have committed such an offence. Do you really think that the devil can't cross over into your thoughts? Well, he excels at that. He specialises in mind control. That is his entire purpose in eternity. To bring down the believer or unbeliever to a place of damnation to follow him there. The human mind is the devil's play ground. Ever wonder why there are so many Mary Magdalene's 're-incarnated' in a mental hospital or why every one curses in the name of Jesus, but not Allah? Think of the devil as being an immature bully. You wake at night in a cold sweat thinking that you have thought the unpardonable sin. Who put that thought there in the first place? Did you? Did you really go to bed that night with the aim of committing the unpardonable? So, where do you think that thought came from? YOU? Hardly likely. The devil just hovers around you, waiting for your most vulnerable time to hit. If you have been involved in seances and the like,such as contact with the dead, where do you think that force came from to lift objects or move the glass on the Ouija board? YOU? Don't kid yourself please!
The same force that came to the seance and told you about your grandfather or whoever and made it look so convincing is the same force that will come to you and whisper evil thoughts such as the unforgivable sin into your head and convince you that it is YOUR thought. Why do I know this?Because I was also a victim of his sick game. I also nearly ended up in a mental hospital l due to the sleepless nights of anguish and screams in my head. I know that YOU can get over this with a lot of love, prayer and care. You need support from fellow Christians and people such as myself who have walked the walk. You can get over the diagnosis of mental illness - schizophrenia, manic depression, depression, etc and raise yourself up with God's grace and His mighty Holy Spirit. If you are still breathing now, say this prayer- " Father, forgive me, I have believed a LIE. It was not my thoughts, but thoughts impressed upon me by the devil. I ask you to forgive me where I have left doors open and show me now, by Your Holy Spirit, how to come out of this negative place of damnation to be myself. I was created by You and for You. If I am Yours, then you do not want to destroy Your own creation. You excel and love to see your creation grow and show You off, not hover in a wild depressed state of highs and lows. I know that You love me. You sent Your own Son, Jesus Christ to die for me, if I were the only person on this earth, You would still have sent Jesus to make a way for me to get back to You. I invite Jesus into my heart now and thank-YOU for Your love and forgiveness of my stupid thoughts which I I have allowed to grow in my head, I ask for your forgiveness of my allowing this to grow. That is the sin which I am guilty of. I believed a LIE. Thank-you Jesus and I welcome the Holy Spirit into my heart now. Welcome Holy Spirit." AMEN.
You are now forgiven and a Child of God. Don't you ever forget that. Next time the thought comes into your head, Discard it by simply praying, " The Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed for my sins at Calvary, covers and protects me from the evil plans of the devil by robbing me of my rightful joy in life with Jesus Christ. I am set free through the Shedding of the Blood of Jesus and my life is now mine shared in glory with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. I believe in the Trinity of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. They are ONE. Jesus is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever." AMEN.
AMAZING GRACE - John Newton
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis'd good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine.
God is a loving God. He is always willing to hear a repentant heart. Many a cursing man or woman has received forgiveness at the Cross simply by acknowledging their sin and allowing God to forgive and let them move on in life. Many wonderful Hymns have been written from that craggy place on their knees speaking of that 'once I was blind and now I see' place. of such hymn writers as John Newton and his wonderful hymn " Amazing Grace". He (Newton) went on to give God all the Glory through his writings.
Think about the cursing of Philosopher Voltaire who declared that the Bible would no longer be on the earth within 100 years of his death, yet his house where he lay on his deathbed cursing the Name of Jesus Christ, went on to become a publishing house for Bibles!. He died in a state of unforgiveness. Once dead, he had no more will of his own nor breath to renounce his cursing and to ask for God's forgiveness. You see you must confess your sins with your own breath and tongue, before you die. Otherwise your will is not your own once you die.
What a tragic experience it is to attend an unbeliever's funeral at the crematorium, where the funeral director states in a bold voice, "....so and so..............did not believe in a God and did not want any religious recognition of such an entity."
I am not interested in the theological technicalities. All that I am interested in is the nature of God. What is His nature? Is He loving and nurturing or is he as the song states " From a distance the world looks like its in harmony ending with the lyrics, God is watching us from a distance " written by Julie Gold and sung by Bette Middler. Is He really at a distance? or is He tangible within our hearts to feel? God understands our hearts. He is always willing to let us turn a new leaf and start again. Look at the wonderful hymns that John Newton wrote that we still sing today with a lump in our throat. How tragic if God had assigned a life of doom and damnation for Newton if, he never allowed such sinful behaviour ( his drunkeness and cursing life) to be washed away and forgiven. The world would surely have been robbed of the glorious words of forgiveness from a broken heart. see below for the words of Amazing Grace by John Newton.
Yes, it is a most serious offence to Curse the Name and Workings of Jesus Christ through the works which he wrought only by the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet, God, all merciful, just wants to pick up every cursing tongue and wash it with His love and set it back in place to show His glory. It is the devil who perpetuates the guilt and belief that once even a thought crosses into your mind that you have committed such an offence. Do you really think that the devil can't cross over into your thoughts? Well, he excels at that. He specialises in mind control. That is his entire purpose in eternity. To bring down the believer or unbeliever to a place of damnation to follow him there. The human mind is the devil's play ground. Ever wonder why there are so many Mary Magdalene's 're-incarnated' in a mental hospital or why every one curses in the name of Jesus, but not Allah? Think of the devil as being an immature bully. You wake at night in a cold sweat thinking that you have thought the unpardonable sin. Who put that thought there in the first place? Did you? Did you really go to bed that night with the aim of committing the unpardonable? So, where do you think that thought came from? YOU? Hardly likely. The devil just hovers around you, waiting for your most vulnerable time to hit. If you have been involved in seances and the like,such as contact with the dead, where do you think that force came from to lift objects or move the glass on the Ouija board? YOU? Don't kid yourself please!
The same force that came to the seance and told you about your grandfather or whoever and made it look so convincing is the same force that will come to you and whisper evil thoughts such as the unforgivable sin into your head and convince you that it is YOUR thought. Why do I know this?Because I was also a victim of his sick game. I also nearly ended up in a mental hospital l due to the sleepless nights of anguish and screams in my head. I know that YOU can get over this with a lot of love, prayer and care. You need support from fellow Christians and people such as myself who have walked the walk. You can get over the diagnosis of mental illness - schizophrenia, manic depression, depression, etc and raise yourself up with God's grace and His mighty Holy Spirit. If you are still breathing now, say this prayer- " Father, forgive me, I have believed a LIE. It was not my thoughts, but thoughts impressed upon me by the devil. I ask you to forgive me where I have left doors open and show me now, by Your Holy Spirit, how to come out of this negative place of damnation to be myself. I was created by You and for You. If I am Yours, then you do not want to destroy Your own creation. You excel and love to see your creation grow and show You off, not hover in a wild depressed state of highs and lows. I know that You love me. You sent Your own Son, Jesus Christ to die for me, if I were the only person on this earth, You would still have sent Jesus to make a way for me to get back to You. I invite Jesus into my heart now and thank-YOU for Your love and forgiveness of my stupid thoughts which I I have allowed to grow in my head, I ask for your forgiveness of my allowing this to grow. That is the sin which I am guilty of. I believed a LIE. Thank-you Jesus and I welcome the Holy Spirit into my heart now. Welcome Holy Spirit." AMEN.
You are now forgiven and a Child of God. Don't you ever forget that. Next time the thought comes into your head, Discard it by simply praying, " The Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, which was shed for my sins at Calvary, covers and protects me from the evil plans of the devil by robbing me of my rightful joy in life with Jesus Christ. I am set free through the Shedding of the Blood of Jesus and my life is now mine shared in glory with Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. I believe in the Trinity of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. They are ONE. Jesus is the same Yesterday, Today and Forever." AMEN.
AMAZING GRACE - John Newton
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!
Thro' many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promis'd good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)