So are you going to heaven or hell? ...

Pre-Note: Saturday break.

Heard once upon a time. A conversation in a car.
 
Three colleagues, all of different religion and faith, car-pooled to an eatery for a meal. One a Muslim, another a Christian, and one other a Buddhist. The subject of death, good deeds, heaven and hell came up. After some semantics and premise, in short:

The Muslim:  You know guys, in my religion, the two of you are all going to hell if you don't repent.
The Christian: Well, in mine, the two of you are doomed and going to hell too if you don't repent. 
The Buddhist: Haha we're no different. In mine, the two of you are bound for hell. The difference in mine is... what level of hell will you be in.
*All three laughed heartily*
All in agreement and good spirit: So that's right, no issue there then. The conclusion is - We're ALL going to hell!

Post-Note: Before you condemn another person's belief, look first at yourself.

We all should learn to chill sometimes. It is after all a hot day! Go grab yourself an Air Batu Campur.

ABC at Lorong 2, Siburan... cheapest and best

Happy Weekend everybody!

p/s: This is a true story. At the time, it was really hilarious. Recount to capture the spirit of unity, respect, and tolerance. Not meant to offend any religious belief or faith. If you're offended, no apology will be issued.

The right, the wrong, the nitty-gritty ...

Hot coffee on the table, eyes on the screen, hands on the keyboard, emotion in check, heart intact right here but the mind is all over the place. Like trying to kill a mosquito in the forest with an insect repellent without hurting the butterflies after your guide told you beforehand not to put on any perfume before the walk.

Cloaking it. I'm going to rant. Start dozing off.

A few words of warning: Be careful with the reading and I'll be careful with my rant. If I tend to be a little tipped on one side on this scale of tolerance whatsoever, keep calm and read on. My written opinions may never be viral, may never even make it to Cabinet meetings, may never even be read by people who actually comprehend, but I stand here not quite corrected, because some stuffs have got to be put into words. In my words anyway, because I've read theirs and I've read yours. I don't always get it either, but collectively, I hope we make a point or two because there is no knowing how anybody will take our opinions, or if they'll even bother to digest them for what they are.

Borrowing from Dave Berry Coffee Quote

Have you read the headlines these past few days, or for the past few weeks? The part about the religious tolerance (or intolerance, if you will) in our country? Yes, the one talking about sensitivity (or insensitivity, if you will) and What-not-to-do-when-it-comes-to-other-people's-religion. Somehow it feels like there's more to it than meets the eye. If I don't know any better, it's as if somehow we're literally trying to put ourselves in the international spotlight, grabbing whatever issue when it comes to religion and making it so huge even a murder story pales in comparison.

A pretext somewhat.

You cannot state your opinion freely these days without fear of it haunting you in the coming future -- Some very recent as a day ago, some a week ago, and some goes as far away back as three years ago. The minute you open your mouth, or type your opening line, you're immediately bound by the unwritten rule of Be Careful Where You Tread.

You know exactly what I am talking about, so let's both stop being coy. It is undeniably disrespectful and totally uncivilized to insult or making fun of other people's religions. It is morally wrong to offend other people's feelings when it comes to their beliefs and faith. So when you step over the boundaries of what is morally right and what is not, logically the offended parties will use whatever applicable law there is on you.

So, while you think that being an exhibitionist or a porn connoisseur in your own website and in your own world is not wrong -- and perhaps there isn't anything so horrible or perverted about it -- other people may not perceive it that way. Then again, the question of 'What do I care about what people think? This is my life'. Hear ye hear ye! This is Malaysia, or haven't you heard?

I am not agreeing nor am I disagreeing that the Alvivi couple should be put to jail or slapped with such a hefty fine, I am merely saying that their crime is say, something akin to a couple of kids offending a group of big guys by calling their parents all sorts of nasty names, and yet the authority treats their crime like a first degree murder ... complete with handcuffs scene and all. What they did is insensitive, but I can name a few other of my acquaintances doing the same thing on Facebook and the rest just shrugged it off. There's the difference between those already in the spotlight and those who are just faces in the crowd.

Yes it's insensitive, yes I'm hurt by it if I'm at the receiving end, but no I won't create a group to put them down real bad, nor would I want to see them rot in jail, neither do I want to shoot or kill or maim them in any way. What for? If we do that to everyone for committing a crime of acting offensively towards others, hey, there would be no politicians left in this country, there would be no one left to even live to tell stories about it! You, me, them, we will all go down eventually.

Google pic 

First rule of all religion anyone: God does not condone violence. And God teaches His congregation to forgive. Maybe 'to forget' is a little bit too much for some, but how about Do Unto Others What You Want Them To Do Unto You?

A little stringent, that. But that's when you offend other people's religion. Now, how about when you offend your own religion? I supposed in some ways, that is uncalled for. I would rather this group of religious officers, take the errant people aside and chastise them privately, so as not to humiliate anyone, least of all to make themselves look bad. Not make it into headlines!

I mean, come on ... handcuffing beauty pageants in front of everyone? Is that really necessary, and to what end? What do you hope to achieve? To teach them and everyone else a lesson should they attempt the same? But hey, I'm sorry, but I feel like God is looking down and frowning. If this is a lesson on decency, how about you start a decency law on women in national TV, in local movies, in the drama series? I can name a few. In fact, the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee might have committed more than one offense, if you can count those years back. Or say, women in sports. Swimming, to be exact. What is the difference between 15 years ago than now? What is the difference between our country and other similar countries? Shouldn't we be evolving and advancing, instead of going backward? Wait... don't tell me, have religions evolved too? Hmm.

Oh sigh. Poor trainer girl with the dogs in the video. A video that was dug up from a 3 year old archive. My, we are a truly tech-crazed nation. Dig up some more, I'm sure there are a lot more in that YouTube archive. But do me a favor, be fair. I know someone threaten to burn the Bible in there somewhere. By the time you're done, the National Day celebration will come and go, and we're still not even near the finish line or whatever humanly code of conduct there is possible.

Gawd, I hate to write mad craps like this. It annoys me.

Coffee break!

Let's be honest. We all like the idea that our country is rich with diverse cultures, that we're living in racial harmony, that we have skyscrapers, and modern technology. Hey genius, the former two are not in the same category as the later two. Take away moral civilization and social maturity from modern physical establishment and infrastructure advancement, what do you get? An overbalanced colony teetering on the brink of slow destruction.

There's a code of conduct in there somewhere that points out the fact that while Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Atheists, Pagans etc CAN co-exist in peace and harmony, it really doesn't take a genius to also point out that if we really look deeper AND at the rate we're going here in this country, we're better off living in seclusion of each other. Why? Because it's like constantly tiptoeing on eggshells. Like a time bomb waiting to explode. Merely waiting for something to trigger it, to push it off its perching balance.

Hey, waiting doesn't take too long, does it? It takes two... three... four instances of religious insensitivity, of hard pokings, to start a war. You poke a small hole, eventually you can break out of prison (not counting the other security breaches, ie). And we're not even touching on the conflicts and of divided opinions in the internal zones caused by the outside factors.

Are we building that civic rehab center, Sir? Or are we just planning it for certain people with certain crimes offending certain people only?

Sometimes I wonder if we're all better off alone, each of us, all by ourselves, equipped with fast Internet connection, and a huge bank account, in a cave, alone, to each his own district. Self running, self sufficient, self lived. No law, no crime, nobody to judge and be judged, nobody to ram anything down our throats. Just peace and quiet. And a strong faith in our religion and in our God. Waiting to die and go to Heaven. Assuming we all die as a good person in this ideal land.

Hard shell. That's not happening ever, even if Bruce Willis is the director of the movie.

Pic borrowed from SomeEeCards 

With all due respect, we tend to react more when we're offended than when we're grieving over a loss. Unfathomable. People watch CSI for the science of solving a mystery, all things precise and sometimes circumstantial, but that's as far as it goes. LEVERAGE, on the other hand, is a play of mind strategy on how to exact a confession so as to avenge a certain issue. Two different drama series, two kinds of audience. Which are you?

I am more of a Hart Of Dixie kind of person, and a CSI for the wrong reason, so I'm not going to judge you and does not expect the same from you. Move on and grit it.

Right now, I don't have an exit statement to end this, except a by-note that this is my story and I'm sticking to it. No offense to anybody, just stating the obvious by what I observe from where I stand. Hey look! I've written a whole book! Haha. Just don't ban my coffee. That's just asking for it.

P/s: Oh and don't make me leave my country, Sir, I have every right to be here, same as you.

Rock and otter-roll!

Hello. Here for some more eye-rolling moment!

Sorry I've been remiss, yet again. Between bouncing on cloud nine and living A Life, it gets pretty lively every now and then. Rip-roaring one minute, languorous the next. Always unpredictable, but it gets things done. 

Don't have anything specific to write about today. Nothing that could top the previous entry anyway. That was a complete enormous news that the only way I can top it is by having something bigger happening. All in good time, people, all in good time. I don't get here by rushing, so I'm not going to start now.

But I've been bugged about not updating more than once by the faithfuls, so, supposed this is a good entry. Hey, I'm wearing a bright stone on my left hand's second finger -- after the pinkie. Shall I do that with more gusto? Here goes...

I AM WEARING A DIAMOND E.N.G.A.G.E.M.E.N.T RING!

Hahaha. I can't seem to fathom it. It's like I'm still not used to being this girl that that guy went on his one knee and proposed to. He did, he went on his knee, although you probably didn't see that in the video. It was too fast, too sudden, too unreal, I didn't even have time to properly appreciate him suddenly bending on one knee. But I did say YES. So, that's all that mattered. Right?

I know I know... you want to roll your eyes now reading me. Go ahead roll 'em. Hahaha. I don't blame you, but I don't care either. :p Everybody have their moments, and this is mine, so I'm going to indulge while it lasts.

ANYWAY ...

Do you know that otters hold hands while they sleep so they don't drift away from each other?

Sea otters are a marine mammal which can be found on the coasts of the Northern Pacific Ocean and are the largest member of the weasel family. They have the densest fur in the whole animal kingdom, ranging from 250,000 to one million hairs per square inch. Now that’s a lot of fur!

So, why do they hold hands?

Sea otters will often float in groups (called rafts) whilst they eat, rest and sleep. A raft of otters can be anything from two otters to hundreds! And, whilst they are rafting, it is well known that they will all hold hands to stay together in their group. Also, the sea otter will use sea plants that grow from the ocean floor which they will wrap themselves up in, which helps keep them from drifting away.

Pics courtesy of Google and Factualfacts.com.  

I got these (copied word by word) from Factualfacts.com. Just borrowing them for awhile. People hold hands for a varying degree of reasons, but mostly for affection, comfort, and security. Find those in a person and never let go. You'll get there eventually, but don't rush it.

I found my Significant Otter, and life has been otterly amazing!

Ok bye! I'll shut up now! Hahaha

Crafted By Mei ... Living the dream...

I have a confession to make: I have been seriously indulging in online shopping for the past month. You'd think that constant traveling would lessen it, but NO. Traveling encourages it more! What's with the constant long lonely hours in the hotel room and strong Internet signal ... a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. Right ladies?

My point is: I've discovered another site for my trinket collection. Actually this site has been there awhile, I've browsed through the entries many times and even contemplated on buying something, but usually ended up didn't. So by 'discovered', I meant I purchased something from there just for experiment sake. And voila! What a delight the whole experience turned out to be!

Quite like my previous passion with romance novels which has now slowly dwindled due to my own er private emotional life steadily taking off. But that's another story. Oh how I can go on and on!

So anyway lovelies, have you ever heard of Crafted By Mei? If you haven't already, you should be.

Last week I got a little brave and made contact with Mei, inquiring about her latest charm bracelets. Her First Steps series kinda caught my fancy so strongly that I just couldn't help myself. (Hello, sounds like an online-shopaholic ho...). She responded promptly and her tone was quite cheerful but at the same time, professional. To cut the story short and a few emails between us later...

TADAAA! My First Steps bracelet. Made of (ok here comes the fancy cute names) Flower Cabochon, Padparadscha AB Swarovski Heart, Matte Orange Flat Oval Chinese Crystal, Coral Red Faux Pearl Bead, Light Peach Chinese Crystal Doughnut, Footstep Charm and Live Your Dream Charm (as seen below on my chubby wrist).

'Live your dream' it says, as if I have been neglecting just that lately. 

 Complete with the necklace series ...

I'm a sucker for sweet wraps and lovely creative packaging. Even if the inside sucks (which this one totally didn't), the outer part would always make up for it a little. This lady is serious.

Packaging was really nice ... really really nice...

 This is how a woman who means business makes a deal that really impresses...

And you know what sealed the deal? Her really big dreams and her courage. I followed her on Facebook after this initial purchase, and what I discovered totally changed my perception of her. (Sorry Mei, I am going to borrow your Facebook page a bit).

I discovered lovely Mei is actually wheelchair bound, as was mentioned in a Magazine article and her previous post (read here to know more) .I emailed her to say I was sorry about her condition and guess what she replied?

In her own words to me: "... One is not defined by whether he sits or stands. I am truly fine..."

Pretty girl with big dreams living it everyday...

I was touched by how positive she looks at life, and I reflected on myself and how different I am from her in so many ways. I can be quite a whiner sometimes when things don't go my way.  Or silently going through a series of passive regression, like a time bomb, when encountering a negative experience.

But this girl? She got back right up, and I don't know how she did it, but she did and she's doing something that she loves right now. Very good at it too. She can be ok with her condition, while I was swamped with guilt and sympathy. (Not a good combination sometimes especially when dealing with someone of less advantage than you). Girl, you'd make a good role model for all these able-bodied youths out there. And to some of the older ones with diminishing dreams.

So now I'm here to stay! Wohoo! Her handcrafted jewellery is perfect for birthday gifts to BFFs, parting souvenirs, or simply for your own wear to match with party or function attires. They're quite an eye-catching stuff.

Thank you Mei. :-) God bless your online business.

NOTE: Lesson learned for the day: I should start on that novel project already. Live MY dream for once!

I'm not afraid to love...

Oh hello. Crashed and burned over the weekend? Come come.. do you really want to make me start on this again?

Oh ye fools. Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love.

I'm not standing at a crossroad. Not this time. In fact, I've moved one foot off the grave, and another foot away from the door. Have I ever given up on love? No, never, unbelievably so. But for the past many years of my life, I had been roaming aimlessly like a lost soul in search of another heart who can halt all this subdued wanderlust feeling. Oh yes, the makings of a good storyline.

There were times I stood tongue-tied and stared blankly at people who asked questions I didn't have ready answers for. Blabbering like a fool in front of the horde will only open doors for more questioning and possible assault. The throng loves a field day, and it's always at the victim's expenses.

And there were also times I was too quick with my tongue that I ended up regretting my answers later, which was borne out of spite and annoyance. My mother always advised to quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. But then my mother forgot to warn me about the wolves who love to feast on little girls. There were numerous time I just up and leave, sometimes quietly, sometimes in a great commotion, depending on who's doing the asking and who's doing the running. I'm requoting Bible verses.

It wasn't always difficult to maneuver. But in the course of times, it just gets exhausting. I don't answer to anyone but sometimes some stuff needs to be reckoned with. Who doesn't want to sleep peacefully at night?

There wasn't a day in my life that I wished I could be like a normal girl who follows society rules and demands. Some girls prefer to just settle. Accept whatever life hands her, live with it and learn to be content. Take the next available guy and stop looking. Isn't that what most of the normal girls do? And then some ended up reciting the confessions of the "If only ..."

Would you want me to end up like that? Thick. I'm the only one who answers to me. I don't just settle, per se.

One unsuspecting soul even quoted that time and tide wait for no man... True. But that's the beauty of nature, they just go on doing what they do best without much influence from anyone. Man on the other hand, can be likened to a stalk of reed, easily swayed to go the way of the strongest element. If not a reed, then something else more solid like an oak tree. And now I'm requoting Bible verses again.

But then I believe that even the lost and forsaken can be found and forgiven, and the lonely and sad can be redeemed and made happy. Why not me? If I were meant to wait it out, for my redeemer to come and sweep me off my feet, who's to say that it could take forever, or maybe the next few years, or the next few days, or the next few hours? While I have every right to choose and be picky with my choice, I have not so far, regretted the few choices that I had or ever had the opportunity to try and work them out, and failed... Those were like balms, a secret stepping stone to always improve my game, or an indication to move away and reroute. Whoever gets hurt in the process have no idea that I hurt more, if that is even possible.

Strong willed and always a hopeless romantic at heart. This faith that I have in the God who sees all things and have prepared someone for everyone, will prevail. Faith always win, somehow, right? Faith in that one magical thing that none has ever succeeded in explaining thus far.

Oh ye woman of faith, worry not for the man who will steal thy heart, for I will bring him to thee when thou least expected it. And I will face it like a true martyr. Any day now. Shall we move the pressure point to the next level now? This love subject is a risky business, isn't it.

Here's a little confession, ye wolves of the highest order: I'm not afraid to love... I'm just afraid I won't be loved back. Equally or more.

Wordless Wednesday ...

Break away... come what May.

I have so much to blog about, but I guess it will have to wait for now. But... on a positive note, looks like the year is going to be good after all. Please Lord, let me have this fairy tale ending.

I promise I'll be good. Amen.

One day at a time ...

HELLO MARCH.

I made it. 

One month ago today I pulled the plug. Said my last goodbye. 

And started a new life. One beautiful day at a time.

Farewell memory. It was life-altering. Thank you.

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. 

GOOD BYE FEBRUARY.

In memory of Black ...

(While it's still fresh in my mind. You can flip if you want.)

Any form of life is sacred, no matter that they are born without the willpower and intellect that we human have.

A few weeks ago, Black the Boxweiler, was cornered by a few drunken guys nearby a local grocery store. The sight of him cowering gave the men some sort of perverse power. They picked up empty bottles, broken glasses, sticks and whatever were handy and threw them at him. Some missed its mark, some bulls-eyed. The helpless yelps and sometimes angry growls just made the men madder. 15 minutes later Black came home trembling with rage and spotting bruises and tiny cuts. This went on for a few more long days, and like a bullied child, an animal is no better, and as the hurt grew, so did the hatred for these despicable men.

And then the tables turned. A week ago, a neighbor rushed to the mistress informing her that Black had ran rampage and attacking the men one by one, the assailants who had been terrorizing him for days on end. He cornered one at his house not far away and rushed at him gnarling and barking ferociously, alarming the whole neighborhood. The man feared for his family. And then Black ran after another man who was on his way home from work. He didn't make it to a safe place before Black attacked him on his feet until a crowd rescued the man. Black ambushed another man at his house one morning and almost broke the fence fighting the man who was wielding a helmet. Even then the man continued to taunt him.

This went on for several days and Black came home after each encounter. You would think a dog would not know any better, but sometimes animals are more acute than humans, especially when bent on revenge. Black did not forget the face of his tormentors. Wouldn't you? Hatred does that to a person, doesn't it?

The neighbor who reported the attack urged the mistress to leash Black before anything bad happens. The mistress' grandmother even told her to send Black away, far far away, if she loved him, before things get out of hands. It was like a premonition. When push comes to shove, something someone somewhat somehow will fall far far down irrevocably.

Fast forward a little. Last Sunday, as usual, Black was barking and wagging his tail cheerfully even on a leash, when his Mistress came home. She has a small kid and a teen living with her, and a group of us were chatting progressively about dinner and the weather. When she shared with us the Black incident, no one really took that seriously. Patting Black's eager head and cooing at him, she turned the leash loose. Black went rushing off in bursts of life and delights seconds after being let out to God-knows-where. We laughed and went inside, totally engrossed in a series of kids vs adult drama talk.

15 minutes later Black came home jerky, writhing on the floor and foaming on the mouth, moaning pitifully. His mistress noticed immediately, stopped her chattering and rushed out. Something about her face told us she had seen something like this a few times in her life to recognize it immediately for what it was. Exploding into action, she whipped raw egg and added salt in a bowl and shoved it under Black's mouth, all the while her cries were louder and more pitiful than the dog's. It is at times like these that I wished I knew what to say or do to make things better, although in my heart I knew it was too potent and too late to react. The mistress held Black's head, rubbing aggressively, insisting he ate the concoction, all the while crying herself.

5 minutes later the violent twitching stopped. Black died in the arms of his mistress and I've never seen anything more heart-wrenching as the sight of her cuddling his head, trying to stay the warmth, irregardless of the goo on his mouth and all.

To hear tell, Black had been a victim of sudden poisoning via injection -- slung shot injection, from the looks of it. I gazed in disbelief at some length some people will go to to achieve whatever end. I never even heard of such thing! Technology? My God... these dog-killers were probably still around the area waiting for him to actually die! The knowledge that those murderers were close by  -- they had to be, a sling shot is lucky only if from a close distance, and Black did not run far away at night -- made the hairs on my arms stand on end. A person who could kill a dog with such heartless intent, could kill a human too, couldn't they?

My sister held the smaller daughter away. A kid shouldn't see something like this. Helpless, as astounding as it was, I just stood there, unable to accept the fact that this happened right before our eyes. My eyes! I never witness such heartless act in my entire life. To take a life away like it's worthless. There will be hell to pay.

Tomorrow there would be repercussions. Did he bring this upon himself? No, not unprovoked. Did those bullies had a sound reason? I'm not one to judge. But as I listened to Black's mistress recounted the whole ordeal from beginning to end in between sobs, I prayed that God would look upon her and her family with grace and mercy in times of her grief. It is one thing to own a dog, it is another to love him.

I am sorry, I am being melodramatic, but this ordeal has touched me in a way I could not quite explain. I've had pets dying before, I even helped buried a cat or two who died in our care or at birth or freak accidents. In fact we had dog pets at my home growing up, but something about animal attachment just grew weary on some us. I'm better off without pets anyway, I cannot deal with too much love, but that's another story.

I knew Black. He wasn't a violent dog. He was a good farm dog, helpful and even gentle with kids. Every time I came to visit, he would rush over and crowd me with wet tongue and waggy tail and whimpers of delight. Of course I would remember, I dislike dog wet licks on my bare legs, but I didn't push him away. How could anyone, when showered with such open demonstrative adoration?

Being Christians, we accept this with forgiving hearts, but God sees all things, and we believe God will avenge accordingly. As long as I, we, do not raise our hands to another. Even right now, I breath prayers to the souls of the men who did this.

Rest in peace, Black.

The Bunny has nothing to do with Easter...

In fact, it's just the world's way of confusing the truth so that kids and grown ups alike will not remember the real reason we celebrate Easter.

Why a bunny? What has it got to do with Jesus? Here's the answer: Nothing.

But a little explanation on how that probably came about: The Pagans celebrated the Goddess Oestra, the goddess of fertility. She was celebrated in Spring, being the time of year that everything came to life in the fields. Eggs and rabbits were early symbols of fertility. When the Catholic church wanted to bring in the pagans they adopted many of the pagan symbols and celebrations to entice them. The goddess was linked to Mary (a link you could think of being the giver of life). The eggs and bunnies just came along for fun. And no one can even explain where the Easter Egg come from other than if you relate it with the Chicken-and-Egg story. And some even say that the bunny was the first to see Jesus being resurrected. So, you got all that from a bunny who relate the news, right? Wrong.

If you're a Christian and if you ever go to Sunday School, you'd know the real Easter story. The Bunny has nothing to do with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just like Santa Claus has nothing to do with the Birth of Jesus Christ either. But I'm not here to tell you the story of the Resurrection. I'm here to tell you it is not Biblical. In fact, rabbits all over the world would be appalled that you would even use them that way ... If they could talk, ie.

If you have to relate something to the death and resurrection of Jesus, relate it with the Cross, that would be more than relevant. Relate it with Crown of thorns. Relate it with The Last Supper. Relate it with Nails and Blood. Relate it with Golgotha. Relate it with Calvary. Relate it with the Sacrificial Lamb. Relate it with an Empty Tomb.

So, on that note, I wish all Christians all over the world: 

Happy Easter Sunday!

In life and death ...

What do you say in a moment like this? When you can't find the words to tell it like it is?

A childhood friend just lost her husband today. When she had lost all hope of ever marrying a decent guy, she found him right under her nose. It was a love match and anybody could see how happy she was. They were married last November, and that would officially make it less than a year. He was not a very fit person, but she knew that when she married him. A week ago, he went for a monthly medical check-up but this time, something about his look made the doctor detained him for further observation. That same night he fell into a coma. This morning, he died without even saying good bye. She is 6 months pregnant.

How do you go on from there?

When I picked up the phone and received the news, the first thing that came to my mind was the image of her beautiful smile looking up at the face of the man who stole her heart, on their wedding day. All hopeful looks. All bright future. Her prayers answered. His too. They moved away to start a new life together. I didn't hear from them again until that day.

Did you think it was fair for her world to come crashing down, just like that? I could almost feel her heart broken again and again. And then I remembered feeling every time I broke up with my beloved, it felt as if my world has ended or that I felt like dying. Mere drama, emotional stuffs. But while a relationship can be mended, death cannot be altered. What I felt is nothing compared to what she must be feeling. Not even close. Nothing is fair in this world. Those who cheated on their spouses, those who got divorced, those who are separated, those lived-in lovers... I asked myself, why does it have to happen to them, to her?

There is always a reason for everything. But you just don't say that to a weeping person. The best you can do is get on your knees and weep on her behalf.

Here's dedicated to the loving memory of her husband. I don't know you well enough, but you brought happiness to my friend's life. Whatever God's design in this, I pray she will soon learn to know and accept it.

 Someone is keeping watch over us.

When the trust has been breached...

I have to apologize. This is probably going to sound like another one of those faith cum political talks that we all detest so much and yet couldn't stay away from.

Christians all over the world are not aggressive people. Before you roll your eyes and disagree with me, here's the partial truth: All Faith teaches their congregations to respect each other, especially those from a different faith, and not to resort to violence when dealing with any kinds of crisis. Right? All Faith except Satanism, that is. But let's not go there.

So, in the wake of the Sarawak Election, something just doesn't add up.

• First, you try to take something precious from the Christians. This confuses the people because it never happened.
• Secondly, you try to put your marks on them. This annoys the people, because in the name of the government, you might have the right to do that, but the people know it's just wrong.
• Third, you try to negotiate with the people. This just makes you look stupid because you sent the wrong negotiator.
• Fourth, you gave 10 reasons why the people should let you do what you have just decided you should do. This just pisses people off more because why come up with 10 when they all mean the same thing - a NO?
• Fifth, in the end, you wanted to release the Books. This just shows that decisions can change anytime. You can take it back again, and who could stop you? This just looks like a political stunt to rope in the votes. No, you disagree? Well that is exactly what it looks like to me.
• And sixth... you expect after all that has happened, after all that has been said and done, that the people will have any hope left in you? You who disappoint the very people who used to put their trust in you. 
• Seven... I read the 10 points. All I got was bla bla bla 10 point solution. And I thought my English was good. 
• Eight... I cannot come up with my own 10 points on this it seems. Did you notice those 10s are probably repetitive and redundant? Did you? Tell me. I'm dying to know.

If you give a toy to a child, he will love you. If you take it away from him, he will cry for a while. But when you give it back, he will rejoice and forget that you have ever done him wrong. His mentality is not yet conditioned to remember the hurt you inflicted.

If you give something precious to a grown up, he will be grateful. But if you take it away, he may fight you and then end up accepting his fate, but resentment will grow. You are not God to simply give and take as you please.

The people are not stupid. They are not docile. Not anymore.

I don't support any Parties, at least not outright. I am speaking on behalf of all the other Christians who have been quiet and supportive of good deeds done by the government of the day all this while. What changed?

I THOUGHT YOU WANTED THEIR VOTES? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

Don't push it ...

Got a bit of spare time today for an entry, despite this black hole in my head.

Religion is not my favourite topic, neither is faith, because I might offend some people without even meaning to. And you know how fast and furious we can get defending it. Sometimes so irrational, and stubbornly so, sometimes not willing to bend or listen to what other people are saying, and sometimes persistently insisting yours is right, mine is wrong, and vice versa. Bla bla bla.

And I quote: People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

We don't ram our opinions down each other's throats, do we? Anything more and we'll end up strangling each other.

Take coffee, for instance. I drink coffee. I like them, in fact I must have a cup every day. If you don't like them, keep silent. I do not make you drink them, did I? But do not condemn me for drinking them. Or others who do. Should I offer coffee to you and should you decline, I respect you. I would expect the same from you. Don't start preaching to me about coffee. You are not my doctor. And do not attempt to steer my mind towards your opinions. I thank you that you bothered. But do not be wise in your own eyes, for you might end up looking like a fool. You and me alike. Why can't we just sip our drinks - me with my coffee, you with yours - side by side without feeling the need to be hostile? 

CUBA UDAH GIK.

p/s: By impounding the Bible, and insisting the adherence of policy makers, the federal government is sending a message. Learn to read the gestures.

A thought on Faith...

*Blog Via Free Blackberry*

... Just feeling slightly out of sorts.

I shall not make an entry about Valentine's Day because I'm sure whatever I will say, and I have a lot I would like to say, will probably offend some people. Or even if it's not offensive in its intention, some will still find something about it to make it so. The world has changed drastically overnight. Making a mountain out of a molehill, to say the least.

I kind of felt the same like the time when I read about a church was burned somewhere. I didn't take offense in that, instead I wept. Because the implication in that was unmistakable. This also brought back the dreadful feelings of tragedy looming when people started joining or inviting others to join hate groups in Facebook over small matters, a year plus ago.That alone almost made me revoke my account, but unfortunately you can only deactivate, and not delete altogether.

Faith and religion are two very different things. Godly people and religious people are two very different things. One is an institution, the other a merit of a belief. I can believe in God and not belong to any religion. I can have a religion without actually believing in God. Basic English. Basic knowledge.

You can say my religion is false or my belief is unfounded or my faith is wrong. I can say the same about yours. But we won't because we respect each other enough to give it a rest. That time will come when each will be made to defend it against the other, but that day is not here yet, but it's close. There are many faiths in this world, there are more than just the major two.

My religion is what I put down in paper forms. My faith and my belief are what I hold true when I pledge my allegiance to my God. How people show their allegiance is their responsibility and their own accountability. We will be judged accordingly someday. Using Whose measure? Not man-made, that's for sure.

I only know mine says to draw near unto Him and He will draw near unto me ... in as little as a verse that means so much deeper than that.

Do you ever wonder someday, when we die, and we all will, and when we stand before our Creator, that after all that is said and done, that we actually made the right choice?

Don't be offended. Just a thought. :-)