Tis the season to be busy...

Ever since I started working full-time, life is a roller coaster ride. Well, I have to structure my time in such a way that allows me to cram in all the important duties of the day. What I am trying to say is that if I wake up 15 minutes late, I am in for big trouble. Boom! the whole day goes for a toss!! I miss my bus..or forget to take my snack and stay hungry at work.....Whew!! Sometimes its just a race against time....

You are wondering, “What's the big deal?” Hmmm...What can I say? Two years ago,I worked part-time and I had all the time in the world. It was like life moved in slow motion...But now things have changed and the transition is a bit heavy for me. So I guess, “Tis the season to be busy...”

I love this poem

I love poems, simple truths expressed in beautiful metaphors and similes. This is one of my favorite poem written by William Cowper, "God Moves In A Mysterious Way"

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

Change

Yesterday I had the chance to attend a cultural fest “quasar'08” put up by the students of MIT Design at Loni Kalbhor. My parents and I were invited as my sister currently works in that college. I enjoyed the event thoroughly as I had the pleasure being amongst brilliant, creative and enthusiastic students. Students put up plays, a potpourri of dances, mad ads and of course a live band that played some cool numbers. I enjoyed every moment of my evening even though I was constantly assaulted by mosquitoes. Watching the students closely, I realised one thing-college days are to be enjoyed coz as you move on in life, you grow lethargic and dull. Just being in their midst helped me change my perspective about a lot of things.....

Movies- Masti- Magic

Continuing on the series on 'My Favorites'- I was like what should I talk about? Hey! What about movies?? I am a complete movie buff and love to watch different genre of films. Come to think of it, I am not much into chick flicks (surprising eh?) Yeah, coz the plot always revolve around getting that cute guy in class or being the prom queen etc etc...and that bores me to death. I watch these films just to get a kick out of it. My kind of movies are suspense thrillers, action, drama and sometimes horror (not the one with blood and gore, please!) Once in a while I like to indulge in sci-fi just for the heck of it.

My favorite action movie will definitely be Die Hard and I loved Bruce Willis as he added a bit of humor in that nail biting action sequence. Unfortunately I have not been able to see the remaining Die Hard sequels. Action movies that showcase martial arts are on the top list with a little bit of technology thrown along. Mission Impossible? Who can forget Tom Cruise with his dare devil stunts, I wouldn't for sure!! Talk about drama, it will be Little Women starring Susan Sarandon and Winona Ryder. You gotta see it to enjoy it! In the category for Horrors, some movies that gave me the creeps will definitely be “The Ring”. Hey! I almost forgot about Spiderman (well, this character is my childhood favorite) and this movie just rocked.

But one movie that took my senses away and which truly deserved the Oscars was “The Lord of the rings”. In fact, when I watched “behind the scenes” and saw various interviews of the actors and all that was involved to make this film a super hit, I was stunned. I could only see commitment, dedication, creativity and perseverance ooze from every single person. No wonder, they bagged the Oscars. Do I need to go on? I guess I'll stop right here, coz I can go on and on... So what do I say, “Movies Masti & Magic”

Cuppa chai please?

Its just one of those days when I wake up feeling exhausted and fatigued after a long hectic weekend. I have to literally drag myself to work, sad that Monday's finally arrived. All throughout work I somehow manage to keep myself awake lest I am caught napping. A herculean task just to write one page (btw I'm a content developer). The only thing on my mind right now is to rush home and hit the sack. Yes! rest is what I desperately seek and desire....

Till then, I'll have to settle for a cuppa chai in order to draw me out of this stupor....

Cartoon Cartoon

I am crazy about cartoons. In fact, I can eat cartoons, sleep cartoons and drink cartoons. This obsession started way back when I was four years when I was introduced to this unique world of imagination. The first cartoon that I watched was, “Spiderman”, that was telecasted every Saturday at 4pm. Then came the world of Walt Disney to whom I am eternally grateful for bringing all the lovable characters like Goofy, Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Pluto. Then as I was growing up, I switched to He-Man and My Little Pony. The late 90's saw the invasion of a separate cartoon channel into the living room duly called, Cartoon Network. Am I thankful or what?

In my late teens, I entertained myself with Swat Cats, Centurions, Top Cat (Hmmmm u must have figured something abt me; I love cats), Captain Planet, Richie Rich, Josie and the Pussy Cats (cats again!) and crazy ol' Scooby Doo.....Hahaha...I tell u those were my crazy crazy days....I even watched cartoons that would annoy me such as Penelope Pittstop and Acme. But one animation series that took complete precedence over all these cartoons was none other than Tom and Jerry. (Cats! can't help myself here) I mean they are such a great duo and no matter how many times I watch them, they always make me laugh. Their love-hate relationship is so out of this world, they can not live with each other nor without! No matter how old I turn, Thomas the cat and Jerry the mouse will always rule my heart!!!

So this commences my series on “My Favorite things”, look out for more dear readers, there's a lot coming ur way.....

Give thanks!!

In my morning readings, I was totally taken aback by the verses in the book of Ephesians 5:20.
"Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ". I have read this verse so many times and yet failed to grasp its true essence. Simple as it may sound, so hard to practice. Why is it so?? Our human nature is bound to grumble at all times and be discontent in spite of what we possess and enjoy..

A wonderful remedy for discontentment and dissatisfaction; to always thank God for every little thing we have in our lives. And as a child of God, I do it unto my Heavenly Father and know that my thanks are accepted only in Jesus Christ. My heart just wants to sing this chorus....

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ His Son

And now let the weak say,
"I am strong"
Let the poor say,
"I am rich"
Because what the Lord has done for us,
GIVE THANKS!!

Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

I love this hymn and my favorite lines are," Riches I heed not nor man's empty praise Thou mine inheritance, now and always". So true! My real inheritance is Christ Himself and He is all I need.....

All I need is a catnap!

I tell you, nothing is more annoying when you are feeling absolutely sleepy at work and all you can do is stare at the computer screen. Its difficult when you have just managed to get a couple of hours to sleep the previous night. I am not asking for much, only a few winks and I'll be refreshed...Yeah all I ask rather all I need is a catnap.....What say??

Workouts

I love to workout in the gym, especially weight-training. Nothing gives me a high than pumping iron and trying out new techniques. In fact, I have been working out for the past 3 years now and the gym has still not lost its charm! Whether it is lifting heavy weights, aerobics or a simple abs workout, only a gym freak knows the thrill and excitement it brings!! Trust me, you gotta be there to feel it.

Well, I am not eluding to the fact that working out in the gym is the best thing in the world. But I am just stating the truth that it has done wonders to me and I am so indebted to it.....So kudos to my pals.....the dumbbells, the bars and the weights.....

Dinner at 11 East Street Cafe

To celebrate my birthday, my sister and I dined at 11 East Street Cafe that has become one of our favorite spots to hang out. We started with mocktails as our throats were parched, thus our order being 'Sunsplash'. It was a combo of orange juice, pineapple juice, strawberry crush and a scoop of vanilla icecream! Isn't that tempting?? Drank every drop with satisfaction....

Now you must be wondering what that dish is doing on my blog...Well, this is what I had as my main course. Yes! its called,' Chicken Roulade'. I tell you I enjoyed every morsel and it was filling!! Its a boneless chicken breast that is stuffed with mushrooms, onions and olives, served with white wine sauce. My sister went for chicken served in barbeque sauce...Sounds yumm, right? In the end I can only say, "All is well that ends well".

Its my birthday today!!

Well, its my birthday today and I have been pleasantly surprised by my family, especially my mom and my sister. And what a way to jumpstart your morning. The cherry on my cake was the surprise flower delivery to my office by my sister. It's beautiful bouquet as it rests in my cubicle adding its own charm. My co-workers wished me and a dear colleague of mine gifted a neat bouquet and a poster to decorate my cubicle. Isn't that a lot for the first half of the day?

But I am enjoying every bit of the pampering I receive, as birthdays come once in a year. And I love gifts a lot!!! On a personal note, it reminds of the dear ones who are in my life. The efforts taken to make my day special by my friends and loved ones are very precious to my soul and its always treasured. So as I cut my cake and blow the candles, I hear everyone singing, "Happy Birthday To You".

Love my trips to Panchgani

Just back from the church camp that was held in Panchgani and I can't tell you how refreshing it was to me. I was there for 2 nights and 3 days and it was a heavenly experience. We had a bigger group this time and I got to interact with many a people. There were 2 sessions, the topic being 'Christlike Relationships' that motivated and encouraged me immensely. But it was so good to blend in with nature and enjoy the beautiful creation. I tell you it is a rarity to even hear the sweet chirping of the birds in Pune..

I loved waking up early in the morning and watch the sunrise. That is a miracle of its own, where the rays of the sun pierce the sleepy clouds. All around me were flowers of different colours and shapes. It was green all over. Our camp was situated near the edge of the valley and as you would get close to the valley, you could feel the gush of cool breeze in your face. The show stealer was however the campfire where everyone was required to display their talents. I was in splits watching a few individuals display their funny side. To top it all, the food was delicious and mouth-watering. In a nutshell, a rejuvenating and an exhilarating experience!!!

Migraines

For the past few days I did not have a single migraine attack and that is quite an accomplishment as every attack cripples me. Physical pain is more of a friend than a foe as it has taught me innumerable things that I wouldn't have learned otherwise. To be sympathetic, compassionate and tender is what a migraine attack has instilled in me. Am I being sarcastic? No, not at all. In fact, I am thankful to the Lord for what He has designed for my life. God has comforted me in my attacks where I am a complete wreck. I am not saying,"Oh, how I love my migraines. No!! I hate them, coz the pain almost kills me. But these very pains have softened me and helped me depend on Christ for strength. Isn't that a blessing?".

"Who comforts us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1: 4

Savour God's Sovereignty

Everything that happens in life is under the mighty hand of God. He controls the entire universe and all that moves in it. I feel so puny as I attempt to write on this massive topic, where giants have addressed this wonderful attribute of God with their writings.

I don't have much to say but the few years as I have walked on this earth, I have just begun to realize the frailty of my existence in the face of an infinite God. And yet as a child of God I don't have cower under God's sovereignty but I can savor it. Honestly I love this attribute of My Heavenly Father, coz I know that everything that befalls me has passed under his loving and wise gaze. I can boldly say along with Job,
"I know You can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2

Something to Ponder about

Just had a chat with my colleague and realized a few things. Is life really complicated?? Nah, I don't think so, but I guess I am very guilty of making it that way. I have often asked this question a zillion times, but failed to receive an appropriate answer.

Face it my friend, life is one of the best things ever gifted by God to man. I am called to live life abundantly for the simple reason that I have everything in Christ. I know the truth but fail to implement.

"As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" 2 Peter1:3

Monday Blues

Truly I say to you, I'm having the Monday blues.....Oh!! how I hate to work on Mondays....the slow churn of time, the ticking of the clock at a snail's pace. Man this really kills me to death. So I stumbled upon a bright idea...Why not start blogging??
Yes, this is my maiden entry into the official world of 'BLOGGING'. And what a mood to be in...why you may ask? Well, as I said earlier, "Oh!!! how I hate Mondays coz they give me the true blues".