Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
The Chronicles of Travelling Sisters—Bangalore
This post is first in the series of many posts that
will follow. My sister and I always dreamed about going to different places,
exploring cities, and meeting family and friends we know of. Initially, it was all
talk, talk, and talk. Finally, one day, we did pack our bags and began our
journey, a series I will call, ‘The Chronicles of Travelling Sisters.’
Our first destination was Bangalore. Located in our
dear home state, Karnataka, we booked our tickets to this city one month prior
to our departure. We traveled by KSRTC Airavat Club class and boy, was it a
cool ride. It took us 14 hours to reach Bangalore. But, it took us an hour to
enter the city itself.
Let me tell you, this city is enormous and well populated.
We reached the Majestic circle as it was the final stop. Public transport is pretty
decent and within 15 minutes we were in a local bus on route to another part of
the city.
One thing I noticed was the many number of colleges
and churches. Every place seemed to have a college and a church neatly tucked
in. You either had places called as Bannergatta road or Bommanahalli or
something like Cox Town or Frazer Town. The difference is striking.
There were parts of Bangalore that immediately
reminded me of Pune. But compared to Pune, everything in Bangalore is huge and
big. Another thing I noticed was the n number of Cafe Coffee Day outlets. They
had CCD lounges out there. Ok. That was something new for me.
Travelling in the city at peak hours is maddening.
Since, I experienced it firsthand; it was amazing to notice the amount of time
it took to travel from one part of the city to another. Folks here keep a
buffer time of one hour when travelling. Lesson learnt: I will not complain
about the traffic in Pune.
Food here is fantastic. Christmas night, we went out
for dinner with our family friends to a famous steak place. Wow, the flavours
were superb! The portions—enormous and the ambience—homey.
Krispy Kreme: How can I forget this place? Thanks to
our dear friends who took us there. This place is famous for doughnuts. I
usually don’t use this word, but the doughnuts were ‘awesome’.
Before we wound up, we walked through the famous M.G.
Road and drove through Brigade Road. By the time, we reached Majestic circle to
board the bus back home; my sister and I were pretty satisfied, though a bit
tired.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Christmas to me means....
Titus 3:4-7
Monday, December 9, 2013
Reflections
The year 2013 is practically over and we are already on the threshold of another new year. The past year was interesting in many ways. Some days and months were filled with the usual mundane things of life. And then there were the unusual days that were filled with uncertainty and gloom.
But all in all, a decent year where I know deep down in my heart I can still give thanks to God for His untold blessings. There are a couple of things I would like to list down and look back with gratefulness for the year gone by. Here we go!
Made new friends and enjoyed getting to know them
Made travel plans and even executed them as well
Made peace with the fact that all days will not be the same
Came to terms with the idea that being fit and healthy is a sure gift from God
Came to a humble understanding that all relationships require patience and hard work
Experienced the sweetness of making wise decisions
Doing all things with prayer and total dependence on God
And, finally, each day is a gift from God who is the Giver and Sustainer of my life.
But all in all, a decent year where I know deep down in my heart I can still give thanks to God for His untold blessings. There are a couple of things I would like to list down and look back with gratefulness for the year gone by. Here we go!
Made new friends and enjoyed getting to know them
Made travel plans and even executed them as well
Made peace with the fact that all days will not be the same
Came to terms with the idea that being fit and healthy is a sure gift from God
Came to a humble understanding that all relationships require patience and hard work
Experienced the sweetness of making wise decisions
Doing all things with prayer and total dependence on God
And, finally, each day is a gift from God who is the Giver and Sustainer of my life.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Thursday, December 5, 2013
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Since we are on the subject of reading, right now I am in a hurry to finish the Hobbit. The second part of the movie is releasing next week and I am hoping, seriously hoping that I will be able to complete the book before I watch the movie.
I am a big fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and I love his books. Thankfully, I am half-way through the Hobbit, so I guess, I should be done by the end of this weekend. Let’s see.
The movie getting released is, ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.’(Click here for a sneak preview)
I am a big fan of J.R.R. Tolkien and I love his books. Thankfully, I am half-way through the Hobbit, so I guess, I should be done by the end of this weekend. Let’s see.
The movie getting released is, ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.’(Click here for a sneak preview)
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
My Favorite List—Books
I love to read and there are some books that I would to re-read at all times.
A Tale of Two Cities: I was introduced to this book in high school and how I loved it! I was studying French in school and the French Revolution from this novel added the much zing to the subject.
The Adventures of Oliver Twist: I received this book as a birthday gift. Charles Dickens has been my favorite writer since then. I remember being brought to tears as I read the account of this poor orphan.
Pride and Prejudice: Yeah, a book many folks love to hate. I came across this book in high school. I enjoyed reading this novel and it was the beginning of many Jane Austen series.
Jane Eyre: This book by far all means is my favorite. Dunno why, but I quite like the story and the suspense it contains.
I think, I’ll stop here. What are some of your favorite books?
The Adventures of Oliver Twist: I received this book as a birthday gift. Charles Dickens has been my favorite writer since then. I remember being brought to tears as I read the account of this poor orphan.
Pride and Prejudice: Yeah, a book many folks love to hate. I came across this book in high school. I enjoyed reading this novel and it was the beginning of many Jane Austen series.
Jane Eyre: This book by far all means is my favorite. Dunno why, but I quite like the story and the suspense it contains.
I think, I’ll stop here. What are some of your favorite books?
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Grumbling and Complaining?
We Are Far Too Easily Displeased
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Philippians 2:14–15)
I am a grumbler by (fallen) nature.
Just this morning a malfunctioning software program required my attention. Experience told me the likely course: at least two times on the phone with customer support and at least two glitches in the fixing process. Forty-five minutes minimum. Probably more. (All proved true, by the way.) Immediately I resented this time-stealing inconvenience. And when my wife called in the middle of dealing with it, out of my mouth came my displeasure.
Life problems don’t get much smaller. What is the matter with me?
The matter is that I too easily listen to the lies of my pathologically selfish sin nature, which assumes all of reality should serve its preferences and grumbles against anything that doesn’t. The truth is, when I grumble, I have lost touch with reality.
What Grumbling Gauges
Grumbling is a gauge of the human soul. It gauges our gaze on grace. It tells us that we’re not seeing grace.
Grumbling pours out of our soul whenever we feel like we’re not getting what we deserve. Sometimes we’re even crass enough to think, to hell with what we deserve, we’re not getting what we want.
Grumbling is a symptom of a myopic soul. Selfishness has caused tunnel vision and has fixated on a craving(s). The soul has lost sight of the glory and wonder and splendor and hope that is the reborn, redeemed life and thus it is far too easily displeased. Grumbling is evidence of soul-vision impairment.
What Gratitude Gauges
The opposite of grumbling in the soul is gratitude. And gratitude also gauges our gaze on grace. It tells us that we are seeing grace.
Gratitude pours out of our souls whenever we we’re receiving a gift we know we don’t deserve and we experience a humble happiness. And as sinners who have received the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24), we are receiving these gifts all the time.
Gratitude is a symptom of a healthy, expansive soul. The gospel of grace has given it panoramic vision, allowing it to see that this grace will be sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9) to meet every need (Philippians 4:19) when inconvenience, crisis, weakness, affliction, unexpected demand, suffering, and persecution hit. In fact, in all these things this grace will make us “more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
Accents of Heaven and Hell
Gratitude is the accent of the language of heaven because there everything is undeserved grace. No creature that basks in the eternal, deep, powerful, satisfying, overflowing joys of heaven will have merited being there. Each will be there solely by the grace of God, which is why we will all sing,
To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever! (Revelation 5:13)
But grumbling is the accent of hell’s language because it’s how a creature’s pride responds to the Creator’s decision to do or allow something that the creature does not desire. Grumbling scorns God because it elevates our desires and judgments above his.
That’s why the world is so filled with grumbling. It’s ruled by the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) and its citizens speak the official language.
Do All Things Without Grumbling
And that’s why Paul tells us to “do all things without grumbling” (Philippians 2:14). The children of God should not speak with the accent of hell.
Rather, our speech should always be gracious (Colossians 4:6); it should have the accent of heaven. Those who have been forgiven so much (Luke 7:47) and promised so much (2 Peter 1:4) should speak words that are always salted with gratitude (Ephesians 5:20). That’s one way we “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Gospel gratitude is a foreign language here. We are citizens of a better country (Hebrews 11:16).
Doing all things without grumbling is humanly impossible. But thankfully not with God (Mark 10:27). What it requires is getting our eyes off ourselves and onto Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) and all God promises to be for us in him. It requires seeing grace. Being different comes fromseeing differently.
Here’s the Bible logic that provides the escape from the temptation to grumble (1 Corinthians 10:13): “all things work together for [my] good” (Romans 8:28), and “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), so therefore I can “do all thingswithout grumbling” (Philippians 2:14).
Yes it is hard. It’s a fight. God told us it would be that way (1 Timothy 6:12). But we will grow in the gracious habit of cultivating gratitude through the rigorous exercise of constant practice (Hebrews 5:14) of seeing grace.
Lord, help us speak more in the accent of heaven!
Prone to grumbling, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to scorn the God I love;
Here’s my eye, O take and peel it
Till I see the grace above.
Then “the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart [will] be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
Recent posts from Jon Bloom:
Jon Bloom (@Bloom_Jon) is the author of Not by Sight: A Fresh Look at Old Stories of Walking by Faith and serves as the President of Desiring God, which he and John Piper launched together in 1994. He lives in the Twin Cities with his wife, Pam, their five children, and one naughty dog.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
Waiting
I have always wondered why waiting is such a tiring experience. Is it because waiting slows down things? Or is it my perception that waiting causes a delay for whatever I am waiting for? Sometimes, this impatience that grows within me is a result of the world I live in. You can get everything—practically everything in a jiffy. Click the mouse and you have paid the bills! We live in a world of instant gratification. We don’t have the time to wait…patiently.
In the light of hurried living and busyness, I am glad in a way that God calls me to wait. To wait upon Him for the things I have asked in prayer. It is in this period of waiting I am called to exercise faith in who God is and His ability to bring about what I have asked for. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
God knows what He is about. It is my own foolishness or the result of leaning on my own understanding that I tend to become impatient. He is wise and does all things according to the counsel of His will. I am called to trust Him and His timing.
Waiting requires courage and strength of soul. Hence the psalmist in the Bible encourages us “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalms 27:14)
So, if you are in the period of waiting upon God, take heart. God is good and loves you and desires that you know Him better in this time of stillness. “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
In the light of hurried living and busyness, I am glad in a way that God calls me to wait. To wait upon Him for the things I have asked in prayer. It is in this period of waiting I am called to exercise faith in who God is and His ability to bring about what I have asked for. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
God knows what He is about. It is my own foolishness or the result of leaning on my own understanding that I tend to become impatient. He is wise and does all things according to the counsel of His will. I am called to trust Him and His timing.
Waiting requires courage and strength of soul. Hence the psalmist in the Bible encourages us “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalms 27:14)
So, if you are in the period of waiting upon God, take heart. God is good and loves you and desires that you know Him better in this time of stillness. “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
NH7 Weekender—One Fine Day
As mentioned in my earlier post, my sister and I were supposed to attend all the 3 days of the music fest called NH7 Weekender. The tickets had arrived a while back and I couldn't wait to be a part of this experience. Little did I expect to fall ill.
Right before the fest, I came down with the flu. Now that’s what I call perfect timing. To be honest, I was miffed and quite disappointed. Maybe I thought, a little bit of rest should do it. Nothing. I was getting worse.
So, I missed the first day of NH7. I was too sick to miss the excitement. I managed to get the meds from my family doctor hoping to at least make it for the second day. Thankfully, the next day I was feeling a bit better and off I went to the fest. My sister and her colleague were with me so it was fun.
We mainly stuck to Dewarist stage and boy, it was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘Raghu Dixit Project’. I am not into folk rock, but it was good. I was too tired to stand in front of the band, so I just sat on the lawn and enjoyed the music.
And yes, I got to attend just one day against the three days that I hoped for. I guess, some things just don’t go as planned. And I made my peace with that and cherished the time God graciously gave despite my health.
Right before the fest, I came down with the flu. Now that’s what I call perfect timing. To be honest, I was miffed and quite disappointed. Maybe I thought, a little bit of rest should do it. Nothing. I was getting worse.
So, I missed the first day of NH7. I was too sick to miss the excitement. I managed to get the meds from my family doctor hoping to at least make it for the second day. Thankfully, the next day I was feeling a bit better and off I went to the fest. My sister and her colleague were with me so it was fun.
We mainly stuck to Dewarist stage and boy, it was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘Raghu Dixit Project’. I am not into folk rock, but it was good. I was too tired to stand in front of the band, so I just sat on the lawn and enjoyed the music.
And yes, I got to attend just one day against the three days that I hoped for. I guess, some things just don’t go as planned. And I made my peace with that and cherished the time God graciously gave despite my health.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
One of Those Days
Every once in a while I experience one of those days.
It happens when you least expect it or least want it, but it’s there.
One of those days...unexpected things, missed lunches, exhaustion....
Last Friday, our company celebrated Diwali. I was excited and looked forward to that day. What better way to end the week?
But on Thursday, I got a call from my senior saying that she would not be in office which meant I would be the one reviewing the completed task for one of the projects we were working on. Oh no! Am I heading for one of those days?
Yes, sure enough. Friday arrived and even as I tried to enjoy, I ended up running around and keeping tabs on the status of the project I was involved in. I barely managed to say hi to my colleagues at work, missed my lunch, and my feet were hurting from the constant running around.
By the time, I finished my task; the Diwali program was almost done. Yeah, rite! I managed to see the prize distribution.
When I got back home, I was exhausted and hungry. (Didn’t have lunch, remember?)
Whew! Some day huh? Yes, it was one of those days!
It happens when you least expect it or least want it, but it’s there.
One of those days...unexpected things, missed lunches, exhaustion....
Last Friday, our company celebrated Diwali. I was excited and looked forward to that day. What better way to end the week?
But on Thursday, I got a call from my senior saying that she would not be in office which meant I would be the one reviewing the completed task for one of the projects we were working on. Oh no! Am I heading for one of those days?
Yes, sure enough. Friday arrived and even as I tried to enjoy, I ended up running around and keeping tabs on the status of the project I was involved in. I barely managed to say hi to my colleagues at work, missed my lunch, and my feet were hurting from the constant running around.
By the time, I finished my task; the Diwali program was almost done. Yeah, rite! I managed to see the prize distribution.
When I got back home, I was exhausted and hungry. (Didn’t have lunch, remember?)
Whew! Some day huh? Yes, it was one of those days!
Monday, November 4, 2013
Take Your Pick
Some interesting sites or articles you may want to check out!
Coffee and Timing: When is the best time to drink coffee?
Don't Lose Your Cool: It's not wise to lose your temper. God's word says so.
Reading More: Good tips on reading more.
Autumn: Wow pictures to check out!
Coffee and Timing: When is the best time to drink coffee?
Don't Lose Your Cool: It's not wise to lose your temper. God's word says so.
Reading More: Good tips on reading more.
Autumn: Wow pictures to check out!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Lay Aside the Weight of Discontentment
I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11–13)
In the race of faith, it is crucial to remember that our contentment is not determined by our circumstances. We often want to blame circumstances for our discontent, but that’s barking up the wrong tree.
Contentment is determined by what we believe. And our belief is fueled by what we’re seeing. So if you need to lay aside the weight (Hebrews 12:1) of discontentment today—the sinful kind that stems from disappointment and leads to grumbling—begin by looking at what you’re looking at.
Contentment Comes by Seeing the Treasure
When Paul wrote the words above, he was in prison (again). Prisons were nasty places in Paul’s day and he knew he could potentially die. The death he contemplated would not be pleasant. That’s why he wrote,
…it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. (Philippians 1:20)
How could Paul sit in prison, suffering regularly from hunger and exposure, knowing he might be killed, and say, “in whatever situation I am… content”? Because he saw the Prize:
I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ. (Philippians 3:8)
Jesus was a treasure to Paul. What Paul saw in Jesus was what the man in Jesus’s parable saw in the field:
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44)
Fifteen minutes before the man saw the treasure, would he have been content to sell everything and buy the field? No way. Fifteen minutes after he saw it he was off to the auctioneer. What was the difference? He saw the treasure.
The secret to contentment in “whatever situation” is seeing the Treasure that trumps them all.
Three Steps to Get Your Eyes on the Prize
Sinful discontentment is a weight to lay aside. But you can also think of it as a gauge in your heart that tells you when your spiritual eyes have strayed from the real Prize. When it shows up, stop what you’re doing, look at what you’re looking at, and redirect your mind to the real Treasure.
1. Stop
When you recognize discontentment, the first thing to do is stop what you’re doing. Stop grumbling and complaining. Stop sulking or stomping around the house. Stop the critical tongue toward others that often comes from the abundance of a discontented heart. Stop looking at the covetousness-producing catalogs, Tweets and Facebook pages. Stop and…
2. Look
Look at what you’re looking at. You’re discontent because you perceive an obstacle between you and your prize. Name the prize you want. It’s probably not Jesus since Romans 8:38–39 tells us that nothing can separate us from him.
3. Think
Getting our spiritual eyes back on the right prize only comes by thinking. What we ponder is what we perceive. We’re discontent because we’ve been meditating on the wrong things and become weighed down with lead-like frustration. It’s time to pick up the easy yoke (Matthew 11:30) of delight in Jesus by doing what Paul instructed the Philippians to do:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Don’t let discontentment govern you today. Lay aside this heavy weight by fixing your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), whose surpassing worth, when you see it, makes the worst circumstances this world can throw at you nothing but rubbish.
Recent posts from Jon Bloom:
Topic: Killing Sin
Jon Bloom (@Bloom_Jon) is the author of Not by Sight: A Fresh Look at Old Stories of Walking by Faith and serves as the President of Desiring God, which he and John Piper launched together in 1994. He lives in the Twin Cities with his wife, Pam, their five children, and one naughty dog.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Downton Abbey
I came across this name a couple of times while checking blogs online. So I kept wondering, ‘What in the world is Downton Abbey? For starters, it’s a British period drama television series that was first aired in the year in 2010. It closely follows the lives of an aristocratic family called the Crawleys along with their dozen servants.
For some reason I was quite reluctant to watch these series. Who in the world wants to get entangled with the lives and happenings of the aristocrats? But entangled I did and now I am so much a part of their lives. It’s fun to watch the way things were in the last century and how people in that era responded to the rapid changes that took place.
It also makes me appreciate the things that I often I take for granted in my own life, like freedom, no class system, modern technology and so much more. But there are times when I wish I was born in that era. If only wishes were horses....
For some reason I was quite reluctant to watch these series. Who in the world wants to get entangled with the lives and happenings of the aristocrats? But entangled I did and now I am so much a part of their lives. It’s fun to watch the way things were in the last century and how people in that era responded to the rapid changes that took place.
It also makes me appreciate the things that I often I take for granted in my own life, like freedom, no class system, modern technology and so much more. But there are times when I wish I was born in that era. If only wishes were horses....
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Be Prepared!
Trials don’t come knocking at your door. They just knock you down. There’s always the element of surprise. Before you know, you are already surrounded by this new pressing circumstance. But a great source of comfort in these times is that it’s never a surprise for God (Job 42:2). He alone is the designer of the trial He sends.
He is the wise loving Father who knows exactly how much we can bear under difficulty (1 Cor 13:10). He may never explain His ways but we can rest assured with His promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). His presence will be with us at all times. (Isaiah 43:2)
Our hope and trust comes from His word. (Romans 15:4)
It is only through these trying times our hearts are drawn to the things of eternity. We begin to see the futility of running after perishable things. Our desires are transformed by the gentle Spirit who resides within us.
No wonder, James said, “Count it pure joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Let steadfastness have its full effect so that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing.”
Trials reveal our real treasure. Jesus very rightly said, ‘When your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ Like someone said, we are either going through trials or just come out of a trial or preparing for one!
So, be prepared!
He is the wise loving Father who knows exactly how much we can bear under difficulty (1 Cor 13:10). He may never explain His ways but we can rest assured with His promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). His presence will be with us at all times. (Isaiah 43:2)
Our hope and trust comes from His word. (Romans 15:4)
It is only through these trying times our hearts are drawn to the things of eternity. We begin to see the futility of running after perishable things. Our desires are transformed by the gentle Spirit who resides within us.
No wonder, James said, “Count it pure joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Let steadfastness have its full effect so that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing.”
Trials reveal our real treasure. Jesus very rightly said, ‘When your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ Like someone said, we are either going through trials or just come out of a trial or preparing for one!
So, be prepared!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
5 Reasons Why I Love to Exercise!
- Discipline: It trains my mind and body to be disciplined and exercise self control.
- Fitness: I can do a particular task with ease and use less energy to accomplish it.
- Time: I am able to use my time effectively and reap rich benefits.
- Denial: I have learned to give up something that I love to gain something better.
- Reward: I have enjoyed the rich rewards that exercise brings every single day.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Why Should I Worry?
We live in a world where it is somehow considered cool to be worried or stressed about things. How are you doing? We ask and the common reply we hear is ‘I am doing ok. I am worried about the weather or I am worried about my job."
What does it mean to worry? The dictionary meaning says that this is to ‘allow one's mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles. I like this explanation. "Allow my mind to dwell on troubles." Hmm. As a Christian, I am called NOT to worry. The bible is very clear on this issue. Jesus commands us not to worry. So, every time, I worry, I sin.
He says in Matthew 6: 25-27:
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?"
We are people who worry over earthly matters. Food, drink, clothing! We are folks made in the image of God and yet, we live as if our life is all about what we eat and what we should wear.
What is sad is that we live in a generation where we are not concerned about what happens once we die. What about eternity? Can we assume that we can live as we want and forget that we will have to give an account to the Eternal Judge?
Am I concerned how will I appear before the judgment seat of Christ?Am I concerned about the things that I take for granted and constantly complain? Am I really concerned about the kind of life I live that often betrays my faith?
Every time, I am tempted to worry over things that are truly trivial and passing, I pray that I think of things that matter for eternity, things that please my Father in heaven.
Like Paul who says in the book of Philippians 4:8:
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."
As it says in Romans 12:1-2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Help me O Lord not to be like the world!
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Source of real joy
Psalm 16 is one of my fav. psalms that I come back to time and again when I need gentle reminders of where my true joy and pleasures lie—in the presence of God!
Psalm 16
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from You.”
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
because H
e is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in Your presence there is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from You.”
As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
because H
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
You make known to me the path of life;
in Your presence there is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
NH7 Weekender—A Musical Experience
My sister and I attended the NH7 Weekender last year and it was an experience for keeps. It was more than we bargained for. The ambiance, the colors, the crowd, the stage setup, and of course, the artists added all the needed excitement.
We had booked the tickets online and decided to attend one day of the fest since we weren’t sure what to expect. We checked out the website and listened to some of the artists and band who would be performing on that day. We were pleasantly surprised to see that they were many upcoming Indian bands who dabbled in rock, punk rock, indie music. The list was endless.
As the D-day drew closer, our excitement began to rise! How would it be? What would be the feeling when we hear so many bands play live? For that we just had to wait…patiently!
The D-day arrived and lo behold, we woke up feeling a bit tired. The weather was humid and the sky was a bit overcast. I kept peeking out of the window to check the sky and said a small prayer of thanks every time I saw the sun.
We arrived minutes before the event began as we did not want to miss a single thing. The event was not open to public as yet. Waiting in the heat seemed to drag for eternity! Finally, we were let in and escorted to a corner for a thorough checkup. The entire venue was beefed up with security. I was pretty impressed. Even as I entered the place I couldn't help getting excited. It was so beautiful and I didn't know where to begin or where to go!
We attended a couple of stages and enjoyed just listening to live music out in the open. I bumped into some of my office colleagues, said a quick hi, and continued visiting one stage to another. Overall, it was a great experience and it was there when we decided that the coming year we would attend for 3 days.
Back to the present, my sister and I are attending NH7 for 3 days and guess what, we have a big gang!
I can’t wait for next week!
We had booked the tickets online and decided to attend one day of the fest since we weren’t sure what to expect. We checked out the website and listened to some of the artists and band who would be performing on that day. We were pleasantly surprised to see that they were many upcoming Indian bands who dabbled in rock, punk rock, indie music. The list was endless.
As the D-day drew closer, our excitement began to rise! How would it be? What would be the feeling when we hear so many bands play live? For that we just had to wait…patiently!
The D-day arrived and lo behold, we woke up feeling a bit tired. The weather was humid and the sky was a bit overcast. I kept peeking out of the window to check the sky and said a small prayer of thanks every time I saw the sun.
We arrived minutes before the event began as we did not want to miss a single thing. The event was not open to public as yet. Waiting in the heat seemed to drag for eternity! Finally, we were let in and escorted to a corner for a thorough checkup. The entire venue was beefed up with security. I was pretty impressed. Even as I entered the place I couldn't help getting excited. It was so beautiful and I didn't know where to begin or where to go!
We attended a couple of stages and enjoyed just listening to live music out in the open. I bumped into some of my office colleagues, said a quick hi, and continued visiting one stage to another. Overall, it was a great experience and it was there when we decided that the coming year we would attend for 3 days.
Back to the present, my sister and I are attending NH7 for 3 days and guess what, we have a big gang!
I can’t wait for next week!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Things that make me smile!
There are so many things that immediately bring a smile on my face. Thought of listing them down:
Watching kids ride the bicycle
Every time I enter the cinema theatre
Listening to Christmas songs
When Friday draws near
When winter is near
When I hear from my friends
Reading the newspaper comics
Sunday lunch
Sharing chocolates with my sister
When my sister says ‘Good morning’
When I cook something for my family
Every time I eat potatoes..yeah!
Watching kids ride the bicycle
Every time I enter the cinema theatre
Listening to Christmas songs
When Friday draws near
When winter is near
When I hear from my friends
Reading the newspaper comics
Sunday lunch
Sharing chocolates with my sister
When my sister says ‘Good morning’
When I cook something for my family
Every time I eat potatoes..yeah!
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