What Happens on February 14th?

While many couples celebrate the so called "Valentines Day" and its tradition becomes a trend where:

• some boyfriends secretly arranged dining reservation;
• some ladies receives chocolates and flowers from their lovey-dovey;
• some hubbies are amused of special greeting card or token sent by their wives;
• some couples are delighted to exchange their love gestures;

Thus, are inspired to look great for the anticipated romantic rendezvous.

Certainly, the cake on the icing is pleasing in the eyes, taste so sweet!
Then the coin were tossed. It sets upside-down.
So let's take a look of the other side of the coin.

Often overlooked, the day is also marked a "day of brokenness, heartache and emptiness":

• of a single mom laid by heavy burdens chose to extend long hours of work;
• of an old widow sitting on his rocker in tears of remembering his companion;
• of a lonely single woman who among her friends with boyfriend, fiance or husband;
• of a couple who co-exits without spark of passion.
• of a bachelor man several times finds heart broken;
• of a son who has deep longing of attention from his parents.

Why the love gestures had simply faded?

There is a love the never goes out of season. A love that never expires, nor fade. A love that is deliberately in deep commitment, for good and bad, for better and worst, for beauty and beastly, for health and sickness, for grief and gladness. A love that is everlasting.

Madeleine L’Engle writes: “One of our children when he was two or three years old used to rush at me when he had been naughty, and beat against me, and what he wanted by this monstrous behavior was an affirmation of love. And I would put my arms around him and hold him very tight until the dragon was gone and the loving small boy had returned. So God does with me. I strike out at him in pain and fear and He holds me under the shadow of His wings. Sometimes He appears to me to be so unreasonable that I think I cannot live with Him, but I know that I cannot live without Him.”

The same gesture is the Father's love to us. Sometimes we ran to Him, albeit strike Him of our fears, pain and blame the unreasonable things happening in our life. No matter how our reaction is, like of a naughty boy who draw near to Him; His compassion constantly embrace us until His goodness rest in us. 

"I have love you with an everlasting love. I have drawn you with loving-kindness."           Jeremiah 31:3

Why Today is Special?

My day sets early doing the morning routine. This day, it was a bit different. When my 11 year old girl started to make fuss over a requirement that needed to be submitted at school's office. She told me her residence card was rejected because it's expired. Because of that, she's hesitant to go to school. I was irritated and begin to nag, "That's not acceptable, the card was renewed two months ago."

You see, I started a bad day! Blah, blah, blah, blah.....

Back to mother and daughter problem-solving, I finally convinced her to ask exception for today's deadline. Strange, the school updating students records when the end of school year is near.

So, we're settled to submit the requirement on next day. Later, she kissed good bye and rushed to the door. I overheard her saying of leaving "something" in my bag. I was unaware of it until later.

Finally, I was relieved to reach the office. Somehow glad a bustle and hustle at home is over. As I open the bag to reach my make-up kit, I draw a piece of folded paper instead. I was surprised by greeting card coming from my daughter! 

I feel guilty. Seriously, I haven't thought of today's special occasion. Now I know why we are banned from her room yesterday!

I seldom get mad with my daughter.  She knows that I am fair enough when it comes to discipline. No matter how I nag at her, she has no ill-feelings of me. Much more, my heart was touched of few things of how she describes me:

This card is enough to make my day special, a genuine love of a daughter. A love that is being reciprocated by a child. You see, the so called "Valentines" Day is not only for couples to celebrate. But an opportunity for kids to demonstrate their love gestures towards their parents.

Thank you, "Anak" (my child).
I love you Baby...

The Legend of Valentine's Day

The tradition of Valentine's Day is flourishing in the air. Its on TV, internet, shops, malls, event boards and so on. It's a holiday where most people around the globe celebrate the love day.

I'm not much of Valentine's history. But I'd like to share you some facts I found from History dot com.

The history of Valentine's Day--and the story of its patron saint--is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valenti-nus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl--possibly his jailor's daughter--who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and--most importantly--romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Things Never Taught in School

We learned a lot from school. It is the first social environment we evolve to deal with other people, to try new things, to test one's self-worth, to be accepted and also learn from simple mistakes. As I look back from those younger years spent in the classroom, I begin to contemplate.

• What did I learned?
• What did I miss to know?
• What is taught, and what is not?

Boy, viewing from the top of the hill, I could say, I have figured that out too. From the past experience, I couldn't recall any mathematical equation would solve my money problem. Either could I apply a simple theory from psychology when once in my life I was emotionally distressed. Neither could I apply some principles of philosophy to be wise so that I could be a better person. Both past and present curriculum focus so much on intellectual knowledge.

Later, after graduation, you'll understand life is entirely different; like moving to a new planet of unknown.  

Seriously, what are the things we never been taught of, or learned from classroom?

I actually posted  this question in my FB stats and here's the few answer I gathered:

• How to handle money wisely?
• How to be person of self-confidence?
• How to raise a family?

During my time, there's no direct subject relevant to these questions:

• How to be a good person?
• How to overcome problems?
• How to fight adversaries?
• How to handle intrigues?
• How to tame the tongue?
• How to choose to lifetime partner?
• How to become a good parent?
• How to become successful person?
• How to live a life pleasing to God?
• How to live life to the fullest?
• And so on and so forth....

Kudos to World Wide Web, you can actually Google search these facts. You may even find articles answering these questions. But again, the question is, "How would you apply it to yourself?" Even the most reputed school or universities cannot warranty to solve any insufficiency of man. 

 

Viewing from the hilltop, I consider the value of experience. The experience that lead me to know the divine truth. A wisdom that surpasses human wisdom. It is all in one book. The Bible, a God's blueprint of mankind. Therefore, what is not taught in the classroom can be learned from the school of life.

"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."    (2 Timothy 2:16)

"Do not let the book of law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be PROSPEROUS and SUCCESSFUL."      (Joshua 1:8)

Life is Learning

Life is too short to dwell over insecurity,
Learn to discover your strong points.

Life is too short to envy,
Learn not to compare but rather indulge yourself with contentment.

Life is too short to dwell in bitterness,
Learn to set it free and you'll be happy.

Life is too short to be angry,
Learn to be calm and consider.

Life is too short to be lonely,
Learn to count your blessing. And smile.

Life is too short to worry a lot,
Learn to trust in God's promise. He never fails.

Life is too short to complain,
Learn to be thankful at all times. Remember, there are more less fortunate than you.

Life is too short to gossip,
Learn not to slander but rather, guard your lips the way you guard your life.

Life is too short to be selfish,
Learn to give, to put yourself in others shoes.Making people happy is priceless.

We remember You, Papa

A Postcard for you Papa.

Tomorrow is your birthday. We always remember.  Who from the family can forget? You've been a loving father. A pillar of our home. A source of our strength. A generous provider. Your lips had never departed from instruction. A wisdom I delight to heed. A family-oriented man.

When I was in teens, I saw a liberal father. We talk a lot of anything. My first stick of cigarette was tasted in the place called home. We are having siesta in our sala. Once you told me, better try a curiosity at home than with a company of fools somewhere. A disciplinarian in a diplomatic way. I never recalled him calling names nor ever heard of demeaning words when mad. He was a cool father in his time.

You and mother bond most in our kitchen. You're such a happy team together! You never complained when salt runs out in the cupboard. Makes sure that everything you need for a menu, you provide. 

You don't even bother washing our clothes would lessen your masculinity. Even though you were not practically raised the province's way of life, you tried to do things you've never did before. I deeply appreciated your hard work in the farm. The mud at your feet and the sweat in your face, I never have forgotten. What a domestic father, you are!

Our house were often visited by a family member or friends that would seek advise. He was like a hero of couples in dispute. One would even spend a night in our home. He is a man of principle and integrity. One night, you scared me to death. I would never forget a frenzy drunkard bullying a fight to anyone in the middle of the night. Nobody seems to do anything, not even the local securities. You decided to go out and talk to a notorious man in the community. I thought you'll get harmed. I silently cried a prayer for you. Then silence. I heard a mellow conversation from our yard. It wasn't that long until finally, I heard this guy, apologized and promised to go home. Wow, what a courage! A courage only a real man could take, indeed. The memory makes me proud of you more.

Of course, Pa, you are no perfect. You're also a man who is hard to convince. Who is not easily swayed by others principle. You often sound contrary on social issues affecting the society. You're a very good public speaker and a good debater. You strongly opposed Lolo Jose on issue about Christianity. You read books about law and different faith. You said, you're a frustrated lawyer. I regret it was not your fate. During my elementary days, I remember you were

a guest speaker in our school on one occasion. The crowd was very lively.

In your best years, you succeeded establishing your relationship in the family. Even your co-workers had became our extended families. You lived a very peaceful life. Until one day, sickness suddenly stole everything. Our family was devastated. It was the end of happy years. A new turning point without you.

Papa, if there's anything I ever regret is that, I was young when you left. I never had the chance to bond with you more. You never heard me matured enough to say "I love you" or to say "Thank you for your sacrifices" when I fully grasp it; to say good things of you in a grown up perspective. I never had a chance to share you my grown up dreams and vision. You never had the chance to see me and my sibling of how we become today. All left is your story to be passed on to your grandchildren. Surely, you'll be smiling to us now. Makes you proud too.

Papa, wherever you are, I strongly believe our prayer of salvation in your death bed is not in vain. I deeply cherished the memory when I was only the person in the room witnessed your dying moment. Which given me peace from my gap to take care of you in the hospital. 

Papa, you're deeply in our thoughts and your memory will be ever vibrant in our hearts. 

Mama, Mau and myself loved you dearly, eternally.....

Surviving a Sandstorm

In order to survive a sandstorm, taking simple precautions is half a way to victory. I find a very useful source from which I re-posted below, an article taken from Ehow contributor sighting safe precautions during sandstorm.

(Photo credits: Ehow images)

Instructions

1. • 1
     Listen for storm warnings and stay away from areas where an unpredictable sandstorm can occur. If you are traveling in dry climates surrounded by sand such as a desert prepare for a sudden storm to develop at any time.
   • 2
     Wear goggles. Cover your nose and mouth with a respirator or mask that is able to filter out sand particles or use a moistened handkerchief or bandanna.
   • 3
     Outrun the storm. If you are driving and the storm is at a reasonable distance it may be possible to outrun it. If it seems you will be caught in the storm, stop and ride it out.
   • 4
     Seek shelter if you are not inside a vehicle. Find cover if at all possible. If no shelter is available, lie down and wait the storm out. Keep eyes, nose and mouth covered at all times. Cover your head with your arms or a backpack to protect against any objects being hurled by the wind.
   • 5
     Keep plenty of water on hand. Cover it in containers such as a canteen that can seal out sand particles. If you get lost during the storm, you need water to survive until you find your way or help arrives.
   • 6
     Get to higher ground, if possible. The most concentration of blowing sand is closest to the ground. Chances of surviving increase if you can stay above the storm.

Read more: How to Survive a Sandstorm | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2087529_survive-sandstorm.html#ixzz1l7Y84srF

Remembering the Flood

From my dormant blog named Abby in Arabia, I wrote an article about last year's catastrophic flood happened in Jeddah, City. Today is its one year.

Looking back, I would like to share the glimpse of the flood in pictures. The scenes were taken from my camera viewing from the roof top of our house.

Our mini garden swamped by the flood water.

 

Our neighbor's yard.

View from our gate.

Notice those cars stranded in the nearby commercial area.

People start walking. Quite dangerous. Numerous casualties reported because of electrocution.

Some young locals probe surroundings and offer possible help.

Where did the trash go?

Outside by standers, witnessing flood phenomenon.

Our local district in chaos. The honk noise is everywhere.

May God spare us this year from another flood. The local government is working in their toes in preparation to unpredictable rainstorm in the future. Working in the construction industry, I heard a big drainage project will take place within two years. Quite relieving to know that the preparation meant for a long term basis.

Classes Suspended or Not?

Despite of dusty weather, my daughter set early for school. She called her teacher to confirm today's class. But the answer was unpredictable. Class might be suspended, it might be not; depends on the weather condition.

While preparing our breakfast, I overheard my daughter Roni talking to her classmate updating her today's weather which myself verified later thru the internet.

So, a thunderstorm and rain is anticipated today. Because of the rain forecast, my daughter opted to stay at home. She will not take same risk again bought by the flood last year. That she was 15 hours stranded in the school bus; in between a transport to stay overnight at her school. They were 10 children in that bus. It happened so close to this day.

Some Sandstorm Facts

I had very little knowledge about sandstorm for years. I grow up in a tropical country and while I was hailed in my mother's province known as "The Land of the Howling Wind", Catanduanes. On 2007, I set foot in the Middle East where sandstorm is quite a natural phenomenon like typhoon in my home province. The constant experience had brought me to research facts about sandstorm. Since I am not a weather guru, let me share you a short article from Wikipedia.org.

A dust / sand storm is a meteorological phenomenon common in arid and semi-arid regions. Dust storms arise when a gust front or other strong wind blows loose sand and dirt from a dry surface. Particles are transported by saltation and suspension, causing soil to move from one place and deposition in another. 

Dust Bowl Image

The Sahara and drylands around the Arabian peninsula are the main terrestrial sources of airborne dust, with some contributions from Iran, Pakistan and India into the Arabian Sea, and China's significant storms deposit dust in the Pacific. It has been argued that recently, poor management of the Earth's drylands, such as neglecting the fallow system, are increasing dust storms from desert margins and changing both the local and global climate, and also impacting local economies.^[1]

The term sandstorm is used most often in the context of desertsandstorms, especially in the Sahara, or places where sand is a more prevalent soil type than dirt or rock, when, in addition to fine particles obscuring visibility, a considerable amount of larger sand particles are blown closer to the surface. The termdust storm is more likely to be used when finer particles are blown long distances, especially when the dust storm affectsurban areas.

[Source credits: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_storm]
[Photo credits: http://www.weru.ksu.edu/new_weru/multimedia/dustbowl/dustbowlpics.html]

Sandstorm Memory Lane

Common people would find sandstorm unpredictable. We may not know unless it happens. Nowadays, sandstorm can be forecast-ed because of the improved technology. 

Today, the grandmother city of the Kingdom is having a sandstorm. I’m thankful it’s moderate as it seems. I can still view big structures and the streets. Uh-oh, that was an hour ago. Now, it’s foggier! The sky looks nostalgic which drives me on to memory of a milestone.

I had my first sandstorm experience in Doha way back 5 years. It was memorable. I was assigned to work with a consulting team for Project Hilton Hotel. That time was the peak of construction. The team do regular rounds on site every morning. But that day was different, my colleagues and I went outdoor to take pictures in the midst of sandstorm. It isn’t bad at all! I thought it was literally raining sand like a typical one back home, lols! I was surprised that the sandstorm was as fine as a flour.

Below are few photos of my first sandstorm memories: 

My first sight of sandstorm in Doha City.

A frenzy feeling of a child out on the first rain, err, sandstorm!

I played on this a bit, I forget I was suppose to show sandstorm on site.

I was clueless about sandstorms way back many years. Until I set foot on 2007 to the land of vast sandbox, the Middle East. From there, I started embracing a new way of life including its climate and the sandstorm in particular. 

Picnik Saying Goodbye?

Oh no, no, no! Tell me, it's not true!

So, it's true then. I'm darn sad of the news! It's a real lost on my side who is a non-pro of anything graphics. Picnik is one of my favorites. I'm one of those million users find Picnik a generous and useful site. For years, Picnik is like a virtual friend helping me to set-up a customized graphics in my blog, my photos turned  awesome of its effects, enable me to create a great collage for keeps and a  text feature that authenticate my own photos and more! I've been to several sites with the likes but Picnik has surpassed them all! Kudos to all in the team, you did a great job! Just a regret, you are saying goodbye.

Thank you my friend. I will miss you, Picnik...

 

Starting Anew this 2012

Belated Happy New Year!

Indeed new, my first post this 2012 to a newly published blog. 

After several months of been here and been there, finally I was back to blogging arena.

Nah, I didn't go somewhere. You might suppose I've traveled. :) But technically yes, I've been into a roller coaster ride of life that's quite overwhelming for awhile. But I thanked God, despite of the "ups and downs", I was able to reach other end peacefully. The hiatus had bought me to my inner sanctuary to gather myself once again including the thoughts of continuing the blog writing.

I learned to live by this saying every moment I face tough times in life:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

In simple thoughts, in every rain there's a sunny day after. Confident of the certain promise this saying possess; this year's perspective would be promising.

• Setting a better financial goal
• Healthy Habits
• Restoring relationships
• Planning ahead a retirement scheme
• Extending help for missions
• To invest another property

I'm thankful, by His grace the every vital aspect of my life will be for better. Truly, this works for those who believe that God always have a better way out for His children to overcome trials victoriously.