Sunday, September 10, 2017
Blogging Responsibly
I have been meaning to blog for a while now and have been drafting a few things on paper in the last year that never quite made it to the screen.
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Labels: Blog, Reflection
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Thursday, June 29, 2017
A Pinch In My Soul
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Translating Signs
Ideas, signs, symbols and suggestions are all around us.
Labels: Reflection
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Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Hydrangea Hues Thanks To pH Levels!
I grew up knowing what Hydrangeas looked like because we had one in our garden. But I was never sure why ours was more blue than the one down the road which was pink.
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Labels: Garden, gratitude, Reflection
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Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Four Words
Words are powerful.
In the last few years word decor has really taken off and regardless of background we derive benefit from seeing, reading and hopefully internalising their meaning!
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In the last few years word decor has really taken off and regardless of background we derive benefit from seeing, reading and hopefully internalising their meaning!
Read more »
Labels: Reflection
words continue here
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Make Time For Reflection By Saying No
It was about two years ago that I wrote about Solitude and coping alone, though we are never really 'alone' we still need time to be alone to reflect.
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Labels: Psychological Wellbeing, Reflection, Tips
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Wednesday, November 05, 2014
Finding Red in the Garden
As November sets in I was keen to find the red which is still giving colour to my garden.
Red is one of the first colours we see - oh yeah the colour of our blood! It's a lovely colour and as I come to see the gradual decline of sunny days, it adds a kind of vibrance to the garden. This is especially true when I look out on a cloudy day.
Right beneath the grey skies I see colour so bright. I marvel at the Lord's creation.
Two opposing ends of the spectrum; one dark, dull and depressing. Yet the other; bright, beautiful and blissful.
What a lovely start to November. 'That I still have beauty to look at' fills my heart with excitement!
Watching nature's great ways in the hope of increasing my faith. Oh what an opportunity that is...
But do I recognise these red friends on my own days of gloom? Am I reminded of the Majestic Lord when my cup looks half empty?
Oops... I am all ready for yet another complaint!
I am all set for another rant!
Sometimes oblivious to my own blessings, I am heading for another moment of reflection!
Dearest readers, do join me again but for now go and find some red where you are!
Red is one of the first colours we see - oh yeah the colour of our blood! It's a lovely colour and as I come to see the gradual decline of sunny days, it adds a kind of vibrance to the garden. This is especially true when I look out on a cloudy day.
Right beneath the grey skies I see colour so bright. I marvel at the Lord's creation.
Two opposing ends of the spectrum; one dark, dull and depressing. Yet the other; bright, beautiful and blissful.
What a lovely start to November. 'That I still have beauty to look at' fills my heart with excitement!
Watching nature's great ways in the hope of increasing my faith. Oh what an opportunity that is...
But do I recognise these red friends on my own days of gloom? Am I reminded of the Majestic Lord when my cup looks half empty?
Oops... I am all ready for yet another complaint!
I am all set for another rant!
Sometimes oblivious to my own blessings, I am heading for another moment of reflection!
Dearest readers, do join me again but for now go and find some red where you are!
Labels: Garden, Reflection
words continue here
Friday, June 21, 2013
On: Solitude
This morning a friend sent me a text with two questions:
How does one seek and find solitude?
How does one become used to solitude and cope alone?
Solitude on the one hand is all around us and on the other hand we can never attain truly.
I have reflected on this myself in the past and continue to do so now in the present. Man on the one hand is a loner. Born alone, dies alone. On the other hand man is never alone because he is under the Watch of the Almighty Lord. Man is surrounded by angels; several of them. He is surrounded by living matter all the while. So a true solitude is something he never arrives at.
However if one defines solitude as the absence of other humans then that is a different matter. Much has been written by people of all times and a simple search will bring many things to the top. Solitude is important and we all need it from time to time. People need their 'space' to think, reflect and draw upon inner strengths. This is why so many people even to this day go into seclusion for period of days or months. Sometimes being around others can just be too much.
Here are some pointers which may help in approaching the two above questions:
1. Recognise that truly we are and never will be alone. Review your relationship with God Almighty. By accepting that He has Lordship over you, you will allow yourself to develop the understanding that He is your Guardian. This is a lifelong task and you will have moments of success and failure in achieving it. But the more you can open your heart towards the fact that you are under God's Care, the better you will get at grasping it's fruits. Some people call this Submission.
2. If we are never 'alone' then we cannot get used to 'coping' alone. The concept is void. Instead of trying to 'cope' by yourself, review your support structure. Nobody is an I-land. Looking at the example of the Prophet Alaislam reassures us that we do nothing wrong when we call on friends and family for assistance. In the absence of people, we have the Holy Text which provides instruction and develops the capacity within us to deal with life, universe and everything within it. For example the statement from Chapter 2 that "On no soul doth God Place a burden greater than it can bear." shows quite clearly how the Holy Text can provide a viable coping mechanism.
3. Simplify things by adopting the Prophetic narration:
Solitude is better than being in bad company, and being in good company is better than solitude. Saying what is good is better than silence, and silence is better than saying what is bad.
4. There is a difference between solitude and isolation. It was during the state of solitude that the Prophet had his first revelation - however he was not isolated as his wife Sayida Khadija would still bring him food. Solitude is empowering and isolation is disempowering. Solitude leads to reflection but isolation can lead to negative self-talk. Solitude can help attain a greater awareness of life but isolation can lead to withdrawal. Solitude helps us grow and become stronger spiritually but isolation can bring our faith in God Almighty down. Review exactly what it is you mean by the term solitude and if it sounds like isolation then abandon it.
5. Each of us has a different set of challenges to deal with. By focusing on our God-endowed strengths we can overcome, learn and grow. If we take a glance at the First Prophetic Revelation which occurs at Mount Hira, when Sayida Khadija consoles the Prophet Alaislam she says: "You keep good relations with your relatives, help the poor, serve your guests generously, and assist those hit with calamities." In so doing this she brings his strengths and good qualities to the forefront and believes firmly that God Almighty would always do things for the best. Implementation of this can emancipate an individual.
6. There are times when an individual is unable to deal with the circumstances they find themselves in and find it easier to shut others out of their life. If one finds that negative self-talk is taking over and the capacity to see one's strengths and blessings is diminishing, then it is advisable to seek talk therapy. If such a state continues unchecked, it can hinder one's personal growth and lead to emotional unstability. Both of these are health disaster zones.
Pictures: Almeria, 2005.
How does one seek and find solitude?
How does one become used to solitude and cope alone?
Solitude on the one hand is all around us and on the other hand we can never attain truly.
I have reflected on this myself in the past and continue to do so now in the present. Man on the one hand is a loner. Born alone, dies alone. On the other hand man is never alone because he is under the Watch of the Almighty Lord. Man is surrounded by angels; several of them. He is surrounded by living matter all the while. So a true solitude is something he never arrives at.
However if one defines solitude as the absence of other humans then that is a different matter. Much has been written by people of all times and a simple search will bring many things to the top. Solitude is important and we all need it from time to time. People need their 'space' to think, reflect and draw upon inner strengths. This is why so many people even to this day go into seclusion for period of days or months. Sometimes being around others can just be too much.
Here are some pointers which may help in approaching the two above questions:
1. Recognise that truly we are and never will be alone. Review your relationship with God Almighty. By accepting that He has Lordship over you, you will allow yourself to develop the understanding that He is your Guardian. This is a lifelong task and you will have moments of success and failure in achieving it. But the more you can open your heart towards the fact that you are under God's Care, the better you will get at grasping it's fruits. Some people call this Submission.
2. If we are never 'alone' then we cannot get used to 'coping' alone. The concept is void. Instead of trying to 'cope' by yourself, review your support structure. Nobody is an I-land. Looking at the example of the Prophet Alaislam reassures us that we do nothing wrong when we call on friends and family for assistance. In the absence of people, we have the Holy Text which provides instruction and develops the capacity within us to deal with life, universe and everything within it. For example the statement from Chapter 2 that "On no soul doth God Place a burden greater than it can bear." shows quite clearly how the Holy Text can provide a viable coping mechanism.
3. Simplify things by adopting the Prophetic narration:
Solitude is better than being in bad company, and being in good company is better than solitude. Saying what is good is better than silence, and silence is better than saying what is bad.
4. There is a difference between solitude and isolation. It was during the state of solitude that the Prophet had his first revelation - however he was not isolated as his wife Sayida Khadija would still bring him food. Solitude is empowering and isolation is disempowering. Solitude leads to reflection but isolation can lead to negative self-talk. Solitude can help attain a greater awareness of life but isolation can lead to withdrawal. Solitude helps us grow and become stronger spiritually but isolation can bring our faith in God Almighty down. Review exactly what it is you mean by the term solitude and if it sounds like isolation then abandon it.
5. Each of us has a different set of challenges to deal with. By focusing on our God-endowed strengths we can overcome, learn and grow. If we take a glance at the First Prophetic Revelation which occurs at Mount Hira, when Sayida Khadija consoles the Prophet Alaislam she says: "You keep good relations with your relatives, help the poor, serve your guests generously, and assist those hit with calamities." In so doing this she brings his strengths and good qualities to the forefront and believes firmly that God Almighty would always do things for the best. Implementation of this can emancipate an individual.
6. There are times when an individual is unable to deal with the circumstances they find themselves in and find it easier to shut others out of their life. If one finds that negative self-talk is taking over and the capacity to see one's strengths and blessings is diminishing, then it is advisable to seek talk therapy. If such a state continues unchecked, it can hinder one's personal growth and lead to emotional unstability. Both of these are health disaster zones.
Pictures: Almeria, 2005.
Labels: Reflection, Solitude, The 'On' series
words continue here
Monday, January 14, 2013
On: The Process
This post is inspired by a teacher whose simple advice is timeless.
I was fortunate enough to attend a class held by the wise teacher, Shaykh Muhammad Ba'Shuaib a couple of years ago. He said a simple thing but one which really helped me try to understand the nature of life. The words here are some of my own and some paraphrased from his advice.
He said that for Allah Almighty to give something is not at all difficult.
Neither is it difficult for Him to change a scenario.
or remove an obstacle.
or alter a circumstance.
or show the way forward.
So we should never assume we will not come out of a given situation. However it is the Process which we undergo which is important.
This is because it is here where our growth as human beings occurs.
This is where we learn to appreciate our humanity.
This is the place for the blossoming of new thoughts, ideas and visions.
This is where we learn about our strengths and weaknesses: what we have and what we lack.
This is where our development for personal change takes root.
This is where the seeds of faith grow into mighty trees.
This is the melting pot of all our hopes and fears.
And the end result is with God Almighty.
The faith teaches us that whatever happens will be for our betterment.
A new us will come out of the Process.
The pictures show a pin-cushion I made today at a craft group. It took between 2-3 hours and has been hand-stitched entirely. It is a beginner's cathedral window patchwork.
I was fortunate enough to attend a class held by the wise teacher, Shaykh Muhammad Ba'Shuaib a couple of years ago. He said a simple thing but one which really helped me try to understand the nature of life. The words here are some of my own and some paraphrased from his advice.
Neither is it difficult for Him to change a scenario.
or remove an obstacle.
or alter a circumstance.
or show the way forward.
So we should never assume we will not come out of a given situation. However it is the Process which we undergo which is important.
This is because it is here where our growth as human beings occurs.
This is where we learn to appreciate our humanity.
This is the place for the blossoming of new thoughts, ideas and visions.
This is where we learn about our strengths and weaknesses: what we have and what we lack.
This is where our development for personal change takes root.
This is where the seeds of faith grow into mighty trees.
This is the melting pot of all our hopes and fears.
And the end result is with God Almighty.
The faith teaches us that whatever happens will be for our betterment.
A new us will come out of the Process.
The pictures show a pin-cushion I made today at a craft group. It took between 2-3 hours and has been hand-stitched entirely. It is a beginner's cathedral window patchwork.
Labels: Reflection, The 'On' series
words continue here
Friday, January 11, 2013
Review - 2011 & 2012
Talk about an overdue review!
I posted less in 2011 and even less in 2012.
There was reflection on Blessings and a reminder to Reach Out. A trip down memory lane with my Nostalgic Work Journey and given that 2011 was a sunnier year than last; A Few Petals From The Garden. Ramadan came and a treat for my Manager's Diary. The year ended On Marriage, thanks to my 28 respondents it helped me as I tied the knot.
Then came 2012 and I blogged just twice - my record low!
5 Ways to Maximise Ramadan was the ice-breaker and sadly the loss of a good friend Pauline Hurd.
It was a year filled with change on so many levels. I have many things I want to share but for one reason or another I have not had the opportunity. Let us see what 2013 brings.
Peace to all.
I posted less in 2011 and even less in 2012.
There was reflection on Blessings and a reminder to Reach Out. A trip down memory lane with my Nostalgic Work Journey and given that 2011 was a sunnier year than last; A Few Petals From The Garden. Ramadan came and a treat for my Manager's Diary. The year ended On Marriage, thanks to my 28 respondents it helped me as I tied the knot.
Then came 2012 and I blogged just twice - my record low!
5 Ways to Maximise Ramadan was the ice-breaker and sadly the loss of a good friend Pauline Hurd.
It was a year filled with change on so many levels. I have many things I want to share but for one reason or another I have not had the opportunity. Let us see what 2013 brings.
Peace to all.
Labels: 2011, 2012, Reflection, Review
words continue here
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Farewell Pauline Hurd - Hameeda
As I was scrolling through my FB notifications yesterday I came across an event.
I was a little perturbed and logged into my email account to check for the surname of my own friend, Pauline. Inna Lila Hi Wa Inna Ilai Hi Rajeun - From God Almighty we come and to Him is our return.
I met Pauline in 2005 through a mutual friend and since then we became friends. We attended a number of events together and Pauline was such a joyful character to travel with. We met whilst I was on sick-leave from work and her warmth and caring words would fill me with a sense of hope. Pauline herself had Lupus and spoke about wanting to do an awareness day with us young ones about it some day.
As the years passed and my health started to get better, I had to get back on track with career. I still remember Pauline telling me how important it was to ensure I got my expenses paid if I volunteered somewhere. She really looked out for me and gave me good advice.
One day during a telephone conversation for some reason I was a little down and she said:
In the Caribbean we have a saying which goes:
What is meant to be for you - can't not be for you.
I scribbled it down at the back of an envelope and kept it on my desk to remind me - it gave me so much strength.
Pauline had some cards painted by me. We infused my 'Finding God' theme into the colours of the Jamaican flag: green, yellow and black. She told me to make her a few and that she would sell them too. She always tried to help me in whatever way she could.
My last contact with Pauline was in March this year. I had misplaced her number and thus had not been in touch with her. At the same time, there was a friend who wanted to get in touch with a marriage counsellor: one of Pauline's friend. I emailed her requesting both her and her friend's number, ending the email with the following:
Btw I am married ;-)
Pauline replied with:
Alhamdulilah BTW I'm married lol, what a statement.
My husband saw one of her emails and said he really liked her closing email signature which she had set as:
"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him"
I called Pauline but she was busy, she emailed me to tell me she had been busy all day and had a cold. Little did I realise that this would be our last contact.
I feel very sad that our joyful friend has gone and that myself and my friend will be amongst many who will no longer be able to hear her cheerful voice. I still feel in shock but I am happy that Pauline was able to perform her pilgrimage before her departure. As my friend said this evening: "Now we know someone whose buried in Mecca!"
//
A memorial service to honour Pauline Hurd will be held on Saturday 8th December 2012 at the Drum, Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. The memorial service will begin at 2.00pm and finish at 18.00 hours.
Pauline died on Sunday 21st October 2012 having completed the Umrah during her pilgrimage to Mekkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pauline had a real passion for community, championing the cause for the marginalised and those with ‘no voice’, particularly young people. Those who know Pauline loved her zest for life, her vision and the dedication she showed in what she believed in.
Pauline had worked in Birmingham in areas such as housing, regeneration and community development for many years. Latterly, she was particularly focused on issues around access to community resources and community safety. She also volunteered on a number of committees related to community safety and justice.
Pauline leaves behind her elderly mother, her two beloved sons, her grandchildren, daughters in law, sisters, brothers, her nieces, nephews, extended family and last but not least her community family.
This memorial is in recognition of the love that her family and the community had for Pauline and for her contribution to the development and well-being of the community.
The community have asked that a bench be commissioned to commemorate Pauline’s contributions. Donations are welcomed and will go towards this lasting tribute.
For further details please contact:
Camille E Ade-John
Mobile: 07983 581 994
camille@cvwm.org
Cllr Paulette Hamilton
Mobile: 0787 8437 661
Facebook Page
I was a little perturbed and logged into my email account to check for the surname of my own friend, Pauline. Inna Lila Hi Wa Inna Ilai Hi Rajeun - From God Almighty we come and to Him is our return.
I met Pauline in 2005 through a mutual friend and since then we became friends. We attended a number of events together and Pauline was such a joyful character to travel with. We met whilst I was on sick-leave from work and her warmth and caring words would fill me with a sense of hope. Pauline herself had Lupus and spoke about wanting to do an awareness day with us young ones about it some day.
As the years passed and my health started to get better, I had to get back on track with career. I still remember Pauline telling me how important it was to ensure I got my expenses paid if I volunteered somewhere. She really looked out for me and gave me good advice.
One day during a telephone conversation for some reason I was a little down and she said:
In the Caribbean we have a saying which goes:
What is meant to be for you - can't not be for you.
I scribbled it down at the back of an envelope and kept it on my desk to remind me - it gave me so much strength.
Pauline had some cards painted by me. We infused my 'Finding God' theme into the colours of the Jamaican flag: green, yellow and black. She told me to make her a few and that she would sell them too. She always tried to help me in whatever way she could.
My last contact with Pauline was in March this year. I had misplaced her number and thus had not been in touch with her. At the same time, there was a friend who wanted to get in touch with a marriage counsellor: one of Pauline's friend. I emailed her requesting both her and her friend's number, ending the email with the following:
Btw I am married ;-)
Pauline replied with:
Alhamdulilah BTW I'm married lol, what a statement.
My husband saw one of her emails and said he really liked her closing email signature which she had set as:
"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him"
I called Pauline but she was busy, she emailed me to tell me she had been busy all day and had a cold. Little did I realise that this would be our last contact.
I feel very sad that our joyful friend has gone and that myself and my friend will be amongst many who will no longer be able to hear her cheerful voice. I still feel in shock but I am happy that Pauline was able to perform her pilgrimage before her departure. As my friend said this evening: "Now we know someone whose buried in Mecca!"
//
A memorial service to honour Pauline Hurd will be held on Saturday 8th December 2012 at the Drum, Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU. The memorial service will begin at 2.00pm and finish at 18.00 hours.
Pauline died on Sunday 21st October 2012 having completed the Umrah during her pilgrimage to Mekkah, Saudi Arabia.
Pauline had a real passion for community, championing the cause for the marginalised and those with ‘no voice’, particularly young people. Those who know Pauline loved her zest for life, her vision and the dedication she showed in what she believed in.
Pauline had worked in Birmingham in areas such as housing, regeneration and community development for many years. Latterly, she was particularly focused on issues around access to community resources and community safety. She also volunteered on a number of committees related to community safety and justice.
Pauline leaves behind her elderly mother, her two beloved sons, her grandchildren, daughters in law, sisters, brothers, her nieces, nephews, extended family and last but not least her community family.
This memorial is in recognition of the love that her family and the community had for Pauline and for her contribution to the development and well-being of the community.
The community have asked that a bench be commissioned to commemorate Pauline’s contributions. Donations are welcomed and will go towards this lasting tribute.
For further details please contact:
Camille E Ade-John
Mobile: 07983 581 994
camille@cvwm.org
Cllr Paulette Hamilton
Mobile: 0787 8437 661
Facebook Page
Labels: Muslim Women, Obituary, Reflection
words continue here
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
My Nostalgic Work Journey
The bus route for my current job is not only nostalgic but also a reflective process which has allowed me to focus on the three stages of my life:
What is going on in my head?
What do I recall from last night?
What happened from the time I lay my head in bed to waking up?
My dreams?
My prayers?
Where am I today?
This is where I was born.
Here I breathed my first, 'delivered' from foetal comfort.
Little, fragile me.
As these thoughts busy my mind, the second bus journey starts.
I am off to college: my future.
A return to full-time work.
An opportunity to extend my skills.
A broadening of my horizons, insights and aspirations.
I wonder where I will be once my job finishes after a few months.
What has God Almighty got in store for me?
One day ends and another dawns.
The journey starts again.
The nostalgia returns.
A reflection follows.
Photographs: Autumn 2010
Past, Present, Future.
As I close the door and walk out towards the bus stop I think about where I currently am: my present.
What is going on in my head?
What do I recall from last night?
What happened from the time I lay my head in bed to waking up?
My dreams?
My prayers?
Where am I today?
I take two buses to get into work. The first bus journey takes me into a momentary time-warp as it goes past the place where a hospital once stood: my past.
This is where I was born.
Here I breathed my first, 'delivered' from foetal comfort.
Little, fragile me.
This single moment holds an exchange of the present and past.
As these thoughts busy my mind, the second bus journey starts.
I am off to college: my future.
A return to full-time work.
An opportunity to extend my skills.
A broadening of my horizons, insights and aspirations.
I wonder where I will be once my job finishes after a few months.
What has God Almighty got in store for me?
One day ends and another dawns.
The journey starts again.
The nostalgia returns.
A reflection follows.
Photographs: Autumn 2010
Labels: Reflection
words continue here
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Reach Out
The recent days have reminded me the importance of continuing to reach out.
Despite FB and other social networking facilities, I know it is difficult these days to keep 'track' of friends. Within our midst are lovely people who need the reassurance that you are mindful of their presence; that you haven't forgotten them in your busy day schedule.
People who need to be reminded that you won't be judgemental or belittling towards them.
People who need to be reminded that you include them in your prayers.
People who need to be reminded that despite the distance that life has created between you; your heart is attached to their wellbeing.
People who need to be reminded that although you cannot change their circumstances, you have not one, but two ears to listen to their grief.
People who need to be reminded that we are all in this together.
Reach out.
You will surprise yourself: maybe somebody is waiting to hear from you.
Despite FB and other social networking facilities, I know it is difficult these days to keep 'track' of friends. Within our midst are lovely people who need the reassurance that you are mindful of their presence; that you haven't forgotten them in your busy day schedule.
People who need to be reminded that you won't be judgemental or belittling towards them.
People who need to be reminded that you include them in your prayers.
People who need to be reminded that despite the distance that life has created between you; your heart is attached to their wellbeing.
People who need to be reminded that although you cannot change their circumstances, you have not one, but two ears to listen to their grief.
People who need to be reminded that we are all in this together.
Reach out.
You will surprise yourself: maybe somebody is waiting to hear from you.
Labels: Reflection
words continue here
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Blessings
I decided this year not to do a post on the crisis of 2005 as I have been doing for some years. ..But if ye count the favours of Allah, never will ye be able to number them.. Quran - 14:34 Suddenly this verse brings about another perspective and angle. One I may not have thought about. How in a subtle way He makes us feel we were never the victims; we were never in pain; we were never forgotten by Him. This helps so much in trying to understand the ultimate care under which we exist. It is an overwhelming feeling that makes for an odd expression but one that is real. How our today becomes history. How our tomorrow is better than our comprehension. How we now cherish the past but not with pain: rather a trove of blessings which is merely the start of what the Creator has in store.
I have been quite amazed at the ease by which God Almighty has caused me to not ‘remember’ much about it all. Sometimes I wonder what blessing of His is greater. The fact that He takes us through a tunnel and then enters us into light wiping away the memory of the darkness is such a big blessing. 
Labels: Reflection
words continue here
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Review - 2010
It is late I know; later than last year's!
Last year started with a hope to blog more than six times as in 2009. And I managed it: twelve posts for 2010!
Starting with a midnight lesson in a Dowra Sharing about feeling worthless, the calendar stated five years since the issue of my wrist. How time flies. There was a lot in blogosphere about blogs ending but those were my thoughts at the time with a prayer for peace to those many of us once knew. A return to the Dowra with a piece by Rachel Aspden about women and then an entry in the 'On' series with an 'on' on Consistency.
Ramadan appeared once again and another 'on' on Submission. I continued the Chaplaincy role and realised how amazing things happen daily. A real November feeling as Aung San Suu Kyi was freed finally and then a beautiful Prophetic saying on how Allah truly Knows best.
A last 'on' for 2010 on Control and a final word about Charity Shops before we end 2010.
And there is 2010. A mixed year; but one full of lessons for growth.
Last year started with a hope to blog more than six times as in 2009. And I managed it: twelve posts for 2010!
Starting with a midnight lesson in a Dowra Sharing about feeling worthless, the calendar stated five years since the issue of my wrist. How time flies. There was a lot in blogosphere about blogs ending but those were my thoughts at the time with a prayer for peace to those many of us once knew. A return to the Dowra with a piece by Rachel Aspden about women and then an entry in the 'On' series with an 'on' on Consistency.
Ramadan appeared once again and another 'on' on Submission. I continued the Chaplaincy role and realised how amazing things happen daily. A real November feeling as Aung San Suu Kyi was freed finally and then a beautiful Prophetic saying on how Allah truly Knows best.
A last 'on' for 2010 on Control and a final word about Charity Shops before we end 2010.
And there is 2010. A mixed year; but one full of lessons for growth.
Labels: 2010, Reflection, Review
words continue here
Friday, December 10, 2010
On Control
It is essential to remember
that
God
Almighty
is
in
Control.
It is essential furthermore,
to
remember
that
you
are
not
in
control.
Reminding ourself that the acceptance of the former also requires an acknowledgement of the latter. Thus freeing ourselves from the stress of control.
that
God
Almighty
is
in
Control.
It is essential furthermore,
to
remember
that
you
are
not
in
control.
Reminding ourself that the acceptance of the former also requires an acknowledgement of the latter. Thus freeing ourselves from the stress of control.
Labels: Reflection, The 'On' series
words continue here
Monday, October 25, 2010
Amazing Things Happen Daily
Yes they do.
I have been doing a little bit of pastoral work at a local university for a few years now, and in my capacity as a Chaplain, I and my colleague meet students from various backgrounds with a multiplicity of issues. It is often unclear before an arranged meeting what the student’s concern may be so the only preparation is to attend with an open mind and be willing to think on your feet.
I met an international student this morning as arranged and it emerged that he had arrived in the country a few weeks ago. This of course meant he had missed the international student events alongside the freshers activities which despite being chaotic, do help students settle in into their new environment. These events help provide access to various society groups which share a common interest and also include trips around the city – both of which are what you need when you come into another country to study.
In the hour we had allocated for the meeting, we met in the Chaplaincy building and I showed him around the Student Guild which holds the Muslim Prayer Room that students use. We agreed on a list of things that I would find out for him with the priority being finding a contact for the Indonesian Society. This was after an enquiry at the Guild desk which was unsuccessful. I was quite sure there was an Indonesian Society as they had organised an Eid event last year, providing cooked meals and Eid prayers at the Chaplaincy.
We headed back towards the Chaplaincy building which contained the ablution facilities that the student had enquired about, and after our tour was complete I lead him into the reception area to see him out before my next appointment.
Standing at the reception desk was another international student. I asked her whether she was Indonesian and she replied yes. Not only was she Indonesian; she was the Chair of the Indonesian Society! We all smiled.
Amazing isn’t it?
An hour earlier I entered a situation which my brain was puzzling over. And now it all seemed clear. It took just one hour to be faced with both a question and an answer. Everything happened quickly; but the hour could have been a week, month or year. The point is though, eventually an answer arrives at our door.
If we sincerely want to reach our goal, then God Most High will subjugate everything for us. The road ahead will be made simple: all obstacles removed and ease given.
It is events like this which leave me thinking that ‘There is no Power nor Might except God Almighty’.
Artwork: Circles of Knowledge (2006)
I have been doing a little bit of pastoral work at a local university for a few years now, and in my capacity as a Chaplain, I and my colleague meet students from various backgrounds with a multiplicity of issues. It is often unclear before an arranged meeting what the student’s concern may be so the only preparation is to attend with an open mind and be willing to think on your feet.
I met an international student this morning as arranged and it emerged that he had arrived in the country a few weeks ago. This of course meant he had missed the international student events alongside the freshers activities which despite being chaotic, do help students settle in into their new environment. These events help provide access to various society groups which share a common interest and also include trips around the city – both of which are what you need when you come into another country to study.
In the hour we had allocated for the meeting, we met in the Chaplaincy building and I showed him around the Student Guild which holds the Muslim Prayer Room that students use. We agreed on a list of things that I would find out for him with the priority being finding a contact for the Indonesian Society. This was after an enquiry at the Guild desk which was unsuccessful. I was quite sure there was an Indonesian Society as they had organised an Eid event last year, providing cooked meals and Eid prayers at the Chaplaincy.
We headed back towards the Chaplaincy building which contained the ablution facilities that the student had enquired about, and after our tour was complete I lead him into the reception area to see him out before my next appointment.
Standing at the reception desk was another international student. I asked her whether she was Indonesian and she replied yes. Not only was she Indonesian; she was the Chair of the Indonesian Society! We all smiled.
Amazing isn’t it?
An hour earlier I entered a situation which my brain was puzzling over. And now it all seemed clear. It took just one hour to be faced with both a question and an answer. Everything happened quickly; but the hour could have been a week, month or year. The point is though, eventually an answer arrives at our door.
If we sincerely want to reach our goal, then God Most High will subjugate everything for us. The road ahead will be made simple: all obstacles removed and ease given.
It is events like this which leave me thinking that ‘There is no Power nor Might except God Almighty’.
Artwork: Circles of Knowledge (2006)
Labels: Chaplaincy, Reflection
words continue here
