The right perspective – Don’t lose it!

A change of plans resulted in my husband and I having to consult a new doctor in my parent’s place. (That’s where we decided to have our baby.)

On our first visit, a junior doc was to take down our medical history before we met the person who was to help bring our baby into this world.

My husband and I had just sat down when this lady turned around and asked me, “So what’s the problem?”

The words popped out: “Oh no, I don’t have a problem!”

She looked at me, puzzled.

I quickly followed it up: “I’m going to have a baby.”

I saw a smile break over her face.

I felt sorry for her. As a doctor who had probably seen too many people who came to her with only problems, this young lady was beginning to lose perspective of the wonder of the human body.

It was a warning sign for me too – In how many areas of my life had I begun to lose perspective? In my relationships, in the family, at work, at home, at church.

Picture credit: mindyourmind.ca

Real life heroes

Lately, I’ve found myself meeting men and women who, though very ordinary in every visible way, appear as heroes when you scrape just beneath the surface. I’ll try to bring to fore some of these people who make the world a better place in so many different but quiet ways.

Meet SR. He’s as ordinary as they come. But chat with him awhile and you’ll notice that his eyes twinkle with intelligence and that he emanates a rare brand of boldness. At first, it was difficult to place my finger on what was so special.

I tagged him as someone who was very courageous, bold in his decisions and unswerving in his commitment. In a nutshell, a great guy!

That was until he mysteriously disappeared for a week from work. When he did turn up, he was married. He showed me a few photographs and introduced me to ‘our daughter’. I was mystified for just a moment. He looked at my face and said, “It’s okay. You can make assumptions.”

Knowing the man, I simply said, “You’ve married someone who’s lost her husband.”

It was bang on. It was his first marriage. In a culture like ours where widows are amply pitied and sympathized over, emancipation is a far cry.

No, he did not take pity on her. He fell in love with her!

God bless you, SR. There are few like you and may your tribe increase.

Picture credit: pearls.com

Don’t quit ever!

Last night, I watched a movie about a determined, successful businessman. The movie, inspired by a true-life persona, chronicled his struggles to fulfill his dreams amidst opposition and ridicule. Somewhere along the way, I found this burning thought that refused to let go of me.

There’s just no right time to call it quits in life. You can do so only when the last breath is torn away from you. Until then, each of us has the strength, if we were to only look in the right place, to go on.

Yes, life is all about going on and on, no matter what the storms.

Let’s get out of this habit of saying, “I quit!”, “I give up!”. Yes, we will be called upon do a lot of ‘giving up’ which will tear up our hearts and make us cry out for justice. But let’s not ever give up on life!

Picture credit: netstate.com

Forgiveness – a step closer to healing

While the world has been talking about the 32 victims of Virginia Tech massacre, a college senior, Katelynn L. Johnson, has added a 33rd stone to the campus memorial for Cho.

And here’s what she says: "I believe his life had value no matter what he did. We lost 33 people."

Her stone was understandably removed but then somebody else replaced it with a second stone.

As of today, the stone still stands. She faced a few negative comments but here’s the shocking fact: She received hundreds of messages supporting her.

Katelynn, you have no idea what you have set rolling but there’s a lot to learn from that simple gesture of forgiveness.

The hurting world has a lot to learn from these young hearts that have chosen the road less taken.

Picture credit: destination360.com

News source: Time.com

Step out to experience your miracle

I experienced one of those moments again …

In preparation for our baby, there were a few additions we wanted to make to our home. Of course, that also meant digging deep into our savings and ignoring the fact that we are parents-to-be with a baby fund to stock up.

So we’d been putting away this mega-shopping in favor of buying stuff strictly for the baby rather than for our home.

Last weekend, I felt this gentle but firm assurance within me that we were ready for these purchases. But I was not ready to admit it aloud yet as I wanted my husband to feel this reassurance too without any prompting from me.

Three days later, my husband asked me: What about our mega-shopping?
Me: Well, what do you think?
My husband: I think we should go by what you feel.
Me: Not really but when I look back at the way God has provided for us, I feel a deep reassurance that this will be taken care of too.
My husband: Great! Let’s go for it!

I was stunned!

So it was that we went mega-shopping.

The very next day, we had our miracle: One of us got a bonus at work!

We just had to step out in faith, to see this miracle happen.

It's when these words meant so much more to us!

Picture credit: dutchgardens.com

Don’t wait for a BIG scrubbing!

Lately it’s been a little difficult keeping our home as spic ‘n span as I’d like to. Last evening, my husband decided to take over the cleaning chores ‘from this day onwards’. He did a great job. After a tiring hour or so of scrubbing with some strong chemicals, he reveled in seeing surfaces get their shiny sheen once more. We also realized that we had to use a lot more cleaning agents than usual as we’d neglected these surfaces for quite some time.

At the end of it, he made a statement that set me thinking. He said: Y’ know what my prayer is? I hope that I become very sensitive to the slightest spot of dirt in my life. I don’t want to have to have to go through such a scrubbing later on to remove stubborn stains. Easier to get rid of our unwelcome baggages as each day goes by rather than wait for a BIG scrubbing from above!

He then concluded with this redeeming statement: Yet, in all this uncomfortable scrubbing and chemicals, our Father is with us. He’s the One who’s doing the cleansing. Painful as it may be, He goes through it with us.

And here's something to chew on ... That's reassuring, isn't it? :-)

Picture credit: luminous-landscape.com

His blessings for us

Last evening, my husband and I went shopping for our baby. Though I knew what I needed to pick up on this first trip, once I entered the store the list flew out of the window. I wanted to buy this, that and a lot of other things which, I believed, would be needed for our baby. After a satisfactory evening, we were sharing our excitement about all that we had bought. It was then we realized that if we as earthly parents would want to do all this for our baby, how much more our Heavenly Father waits to bless his children.

He is, after all, the creator of all these emotions we share, the first parent and the One who orchestrated the miracle of birth.

Bless you as you approach the Father’s throne, boldly!

Picture credit: free-slideshow.com

In His time ...

We live quite far from the city. So every time, we decide to go shopping or visiting, it’s normal for us to use the words – going into the city. Friends tease us with questions like ‘Did you have to use your passport?’

Yesterday, two of our very dear friends were celebrating their birthdays and it seemed like too ambitious a plan to attempt to meet both of them as well as keep our appointed date with my husband’s grandmother who was visiting and eager to see me.

Seemed like a lot to do in a span of just three hours since we had decided that I would not leave early from work. (Don’t want too many ‘permissions’ lined up against my name!)

We just prayed and knew that if it was God’s will, it would work out smoothly. And would you believe, we managed to make it through peak evening traffic, the distance and meet all the three people and spend just enough time with them.

Of course, it was a blessing to see priceless expressions of joy on the faces of the birthday babies and paatimaa as I call our grandmother.

It was during our evening walk that we realized the true essence of surrendering time to God. He’s an expert in orchestration and organization. Wonder why I bother worrying or hurrying?

Picture credit: webexhibits.org

To Knut and his ilk

I don’t know how many of us have been following the story of Knut, a polar bear born in a German zoo. Rejected by his mother, he was raised by his keeper, Thomas Doerflein, who spent days and nights with this little bear until he was strong enough.

He’s white, fluffy and a picture of perfect cuddly beauty. Oh! You just have to see him! He’s what you want to cuddle, coddle and pamper for ages! A bundle of joy! :-)

Picture credit: www.spiegel.de

My best friend

She was someone I hugely admired at school. But then I did not stay in touch. I moved on to college. Two years later, she landed up at hostel to visit me. I was shocked out of my socks at her tenacity in tracking me. Of course, I still did not keep in touch.

Then I moved on to another college for my post-graduation, driven by dreams of being surrounded by whales and dolphins in my future career as a marine biologist. Well, guess who landed up at my hostel? It was she, again! After two years. We had a great time of reunion. However, this time she left me with an ultimatum. She said, she would not chase me anymore. She left me her number and now it was up to me.

I vowed then to stay in touch. Today, she’s what little girls would call ‘a best friend.’ We’ve been together through the turbulences of entering adulthood, relationships that were not in the best of our interests and all the memories that make up a life. Yet our friendship has not changed. It has matured, become stronger, been embellished with our respective new families but it is there. When the other got married, we were there for each other. She had a baby and I was there early morning to share with her in welcoming the baby.

Of course, there are innumerable instances when I could turn to no one but her. She has taught me the meaning of unconditional love. She’s one of those rare gems who puts a smile on your face with just a thought.

Now we’re pregnant together. She with her second baby and me with my first. We share notes, we visit the same doctor and our due dates are just four days apart!

Again we get to share a milestone of life together. :-)

Thank you Bee for being a great friend. You’re the best!

Picture credit: darrellcrow.com

It’s been a great birthday!

It’s been an eye-opener, the way my husband was treated during his birthday. I use ‘during’ because the birthday celebrations lasted over three days!

It began with a visit to a friend’s place, which turned, into a surprise pre-birthday party with friends we’d not seen for ages. Then it extended into another couple of birthday parties, all surprises, all completely unexpected and they all touched our hearts.

In fact, one of our family friends, an elderly couple, showered us with flowers and lit candles on their stairway. We could only wonder what kind of love drives them to do these uncharacteristic things? We smile and don't try to understand. We know we are loved.

It has been a truly heart warming experience. Thank you all. We are so blessed with your presence in our lives. :-)

Picture credit: fotosearch.com

When your ideas can take a backseat

I’ve been ‘accused’ by friends of being a ‘formal girl’. Which means words like sorry, thank you, please, don’t bother, I’m fine, etc. play a very significant role in my life. 'No' comes easier than 'yes'.

Let me explain: If you asked me if I want something, watch out if I respond in the affirmative. You can expect a storm. 'No' is what you will hear.

Some of my dearest friends have had to sit me down and refused to accept my ‘no’. Thanks guys.

I now say ‘yes’ to a very few friends.

Unfortunately, I do the 'no' bit with my parents too!

In fact, the other day, my mom asked me if she could come over. She wants to see me and stay with us for some time. Of course, I said no. I thought of all the inconveniences to her: Dad would have to be alone. Mom would have to travel alone. Mom would be home alone when we left for work. It’s too hot for her.

I could go on ...

And then, dad just went ahead and booked mom’s tickets! They know me by now. My husband’s learning fast too.

I’m so happy mom’s coming over. :-) I think I’ll relax a bit ...

Picture credit: top-dogs-names.com

Pain is a reality

Blessed as I am with a wonderful family and a baby-on-the-way, I’ve realized it’s becoming a little harder to hold back my tears when I see families in pain.

I read this painful account of a mother separated from her child. The story choked me and I know, I probably don’t have to look far to find another lady like Forugh. There may be millions.

I salute their strength. They go on. They want to change their lives. They have the courage to stand against injustice. They have the inner power to fight.

God bless you all. And one day, may all your efforts bear fruit.

Pic and news source: BBC.co.uk

I know I’m blessed because …

… I’m engraved on the palm of His hand.
… my husband’s love for me knows no bounds.
… I have a mom and dad whose love is simply beyond my human comprehension.
… my brother treasures me.
… Bee’s my best friend. She’s been a friend, sister, counselor, and a lot more!
… I’ve been chosen by God to experience the miracle of birth.
… I have perfect eyesight that allows me to see the beauty of the bright, blue sky and all of nature’s beauty.
… I’m surrounded by dozens of people who care for me.
… I can smile and enjoy the hundreds of smiles I exchange with strangers and acquaintances, alike.
… I always seem to have a song in my heart.

Wow! It seems like the list can go on and on. Whoever, said ‘Count your blessings, knew what they were talking about.

Suddenly, it seems like I have everything in this world I could hope for! :-)

Picture credit: 123greetings.com

Save the whales!

Have you ever been awed by the sheer majesty of the whales, those gentle giants who swim the high seas? Well, here’s a chance to do something to save them: Sign a petition.

Visit http://www.whalesrevenge.com and make a difference!

Picture credit: noaa.gov

Of tigers and orangutans



We’ll probably never get to hear about them together in the wild but here they are! At the Taman Safari Zoo, in Indonesia, two Sumatran tiger cubs and two baby orangutans have become the best of friends.

Abandoned at birth by their mothers, these babies share a nursery and therefore, the friendship.

Nice to know that natural enemies can be friends, even if it’s for a short time. (Yes, they are to be separated once the tigers start feeding on meat at three months.)

I’m thinking of all those people that we can dislike so easily. Maybe we can get to like them?

News source: CNN.com

Surprise!

Yippee! I just got this super-duper surprise! I was bogged down with a very tough deadline and so much so that I had taken time to even worry about it at home (which is a rare thing)!

In fact, just last night I mentioned to my husband how I was worried about this project. My husband responded by saying, “Y’know what? I trust you. I know you’ve never been late and I don’t see you not delivering on this project.”

I was touched but I also knew how wrong he was this time.

Well, what do you know? I go to office today and I have been asked to chill out on the project from about a month because they expect huge changes to happen and blah, blah.

I would’ve whooped and hopped about but didn’t. I’m learning to be a mature, demure, mother-to-be! Of course, nothing could stop me from calling my husband instantly and letting others know too!

Well, there are always miracles in life!

Some people take difficult decisions

I heard from a friend that a well-to-do couple wanted to give up their son for adoption.

Shocked? You see the child has autism, and the socialite mother has no time for him. Autism is a developmental disability that results in impairments to social interaction, communication, interests, imagination and activities.

On the one hand, my heart aches for all those parents who yearn for a baby and on the other hand, I feel sad for parents who somehow end up missing the magic of parenthood.

Thank you, all those mothers (and dads) who sacrifice their careers and their interests just to be a parent. You deserve a lot more praise than you get.

Our family blog!

It seemed like just the right time to start out our third blog – since we are expecting our first child and we’ve grown from lovers to a couple (you know, the happily married kind!). So here’s our blog, A Growing Family where we hope to chronicle the sweet and sour moments of our lives as a family!

Have fun as you read and share with us!

Picture credit: Mooseyscountrygarden.com

She cares for me!

The ‘she’ here is my mom-in-law. I have always seen her as a loving, cheerful woman. That is until her son decided to marry me. I fell, in her eyes, to the lowest abyss on the planet.

And yet, there worked a miracle. A swift moment of wondrous intervention and I became her daughter-in-law and soon the one to bear her a grandchild.

Yesterday, we dropped by to say hello to her. She was very upset with her son for not warning her that I was coming along too. She wanted to cook something special. And then, all she did for the next half-hour or so was try to find out what my favorite dishes were! She wanted to send them over.

I was amazed at her determination to find out what I like especially and what she could cook for me. She had no complex reasons – just that “in this time” women get cravings and all she wanted was to ensure that in the absence of my mother I would not miss out on any of these goodies.

Thanks amma.

Picture credit: cbf.us

The awakening

It’s been a little strange getting used to the idea that it’s three of us now especially when the third member of our family can hardly be seen.

Read the rest at our Growing Family blog.

The true love of our lives

As my husband and I expectantly prepare for the joys of parenthood, one of the truths that hit home again and again, is that our true love continues to be each other. We’ve been discussing about children and how they play a wonderful role in our lives, and yet, we’ve also been discussing that the focus of our relationship does not change.

Read the rest at our Growing Family blog.

To our baby – About the bright blue sky

Last night as I walked on the terrace and watched the planes land and take off in the distance, I was overwhelmed suddenly by the sheer beauty and vastness of the world that surrounded me. I realized there was so much to tell you, so much to introduce to you.

Read the rest at our Growing Family blog.

Picture credit: defra.gov.uk

A little life

Well, life throws up lovely surprises and one of them is that I’m pregnant. I waited for a while to share this news as there were many people in my life I wanted to inform personally before sharing it through my blog. And now, here it is!

I’m a mother-to-be!

Our yet-to-be-born baby’s 19 weeks old and we just can’t wait to see Reuel. Yes, that’s the name we’ve got for now. Reuel is a Hebrew name that means ‘friend of God’. We’re still hunting for a middle name. That’s ‘cos we want our child to have a name derived from our roots – this beautiful, colorful, multi-cultural land we call home, India.

Each week we read about Reuel’s rapid growth and can’t stem the excitement. And of course, we eagerly look forward to that day when we get to see and hold our baby in our arms. In all this research that I’ve been doing, here’s a cute lil tracking tool I found.



This is to let all my friends know how long before our baby’s born.

It’s only words …

One of my all-time favorites, Words is a soft, touching song. Every time I hear it, I find myself quieting down, taking a deep breath and letting the song take over. However, lately these words have begun to mean something else to me.

Are words, just words? After getting married, one of the things I have learnt from my husband is the power of words. He has a simple reason for it: Proverbs 18:21

“Words kill, words give life;
they're either poison or fruit — you choose.”

So it’s really up to us! What are we going to choose? What words are we going to sow into our lives? What words will we use today with others?

Well, after all, there's a power attached to words that we need to be aware of.

The tiny gate

Last night we happened to drive past the palace of an erstwhile royal family member residing in the city. The place is well fortified with spiked walls, 24-hour security and tall gates that are always shut. However, yesterday I noticed that a tiny gate beside the tall, main gate was open. The security guards also seemed relaxed and were chatting with one another.

I wondered if they had left the gate open because there were many at the main gate or was it because there was no apparent threat in sight.

I could not help but draw a parallel to our lives. We have strong walls, tall gates and friends who keep watch over us. Yet, there’s a tiny gate open somewhere that’s enough to let in storms of doubt, waves of fear and clouds of disbelief.

Guess it’s time to do a candid audit – for that little gate that’s open.

A perfume bottle vs. a river

There’s a true story I’ve heard about a modern-day prince who came back home from his studies abroad to find that the beautiful river next to his palace had deteriorated into a massive sewage canal. Unable to bear the stench, in frustration, he opened up some expensive perfume bottles and threw them into the river.

It sounds like a futile effort, which of course it is but I began to ponder – isn’t that how it is with some of us. We get so overwhelmed with the stench of sin that we pull up our sleeves and get down to cleaning it our own way. Of course, our perfume bottles can hardly impact the stench of a river.

But what does God have to say about this? He says, “Come to me!” As if that was not enough, he gives us other assurances too!

If you’re struggling under the weight of living, take it to Him who watches over you. He knows how best to care for you!

Be blessed this day.

Picture credit: fleurdelisperfumes.com

Our life’s compass

The other day, during our evening walk, my husband and I felt that gentle nudge to call up one of our friends. And sure enough, just as I expected, she was really down. She was confused with a lot of issues particularly those surrounding her impending marriage. After hearing her out, and the constant refrain of ‘I’m so confused’ my husband gently brought in an example.

He said, ‘We’ve all used compasses at school to draw that perfect circle. If however, we were to reverse the roles – use the pencil as the center and attempt to draw with the pointy edge, we’d end up tearing up the page and the pages below. It’s the same with life. As long as God is the center, there’s a sense of direction. However, if the focus changes, we stand in danger of tearing up our own lives.’

How does your life’s compass draw?

God bless.

Vicky’s* magic

Last week, my husband was sleeping off a tiring day at work when he was woken up with a loud banging on the door. Sleepy-eyed, he opened the door to see our friendly neighborhood brat, Vicky. He’s all of four, bursting to the seams with energy and always radiant with cheer. Of course, no polite niceties followed. Just a question, “Do you want to see magic?” with no expectations of a response. He walked in and enthusiastically proceeded to show Balaji, (my sleepy hubby) what he had in mind.

• Vicky producing a plastic plate: “Can you see light?”
• My husband: “No.”
• Vicky secreting a torch out of his then-mysteriously-bulging, now-demystified T. Shirt and placing it under the plastic plate, letting the light shine through: “See there’s light! Magic!”
• My husband, all bright and awake, pretending not to see the torch: “Wow Vicky! How did you do that? You’re a magician!”
  

Of course, we laughed ourselves to tears as my husband recounted this incident. It was the child’s simple confidence that the door would be opened, he would be invited in and appreciated for his efforts that touched our hearts.

And then my husband reflected: Isn’t that the way it is with God? Maybe that’s the ‘magical’ belief we all need to have – that our Heavenly Father has an open-door policy for His kids.

* Name changed, you-know-why.

Saying no to corporal punishment!

In a landmark move, the state government of Tamil Nadu has banned corporal punishment in schools. I, for one, am happy to see that in the name of discipline and meeting so-called standards, teachers will no longer be able to vent their anger on kids.

Thank God, in the midst of a hundred other issues, the government has paid attention to this critical issue. To all who were on this committee, thank you and God bless! :-)

For the rest of the world, it may seem a trivial issue but beating or humiliating children could result in adults who grow up with a warped sense of self and require inner healing to reach their fullest potential.

Hugs galore!

I’ve always loved being hugged. Strangely, I discovered this astonishing fact only at sixteen when I met a long-lost friend after ages. She hugged me. And I liked it! Until then I had maintained this tough-girl attitude and in my world the credo was hugs were too sissy, too soft.

After that hug from my friend, I took up hugging seriously. I’d squeeze mom tightly and give her looong hugs. I'd hug all my dearest friends everytime I met them. All my friends knew a warm hug was all it took to make my day.

And now that I’m married I get more than my share of hugs. There are plenty of hugs in our happy home. Hugs of love, laughter, passion, sadness and many others that reflect a hundred other hues of life.

Hugs do make a difference!

Thanks sweetie!

Picture credit: megsplace.com

My mirror

One of the perks of being married is that you get to see yourself in a mirror that reflects you, quite candidly. Thank God for a lovely husband, my mirror does not believe in condemning or pointing fingers. I’m always swept up in a warm embrace of acceptance that reminds me to see myself for who I am – unique, made in the image of God.

Thanks honey, you make my world wonderful!

Picture credit: jewelry-4-u.net

Heroes are real!

Close your eyes for a moment and pick out your favorite heroes. No, I don’t mean the comic book ones. They exist in our lives only until our adolescent dreams fade away. I’m talking about the real-life heroes we meet in our everyday, ordinary lives. The kind of heroes who are never drawn or photographed or interviewed. The kind who live on in our lives and memories no matter how old we are and what our latest passions are. They go about their heroic lives in ordinary ways.

The friend who’s been there for you for ever-so-many-years.

The mother who provides inspiration no matter how bad the storm or how much it’s your fault.

The father who’s always there to point you to greater heights.

The colleague who unfailingly smiles merrily at you each morning setting a happy tone for your day at work.

The auto driver who’s polite no matter how bad his day had been.

The electrician who does an honest job.

The doctor who goes the extra mile to make you feel comfortable especially when there’s an evil-looking needle pointing at you.

The lab technician who understands that it’s okay to be afraid of injections, even if you look the kind who stare a dragon to shame.

The policeman who takes the pains to stand in rain and sunshine to ensure that traffic flows smoothly.

Well, I believe these are the heroes who keep the world going round.

God bless you all! :-)

Thank God for moms!

I know it’s been a looooooooooooong time. Sorry, all my dear friends. I’ve just been busy … really busy. And in all that busyness I came across a nugget I wanted to share with all of you.

One morning, a colleague offered our team some candies. One of the brats in the team said ‘If I was a woman I’d wrap it up and take it home to my kids.’ That statement hit me like a bolt out of the blue for my memories were awakened to this very real fact in the lives of moms around the world. I remember the 100s of times my brother and I eagerly waited to dig into my mom’s pockets for sweets that seemed to always be there – thanks to the fact that she was a nurse and in a human-resource rich nation like ours, beaming fathers celebrated the arrival of their newborns with sweets to everyone at the hospital almost every other day.

I always assumed momma did not like sweets. She’s 60 today and with tears in my eyes I discovered only a few years ago that she enjoyed sweets just as mush as her sweet-toothed kids! So now you know who happily gives up her share of sweets so that a warm, huggable lady who sacrificed her fondness for sweets in her younger days gets to enjoy a lot of it in her retired days!

Thanks mom! You’ve taught me a lot without a word.

Picture credit: craftdesigns4you.com