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Friday,
December 31,
2004 - Vinod
Year in Review - Part 2
So Chris tells me that during one non-descript
morning in the middle months of 2004, he woke up to start his day. After
eating two raw eggs,
he heads out to the gym to break few records by bench pressing 220 lbs
after 7 reps, the idea came to him…time to add more webmasters….
This is part two of the 2004 IPF Year in
Review….
….so IPF ventures into new territory, but unlike
Iraq,
we are successful. A young stable of talented web writers were thrown
into a mix of veteran writers, each with their own eclectic, topic exploring
style…Liza Barros, Benjamin Harris, Llenis Melendez, Greg Smith and Chris
Strickland…this unit represents the ever popular inspirations staff.
I caught Ben Harris’s
update on how to make TIME for God, when TIME permits you can catch his piece
here:
Too busy not to pray
Throw in the candid Auntie Lakshmi, who I
initially thought was a joke, but now I find amusing to read, even though she
hasn’t answered any of my questions to date, the resident Indian Maya Angelou,
in
Anne’s Journal, whose creativity has not been stifled after giving birth, the
son of a busy trucking driving father, Roger Ramjet who must know more about
Indian culture than I do and finally the light musings of Brenda Barros from the
great State of Texas all have faithfully contributed to majority of the content
provided for IPF in 2004.
By far one of the saddest days in sports history,
and in the game of the National Basketball Association revealed its face in
2004. When a sore losing Detroit Piston fan decided to buy a large soda for
$6.00 and hurl into Indiana Pacer, Ron Artest. What can’t google find?
Everything regarding this case can be found on the following website:
www.basketbrawl.us. I don’t know what’s
worse? Finding this site or creating this site?
Here’s my stance which would be better explained
through analogy. Let’s say for instance, your mom or aunt goes to work to start
the 11-7 shift at the hospital in the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit.
Note the
word INTENSIVE. This is not a place to be playing around people. So I come in
to visit my uncle who requires intensive care and has recently been intubated.
I find that my uncle has soiled himself and has been complaining a lot. I walk
over to the nurse’s station with a bottle of Snapple and pour the entire
contents over your aunt’s head, walk back into my uncle’s room and act as if it
never happened. No one likes to be disturbed at their work place. It was the
fan’s fault.
 I friend of mine recently told me he was planning
on visiting Canada with intentions on permanently staying there. Why you
ask? Because
George W. Bush won his second campaign for the Presidency of
the United States. The elections proved the majority of this country is not ultra
liberal as MTV and other television programs may portray, but rather we are
right wing conservatives at heart. Enough politics.
About a month ago, the
IPF message boards were
being posted with various comments about eating cake. The cake references were
very inside, but I believe many people started to put things together. One of
the strongest interests in content available on IPF was that of anything related
to NTC functions. As soon as revivals hit, someone would post, “Can we see some
pics?!”, sounding like a raving lunatic. Sadly, Chris was respectfully
asked to remove all such material. Here’s the quick reason why: Someone
saw digital picture of a girl feeding a guy with a piece of cake.
Contacted the ministry because of the atrocity and complained. All
objectionable media was asked to be taken down. My brother Justin was
questioned by the ministry about the movie he starred and produced, “Me, myself
and I” Justin was basically playing himself in a game of chess. One
of the characters is angered by the fact he loses and kills the other one.
Here are excerpts of the conversation with Justin and the MINISTRY:
Minstry: “How did you split yourself on the
screen?”
Justin: “Adobe Premiere”
Minstry: “Are you planning suicide?”
Justin: “No”
So basically, they were amazed by the technology
and equally convinced it contained cryptic suicidal messages which will
encourage people to kill themselves if they lose a game of chess. This happened
in 04…
Well, that’s it. Quickly, Christian is walking,
the IPF message boards were down for a few days,
www.ru4real.net,
www.sanityzedge.net, and
http://www.gyh2004.com/ are the latest
websites on the map…Giuliani in 2008.
Happy New Year.
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Thursday,
December 30,
2004 - Vinod
Year in Review - Part 1
Consider yourself privileged to witness the
inception of the newest series to IndaPhatFarm…The 2004 IPF Year in Review…There
is a cryptic notion behind the word privileged. Let me explain simply, read
this now before there is a possibility it gets removed in the future. With that
being stated, please read the following: If you lack a sense of humor or can’t
take a joke, don’t read any further. Don’t contact any church, just email me at
vinod1227@gmail.com
with any issues whatsoever. We are not CVS, Duane Reade or Rite Aid, if you
have a weak stomach, patronize one of those stores for Pepto Bismol tablets.
The man was considered the foundation of the NTC
church on the North American continent. I wasn’t comfortable rifling off topics
before I mentioned this one. Pastor Don is and will be sorely missed. I
believe his absence is the source of numerous issues that have erupted in the
recent weeks.
The
Philadelphia Ballaz won this year’s basketball tournament. The
young lions maintain their stronghold over the past two tournaments, even
through the numerous accusations of scab players. Led by their veteran leader,
and recently married Rocky S., they captured the trophy in the land of crab
cakes, Maryland. Can we get an encore? Only 2005 will reveal this. During
next years tournament, I will be formally retire from the game of basketball and
concentrate on player development and coaching. Its all about change. Congrats
to the following couples: they entered into the sacred institution of marriage
and additionally, will advance wrinkle lines, accelerate white hair or baldness,
increase stress, add an unimaginable amount responsibility and voluntarily
relinquished their freedom: Rocky and Seema of Philly, Philip and Sherly of
Oklahoma, George and Gloria of Texas. George? I hope you have enough energy to
keep up with Gloria.
So we move on to two major court trials that
captivated people’s attention up until the jury’s final decision. Martha
Stewart was convicted of stock conspiracy. You can see what Martha thinks at:
http://www.marthatalks.com/. Then we have Scott Peterson, the
fertilizer salesman, convicted of two counts of murder. The second count of
murder for Conner Peterson has driven pro life advocates to climb walls.
Conner’s law was signed by Bush:
http://www.modbee.com/reports/peterson/trial/story/8380973p-9215282c.html
You can find a tribute to Laci at:
http://www.lacipeterson.com/
I didn’t want to overload you with numerous
topics. I give some consideration to the fact that tomorrow is a work/school
day and that I’ve probably offended someone at this point. But, but, I
will leave you off with a little excitement:
http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/n/k/nkf105/files/NBA%20Vince%20Carter%20-%20Dunks%20Over%207'2%20Guy%20At%202000%20Olympics.mpg
And he’s in New Jersey. Part 2 of my update
will be posted tomorrow. Stand by.
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Posted on Wednesday, December 29, 2004
by
Anne
'No Regrets'
 It's
the
end
of the year and
now, besides thinking of our resolutions for the new year, we have been
bombarded with news of tragedies, both in our own personal lives and in the
international front. While thoughts of losing extra weight and striving to do
something to better our personal
self is a common resolution, we should also think about any regrets we may have
in our lives.
The one thing we all are guaranteed is this moment now.
We
may not wake up to see the sun rise tomorrow.
Knowing this, are you happy with where you are in your life now? Have you
spoken in haste and/or with hate to someone unintentionally or even
intentionally? Will you have regrets if that person passed away before you
could ask for forgiveness?
Do
the people you love in your life KNOW that you love them?
If Jesus was standing next to you, would you feel at ease to tell Him of your
day and of your actions or would you feel a bit hesitant?
Why
wait until January 1st to begin a new way of life?
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Make the most of every
moment. If you are reading this now, then God has granted you one more moment
here on this earth and I think it would be wise to make the most of that
moment. Sure it's hard to take the time to exercise and lose weight, but that's
still easier than
righting any wrongs.
Take the initiative and the extra effort to call a long lost friend or
relative. Apologize and ask forgiveness to someone who you've hurt or work to
make amends with someone who hurt you.
Our goal here on this earth as Christians is to strive to live each day perfect
and acceptable
in
the eyes of our Savior.
Our only flaw is that we are human and we make mistakes. So we work harder to
achieve perfection. We might always be working at it, but at least we're
trying.
If something tragic like a car accident could take the life of a loved one or if
something catastrophic could wipe away the lives of several loved ones then what
would you rather - saying goodbye with peace, or mourning with tears of regret?
Our
time here is limited.
We are not promised tomorrow. I've mentioned this before, but my father used to
remind my brothers and I that waking up in the morning is a privilege, a gift.
To hear him pray that with such reverence would send shivers down my back!
"Thank you for the breath that woke me up this morning."
Our lives are precious. We only get one single chance to live it.
Yesterday is gone forever and tomorrow may never come. Instead of allowing this
fact to be sobering and depressing,
let
it light a fire under your feet to jump up and do something!
Live with no regrets!
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Tuesday, December
28,
2004 - Chung Lao
The Tidal Wave of Death
& Message Boards are Back
A.
"What do you do when you see a huge wave-wall coming at you? You run. You run as
fast as you can. You think: "This is surreal." But you keep running ...
until the water lifts you off your feet and sweeps you onwards. It makes
no difference whether you can swim or not.
The force carries you forward, and you become a
living, breathing projectile. Grab onto something and you may live. Surf
the wave and you have a chance. Hit something solid, and you die."
- CNN.com
Can
you imagine being on one of those beaches?
The ocean level suddenly drops right before your eyes, and you can see the
seabed. Then a distant rumbling. You see a huge white wave.
You
rub your eyes.
This can't be happening....
Just like that,
people, families, and entire villages were wiped out. Estimates are
nearing
50,000 lost
from multiple countries in South Asia.
I think we are being sent a message as the new year approaches. Not one of
us is guaranteed tomorrow.
Click Here for
information on disaster relief.
B.
Message Boards: Once in a while, technology seems to have a
mind of its own. This was one of those times. In any case, the
boards have been restored. Due to the MB situation, our original media clip will be released next week.
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Fri day,
December 24,
2004 - Jonathan
Christmas Eve.....
It feels great to be home,
back in the Chi! Hope everyone is
enjoying the holidays. I know most of you are on break, whether
it be from high school or college, hope you are having a blast.
It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of another
year. God has been very good to me personally this year. He made
a way for me to go off to school, He has kept my family safe,
and He has brought me through another semester. I pray that this
coming New Year will be full His mercy and leading. In the last
few weeks I have caught myself worry about the future, and about
how I am going to get through certain things that are going on
right now for me, but now I realize that worrying about these
things is pointless. God has shown that He is in control in my
life and I just
need to stop worrying and let Him lead. So I know that in the
new year, no matter what problems I may have, God is still in
control. I know that there are a few of our readers that
are members of the Armed Forces, so I just want to send along my
thanks for your service, and the sacrifice that you all are
making. Especially during the holidayseason I know it must be
hard to be away from family and friends, but I am sure I speak
for all of the IPF family when I say Thank You.
I'm curious to hear from some Philly Eagles fans. I mean until last Sunday
everyone of you was so confident that you were headed straight
to the Super Bowl. How about now? You still have a good team,
but can you score enough points to win without Terrell Owens? I
think not. I'm looking for the Falcons to the NFC representative
in the Super Bowl come February. And this may surprise some of
you but my pick for the team from the AFC (and the team that I
think will win it all) is the Indy Colts.
Peyton Manning is the greatest QB of my
lifetime, sure that is only the last 20 years, but think about
some of the QBs to
have played in the last 2 decades. Bret Favre, Dan Marino,
John Elway, Steve Young, Troy Aikman, Joe Montana (in his latter
years), and Warren Moon. That is a pretty impressive list of
players, yet I believe at this point Peyton Manning is the
greatest of them all. Look for him to lead the Colts all the way
to a championship this year, and a few more in the future.
I don't know about the
rest of you NBA fans, but I am not all that
excited about the much talked about Christmas Day clash between
Kobe Bryant's Lakers and Shaq's Heat. Aside from the fact that
Shaq may not even play now, why should I get all excited about
one meaningless regular season game between two teams that I
could other wise care less about.
Now if Shaq and Kobe start fighting, that would be must see
TV. Well the time has come for me to go, but one last time
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
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Thursday,
December 23,
2004 - Benj
Let the Feasting Begin.....
In the seasonal spirit of bonhomie and good cheer, and as if
anyone needed a reminder, I say LET THE FEASTING BEGIN.
It’s Christmas Eve: time for eggnog,
piping hot apple cider, little flaky baked pastries, cheesecake, swatting the
youngsters off the long couch and stretching out after eating that final slice
of pie that shoulda been skipped. Forget the presents, skip the family
yuletides,
BRING ON THE FINE
CUISINE.
I gotta lay out the truth here. Look,
when it gets right down to it,
your average male
keeps things simple and
has just three
primary interests during the holidays: 1.
Food 2. Food 3. More Food. Really, truly. Be honest, gentlemen. Ladies,
accept it for what it is. Sure - it’s good to see the old relations again, to
slap a few backs, dole out a few wedgies to deserving little mischievous cuzzins,
kiss a few babies. All that stuff is dandy. But secondary. Pass the garlic
mashed potatoes, and quit talking to me, can’t you see I’m busy EATING???
At this munificent time of year, let’s
all loosen our belts just a little more (hey, get comfy and just slide that belt
off all the way and use it to discipline someone else for over-eating), scoot
back slightly from that table top, and
plunge in with fork
and knife as if there’s no tomorrow. Don’t
even look up from your plate – focus on the task at hand. Who cares
about saving any for your little brother or visiting friend; load up your plate
and disappear into your own carb-laden world, oblivious to the cries of “hey, he
took the last three pieces of cheesecake” or “but you already drank half a
gallon of egg nog” and other such distractions.
Life is short, the holidays roll around
for just one month a year, and then it’s off to the gym and low carb diets come
frigid January. So eat up, don’t think about calories, and then enjoy
a nice long food
coma in front of a roaring, crackling fire.
You deserved it, and you should celebrate in gluttonous style. Don’t let your
momma or your poppa or your honey tell you otherwise.
:)
Since there are
youngsters in the
IPF readership, I’ll disclaim at this point
and say that this was all written in jest. Read my update from last Thursday
for a reminder of what’s really important this time of year. Blessings to all.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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Wednesday, December
22,
2004 - Chung Lao
Silent Night - Holy Night, New Interview
& More..
A.
All is Calm: Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of everyone here at
IPF, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas. There is one reason for
the season and his name is Jesus Christ. His birth gave hope to the world.
Let's not forget that.
B.
Michael William George has been interviewed for
The Tonight Show.
He is our
25th
interviewee.
C.
WUCAFAA FUNDRAISER PROGRAM: The second showing of the
Christmas program will take place this coming Sunday. All proceeds go
toward the renewal of the Christian school. Please come out if you can.
"A Night to Remember"
December 26th, 2004 - 6:00 PM
New Covenant Church
3311 Toledo Terrace. Suite A-101
Hyattsville, MD 20782
Admission: $7 per person / Children 12 & Under Free.
D.
The Showdown of the Year:
Shaq vs Kobe. The beef between these two has been well
documented. Kobe didn't want to be Robin to Shaq's Batman, and Shaq was
fed up with this arrogant kid who didn't show enough respect.
Well Christmas Day,
we're going to see the gloves come off, when these two meet for their first head
to head match up. Shaq has never been one of my favorite NBA players, but
I am rooting for the big man in this game. Kobe must learn what a big, big
mistake he made in imploding the best thing he had going for him.
In any
case, don't expect any of this:
E.
An IPF Event: All, be sure to check back in on Monday,
December 27th, for the release of an IPF original media clip. Much Love.
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Friday,
December
17, 2004 -
Binu
5
Ways to Make the End of the Year Less Stressful
[Disclaimer:
The proceeding statements are made entirely in jest. (but there
is a bit of truth in each one)]
1) Forget
about Finals.
What's
done is done. You tried to cram the entire semesters' worth into
one night. Why did you do it? You should of known better.
Now its too late. No reason to stress about it. You get what you
get. It's not the end of the world. Life goes on.
If you haven't finished finals yet, don't let these sentences apply to you. Da!
go Study.
2) Stop with
the incessant shopping
and just get everyone gift cards. You know your gift is going to
get Re-Gifted so why spend 2 and a half hours shopping for
someone when they're NOT going to use it. In fact, do one better
and get them a VISA Gift card. They can pick any store they
want. How can you beat that? Socks. I think not!
3) Stop the
calorie counting.
Eat!
Never in the course of the entire year are you going to get this
much free food. And you want to start counting calories? People
slaved over hot stoves to make all-out Holiday dinners and your
want to pass up on the apple pie? Are you insane?
4) Lower all
your gift expectations.
Give it up. You are NOT going to get that new iPod or dell
laptop or brown leather jacket. Its not going to happen, so don't
get your hopes up. If you have LOW expectations it'll be
easier to cope when you get a nice box wrapped in gold foil,
only to uncover a parker pen.
5) And
finally (This
suggestion is NOT in Jest. I am being sincere), Be
Reflective and thankful for all of God's abundant mercies.
He's bought us to the end of another year. It may not have gone
perfectly but He carried us through. There were difficult times,
times when our faith was tested, when we wanted to give up hope
but he was there. He's kept us alive and our loved ones alive.
Like Benj said, lets not get caught up in the flurry of the
season, but remember that HE is the reason for the season and
for our lives. I won't be writing again until after the new
year. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
See you in 2005! God Bless.
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Thursday,
December 16,
2004 - Benj
Fast Forward...
Everything seems
to go into fast forward this time of year. Christmas program practices,
prayer vigils, scurrying to get shopping done, crowds at the mall, decorating
the house, etc. And yet, in all that activity, the Central Story of History
gets spun out over and over again – in radio songs, plays, Scripture passages:
Christ came to earth, lived
a completely faithful life, died for each of us, and now promises us a life of
fulfillment and a rich eternity at His side.
So in the
dizziness that swirls around us each holiday season, the simple reminder of
Christ’s life compels us to continue to search our hearts and to determine that
we will Live For Him Always. Is there any other cause that’s worth it?
Anything else that one could commit one’s life to that is worthy?
Romans 12:1 –
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God.
Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will accept. When you think
of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?”
We are quick to
forget God’s blessings, to fade out the memories of what He has done for us.
May this Christmas be a time of
remembrance and renewal
for each of us. Blessings.
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Tuesday,
December 14, 2004
-
Brenda
Errol & Tessy,
'AJ',
Joseph Armando, Autumn
20
pictures from Errol & Tessy's engagement have been posted. Click below to
view.
Also, Anne's Journal has been Updated:
Click Here
to read.
As most of you know from seeing the message
board, my sister Diana and her husband Jose had a little baby boy named
Joseph Armando. The baby is doing well, thanks to God, and
growing a little bit every day. I also have a picture of the baby with Jose
and Diana as some of you requested.
He was
born November 18, 2004 at around 6:40 p.m. I remember when they took him to the nursery to
weigh him and do all the things they do on newborn babies, and I saw him for
the first time wailing his lungs out. I have to tell you, this was something
else. My mother and Jose’s mother were crying, and all the rest of us were
just staring at the baby in awe. It was amazing how much love we felt for
that tiny scrap of life, and amazed at the amount of noise such a little
thing could make.
I relish every time I get to hold him, watch his
little stomach go up and down as he breathes, see him when he gets his
hiccups and when he sucks on his little hands. If you can’t tell yet,
I am going to be a very doting aunt, spending lots of time with my nephew. Until he
begins to cry that is. Then I’ll give him to his parents ;)
On another note, autumn is finally here in Texas!
The leaves are now falling and the temperature is dropping to about
50 degrees … I’ll enjoy the cool weather we’ll be having
for a few days until summer comes again in January. So if you’ll excuse me,
I’ll be going now to play in the pile of leaves in my backyard : )
Take care! Until Next Time.
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Monday, December
13,
2004 - Chung Lao
Announcement,
'ALM' Updated
& IPF Catch Phrase....
A.
Sup All. Pictures/Media from NTC events will no longer be posted.
Simply put, NTC has asked that we not represent them by putting up
pictures/media of their events. I know there's been a lot of talk on the
Message Boards about this, so I wanted to give you all the heads up.
Don't worry, we have a lot of new pictures/media in the works. For
December, new pics will be up tomorrow, in addition, we have an IPF Original
media clip set to premiere on
Dec
27th.
Look for it.
Remember, we are IPF. You know how we do.
B.
"Ask Lakshmi Aunty Updated": Lakshmi has posted her latest
piece.
Click Here
to read.
C.
IPF Catch Phrase Contest: Just a reminder that our Catch
Phrase contest ends this Wednesday. If you haven't submitted an idea, give
it a go.
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D .
Eagles 17 Redskins 14: The outstanding play of the
Washington defense has gone to a complete waste this season. The defense
fought hard all through this game, shutting down T.O. and McNabb, but once
again, the ineptitude of the offense cost us what would have been a HUGE
win.
I
have a few suggestions:
1.
Let's try
throwing the ball vertically down the field. This horizontal dink and dunk
stuff isn't working.
2.
Let's try
getting to the line of scrimmage and hiking the ball before the play clock runs
out. Let me know if I'm asking too much here?
3.
Shawn
Springs is the man.
4.
Anybody
have some cake?
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Posted on Thursday, December 9, 2004
by
Roger Spence
Home for the Holidays
The
Christmas holiday is a time for family to gather together. As I think of my family at this time of year, I
am reminded of warm memories from my childhood. There was that one year – I was
around 10 –I got out of school a week early to go on vacation. I thought it was
SO COOL that I was having fun while my classmates were
studying. And I wasn’t even playing hooky! (which, by the way, I have never
done) For vacation, my parents and I celebrated Christmas with my grandparents
in Georgia and my sister and her husband in Florida. Then we celebrated
Christmas at home in Ohio. Three celebrations and three times the gifts! I
must admit, though, when it was sunny and in the 70s on Christmas Day,
something
felt VERY WRONG. I was rather used to a foot of snow.
While I’m
reminiscing, let me share another memory from my early
childhood. My father was working at a factory on a “swing” shift, which meant
he worked many evenings and nights. If he worked the graveyard shift, he would
bring me home donuts in the morning.
This made
me very happy. Later, my dad took a pay cut so he could work
day shifts during the week. He felt like he was missing out on much of my life
and wanted to spend more time with me.
J
My mom was never excited about my
dad leaving her and me home alone evenings and nights. She thought having
someone to talk to would help pass time and take
her mind
off her fears. So she and I would listen on our CB radio to
the police scanner and truck drivers. Truck drivers often have a “handle” on
the CB – a pseudonym or nickname. My dad’s handle was Roger Ramjet, named after
a popular cartoon character. You see, my dad and I are both named Roger. So my
mom’s handle was Lady Ramjet and mine was Ramjet Junior. It was exciting for me
to talk to truck drivers.
Since I
lived in Smalltown, USA,
their lives seemed so adventuresome.
Stay tuned for more stories.
God bless
and enjoy your Christmas holiday!
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Posted
on Wednesday, December 8, 2004
by
Chris
Strickland
The
afternoon haze settles over the small army of workers, as they
slowly will the building to life. Great beams of steel are hoisted to dizzying
heights, one after another, unfurling the building with a rhythmic cadence. A
big boss shouts unnecessary advice, and is promptly drowned out by jackhammer
# 4. What is destined to be the foyer of a great hotel is now a swirling
tornado of dusty air pierced only by a shower of sparks from the welder’s
torch.
High above
the clamor, a lone figure kneels on the mass of steel. Here the air is clear, and the work,
meditative. Here the man kneels, deep in thought. One bolt to go on this beam,
one more beam for the day. There! He grasps the bolt with the deftness of a
magician, slides it into place. Take the wrench and unite it with the bolt,
then turn, turn, turn. Stop. Something doesn’t seem right.
Hardened
steel lets you know when something isn’t right. No, keep turning, says the foreman from behind
him, Hurry! It’s time to leave! On he turns, pulling like an ox, his muscled
arms bulging with anger for the delay. Like an unruly child, the bolt wails and
fights back, so the man doubles the force. Nothing happens. It’s too far gone,
too far in, and too far wrong.
Lately I’ve been thinking about life, which makes
sense, because I like to think and life is easy to think about
– it’s
right in front of me. One of the things I’ve noticed about life is
that some people always seem to meet with success, while others are dogged by
failure, doubt, and a vague sense of futility. The second group is like the man
in my little story. They have some idea of what they want to do, and maybe even
a “vision” for what success will taste like (i.e., completing the job for the
day). But just when you’re about to achieve success, straining with all your
might, something goes wrong.
Now for most of us,
it won’t be
as vivid as in my little story. I know many people, including myself, who go
through periods where there is a dark cloud over our minds. Even if we achieve
“success”, we aren’t satisfied. Something isn’t quite right; the bolt is not
turning smoothly.
For people
who have a real and intimate relationship with Jesus, these kinds of feelings should grab our
attention. They are clues to what our heart is like. Our feelings can be
deceiving, but they can also show us how we really are. God wants our feelings,
thoughts, and will, otherwise known as the “soul”, to be the servant of our
spirit. In Bible language, our soul should be “submitted” to our spirit. The
Holy Spirit in turn controls our spirit. This way, our entire lives can be
underneath the power and guidance of God!
So, our hearts should go:
Holy
Spirit, spirit, soul, and then body. When we feel frustrated and ineffective,
something is probably out of order. For myself, it’s usually because I’ve
stopped relying on the Lord to help me get homework done, lead worship, be a
better friend, find direction from the future, or fight against sin. My “self”
thinks: “I’ve got this one Lord – you can back off.” My soul tries to be the
driver and it kicks out the Holy Spirit! After a while, I run myself into the
ground because of how weak I am. Going back to the story, it’s like my “bolt”
has stopped turning.
Our great friend Paul told the Corinthians about
all of this. He knew how weak we humans are.
He
understood why Jesus called us “sheep.” Relying on self-strength is always futile.
“When I came to you, brothers, announcing the testimony of God to you, I did not
come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. For I determined to know nothing
among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And I was with you in
weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were
not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and
power, so that your faith might not be based on men's wisdom but on God's power.
(1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
There is nothing that attracts the Spirit of God
more than a man or woman who is really weak and needy.
(Isaiah 57:15,16) And there is nothing that the Holy Spirit
shrinks from more than someone who thinks they have what it takes. Lack of
success and effectiveness in our lives can almost always be traced back to a
self-confident attitude. The more we let go and let God, the more successful we
will be. God doesn’t do bad work with us.
I want to tell you:
this is
REAL!!! God will give you a sense of success if you are
“weak and trembling” before him. The happiest times in my life are when I feel
weak and incompetent, and God powerfully works through it. Look inside your
heart and see where you feel like a failure. I think you’ll find yourself in
the driver’s seat.
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Tuesday,
December 7, 2004
-
Susan
Guard Your Heart
It is the theme of a new album
set to be released come
Summer 2005, by an
ordinary guy by the
name of Jacob C. Thomas. It is a statement of gratitude, conviction,
worship, prayer, and reflection. Written as if in a journal, Jacob writes
from his heart.
I lay it on the altar
My wishes my desires
Driven by my self and my pride
I realize it’s not worth it
For my soul to strive and fret
To gain the world, and lose my soul
It is what many would call a
self-realizing, God-inspired journey of faith.
The GYH
Project website contains messages of hope, photos of the GYH Team, lyrics
and two songs from the album which can be downloaded. But first,
a message
from Jacob:
Dear Readers…
“The GYH Project is a musical
production of the International Christian Fellowship. In Proverbs 4:23,
God says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues
of life”. The heart of the inner man is what is connected to the source of
life. Out of the inner man, our lives are shaped and directed. That life
inside of us governs what we are, who we are, and most importantly...it
determines where we are going or what is going to happen to us! Therefore, God
tells us to protect and to guard our hearts…with all diligence!
We know God's truth and yet we find
that outwardly we can display the best behavior, but inwardly we can be
miserable with envy, bitterness, anger, lust and other works of the flesh. It
is because the heart is not
guarded
that Jesus said, “the things
which come out of man, those are they that defile the man”...”For from within,
out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications,
murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye,
blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and
defile the man”...Mark 7:15-13. There is a way out of this! There is
freedom from all of this!
Although the Lord used me to write
the songs contained herein, they are really reflective of the life of Jesus
Christ
Himself and the believers whom I have associated with over the years
in the fellowship. How to experience blessing in freely giving and never
expecting anything in return. How not to hold grudge toward those who have
offended you, instead be more loving and kind. How to be always forgiving and
never lose hope on anyone. How you don't judge the other, but have
compassion and patience and instead pray earnestly for their redemption. How
you truly experience unity among the brethren. How not to complain or fret
about life's difficulties or challenges, but rather be joyful in those
situations because they become huge opportunities to trust more in the Savior
and depend more on Him. In the face of gross adversity and trial how to stand
firm in the faith and not be shaken.
How to just simply believe in His word
for what it says and live the blessed life of Jesus Himself.
I have been able to witness the
saints of God who have strived to live this life and after carefully watching
them over the years and experiencing this abundant life in a small measure in my
own life, I am inspired to write these songs of devotion and spiritual
exhortation. Such a life is only possible if it stems from the heart.
“It is the heart that God wants to dwell in. It is in the state of the heart God
wants to prove His power to bless. It is in the heart the love and the joy of
God are to be known. Let us draw near with a true heart”, quote by
Andrew Murray. And so the theme of this album—“Guard Your Heart.” -- Jacob
C. Thomas.
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Interesting Word of the Day:
denouement [day-noo-MAWN] noun:
1. The final resolution of the main
complication of a literary or dramatic work.
2. The outcome of a complex
sequence of events.
And perhaps this helps to
explain the frequency of the violent denouement in contemporary novels:
in the country that embraced the slogan "Today is the first day of the rest
of your life," how do you call it quits on a character who is still breathing?
Of course, the crusaders were losers
in the short run, but Europe's storytellers have traditionally awarded them
the righteous victory and not dwelt on the embarrassing
denouement.
Though still only a prospect on the
horizon, this, I think, could well be the next revolution. What a
denouement
if it is!
Denouement
is from French, from Old French denoer, "to untie," from Latin de- + nodare,
"to tie in a knot," from nodus, "a knot."
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Posted on Monday, December 6, 2004
by
Lakshmi M
'Joy
to All of You'
The yule
log is on.
Only eighteen more days till Christmas. This is my third Christmas in the
United States and it just seems like I came here yesterday…time flies.
Ironically, it also seems like I have known the people in my church for
years…and that is because they are such warm people. I am so thankful and
grateful for such a wonderful fellowship.
Now for more of my story…the last days of
singlehood…
“That was
one of THE most toughest times in my life. There was nobody that I could turn
to for advise. I was truly alone. …to be continued.”
It was then that I decided that I would do this
only for Mathew…because I loved him.
The next
day I was to meet Mathew and tell him about my decision. Well, I had
made the biggest decision in my life and was about to tell him. I am sure he
was a nervous wreck, and when I actually saw him, he didn’t let it be known. He
is very dignified about these things. He seldom screams or gets anxious about
things.
There is a
certain serenity about him that is so…good. I looked him straight in the eye and I told
him, “I am not happy with this decision, but I will do it just for you”. Boy, I
could see he heaved a sigh of relief :) But then that was it. I did it
just for him, not because I really believed that Christ was the answer.
I did it so that my kids would not be confused about their faith. I did
not want them to go to the temple AND church and then ask me questions about
whether or not both, hindu gods and the Christian God, are both Gods and that
they were both good. At least this way, all I would have to do is raise them as
Christians.
Now that I had announced to him that I was ready
to take water baptism, a date had to be set for
“the” day. I told him that it would have to be done
without the knowledge of my family and that I would still go on living as
nothing had changed till we got married. It seems simple…but those few months
were really difficult. I was so confused, scared and sometimes had doubts about
the whole thing.
Anyway,
the day for
my water baptism was set in February 1997. I remember that it was a holiday. Back then, I
had two salwars which were similar, same color, but different prints or
something. So I packed one in my handbag and wore the other…and told my folks
that I am just going out for a drive and will be back in a couple of hours.
I had no clue what was going to happen. We went
to a place called Grace Bible College – where Mathew and his mom were present.
There was a large crowd of people…and I was like “Oh!” Boy, are they going to
click pictures and make a big deal about it all? Little did I know that they
were all gathered around to see another soul get saved. So it proceeded….to
be continued.
It is a joy to know the Lord. To know that he
loves you even when you have not been that good. That is a great incentive to
be good. Unconditional love is what Jesus has for us, we should strive to have
that for him too. Take care.
 Gyaan
(knowledge) for the Day:
Curry - A heavily spiced sauce or relish made with
curry powder and eaten with rice, meat, fish or other food. A dish seasoned with
curry powder - a mixture of various spices. Tamil - kari (meat)
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Friday,
December 3, 2004 -
Binu
Post-Thanksgiving Update
Last
week, I had Thanksgiving
Dinner at fellow webmaster, Susan Kurikeshu's house.
The meal was orchestrated and prepared by Susan herself. Of course she had some
help beating the eggs and mixing the flour, but all assistance was under her
direct supervision. At the end of the day, I can say I had one of the best
Thanksgiving meals ever. Here is a picture of the table.
Thanks
Susan and crew for the wonderful Dinner. I'll be back next thanksgiving.
( Start
practicing now....jk)
Tom Brokaw
has stepped down from his primetime anchor position and has passed the reins onto
his successor. Dan Rather also announced his soon to come departure.
I don't have
much to say about Dan Rather, but Tom Brokaw, although he was a closet moderate
Democrat, I had great respect and admiration for his journalistic style and integrity
which were unsurpassed. He will be missed. His parting thoughts are pasted
below.
"We've
been through a lot together, through dark days and nights — and
"Whatever the story, I had only one objective: to get it right. When
I failed it was personally painful and there was no greater urgency than course
correction. On those occasions I was grateful for your forbearance and always
mindful that your patience and attention didn't come with a lifetime warranty.
I was not alone here,
of course. I am simply the most conspicuous part of a large, thoroughly
dedicated and professional staff that extends from just behind these cameras,
across this country and around the world, in too many instances, in places of
grave danger and personal hardship. They're family to me.
What have I learned
here? More than we have time to recount this evening but the enduring lessons
through the decades are these: it's not the questions that get us in trouble.
It's the answers. And, just as important, no one person has all the answers.
Just ask a member of the generation I came to know well, the men and women who
came of age in the Great Depression, who at great personal sacrifice saved the
world in World War II and returned home to dedicate their lives to improving the
nation they had already served so nobly.
They weren't perfect.
No generation is. But this one left a large and vital legacy of common effort to
find common ground here and abroad on which to solve our most vexing problems.
They did not give up their personal beliefs and greatest passions but they never
stopped learning from each other. And, most of all, they did not give up on the
idea we're all in this together.
We still are and it
is in that spirit that I say thanks for all I have learned from you. It's been
my richest reward. "
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Posted
on Wednesday, December 1, 2004 by
Ben H
Thanks
A movie I was watching recently gave me much food
for thought during this time of feasting and cranberry sauce. It was set in
Africa, and the plot was centered on a group of
Navy SEALS who had to rescue an American doctor from an
African country in which a coup was taking place. The director of the movie did
a tremendous job of portraying the devastation that is going on in that
continent. Whole villages would be wiped out as rebel factions would sweep
through looting, raping, and burning.
What struck
me was that some people wake up thinking, Wonder if the
rebels will come today and kill us all, or Wonder if there will be any water
today. That is reality that some kid my age actually wakes up to. What is yours
and my reality? Oh, man, I have two papers to do, or Do I have to go to work
today? And we feel like those are valid problems. When you think about it that
way, it puts things in perspective, doesn’t it?
How
ungrateful
we can be for the freedom and stability we enjoy!
More important are the implications that our
ingratitude have on our worship.
Here in
America, worship is such a self-pleasing thing.
We only sing songs that will conjure up enough
emotions to make us feel good so that we can walk away and say that it was a
good time of worship. Even worse, we can be complacent in our time of worship
and we look around or let our minds wander or just absent-mindedly hum the words
of the song. We do not value our worship because we take for granted our freedom
to worship. Maybe God has made us so fat with prosperity that we do not realize
our need for Him. God forbid that we fall into the same state as the church of
Laodicea (Rev. 3: 14-18).
God is
looking for true worshippers, a group of people who will say, “What can I
offer my King today?” Can we for once forget about whether we sound good to the
person next to us and become more concerned about the state of our hearts? When
we worship we must worship him with all that we have, with all our youthful
strength. That’s what it means to offer our bodies a living sacrifice:
Romans 12:1--- I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that you
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service.
Love God with all your living strength. Pour it
out like oil on His feet.
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