Cowardice asks the question
Is it safe?
Experience asks the question
Is it politic?
Vanity asks the question
Is it popular?
But conscience asks the question
Is it right?
There comes a time when
We must take a position
That is neither safe
Nor political
Nor popular
But we must take it because
Our Conscience tells us
It is right.
-- Martin Luther King, Jnr. --
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Monday, 15 December 2008
Busy days
I've been having some pretty busy days lately. It's always the case during holidays because that's the time when I try to finish up unfinished projects! And I've got so many of them that I've started and never finished. Evangel College for one.
So this holidays, it's my aim to finish Evangel College. I've only got one more unit to do! Yay. Hopefully I'll be done by end of December 08.
Then, I'm going to be doing a teach-a-ton. My previous music teacher is going on a holiday, and is getting me to teach her students as well as help her daughter practice! Wow. I must say I'm pretty honoured by the choice, considering she is also in the business of having her own studio teachers below her (of which I am not one!). But she has asked me to teach instead of them! But I guess they must want a break too, well.... either that or they are also equally busy! haha. Knowing my teacher, it must be the latter. :) So I'm going to be working big time too! Awesome
Of course, there is the annual buzz of church activities that come with the Christmas season: the carolling, christmas plays, the family camp and of course, the watchnight service on the 31st of December.
That is only the outside activities! Combined with the regular home duties... that makes a crazy time.
But I must admit I enjoy it... I think I'd go nuts with nothing to do. lol. So I guess it is a good thing that being bored never materialises!
Or if it does, I just simply find things to do: read a book, write my journal, blog, facebook, email, cook, or try sewing! haha. Or start a new 'project'.... which I'm famous at doing ^_^
Anyway... I ought to start studying for the last business test this thursday... I'd hate to fail the last one and have to redo it! :S
More later. :)
So this holidays, it's my aim to finish Evangel College. I've only got one more unit to do! Yay. Hopefully I'll be done by end of December 08.
Then, I'm going to be doing a teach-a-ton. My previous music teacher is going on a holiday, and is getting me to teach her students as well as help her daughter practice! Wow. I must say I'm pretty honoured by the choice, considering she is also in the business of having her own studio teachers below her (of which I am not one!). But she has asked me to teach instead of them! But I guess they must want a break too, well.... either that or they are also equally busy! haha. Knowing my teacher, it must be the latter. :) So I'm going to be working big time too! Awesome
Of course, there is the annual buzz of church activities that come with the Christmas season: the carolling, christmas plays, the family camp and of course, the watchnight service on the 31st of December.
That is only the outside activities! Combined with the regular home duties... that makes a crazy time.
But I must admit I enjoy it... I think I'd go nuts with nothing to do. lol. So I guess it is a good thing that being bored never materialises!
Or if it does, I just simply find things to do: read a book, write my journal, blog, facebook, email, cook, or try sewing! haha. Or start a new 'project'.... which I'm famous at doing ^_^
Anyway... I ought to start studying for the last business test this thursday... I'd hate to fail the last one and have to redo it! :S
More later. :)
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Euthanasia upfront
This documentary shows a man choosing to take his own life with the help of a doctor, and the support of his family. It is just so sad, that sometimes it is difficult to know what to say about the wrongs of euthanasia, especially when you see it upfront. But I suppose the fact still remains that killing (taking of a human life) is still sin before God, no matter the circumstances around it. It does not matter that you are suffering greatly or are depressed or that deciding to live will have a lot more "stress" and "pain" than dying. Sin is sin before God.
What I can say however, is that God gives grace to those who obey Him and follow His will.
Besides, life will definitely NOT be more stressful or painful than death if you choose to commit suicide. For the same reason that if you disobey God, you will end up in hell. And hell... well. hell on earth is NOTHING compared to the real thing. I know I'm saying this really ungracefully, but I can't think of any other way to put it that will still convey the same urgency and importance.
Here's the documentary:
Euthanasia debate reignited
What I can say however, is that God gives grace to those who obey Him and follow His will.
Besides, life will definitely NOT be more stressful or painful than death if you choose to commit suicide. For the same reason that if you disobey God, you will end up in hell. And hell... well. hell on earth is NOTHING compared to the real thing. I know I'm saying this really ungracefully, but I can't think of any other way to put it that will still convey the same urgency and importance.
Here's the documentary:
Euthanasia debate reignited
Friday, 5 December 2008
Why most scientists believe the world is old
This post is taken from a Creation Ministries December 2008 Newsletter by Dr Russell Humphreys, PH.D. He writes,
There is a little-known irony in the controversy between creationists and evolutionist about the age of the world. The majority of scienties- the evolutionsists- rely on a minority of the relevant data. Yet a minority of scientiest- the creationists- use the majority of the relevant data. Adding to the irony is the public's wrong impression that it is the other way around. Therefore, many ask: "If the evidence is so strongly for a young earth, why do most scientists believe otherwise?" The answer is simple: Most scientist believe the earth is old because they believe most other scientists believe the earth is old!
Going round in circles
They trust in what's called 'circular reasoning', not data. I once encountered such a clear example of this misplaced trust, that I made detailed notes immediately. It happened when I spoke with a young (in his early thirties, career-ambitious, and upwadly mobile) geochemist at sandia National Laboratories, where I then worked as a physicist. I presented him with one piece of evidence for a young world, the rapid accumulation of sodium in the ocean. It was ideal, since much of geochemistry deals with chemicals in the ocean.
I wanted to see how he explained prossible ways for sodium to get out of the sea fasdt enough to balance the rapid input of sodium to the sea. Creationist geologist Steve Austin and I wanted the information in order to complete a scientific paper on the topic. We went around and around the issue for an hour, but he finally admitted he knew of no way to remove sodium from the sea fast enough. That would mean the sea could not be billions of years old. Realizing that, he said, "Since we know from other sciences that the ocean is billion of years old, such a removal process must exist."
I questioned whether we 'know' that at all and started to mention some of the other evidence of a young world. He interrupted me, agreeing that he probably didn't know even one percent of such data, since the science journals he depended on had not pointed it out as being important. But he did not want to examine the evidence for himself, because, he said, "People I trust don't accept creation!"
Faith, not science
I asked him which people he was relying upon. His answer was, "I trust Stephen Jay Gould!" (At that time Gould, a paleontologist, was still alive and considered the world's most prominent evolutionist.) Thus the geochemist revealed his main reason for thinking the earth is old: "People I trust" i.e., scientific authorities, had declared it. I was surprised that he didn't see the logical inconsistency of his own position. He trusted Gould and other authorities but ignored hugely relevant data!
Perhaps the geochemist thought it so unlikely the earth is young that he wasn't going to waste time investigating the possibility himself. But if that were the case, then it shows another way the old-world myth perpetuates itself-- by intellectual inertia.
I remember haivng similar attitudes when I was a grad student in physics, while I was still an evolutionist. I was wondering about a seeming inconsistency in biological evolutionism. But, I told myself, surely the experts know the answer, and I've got my dissertation research to do. I had no idea that (a) the experts had no answer for it, and (b) the implications were extremely important, affecting my entire worldview.
Before I became a Christian, I resisted evidence for a recent creation because of its spiritual implications. The geochemist might also have been resisting such implications, and was merely using scientific authority as a convenient excuse.
The bottom line
Many scientists are not the independent seekers of truth the public imagines, so the public should not trust them blindly. For a variety of reasons, scientists depend on other scientists to be correct, even when themselves have some reason for doubt. Unfortunately, as most creationist scientists can tell you, the young geochemist's reaction is not at all exceptional. Many scientists, without serious questioning, trust the opinions of their own 'experts'. However, I'm happy to report that other, when presented with creationist data, have bcome very interested and have investigated it. Many have become creationists that way, as I did.
D. Russell Humphreys, Ph.D
Creation Ministries International
There is a little-known irony in the controversy between creationists and evolutionist about the age of the world. The majority of scienties- the evolutionsists- rely on a minority of the relevant data. Yet a minority of scientiest- the creationists- use the majority of the relevant data. Adding to the irony is the public's wrong impression that it is the other way around. Therefore, many ask: "If the evidence is so strongly for a young earth, why do most scientists believe otherwise?" The answer is simple: Most scientist believe the earth is old because they believe most other scientists believe the earth is old!
Going round in circles
They trust in what's called 'circular reasoning', not data. I once encountered such a clear example of this misplaced trust, that I made detailed notes immediately. It happened when I spoke with a young (in his early thirties, career-ambitious, and upwadly mobile) geochemist at sandia National Laboratories, where I then worked as a physicist. I presented him with one piece of evidence for a young world, the rapid accumulation of sodium in the ocean. It was ideal, since much of geochemistry deals with chemicals in the ocean.
I wanted to see how he explained prossible ways for sodium to get out of the sea fasdt enough to balance the rapid input of sodium to the sea. Creationist geologist Steve Austin and I wanted the information in order to complete a scientific paper on the topic. We went around and around the issue for an hour, but he finally admitted he knew of no way to remove sodium from the sea fast enough. That would mean the sea could not be billions of years old. Realizing that, he said, "Since we know from other sciences that the ocean is billion of years old, such a removal process must exist."
I questioned whether we 'know' that at all and started to mention some of the other evidence of a young world. He interrupted me, agreeing that he probably didn't know even one percent of such data, since the science journals he depended on had not pointed it out as being important. But he did not want to examine the evidence for himself, because, he said, "People I trust don't accept creation!"
Faith, not science
I asked him which people he was relying upon. His answer was, "I trust Stephen Jay Gould!" (At that time Gould, a paleontologist, was still alive and considered the world's most prominent evolutionist.) Thus the geochemist revealed his main reason for thinking the earth is old: "People I trust" i.e., scientific authorities, had declared it. I was surprised that he didn't see the logical inconsistency of his own position. He trusted Gould and other authorities but ignored hugely relevant data!
Perhaps the geochemist thought it so unlikely the earth is young that he wasn't going to waste time investigating the possibility himself. But if that were the case, then it shows another way the old-world myth perpetuates itself-- by intellectual inertia.
I remember haivng similar attitudes when I was a grad student in physics, while I was still an evolutionist. I was wondering about a seeming inconsistency in biological evolutionism. But, I told myself, surely the experts know the answer, and I've got my dissertation research to do. I had no idea that (a) the experts had no answer for it, and (b) the implications were extremely important, affecting my entire worldview.
Before I became a Christian, I resisted evidence for a recent creation because of its spiritual implications. The geochemist might also have been resisting such implications, and was merely using scientific authority as a convenient excuse.
The bottom line
Many scientists are not the independent seekers of truth the public imagines, so the public should not trust them blindly. For a variety of reasons, scientists depend on other scientists to be correct, even when themselves have some reason for doubt. Unfortunately, as most creationist scientists can tell you, the young geochemist's reaction is not at all exceptional. Many scientists, without serious questioning, trust the opinions of their own 'experts'. However, I'm happy to report that other, when presented with creationist data, have bcome very interested and have investigated it. Many have become creationists that way, as I did.
D. Russell Humphreys, Ph.D
Creation Ministries International
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Monday, 6 October 2008
Amendment to abortion legislation in VIC must be stopped!
That Australia should even come to the stage allowing abortion is totally tragic. But there's worse news. Abortion was only allowed in VIC for fetuses up to 22-23 weeks because after that, the fetus is legally a child 'capable of being born alive'. However, the VIC parliament is now planning to extend the time frame of abortion all the way until the birth of the baby!
If you have time, go to www.abortionno.org and have a look. It's an American website, but it brings out the horror of abortion- something that every woman should know. If they are going to stick to their "right to choose", they should at LEAST face up to what they are choosing! The site isn't just for women, but it for everyone. Christians or no. You MUST see what abortion is doing to our next generation... the millions of 'could have been'. There's all this talk on the injustice of the "stolen generation". And yes, it was unjust. But how much more the whole generation of babies wiped out merely because the parents finds it socially inconvenient to have one!
Parliament wants to talk law? Well, how about this: encouraging total wantonness and irresponsible behaviour goes against public policy. And that is what they will be encouraging if they allow women to abort babies simply because they find it too inconvenient to have a child. If they can't take care of the child, give it up for adoption! There are so many parents who would LOVE to have a child of their own but can't!
Justifying abortion by rape and women's health cases is just an excuse. The number of rape cases that resulted in abortion is 1%. Aborting the fetus because of health problems? 6%. the other 93% is ALL due to "social inconvenience"!
And then of course we come to rights. Women's rights to choose. yeah sure. Just make sure you know WHAT you are choosing. And then, how about the baby's rights? Don't THEY get a say too, while we're at it?
We've got to do something now. It's rather too late to act once the legislation has been amended.
Refuting abortion with the Bible
If you have time, go to www.abortionno.org and have a look. It's an American website, but it brings out the horror of abortion- something that every woman should know. If they are going to stick to their "right to choose", they should at LEAST face up to what they are choosing! The site isn't just for women, but it for everyone. Christians or no. You MUST see what abortion is doing to our next generation... the millions of 'could have been'. There's all this talk on the injustice of the "stolen generation". And yes, it was unjust. But how much more the whole generation of babies wiped out merely because the parents finds it socially inconvenient to have one!
Parliament wants to talk law? Well, how about this: encouraging total wantonness and irresponsible behaviour goes against public policy. And that is what they will be encouraging if they allow women to abort babies simply because they find it too inconvenient to have a child. If they can't take care of the child, give it up for adoption! There are so many parents who would LOVE to have a child of their own but can't!
Justifying abortion by rape and women's health cases is just an excuse. The number of rape cases that resulted in abortion is 1%. Aborting the fetus because of health problems? 6%. the other 93% is ALL due to "social inconvenience"!
And then of course we come to rights. Women's rights to choose. yeah sure. Just make sure you know WHAT you are choosing. And then, how about the baby's rights? Don't THEY get a say too, while we're at it?
We've got to do something now. It's rather too late to act once the legislation has been amended.
Refuting abortion with the Bible
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Atheist professor rendered speechless
There was a professor of philosophy where who was a deeply committed atheist. His primary goal for one required class was to spend the entire semester attempting to prove that God couldn't exist. His students were always afraid to argue with Him because of his impeccable logic. For 20 years, he had taught this class and no one had ever had the courage to go against him. Sure, some had argued in class at times, but no one had ever 'really gone against him'
Nobody would go against him because he had a reputation. At the end of every semester, on the last day, he would say to his class of 300 sutdents, "Is there anyone here who believes in Jesus? Stand up!" In 20 years, no one had ever stood up. They knew what he was going to do next. He would say, "because anyone who does believe in God is a fool. If God existed, he could stop this piece of chalk from hitting the ground and breaking. Such a simple tast to prove that He is God, and yet He can't do it." And every year, he would drop the chalk onto the tile floor of the classroom and it would shatter into a hundred pieces. The students could do nothing but stop and stare. Most of the students were convinced that God couldn't exist. Certainly, a number of Christians had slipped through, but for 20 years, they had been too afraid to stand up.
Well, a few years ago, there was a freshman who happened to get enrolled in the class. He was a Christian, and had heard the stories about this professor. He had to take the class because it was one of the required classes for his major and he was afraid. But for 3 months that semester, he prayed every morning what the professor said or what the class thought. Nothing they said or did could ever shatter his faith, he hoped.
Finally teh day came. The professor said, "If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!" The professor and the class of the 300 hundred people looked at him, shocked, as he stood up at the back of the classroom. The professor shouted, "You fool!! If God existed, he could keep this piece of chalk from breaking when it hit the ground!" He then proceeded to drop the chalk, but as he did, it slipped out of his fingers, off his shirt cuff, onto the pleats of his pants, down his leg, and off his shoe. As it hit the ground, it simply rolled away, unbroken.
The professor's jaw dropped as he stared at the chalk. He looked up at the young man and then ran out of the lecture hall. The young man who had stood up proceeded to walk to the front of the room and share his faith in Jesus Christ for teh next half hour. 300 students stayed and listened as he told of God's love for them and of His power through Jesus Christ.
-This is SAID to be a true story that happened in USC (University of Southern California). But it is circulated in the internet as being a 'legend'.-
Nobody would go against him because he had a reputation. At the end of every semester, on the last day, he would say to his class of 300 sutdents, "Is there anyone here who believes in Jesus? Stand up!" In 20 years, no one had ever stood up. They knew what he was going to do next. He would say, "because anyone who does believe in God is a fool. If God existed, he could stop this piece of chalk from hitting the ground and breaking. Such a simple tast to prove that He is God, and yet He can't do it." And every year, he would drop the chalk onto the tile floor of the classroom and it would shatter into a hundred pieces. The students could do nothing but stop and stare. Most of the students were convinced that God couldn't exist. Certainly, a number of Christians had slipped through, but for 20 years, they had been too afraid to stand up.
Well, a few years ago, there was a freshman who happened to get enrolled in the class. He was a Christian, and had heard the stories about this professor. He had to take the class because it was one of the required classes for his major and he was afraid. But for 3 months that semester, he prayed every morning what the professor said or what the class thought. Nothing they said or did could ever shatter his faith, he hoped.
Finally teh day came. The professor said, "If there is anyone here who still believes in God, stand up!" The professor and the class of the 300 hundred people looked at him, shocked, as he stood up at the back of the classroom. The professor shouted, "You fool!! If God existed, he could keep this piece of chalk from breaking when it hit the ground!" He then proceeded to drop the chalk, but as he did, it slipped out of his fingers, off his shirt cuff, onto the pleats of his pants, down his leg, and off his shoe. As it hit the ground, it simply rolled away, unbroken.
The professor's jaw dropped as he stared at the chalk. He looked up at the young man and then ran out of the lecture hall. The young man who had stood up proceeded to walk to the front of the room and share his faith in Jesus Christ for teh next half hour. 300 students stayed and listened as he told of God's love for them and of His power through Jesus Christ.
-This is SAID to be a true story that happened in USC (University of Southern California). But it is circulated in the internet as being a 'legend'.-
Does God exist?
Did God create everything that exists? Does evil exist? Did God create evil?
The University professor challenged his students with this question.
"Did God create everything that exists?"
A student bravely replied, "Yes he did!"
"God created everything?" The professor asked.
"Yes sir", the student replied.
The professor answered, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then God is evil."
The student became quiet before such an answer.
The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proven once more that God was a myth.
Another student raised his hand and said, "Can I ask you question, professor?"
"Of course", replied the professor.
The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?"
"What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?"
The students snickered at the young man's question.
The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist.
According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-460? F) is the total absence of heat; all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat."
The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?"
The professor responded, "Of course it does."
The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either.
Darkness is, in reality, the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."
Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?"
Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course as I have already said. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down.
The young man's name -- Albert Einstein
The University professor challenged his students with this question.
"Did God create everything that exists?"
A student bravely replied, "Yes he did!"
"God created everything?" The professor asked.
"Yes sir", the student replied.
The professor answered, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then God is evil."
The student became quiet before such an answer.
The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proven once more that God was a myth.
Another student raised his hand and said, "Can I ask you question, professor?"
"Of course", replied the professor.
The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?"
"What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?"
The students snickered at the young man's question.
The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist.
According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-460? F) is the total absence of heat; all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction at that temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat."
The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?"
The professor responded, "Of course it does."
The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either.
Darkness is, in reality, the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color. You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."
Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?"
Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course as I have already said. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down.
The young man's name -- Albert Einstein
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Anne Frank Movie
I found the whole movie of Anne Frank on Youtube. I hope I'm not violating any copyright laws by posting it here...
The Ultimate Gift
I really enjoyed this show. It's funny, touching and has a good message. The acting especially by Abigail Breslin is amazing :D (And no, I'm not biased.)
Altogether a show worth watching to pass time.
Altogether a show worth watching to pass time.
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Mighty to Save
Everyone needs compassion
Love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations
Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender
Shine Your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing
For the glory of the risen King
God's everlasting love
From The Wilds Music:
Before the stars were in the sky
Before the earth was ever framed
Long before time had begun
I knew your name
I had a plan for who you'd be
I would create you for My glory
you would be precious in My sight
You would be Mine
I have loved you with a everlasting love
Before you knew My name I sought you
I have bought you with My blood
throughout the centuries
through all of history
and through eternity above
I will love you with an everlasting love
there was a time you would not listen
and you chose to go astray
as your Father, as your Shepherd
I led you back into the way
when the storms are fierce I held you
in the shelter of My heart
I have kept you from all evil and all harm
for neither heights nor depths nor angels
nor things present nor thing to come
could ever separate
nothing can take away
My everlasting love
Before the stars were in the sky
Before the earth was ever framed
Long before time had begun
I knew your name
I had a plan for who you'd be
I would create you for My glory
you would be precious in My sight
You would be Mine
I have loved you with a everlasting love
Before you knew My name I sought you
I have bought you with My blood
throughout the centuries
through all of history
and through eternity above
I will love you with an everlasting love
there was a time you would not listen
and you chose to go astray
as your Father, as your Shepherd
I led you back into the way
when the storms are fierce I held you
in the shelter of My heart
I have kept you from all evil and all harm
for neither heights nor depths nor angels
nor things present nor thing to come
could ever separate
nothing can take away
My everlasting love
Monday, 30 June 2008
Lord keep my focus on You
Sometimes I live my life
Just as You've planned
Other times I struggle to obey Your command
Choices I make each day
Determine if I obey and follow You
Trusting You, guide me I pray
Refrain:
Lord keep my focus on You each day
Oh, I am tempted to go my own way
Help me to trust in You
To live my life, to honour You
Lord keep my focus on You
Trials surround me, Lord
I cry in despair
I know You're with me
And You hear every prayer
Open my eyes to see
That You know what's best for me
Remember me, calm my fear
This is my plea
Calmly, I follow You sharing Your Word,
Praising You, Lord Jesus for Your love unreserved
Hide me to do Your will
To reach forth in darkness still
Your shining light, burning bright
Lord, I'm fulfilled
Just as You've planned
Other times I struggle to obey Your command
Choices I make each day
Determine if I obey and follow You
Trusting You, guide me I pray
Refrain:
Lord keep my focus on You each day
Oh, I am tempted to go my own way
Help me to trust in You
To live my life, to honour You
Lord keep my focus on You
Trials surround me, Lord
I cry in despair
I know You're with me
And You hear every prayer
Open my eyes to see
That You know what's best for me
Remember me, calm my fear
This is my plea
Calmly, I follow You sharing Your Word,
Praising You, Lord Jesus for Your love unreserved
Hide me to do Your will
To reach forth in darkness still
Your shining light, burning bright
Lord, I'm fulfilled
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
A state of complacency
Maybe being sick during the exam week ain't such a bad thing after all. It forces me to rest, relax and not worry!
Here I am in the uni since 8:45am this morning, coming to study for my administrative law exam in 2 days time, and all I can do is check email, watch a movie (one night with the king-it's awesome if you haven't seen it before), listen to music and now, blog!! Wayyyyyyyy too complacent.
Must have been all the late nights from last week kicking in. Came down with a flu- nose won't stop running, and its RED from all the tissue-scrubbing. ^_^ Could pass for a clown, maybe
Sigh... back to bias... procedural fairness, unreasonableness, ultra vires and an exam practice paper.... -.-
Here I am in the uni since 8:45am this morning, coming to study for my administrative law exam in 2 days time, and all I can do is check email, watch a movie (one night with the king-it's awesome if you haven't seen it before), listen to music and now, blog!! Wayyyyyyyy too complacent.
Must have been all the late nights from last week kicking in. Came down with a flu- nose won't stop running, and its RED from all the tissue-scrubbing. ^_^ Could pass for a clown, maybe
Sigh... back to bias... procedural fairness, unreasonableness, ultra vires and an exam practice paper.... -.-
Friday, 23 May 2008
The holiness of God
A couple of days ago I found a "letter" which I wrote as a project some years back. I didn't even know stuff from so long ago still existed. I thought they'd all be thrown away during one of my mass room clearings. :) (It's amazing the kind of things still floating around somewhere in our house.)
Anyway, the letter was to be written to a friend telling him/her about the holiness of God.
The letter is dated 20th April 2001
Dear friend,
God's holiness is not simply the best we know: infinitely better. We know nothing like the divine holiness. It stands apart, unique, unapproachable, incomprehensible, and unattainable. The natural man is blind to it. He may fear God's power and admire his wisdom, but His holiness he cannot even imagine.
The holiness of God is incomprehensible. It is an awesome mystery, surrounding, and enfolding the universe. It can never be intellectually conceived. Only sensed and felt in the depths of the human spirit.
By,
Abigail Ong
When I read it again (it's so powerful to read stuff you wrote years ago), I was just amazed at what I was taught at the age of 11, and forgotten since. And it really is true. God is so holy that we cannot even begin to fathom the glory, and majesty of the I AM who sits and reigns on His throne as King forever and ever. The holy, unapproachable, perfect, Nonesuch. Before whom we will all have to bow and worship one day. And it will truly be a joy and honour to worship this holy God who despite his elevated status, humbled Himself, became Man, and substituted His holy, perfect, blameless, sinless Self in my place. He died for me- He paid for my sins so that I could one day meet Him in heaven and bow before His holiness. You see, it is because of His holiness that no one can meet Him. No one in sin can enter heaven to meet this holy God. But because the perfect, holy God became the world's scapegoat, we are holy and righteous too. And someday, after I die, I will meet Him face to face.
Do you have that same assurance? If you die in your sins, without accepting God's 'substitution' of His righteousness for yours, you will not be allowed into heaven. You will be punished for your sins. You will end up in hell.
Because God is holy.
Anyway, the letter was to be written to a friend telling him/her about the holiness of God.
The letter is dated 20th April 2001
Dear friend,
God's holiness is not simply the best we know: infinitely better. We know nothing like the divine holiness. It stands apart, unique, unapproachable, incomprehensible, and unattainable. The natural man is blind to it. He may fear God's power and admire his wisdom, but His holiness he cannot even imagine.
The holiness of God is incomprehensible. It is an awesome mystery, surrounding, and enfolding the universe. It can never be intellectually conceived. Only sensed and felt in the depths of the human spirit.
By,
Abigail Ong
When I read it again (it's so powerful to read stuff you wrote years ago), I was just amazed at what I was taught at the age of 11, and forgotten since. And it really is true. God is so holy that we cannot even begin to fathom the glory, and majesty of the I AM who sits and reigns on His throne as King forever and ever. The holy, unapproachable, perfect, Nonesuch. Before whom we will all have to bow and worship one day. And it will truly be a joy and honour to worship this holy God who despite his elevated status, humbled Himself, became Man, and substituted His holy, perfect, blameless, sinless Self in my place. He died for me- He paid for my sins so that I could one day meet Him in heaven and bow before His holiness. You see, it is because of His holiness that no one can meet Him. No one in sin can enter heaven to meet this holy God. But because the perfect, holy God became the world's scapegoat, we are holy and righteous too. And someday, after I die, I will meet Him face to face.
Do you have that same assurance? If you die in your sins, without accepting God's 'substitution' of His righteousness for yours, you will not be allowed into heaven. You will be punished for your sins. You will end up in hell.
Because God is holy.
Monday, 12 May 2008
Seems like we have a panacea for coughs
This is really interesting! I shall try it the next time a cough comes along :D
NEW USE FOR VICKS VAPORUB
WOW! I was raised, and raised my kids with Vicks.
How come I never knew this? I can't wait for my next cough. Amazing! READ ITALL.
It works 100 percent of the time, although the scientists at the Canada Research
Council (who discovered it) aren't sure why. To stop night-time coughing in a
child (or an adult, as we found out personally), put Vicks Vaporub generously on
the bottom of the feet at bedtime and then cover with socks.
Even
persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about five minutes, and stay
stopped for many, many hours of relief. This works 100 percent of the time and
is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough
medicines. In addition, it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will
sleep soundly. I heard the head of The Canada Research Council describe these
findings by their scientists when they were investigating the effectiveness and
usage of prescription cough medicines in children as compared to alternative
therapies like acupressure. I just happened to tune in to a.m. Radio and picked
up this guy talking about why cough medicines in kids often do more harm than
good due to the chemical make-up of these strong drugs, so I listened. It was
found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime and
in addition to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went
on to sleep soundly. My wife tried it on herself when she had a very deep
constant and persistent cough a few weeks ago and it worked 100 percent! She
said it felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her. The coughing stopped in a
few minutes, and believe me, this was a deep (incredibly annoying - every few
seconds!), uncontrollable cough, and she slept cough-free for hours every night
she used it. If you end up sick, try it yourself and you will be absolutely
amazed at the effect. Pass this on - especially to those with children or
grandchildren.
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Ministry Gifts: Survey
I just found this site that has a survey which you can find out your ministry gifts. It's a series of 4 surveys, each 33 questions long, but you get a report for each survey. It's pretty good! It is different from the Advanced Seminar's (IBLP) ministry quiz in that this one also takes into account how much you actually use your gifts. Which, if you think about it, is also a very important thing to take into account. After all, there is no point having a gifting if you don't use it!!
Try it yourself: Ministry Survey. It's is part of www.hymnsite.com
Anyway, I did it, and this is what I got:
By Score:
Instrumental Music
4
4
4
4
16
Writing
4
4
3
3
14
Artistry
4
3
3
4
14
Serving
3
3
3
3
12
Encouragement or Exhortation
4
3
2
3
12
Wisdom
3
3
3
2
11
Teaching
3
3
1
4
11
Missionary
3
3
2
3
11
Mercy
4
3
3
1
11
Leadership
4
2
3
2
11
Giving
3
3
3
2
11
Faith
3
3
3
2
11
Evangelist
3
2
2
4
11
Vocal Music
3
4
1
2
10
Pastor/Shepherd
2
3
2
3
10
Knowledge
3
2
2
2
09
Discernment of Spirits
3
3
1
2
09
Administration
3
2
3
1
09
Prayer or Intercession
1
2
2
2
07
Miracles
2
2
2
1
07
Hospitality
2
2
2
1
07
Tongues
3
3
0
0
06
Speaking
0
2
1
2
05
Healing
2
1
2
0
05
Dreams
2
1
1
1
05
Craftsmanship
2
1
1
1
05
Apostle
2
1
2
0
05
Visions
2
1
1
0
04
Marrying
3
1
0
0
04
Helping
1
1
1
0
03
Celibacy
0
1
0
2
03
Prophecy
1
0
0
1
02
Interpretation of Tongues
1
0
0
1
02
Try it yourself: Ministry Survey. It's is part of www.hymnsite.com
Anyway, I did it, and this is what I got:
By Score:
Instrumental Music
4
4
4
4
16
Writing
4
4
3
3
14
Artistry
4
3
3
4
14
Serving
3
3
3
3
12
Encouragement or Exhortation
4
3
2
3
12
Wisdom
3
3
3
2
11
Teaching
3
3
1
4
11
Missionary
3
3
2
3
11
Mercy
4
3
3
1
11
Leadership
4
2
3
2
11
Giving
3
3
3
2
11
Faith
3
3
3
2
11
Evangelist
3
2
2
4
11
Vocal Music
3
4
1
2
10
Pastor/Shepherd
2
3
2
3
10
Knowledge
3
2
2
2
09
Discernment of Spirits
3
3
1
2
09
Administration
3
2
3
1
09
Prayer or Intercession
1
2
2
2
07
Miracles
2
2
2
1
07
Hospitality
2
2
2
1
07
Tongues
3
3
0
0
06
Speaking
0
2
1
2
05
Healing
2
1
2
0
05
Dreams
2
1
1
1
05
Craftsmanship
2
1
1
1
05
Apostle
2
1
2
0
05
Visions
2
1
1
0
04
Marrying
3
1
0
0
04
Helping
1
1
1
0
03
Celibacy
0
1
0
2
03
Prophecy
1
0
0
1
02
Interpretation of Tongues
1
0
0
1
02
Principle over compromise
Now this is what I call inspiring. These people are heroes in the student world of would-be-lawyers. Not only did they have the gumption to go out there and stick to their principles, they actually ended up winning third place in an international competition! Not bad at all.
What Champs!!
-Article taken from The Trumpet of Liberty-
What Champs!!
-Article taken from The Trumpet of Liberty-
Patrick Henry College
Winter 2001
Principle Over Compromise at
National Competition
In January, eight Patrick Henry College students
and President Mike Farris traveled to the University of Texas at Arlington to
compete in the American Collegiate Moot Court Association's second annual
tournament (January 18-19). Thirty-eight teams made up of undergraduate students from 18 colleges and universities were tested in their ability to argue a mock case before the United States Supreme Court. The PHC team did an outstanding job on two levels.
In the preliminary rounds, PHC's teams compiled a composite record of six wins and two losses. Two of those teams-Jane Grisham (freshman-IL) and Claire Verschoof (senior-MI); Kyle Pousson (freshman-VA) and Sarah Adell (freshman-NC)-advanced to the quarterfinals as the result of perfect records in the preliminary rounds.
Pousson and Adell advanced to the semi-final round, where they lost to the team from Howard Payne University (which eventually won the tournament), but took home the third place trophy. Adell was awarded the sixth place speaker trophy for her total speaker points, which ranked her near the top of the 79 individual competitors.
It is important to note that the vast majority of the participants in the tournament were seniors. The team that defeated Pousson and Adell were both seniors who have already achieved admittance to prestigious law schools for this coming fall. The general consensus at the tournament was that it was a remarkable achievement for two freshmen to rank third in the nation.
However, PHC's ability to understand and argue the law with persuasion was only one of the challenges. There was a second, more subtle test that was in many ways far more important.
The assigned case had two issues. One issue concerned the law of search and seizure. The second issue concerned homosexual rights. All teams were required to switch back and forth representing each side of the case in alternating rounds. The PHC teams had no moral dilemma concerning the search and seizure issue. It was also quite acceptable for them to argue for the state's position on the homosexual rights question. But they were also assigned to argue for the homosexual men on that same issue.
Fortunately, the mock case was written in such a way that it gave the PHC team an alternative argument that few other colleges anticipated. They were able to argue that the issue of homosexual rights had been settled by the state court, and it was a violation of the principle of federalism for the U.S. Supreme Court to review that portion of the case. They were able to present their assigned position by simply arguing for federalism and totally avoided any argument that would advance homosexual rights.
However, one judge in the semi-final round kept questioning Pousson to try to get him to argue in favor of homosexual rights. He politely stuck to his federalism argument and refused to present a theory that is morally offensive (not to mention legally invalid).
"There is little doubt that their loss in the semi-finals was, at least in part, attributable to this judge's view that we should have argued in favor of homosexual rights," Dr. Farris said.
Even though Dr. Farris had coached the team and had encouraged them to take this position, he left the ultimate decision up to the members of the team whether they would "role play" as requested or stand for principle even in a mock trial situation. Each of the eight students steadfastly stood for principle in each of their rounds.
After the tournament, Dr. Farris told the team that it was far better to be disappointed than to be ashamed. "Although a third place finish is nothing to be ashamed of, I was far more proud of receiving that third place trophy with honor than I would have been with a first place trophy with compromise," he said.
The other four members of the team were Tim Doozan (sophomore-FL) and Danny Davis (sophomore-GA); Galen Thorp (sophomore-Netherlands Antilles [Galen's parents are missionaries]) and Daniel Chapin (freshman-OR). Doozan and Davis won the 22-team intramural tournament at PHC. Chapin and Thorp placed second at the PHC qualifying tournament.
The tournament director expressed his amazement at the strong showing made by this new college, and predicted that other schools will have quite a challenge to face next year. "It was an incredible learning experience," said Sarah Adell. "We're all fired up to go back next year and win."
Monday, 28 April 2008
2 whole months!
Oh dear... I'm dismayed to find that it's been 2 whole months since I've posted on my blog!! It was definitely a good idea to do away with the other 3. ^^
I've just been too busy... and even now, I shouldn't even be here. I've got three assignments due next week, none of them finished (not even 10% done) and here I am- but ok... excuses, excuses.
Uni's been going well this year. It hasn't been so much of a struggle with the legalese anymore since I've had a whole year of acclimatization last year. ^^ So that means that instead of having to read a passage 5 times through before understanding it, I only have to read it thrice. Sometimes twice. Not bad, huh?
Even Charles Dickens wasn't so hard to understand. If I didn't understand a sentence, why- just skip it! Unfortunately though, if I did that with my textbooks, they'd be reduced to about 10% of their original size, and fit only to be used as fire fuel (or maybe car fuel, now that prices have inflated so dramatically)
Anyway... where was I? Oh yes... my studies.
Everything is ok so far and hopefully I will last out another 1 month and 1 week. After that it'll be a 7 week HOLIDAY for me! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! And I seriously need it. Pimples have been popping up out of nowhere... I'm serious!! My poor vanity >.<
Anyhow, I better get on with my readings. I've about 13 cases and 2 chapters to read. :P Enough bludging.
I've just been too busy... and even now, I shouldn't even be here. I've got three assignments due next week, none of them finished (not even 10% done) and here I am- but ok... excuses, excuses.
Uni's been going well this year. It hasn't been so much of a struggle with the legalese anymore since I've had a whole year of acclimatization last year. ^^ So that means that instead of having to read a passage 5 times through before understanding it, I only have to read it thrice. Sometimes twice. Not bad, huh?
Even Charles Dickens wasn't so hard to understand. If I didn't understand a sentence, why- just skip it! Unfortunately though, if I did that with my textbooks, they'd be reduced to about 10% of their original size, and fit only to be used as fire fuel (or maybe car fuel, now that prices have inflated so dramatically)
Anyway... where was I? Oh yes... my studies.
Everything is ok so far and hopefully I will last out another 1 month and 1 week. After that it'll be a 7 week HOLIDAY for me! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!! And I seriously need it. Pimples have been popping up out of nowhere... I'm serious!! My poor vanity >.<
Anyhow, I better get on with my readings. I've about 13 cases and 2 chapters to read. :P Enough bludging.
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Disclaimer
The timing for the month of february is all wrong okay? I just completed transcribing everything onto this blog so now they are all stuck in the month of february, and I can't be bothered to shift them. So my 2 year's ago easter post is in feb 2008! lol. I'm sorry about that.
But from now on it should be posted according to the date I write. ;)
But from now on it should be posted according to the date I write. ;)
A Wife's Duty
“May I please have your advice?” pleaded a young wife and mother, after she had given Rita a full account of all her troubles. Rita smiled and replied,
“My dear girl, there was once a time, when I was in a similar situation. I was full of worries and burdens that I didn’t want. I wanted to be free, to have my time, and to do what I wanted to do. But in the end, it didn’t work because I was loaded with responsibility. I had to take care of my Husband and 3 children -cooking for them, cleaning after them, watching them, besides keeping the house. I didn’t have time to do anything I enjoyed because I grew exhausted after that. And then, I couldn’t take it anymore, I ran away to my mother’s house. After pouring out the whole story, she gave me a piece of advice for which I am and will be eternally grateful. It has helped me so much that that I can now say, that my life was changed for the better thereafter.”
At these words, the young mother’s face brightened, and she eagerly exclaimed,
“What? What is this counsel that has helped you so much? Pray, tell me, tell me what your mother said.”
Rita sank back into chair, and closed her eyes. The scene came back all too clear, both of them in front of the fire, with her mother reclining on the easy rocking chair, and she, herself on the stool, at her mother’s feet. Rita sighed, and began softly, while the mother listened, absorbed ……
‘“In order to have a successful marriage, dear Rita, both husband and wife have to yield the right to hobbies. The husband has to yield his hobbies if it is an intrusion on more important priorities. The Scriptural command for the husband to yield this right is found in Ephesians 5:25.
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” Ephesians 5:25
The husband is to lay down his life for his wife in the same way that Christ laid down His life for the Church –His Bride.
But the wife also has a charge. She is to yield her rights to hobbies, or anything that would interfere with responsibility stated in Titus 2.
“The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, [To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Titus 2:3-5
This is an example given of a godly woman. She is wise. She is discreet and chaste. She cares. She is also obedient to her husband. Her responsibility is to be the managers of the home, that God’s Word would not be blasphemed.
Now, if and hobby becomes a consuming focus, requires too much time, effort, money, loyalty, and distracts a spouse from his of her responsibility, it should be put aside, in view of completing the more important priorities.”’
Rita ended her recital there, but the words did not stop there. It hung in the thickening air. For a moment, there was complete silence; both the ladies were in deep reverie. Suddenly, the clock was heard chiming 5 o’clock. It broke the silence, and brought the 2 ladies back into reality. Rita was the first to recover, and she could see the effect her mother’s words had on the girl. Tears were coursing down her face, as the young mother penitently acknowledged, “Oh, I have been so careless in the responsibility that God has given to me. I have loved my own liberty too much, and have not yielded my rights. It is truly my own fault that I have suffered so much misery.” Then, with a glance at her fashionable outfit, she said with a tone of determination and resolution, “God give me the grace, I shall give up my vanity. I shall endeavour to be like the woman in Titus 2:3-5, and I haven’t reached that goal yet, before God calls me home, I shall die attempting it.” With a voice full of gratitude, she turned to Rita and said, “How can I ever thank you mother, (for mother I shall now call you, since I lost my own when I was little) for sharing with me those words which have pointed me in the right way?” She gathered the old wrinkled hands in her own, and said, “I have to go soon if I am to keep my resolution, for it’s five o’ clock, and my husband will be back in an hour’s time. But before I go, let me ask you for the remainder of your story.”
“Dear daughter of my heart, there is not much left to tell, but that I went back home a changed woman. From that day on, I purposed to be that woman in Titus 2:3-5 (caring, wise, discreet, and a good manager of the house, that God’s Word be not blasphemed,” replied Rita.
“And so you have been, and always shall be, I imagine!” declared the ‘daughter’. Rita smiled, but shook her head, and responded,
“I was once young, and a wife and mother, but in time all three gifts of the Lord has either been taken or flown away. I am now old and widowed, and of my 3 sons, 2 fell in battle, while the youngest is happily married in a foreign land, only to visit me irregularly. No, dear girl, I still have much to learn, and so do all of us. But make Titus 2:3-5 your goal, and you shall do well.”
“My dear girl, there was once a time, when I was in a similar situation. I was full of worries and burdens that I didn’t want. I wanted to be free, to have my time, and to do what I wanted to do. But in the end, it didn’t work because I was loaded with responsibility. I had to take care of my Husband and 3 children -cooking for them, cleaning after them, watching them, besides keeping the house. I didn’t have time to do anything I enjoyed because I grew exhausted after that. And then, I couldn’t take it anymore, I ran away to my mother’s house. After pouring out the whole story, she gave me a piece of advice for which I am and will be eternally grateful. It has helped me so much that that I can now say, that my life was changed for the better thereafter.”
At these words, the young mother’s face brightened, and she eagerly exclaimed,
“What? What is this counsel that has helped you so much? Pray, tell me, tell me what your mother said.”
Rita sank back into chair, and closed her eyes. The scene came back all too clear, both of them in front of the fire, with her mother reclining on the easy rocking chair, and she, herself on the stool, at her mother’s feet. Rita sighed, and began softly, while the mother listened, absorbed ……
‘“In order to have a successful marriage, dear Rita, both husband and wife have to yield the right to hobbies. The husband has to yield his hobbies if it is an intrusion on more important priorities. The Scriptural command for the husband to yield this right is found in Ephesians 5:25.
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” Ephesians 5:25
The husband is to lay down his life for his wife in the same way that Christ laid down His life for the Church –His Bride.
But the wife also has a charge. She is to yield her rights to hobbies, or anything that would interfere with responsibility stated in Titus 2.
“The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, [To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Titus 2:3-5
This is an example given of a godly woman. She is wise. She is discreet and chaste. She cares. She is also obedient to her husband. Her responsibility is to be the managers of the home, that God’s Word would not be blasphemed.
Now, if and hobby becomes a consuming focus, requires too much time, effort, money, loyalty, and distracts a spouse from his of her responsibility, it should be put aside, in view of completing the more important priorities.”’
Rita ended her recital there, but the words did not stop there. It hung in the thickening air. For a moment, there was complete silence; both the ladies were in deep reverie. Suddenly, the clock was heard chiming 5 o’clock. It broke the silence, and brought the 2 ladies back into reality. Rita was the first to recover, and she could see the effect her mother’s words had on the girl. Tears were coursing down her face, as the young mother penitently acknowledged, “Oh, I have been so careless in the responsibility that God has given to me. I have loved my own liberty too much, and have not yielded my rights. It is truly my own fault that I have suffered so much misery.” Then, with a glance at her fashionable outfit, she said with a tone of determination and resolution, “God give me the grace, I shall give up my vanity. I shall endeavour to be like the woman in Titus 2:3-5, and I haven’t reached that goal yet, before God calls me home, I shall die attempting it.” With a voice full of gratitude, she turned to Rita and said, “How can I ever thank you mother, (for mother I shall now call you, since I lost my own when I was little) for sharing with me those words which have pointed me in the right way?” She gathered the old wrinkled hands in her own, and said, “I have to go soon if I am to keep my resolution, for it’s five o’ clock, and my husband will be back in an hour’s time. But before I go, let me ask you for the remainder of your story.”
“Dear daughter of my heart, there is not much left to tell, but that I went back home a changed woman. From that day on, I purposed to be that woman in Titus 2:3-5 (caring, wise, discreet, and a good manager of the house, that God’s Word be not blasphemed,” replied Rita.
“And so you have been, and always shall be, I imagine!” declared the ‘daughter’. Rita smiled, but shook her head, and responded,
“I was once young, and a wife and mother, but in time all three gifts of the Lord has either been taken or flown away. I am now old and widowed, and of my 3 sons, 2 fell in battle, while the youngest is happily married in a foreign land, only to visit me irregularly. No, dear girl, I still have much to learn, and so do all of us. But make Titus 2:3-5 your goal, and you shall do well.”
Obedience= A shave off the rocky coast of Tasmania
Obedience= A Close Shave
On a rocky coast off Tasmania in Bass Strait, the pup waited eagerly for the return of its mother. It was playing with several other pups in the shallow water nearby. Happily splashing and squealing in play, it did not notice the sudden commotion amongst the elders of its colony. Mothers beckoned to their young in anxiety. Hearing his mother call, the pup responded and left. The others, reluctant to leave their sport, wilfully continued to play, refusing to heed the call of their parents. In their enthusiasm, the pups which ignored their mother’s call, failed to notice a 15 foot White Pointer heading in their direction. When they did, it was too late. Safe on the rocky outcrop, by the side of his mother, the pup watched in horror as the enormous shark lunged from beneath and ripped open the soft bellies of his fellow playmates, turning the sea crimson.
For the fur seal pup, instant obedience means life and death. For them, failure to respond to the call of its mother may result in death. Because it is so important, the mother teaches its pup instant obedience from the early days of its life. Since the pup is necessarily left alone for a short period of time while to mother hunts for food, it must learn to stay within the safe zones of the Island and not wander off by its self.
Several months before this incident, the pup had been exploring the Island together with his mother, learning how to catch his own meal. He had spent a long time searching for food, and had not found anything yet. He was getting hungry. Nuzzling at the rocky bottom of the sea bed, he disclosed a white transparent material which looked much like the squid which his mother often brought to him. Delighted at his find, he was just going to swallow it whole when a sharp call from his mother stopped him. Swimming over, his mother gently flicked at the white squid with her tail. The act tossed it up, revealing a plastic bag, carelessly thrown into the water by a negligent human. If the pup had ignored the command of his mother, and swallowed the plastic bag thinking it was a squid, he would have died of suffocation.
SWISH! The pup turned around to where his mother had been a moment ago to find her gone! He looked up in confusion to find the mother chasing a school of mackerel. Excited and ready to help, he swam up, pursuing the fish, while keeping his eyes on his mother. While he knew he didn’t have to help, he went the extra mile by assisting his mother.
For the fur seal pup, obedience meant going the extra mile whenever it could. The pup could simply have waited for the food brought to him! But he willingly went the extra mile to help his mother procure the day’s meal.
She was just about to grab a fish when she made a sharp turn to the right and fled. Puzzled by his mother’s sudden flee, he nevertheless obeyed the silent command, knowing that it was expected of him to follow. Didn’t his mother know that he hadn’t eaten anything yet? He was hungry, and he had been just about to catch his first meal! But the pup didn’t complain. Instead, he followed his mother as she weaved her way around the coral, keeping to the shadowy area as she made her way back to the Island. At one point, a massive shadow appeared above them. It was an orca, commonly known as the killer whale. It was searching for food, and the school of mackerel had attracted it, just as it had attracted the pup and its mother. The pup finally understood. His mother had known! She had sensed trouble coming, and had saved both of their lives. Immediate action had to be taken, and it left no time for explanation.
You see, for the fur seal pup, obedience meant doing what was expected of it, without being told. There wasn’t time for explanations. A fur seal pup has to trust its mother and obey it, even though it didn’t understand the actions of its parent.
Tired and hungry, the 2 seals swam up the shore and returned home. Although he had spent the whole day searching for food, and hadn’t found any, the pup did not complain. He was glad to be safe and alive, and he expressed his contentment by crawling to his mother’s side and nestling her, thanking her by barking a series of “oinks”. OINK! OINK! OINK! For him, even though there was no fish or squid that day, there was always the warm milk of his mother to feed him. He was content to be satisfied with that.
The pup demonstrated obedience by having a cheerful attitude despite his weariness and hunger. He did not complain, but thanked his mother instead for saving his life and for teaching him how to fish.
Cabin Boy (part 1)
Chapter 1
Captain Harry Stowe strolled along the harbour surveying the landscape with more than his usual exuberant step. Workmen clamoured to be heard above the din of the harbour side, always busy with fresh cargo to be exported, as well as exotic spices to be hauled away. The marketing stalls at the side produced an intensity of noise no less than the workmen. The stall owners could be heard bartering their goods, usually those provided by the ocean, with the women folk of the nearby village, who held ever penny they had with a tight fist. At the price agreed, they carefully counted the coins and handed them over, with a slight smile at their expertise of procuring their day’s meal at a good bargain. Whereupon on the leave of the ladies, the stall owner would dance a little jig for joy at his superior business abilities, having gotten more than what he had hoped for. It was not a bad scene, since both parties were satisfied with the outcome.
Captain Stowe had a particular gait uncommon among the men of his class. Merchants and workmen need only to hear the vigorous and purposeful stride along the wharf before lifting their heads in greeting to the indefatigable Captain. Yes, Captain Stowe was respected all along the harbour and surrounding villages for an honest and upright name. Those who knew him testified of his uprightness and generosity. While it was true that he demanded much from everyone- including himself, Captain Stowe, always the first at a troubled scene, ready to lend a spacious hand to those less fortunate than he, established his good name by compassion. His deep blue eyes were often found twinkling in amusement at the delight of the village children who had just received a penny from ‘the fun man’; his home often the sanctuary of the sick or injured, and his energies drained frequently in search of jobs for the unemployed. Having established his character, let us move on to his uncommon cause of gaiety today.
The object of Captain Stowe’s excessive animation became apparent as he hurried down the steps and paused along the footpath. Out in the distance, half blanketed by the light mist lay a beautiful little steamer which gleamed in the morning light. Freshly painted and refurbished, the gay vessel fairly sparkled. The Captain was astonished at the change worked in so few days. It was bought from an old skipper, who was wroth to part with his treasure. Only with the extraction of a promise to cherish the craft all its days would the skipper begin to consider selling it. Already, the Captain found it no hard task to keep his promise. The name ‘Lady Mabel’ beckoned to the Captain. Quickening his steps, the Captain closed the distance between the boat and him.
A shout of, “Captain’s here!”, greeted him as he appeared on the gangway.
“How’s it all going, my lads?” inquired the Captain cheerily of his crew.
“Fine, sir,” replied the foreman, with the others nodding their heads in unison. It was then that the Captain noticed a youth slouching by the deck.
“Why, what have we here? A boy! Perhaps the son of one of you lads?”
“No, Captain. This here lad came early this mornin’ skulking ‘round here. Asked ‘im what ‘e wanted, and all I’s got is he wants to see the Capt’n.” responded the foreman with facial grimaces comical to see, as he smiled at the boy.
“Yes, boy, what can I do for you, son?” asked the Captain, motioning with his hand to signal to the lad to come forward.
A most unprepossessing boy appeared, with his dirty shock of red hair, grimy fingers and rags for clothes. Moreover, the black eyes glared defiance at the Captain was enough to put off anyone. Anyone, that is, except the Captain. What others detested in the boy only served heighten the sympathy of the Captain. He took of his coat and wrapped it around the shivering boy. Placing an arm around the boy’s shoulders, he prompted again,
“Well?”
“I want a job,” mumbled the youth sulkily. “And I don’t need this” said the ungrateful boy as he shook off the kind arm around his shoulders and returned the coat. “I’m tougher ‘an you all,” he sneered.
“Well, boy- by the way- you haven’t given me your name.”
“Jim Stebbler.”
Memories struggled to rise in the Captain’s mind. Jim Stebbler? Wasn’t he the thieving lout by the alleyway, the scum of the village, and the partaker of the worst possible company? He had never worked before, so why now? Was he up to more mischief? Jim saw the hesitancy in the Captain’s expressive face. Laughing loudly, in a tone which brooked ill for everyone there, he retaliated,
“You’re too good for Jim Stebbler, are ya?” Well, well, we’ll see. Me who’s always a-thievin’ in the alley and want honest work fer a change; me who’s avoided by everyone cause I stink, and as likely ter nick a few coins for a living; me who’s got no friends ter talk to, so that I welcome any who’d talk to a fella like me- yes, I’m too dirty for the likes of you!” He spat on the floor.
“Jim!”
He had turned away and was shuffling off when the Captain called his name. Reluctantly, he came back. The Captain thought long and hard. Everyone waited in silence and anticipation at the Captain for his decision. The all thought that the boy’s words had stung the pride of the Captain, and anxious to prove his justice and generosity, would be forced to accept the demands of the boy. But the truth couldn’t be further from that. In fact, he was thinking of his own past some years back, not unlike the sad spectacle before him, going his own way without father or mother, until a kind benefactor picked him up, and pointed him in the heavenly direction which made him into the man he was today. The remembrance stirred him. He had to do something for the lad, something to help him on his way. But what? Offer him a job aboard the ship, a brand new vessel, and his pride and joy? Slowly, the Captain’s furrowed brows smoothed out, and his clouded eyes cleared. Selfless blue eyes met defiant black eyes before he spoke.
“Jim, I offer you the position of cabin boy on my ship. Your duties would be to wait on me, help the cook serve the dishes and wait on others at the table, and tidy the deck every day. Also, your tasks will include scrubbing the cabins, toilets and bunk rooms every day. You may also have the position of valet to me. In return for your service, you will have food and lodging, and be paid a pound a week.”
At this, murmurs ran through the sailors. Cabin boys were never paid this much or even treated this well. Food and lodging coupled with a pound a week in the deal! And to be a valet of the master, why that was an honour to die for!
“Do you understand?” the Captain clarified.
“Yes.”
“Of course, however,” continued the Captain once the boy understood his responsibilities, “there are rules for the crew of my boat that you might as well be told of now. These are formed to ensure the safety and happiness of everyone on the ship. Whoever breaks the rules will be punished accordingly. The first rule is kindness. Kindness to everyone and everything is mandatory. The second is honesty. Every man has his share and no more. No stealing or deceitfulness on board this ship. It will not be tolerated. The third rule is orderliness and punctuality. Everyone on the ship has a schedule, that I expect to be followed so that the ship may be run smoothly. The 4th rule: no swearing or using of God’s name in vain. 5th: Respect for the people of different races and for the property of others. As cabin boy in a ship, you may expect much travelling to foreign lands, and meeting of people with cultures much different from yours. My men must learn to accept that and not mock those, for all are equal creatures in God’s sight. The 6th rule is diligence. Hard work always has its own rewards. The last rule is not a rule in the sense of the word, but an obligation that I expect to be minded. This last is that everyone on board ‘Lady Mabel’ has to drop work at 7pm at to attend the evening service held every day by the chaplain. Are all that I have mentioned clear to you, Jim?”
“Yes Captain.”
“Excellent. I think we would get one well enough. Welcome aboard the ‘Lady Mabel’!!” announced Captain Stowe.
Cheers met the boy as he climbed up the deck. Even though the men had their own doubts and reservation as to the wisdom of the Captain’s decision, they respected the Captain, and were sincerely glad for the boy. They pitied him, and prayed fervently that he too might find the saving power and love of the Lord Jesus Christ which will work a greater change in his life than in any other favourable circumstances put together.
Captain Harry Stowe strolled along the harbour surveying the landscape with more than his usual exuberant step. Workmen clamoured to be heard above the din of the harbour side, always busy with fresh cargo to be exported, as well as exotic spices to be hauled away. The marketing stalls at the side produced an intensity of noise no less than the workmen. The stall owners could be heard bartering their goods, usually those provided by the ocean, with the women folk of the nearby village, who held ever penny they had with a tight fist. At the price agreed, they carefully counted the coins and handed them over, with a slight smile at their expertise of procuring their day’s meal at a good bargain. Whereupon on the leave of the ladies, the stall owner would dance a little jig for joy at his superior business abilities, having gotten more than what he had hoped for. It was not a bad scene, since both parties were satisfied with the outcome.
Captain Stowe had a particular gait uncommon among the men of his class. Merchants and workmen need only to hear the vigorous and purposeful stride along the wharf before lifting their heads in greeting to the indefatigable Captain. Yes, Captain Stowe was respected all along the harbour and surrounding villages for an honest and upright name. Those who knew him testified of his uprightness and generosity. While it was true that he demanded much from everyone- including himself, Captain Stowe, always the first at a troubled scene, ready to lend a spacious hand to those less fortunate than he, established his good name by compassion. His deep blue eyes were often found twinkling in amusement at the delight of the village children who had just received a penny from ‘the fun man’; his home often the sanctuary of the sick or injured, and his energies drained frequently in search of jobs for the unemployed. Having established his character, let us move on to his uncommon cause of gaiety today.
The object of Captain Stowe’s excessive animation became apparent as he hurried down the steps and paused along the footpath. Out in the distance, half blanketed by the light mist lay a beautiful little steamer which gleamed in the morning light. Freshly painted and refurbished, the gay vessel fairly sparkled. The Captain was astonished at the change worked in so few days. It was bought from an old skipper, who was wroth to part with his treasure. Only with the extraction of a promise to cherish the craft all its days would the skipper begin to consider selling it. Already, the Captain found it no hard task to keep his promise. The name ‘Lady Mabel’ beckoned to the Captain. Quickening his steps, the Captain closed the distance between the boat and him.
A shout of, “Captain’s here!”, greeted him as he appeared on the gangway.
“How’s it all going, my lads?” inquired the Captain cheerily of his crew.
“Fine, sir,” replied the foreman, with the others nodding their heads in unison. It was then that the Captain noticed a youth slouching by the deck.
“Why, what have we here? A boy! Perhaps the son of one of you lads?”
“No, Captain. This here lad came early this mornin’ skulking ‘round here. Asked ‘im what ‘e wanted, and all I’s got is he wants to see the Capt’n.” responded the foreman with facial grimaces comical to see, as he smiled at the boy.
“Yes, boy, what can I do for you, son?” asked the Captain, motioning with his hand to signal to the lad to come forward.
A most unprepossessing boy appeared, with his dirty shock of red hair, grimy fingers and rags for clothes. Moreover, the black eyes glared defiance at the Captain was enough to put off anyone. Anyone, that is, except the Captain. What others detested in the boy only served heighten the sympathy of the Captain. He took of his coat and wrapped it around the shivering boy. Placing an arm around the boy’s shoulders, he prompted again,
“Well?”
“I want a job,” mumbled the youth sulkily. “And I don’t need this” said the ungrateful boy as he shook off the kind arm around his shoulders and returned the coat. “I’m tougher ‘an you all,” he sneered.
“Well, boy- by the way- you haven’t given me your name.”
“Jim Stebbler.”
Memories struggled to rise in the Captain’s mind. Jim Stebbler? Wasn’t he the thieving lout by the alleyway, the scum of the village, and the partaker of the worst possible company? He had never worked before, so why now? Was he up to more mischief? Jim saw the hesitancy in the Captain’s expressive face. Laughing loudly, in a tone which brooked ill for everyone there, he retaliated,
“You’re too good for Jim Stebbler, are ya?” Well, well, we’ll see. Me who’s always a-thievin’ in the alley and want honest work fer a change; me who’s avoided by everyone cause I stink, and as likely ter nick a few coins for a living; me who’s got no friends ter talk to, so that I welcome any who’d talk to a fella like me- yes, I’m too dirty for the likes of you!” He spat on the floor.
“Jim!”
He had turned away and was shuffling off when the Captain called his name. Reluctantly, he came back. The Captain thought long and hard. Everyone waited in silence and anticipation at the Captain for his decision. The all thought that the boy’s words had stung the pride of the Captain, and anxious to prove his justice and generosity, would be forced to accept the demands of the boy. But the truth couldn’t be further from that. In fact, he was thinking of his own past some years back, not unlike the sad spectacle before him, going his own way without father or mother, until a kind benefactor picked him up, and pointed him in the heavenly direction which made him into the man he was today. The remembrance stirred him. He had to do something for the lad, something to help him on his way. But what? Offer him a job aboard the ship, a brand new vessel, and his pride and joy? Slowly, the Captain’s furrowed brows smoothed out, and his clouded eyes cleared. Selfless blue eyes met defiant black eyes before he spoke.
“Jim, I offer you the position of cabin boy on my ship. Your duties would be to wait on me, help the cook serve the dishes and wait on others at the table, and tidy the deck every day. Also, your tasks will include scrubbing the cabins, toilets and bunk rooms every day. You may also have the position of valet to me. In return for your service, you will have food and lodging, and be paid a pound a week.”
At this, murmurs ran through the sailors. Cabin boys were never paid this much or even treated this well. Food and lodging coupled with a pound a week in the deal! And to be a valet of the master, why that was an honour to die for!
“Do you understand?” the Captain clarified.
“Yes.”
“Of course, however,” continued the Captain once the boy understood his responsibilities, “there are rules for the crew of my boat that you might as well be told of now. These are formed to ensure the safety and happiness of everyone on the ship. Whoever breaks the rules will be punished accordingly. The first rule is kindness. Kindness to everyone and everything is mandatory. The second is honesty. Every man has his share and no more. No stealing or deceitfulness on board this ship. It will not be tolerated. The third rule is orderliness and punctuality. Everyone on the ship has a schedule, that I expect to be followed so that the ship may be run smoothly. The 4th rule: no swearing or using of God’s name in vain. 5th: Respect for the people of different races and for the property of others. As cabin boy in a ship, you may expect much travelling to foreign lands, and meeting of people with cultures much different from yours. My men must learn to accept that and not mock those, for all are equal creatures in God’s sight. The 6th rule is diligence. Hard work always has its own rewards. The last rule is not a rule in the sense of the word, but an obligation that I expect to be minded. This last is that everyone on board ‘Lady Mabel’ has to drop work at 7pm at to attend the evening service held every day by the chaplain. Are all that I have mentioned clear to you, Jim?”
“Yes Captain.”
“Excellent. I think we would get one well enough. Welcome aboard the ‘Lady Mabel’!!” announced Captain Stowe.
Cheers met the boy as he climbed up the deck. Even though the men had their own doubts and reservation as to the wisdom of the Captain’s decision, they respected the Captain, and were sincerely glad for the boy. They pitied him, and prayed fervently that he too might find the saving power and love of the Lord Jesus Christ which will work a greater change in his life than in any other favourable circumstances put together.
Cabin Boy (part 2)
Chapter 1
Captain Harry Stowe strolled along the harbour surveying the landscape with more than his usual exuberant step. Workmen clamoured to be heard above the din of the harbour side, always busy with fresh cargo to be exported, as well as exotic spices to be hauled away. The marketing stalls at the side produced an intensity of noise no less than the workmen. The stall owners could be heard bartering their goods, usually those provided by the ocean, with the women folk of the nearby village, who held ever penny they had with a tight fist. At the price agreed, they carefully counted the coins and handed them over, with a slight smile at their expertise of procuring their day’s meal at a good bargain. Whereupon on the leave of the ladies, the stall owner would dance a little jig for joy at his superior business abilities, having gotten more than what he had hoped for. It was not a bad scene, since both parties were satisfied with the outcome.
Captain Stowe had a particular gait uncommon among the men of his class. Merchants and workmen need only to hear the vigorous and purposeful stride along the wharf before lifting their heads in greeting to the indefatigable Captain. Yes, Captain Stowe was respected all along the harbour and surrounding villages for an honest and upright name. Those who knew him testified of his uprightness and generosity. While it was true that he demanded much from everyone- including himself, Captain Stowe, always the first at a troubled scene, ready to lend a spacious hand to those less fortunate than he, established his good name by compassion. His deep blue eyes were often found twinkling in amusement at the delight of the village children who had just received a penny from ‘the fun man’; his home often the sanctuary of the sick or injured, and his energies drained frequently in search of jobs for the unemployed. Having established his character, let us move on to his uncommon cause of gaiety today.
The object of Captain Stowe’s excessive animation became apparent as he hurried down the steps and paused along the footpath. Out in the distance, half blanketed by the light mist lay a beautiful little steamer which gleamed in the morning light. Freshly painted and refurbished, the gay vessel fairly sparkled. The Captain was astonished at the change worked in so few days. It was bought from an old skipper, who was wroth to part with his treasure. Only with the extraction of a promise to cherish the craft all its days would the skipper begin to consider selling it. Already, the Captain found it no hard task to keep his promise. The name ‘Lady Mabel’ beckoned to the Captain. Quickening his steps, the Captain closed the distance between the boat and him.
A shout of, “Captain’s here!”, greeted him as he appeared on the gangway.
“How’s it all going, my lads?” inquired the Captain cheerily of his crew.
“Fine, sir,” replied the foreman, with the others nodding their heads in unison. It was then that the Captain noticed a youth slouching by the deck.
“Why, what have we here? A boy! Perhaps the son of one of you lads?”
“No, Captain. This here lad came early this mornin’ skulking ‘round here. Asked ‘im what ‘e wanted, and all I’s got is he wants to see the Capt’n.” responded the foreman with facial grimaces comical to see, as he smiled at the boy.
“Yes, boy, what can I do for you, son?” asked the Captain, motioning with his hand to signal to the lad to come forward.
A most unprepossessing boy appeared, with his dirty shock of red hair, grimy fingers and rags for clothes. Moreover, the black eyes glared defiance at the Captain was enough to put off anyone. Anyone, that is, except the Captain. What others detested in the boy only served heighten the sympathy of the Captain. He took of his coat and wrapped it around the shivering boy. Placing an arm around the boy’s shoulders, he prompted again,
“Well?”
“I want a job,” mumbled the youth sulkily. “And I don’t need this” said the ungrateful boy as he shook off the kind arm around his shoulders and returned the coat. “I’m tougher ‘an you all,” he sneered.
“Well, boy- by the way- you haven’t given me your name.”
“Jim Stebbler.”
Memories struggled to rise in the Captain’s mind. Jim Stebbler? Wasn’t he the thieving lout by the alleyway, the scum of the village, and the partaker of the worst possible company? He had never worked before, so why now? Was he up to more mischief? Jim saw the hesitancy in the Captain’s expressive face. Laughing loudly, in a tone which brooked ill for everyone there, he retaliated,
“You’re too good for Jim Stebbler, are ya?” Well, well, we’ll see. Me who’s always a-thievin’ in the alley and want honest work fer a change; me who’s avoided by everyone cause I stink, and as likely ter nick a few coins for a living; me who’s got no friends ter talk to, so that I welcome any who’d talk to a fella like me- yes, I’m too dirty for the likes of you!” He spat on the floor.
“Jim!”
He had turned away and was shuffling off when the Captain called his name. Reluctantly, he came back. The Captain thought long and hard. Everyone waited in silence and anticipation at the Captain for his decision. The all thought that the boy’s words had stung the pride of the Captain, and anxious to prove his justice and generosity, would be forced to accept the demands of the boy. But the truth couldn’t be further from that. In fact, he was thinking of his own past some years back, not unlike the sad spectacle before him, going his own way without father or mother, until a kind benefactor picked him up, and pointed him in the heavenly direction which made him into the man he was today. The remembrance stirred him. He had to do something for the lad, something to help him on his way. But what? Offer him a job aboard the ship, a brand new vessel, and his pride and joy? Slowly, the Captain’s furrowed brows smoothed out, and his clouded eyes cleared. Selfless blue eyes met defiant black eyes before he spoke.
“Jim, I offer you the position of cabin boy on my ship. Your duties would be to wait on me, help the cook serve the dishes and wait on others at the table, and tidy the deck every day. Also, your tasks will include scrubbing the cabins, toilets and bunk rooms every day. You may also have the position of valet to me. In return for your service, you will have food and lodging, and be paid a pound a week.”
At this, murmurs ran through the sailors. Cabin boys were never paid this much or even treated this well. Food and lodging coupled with a pound a week in the deal! And to be a valet of the master, why that was an honour to die for!
“Do you understand?” the Captain clarified.
“Yes.”
“Of course, however,” continued the Captain once the boy understood his responsibilities, “there are rules for the crew of my boat that you might as well be told of now. These are formed to ensure the safety and happiness of everyone on the ship. Whoever breaks the rules will be punished accordingly. The first rule is kindness. Kindness to everyone and everything is mandatory. The second is honesty. Every man has his share and no more. No stealing or deceitfulness on board this ship. It will not be tolerated. The third rule is orderliness and punctuality. Everyone on the ship has a schedule, that I expect to be followed so that the ship may be run smoothly. The 4th rule: no swearing or using of God’s name in vain. 5th: Respect for the people of different races and for the property of others. As cabin boy in a ship, you may expect much travelling to foreign lands, and meeting of people with cultures much different from yours. My men must learn to accept that and not mock those, for all are equal creatures in God’s sight. The 6th rule is diligence. Hard work always has its own rewards. The last rule is not a rule in the sense of the word, but an obligation that I expect to be minded. This last is that everyone on board ‘Lady Mabel’ has to drop work at 7pm at to attend the evening service held every day by the chaplain. Are all that I have mentioned clear to you, Jim?”
“Yes Captain.”
“Excellent. I think we would get one well enough. Welcome aboard the ‘Lady Mabel’!!” announced Captain Stowe.
Cheers met the boy as he climbed up the deck. Even though the men had their own doubts and reservation as to the wisdom of the Captain’s decision, they respected the Captain, and were sincerely glad for the boy. They pitied him, and prayed fervently that he too might find the saving power and love of the Lord Jesus Christ which will work a greater change in his life than in any other favourable circumstances put together.
Captain Harry Stowe strolled along the harbour surveying the landscape with more than his usual exuberant step. Workmen clamoured to be heard above the din of the harbour side, always busy with fresh cargo to be exported, as well as exotic spices to be hauled away. The marketing stalls at the side produced an intensity of noise no less than the workmen. The stall owners could be heard bartering their goods, usually those provided by the ocean, with the women folk of the nearby village, who held ever penny they had with a tight fist. At the price agreed, they carefully counted the coins and handed them over, with a slight smile at their expertise of procuring their day’s meal at a good bargain. Whereupon on the leave of the ladies, the stall owner would dance a little jig for joy at his superior business abilities, having gotten more than what he had hoped for. It was not a bad scene, since both parties were satisfied with the outcome.
Captain Stowe had a particular gait uncommon among the men of his class. Merchants and workmen need only to hear the vigorous and purposeful stride along the wharf before lifting their heads in greeting to the indefatigable Captain. Yes, Captain Stowe was respected all along the harbour and surrounding villages for an honest and upright name. Those who knew him testified of his uprightness and generosity. While it was true that he demanded much from everyone- including himself, Captain Stowe, always the first at a troubled scene, ready to lend a spacious hand to those less fortunate than he, established his good name by compassion. His deep blue eyes were often found twinkling in amusement at the delight of the village children who had just received a penny from ‘the fun man’; his home often the sanctuary of the sick or injured, and his energies drained frequently in search of jobs for the unemployed. Having established his character, let us move on to his uncommon cause of gaiety today.
The object of Captain Stowe’s excessive animation became apparent as he hurried down the steps and paused along the footpath. Out in the distance, half blanketed by the light mist lay a beautiful little steamer which gleamed in the morning light. Freshly painted and refurbished, the gay vessel fairly sparkled. The Captain was astonished at the change worked in so few days. It was bought from an old skipper, who was wroth to part with his treasure. Only with the extraction of a promise to cherish the craft all its days would the skipper begin to consider selling it. Already, the Captain found it no hard task to keep his promise. The name ‘Lady Mabel’ beckoned to the Captain. Quickening his steps, the Captain closed the distance between the boat and him.
A shout of, “Captain’s here!”, greeted him as he appeared on the gangway.
“How’s it all going, my lads?” inquired the Captain cheerily of his crew.
“Fine, sir,” replied the foreman, with the others nodding their heads in unison. It was then that the Captain noticed a youth slouching by the deck.
“Why, what have we here? A boy! Perhaps the son of one of you lads?”
“No, Captain. This here lad came early this mornin’ skulking ‘round here. Asked ‘im what ‘e wanted, and all I’s got is he wants to see the Capt’n.” responded the foreman with facial grimaces comical to see, as he smiled at the boy.
“Yes, boy, what can I do for you, son?” asked the Captain, motioning with his hand to signal to the lad to come forward.
A most unprepossessing boy appeared, with his dirty shock of red hair, grimy fingers and rags for clothes. Moreover, the black eyes glared defiance at the Captain was enough to put off anyone. Anyone, that is, except the Captain. What others detested in the boy only served heighten the sympathy of the Captain. He took of his coat and wrapped it around the shivering boy. Placing an arm around the boy’s shoulders, he prompted again,
“Well?”
“I want a job,” mumbled the youth sulkily. “And I don’t need this” said the ungrateful boy as he shook off the kind arm around his shoulders and returned the coat. “I’m tougher ‘an you all,” he sneered.
“Well, boy- by the way- you haven’t given me your name.”
“Jim Stebbler.”
Memories struggled to rise in the Captain’s mind. Jim Stebbler? Wasn’t he the thieving lout by the alleyway, the scum of the village, and the partaker of the worst possible company? He had never worked before, so why now? Was he up to more mischief? Jim saw the hesitancy in the Captain’s expressive face. Laughing loudly, in a tone which brooked ill for everyone there, he retaliated,
“You’re too good for Jim Stebbler, are ya?” Well, well, we’ll see. Me who’s always a-thievin’ in the alley and want honest work fer a change; me who’s avoided by everyone cause I stink, and as likely ter nick a few coins for a living; me who’s got no friends ter talk to, so that I welcome any who’d talk to a fella like me- yes, I’m too dirty for the likes of you!” He spat on the floor.
“Jim!”
He had turned away and was shuffling off when the Captain called his name. Reluctantly, he came back. The Captain thought long and hard. Everyone waited in silence and anticipation at the Captain for his decision. The all thought that the boy’s words had stung the pride of the Captain, and anxious to prove his justice and generosity, would be forced to accept the demands of the boy. But the truth couldn’t be further from that. In fact, he was thinking of his own past some years back, not unlike the sad spectacle before him, going his own way without father or mother, until a kind benefactor picked him up, and pointed him in the heavenly direction which made him into the man he was today. The remembrance stirred him. He had to do something for the lad, something to help him on his way. But what? Offer him a job aboard the ship, a brand new vessel, and his pride and joy? Slowly, the Captain’s furrowed brows smoothed out, and his clouded eyes cleared. Selfless blue eyes met defiant black eyes before he spoke.
“Jim, I offer you the position of cabin boy on my ship. Your duties would be to wait on me, help the cook serve the dishes and wait on others at the table, and tidy the deck every day. Also, your tasks will include scrubbing the cabins, toilets and bunk rooms every day. You may also have the position of valet to me. In return for your service, you will have food and lodging, and be paid a pound a week.”
At this, murmurs ran through the sailors. Cabin boys were never paid this much or even treated this well. Food and lodging coupled with a pound a week in the deal! And to be a valet of the master, why that was an honour to die for!
“Do you understand?” the Captain clarified.
“Yes.”
“Of course, however,” continued the Captain once the boy understood his responsibilities, “there are rules for the crew of my boat that you might as well be told of now. These are formed to ensure the safety and happiness of everyone on the ship. Whoever breaks the rules will be punished accordingly. The first rule is kindness. Kindness to everyone and everything is mandatory. The second is honesty. Every man has his share and no more. No stealing or deceitfulness on board this ship. It will not be tolerated. The third rule is orderliness and punctuality. Everyone on the ship has a schedule, that I expect to be followed so that the ship may be run smoothly. The 4th rule: no swearing or using of God’s name in vain. 5th: Respect for the people of different races and for the property of others. As cabin boy in a ship, you may expect much travelling to foreign lands, and meeting of people with cultures much different from yours. My men must learn to accept that and not mock those, for all are equal creatures in God’s sight. The 6th rule is diligence. Hard work always has its own rewards. The last rule is not a rule in the sense of the word, but an obligation that I expect to be minded. This last is that everyone on board ‘Lady Mabel’ has to drop work at 7pm at to attend the evening service held every day by the chaplain. Are all that I have mentioned clear to you, Jim?”
“Yes Captain.”
“Excellent. I think we would get one well enough. Welcome aboard the ‘Lady Mabel’!!” announced Captain Stowe.
Cheers met the boy as he climbed up the deck. Even though the men had their own doubts and reservation as to the wisdom of the Captain’s decision, they respected the Captain, and were sincerely glad for the boy. They pitied him, and prayed fervently that he too might find the saving power and love of the Lord Jesus Christ which will work a greater change in his life than in any other favourable circumstances put together.
The Rival Painters (part 1)
The elegant room beckoned invitingly; beautiful landscape pictures adorned the walls, cosy divans lay scattered throughout the room, and the sun peeped out from behind the rich velvet curtains to bid its occupant good-day. But all was lost upon him. With bent head and clenched hands he paced, careless of time and hour, or of the alluring air of sumptuous luxury around him. So far lost was he in contemplation that a gentle knock on the door went unheeded. A second more insistent knock brought him back, however, and jerked his head up to reveal his countenance which had hitherto been hidden. A most singular face it was. It contained the power for good and bad, but the cruel look was strongest just now, for a bitter despair had fallen over the handsome face. The deep set eyes burned with a fiery hatred; the beautifully moulded forehead knitted in a dark frown; and the firm mouth set in a scowl. Upon the opening of the door, the face underwent an instant transformation. Not a trace of the bitter hatred and resentment remained. Indeed, he was all smiles and good humour, and the waiter who handed him the letter thought Monsieur Thylatte the “charmingest” man alive. The waiter would have been astounded however, if he could have seen the reappearance of the look after he left. It died away as he read the letter, only to be replaced by a grim smile with a grimmer significance to the offender.
“Well, Angelo, we will see who triumphs in the end- you or me.”
He laughed sardonically. Striding over to the mahogany desk littered with letters of critique, commendations and overtures of friendliness, he pushed them all impatiently aside and prepared the materials for a letter. He fingered the edge of the paper before him, his mind racing to form the needed words. He began to write.
“Well, Angelo, we will see who triumphs in the end- you or me.”
He laughed sardonically. Striding over to the mahogany desk littered with letters of critique, commendations and overtures of friendliness, he pushed them all impatiently aside and prepared the materials for a letter. He fingered the edge of the paper before him, his mind racing to form the needed words. He began to write.
The Rival Painters (part 2)
The intertwined vines made the perfect frame and the sleepy sea a perfect backdrop. It was, however, a means only of highlighting the main figures in the picture- a pair of lovers. Hope, love, and life bloomed in their faces, both in the ardent glance of the boy, and in the passionate glow of the girl.
“The sea is unusually calm today, isn’t it, Gabriel? Even though it is generally tranquil, today, it is positively lethargic. I wonder if it’s a precursor of a storm. You know the saying that after the lull invariably come a storm; and by the look of things, it’s not going to be an ordinary storm, it’ll be a tempest.”
“Let’s hope we don’t get caught in it, whatever it is. But I’d like to stay for awhile; the weather is beautiful and refreshing it does one good after one’s been cooped up in a dark and dank old monastery, painting an abbot.”
A silvery laugh met this speech, but sobered up directly, as Viola replied, “I hope so too, but I have this sad premonition that something is about to happen, even though there isn’t a cloud in the sky. Nevertheless, let us tarry awhile for your sake, to dispel the pious pattering of the monk’s feet from your ears, and instead fill it with the sound of nature’s music. See there, the loveliest rose I ever saw; gaze awhile on it, and forget the damp and dark cell of the old hermit.”
“No there you err, Viola. The best music I could hear is your laugh, the brightest light, your smile, and the loveliest sight, you.”
“You are sentimental today, Gabriel.”
“How could I not be with you near me? Your living breath and touch are life and light to me. I live for you and you alone. Give the miser his treasure, and give me your smile, both are satisfied.”
“Do you really care so much for me, Gabriel?” She murmured, turning her head of golden curls away.
“I would die for you, Viola.”
“I was once told that by another man. Treacherous lover he was! He loved me only for my name and wealth. When my parents lost the fortune and died, he cast me off, and made himself happy with another, not caring a sou for my heart- the heart he left broken and trodden upon. He offered me false promises and broke them all. How can I be certain you do not do the same, Gabriel?” she returned bitterly.
“Look, at me Viola! Do you think I would lie to you? I mean what I say.” His eyes flashed, grieved that she had doubted his love for even a moment. Ashamed of her doubt, she replied contritely,
“Forgive me, Gabriel, and show me how I may atone.”
“I will. Viola, will you marry me, and be my dearest possession?”
“Yes, I will Gabriel. I love you too, and consent to pass my life with you.”
His heart overflowing to fullness, he gathered Viola in his arms. “When, Viola? When shall you make my dream come true?”
“Now, if you wish it, Gabriel.” She smiled at him; her eyes radiant through tears, tears of love. Together, arm in arm; they strolled through the arch, oblivious of the dark clouds gathering in the skies above, only sensible of their great joy.
“The sea is unusually calm today, isn’t it, Gabriel? Even though it is generally tranquil, today, it is positively lethargic. I wonder if it’s a precursor of a storm. You know the saying that after the lull invariably come a storm; and by the look of things, it’s not going to be an ordinary storm, it’ll be a tempest.”
“Let’s hope we don’t get caught in it, whatever it is. But I’d like to stay for awhile; the weather is beautiful and refreshing it does one good after one’s been cooped up in a dark and dank old monastery, painting an abbot.”
A silvery laugh met this speech, but sobered up directly, as Viola replied, “I hope so too, but I have this sad premonition that something is about to happen, even though there isn’t a cloud in the sky. Nevertheless, let us tarry awhile for your sake, to dispel the pious pattering of the monk’s feet from your ears, and instead fill it with the sound of nature’s music. See there, the loveliest rose I ever saw; gaze awhile on it, and forget the damp and dark cell of the old hermit.”
“No there you err, Viola. The best music I could hear is your laugh, the brightest light, your smile, and the loveliest sight, you.”
“You are sentimental today, Gabriel.”
“How could I not be with you near me? Your living breath and touch are life and light to me. I live for you and you alone. Give the miser his treasure, and give me your smile, both are satisfied.”
“Do you really care so much for me, Gabriel?” She murmured, turning her head of golden curls away.
“I would die for you, Viola.”
“I was once told that by another man. Treacherous lover he was! He loved me only for my name and wealth. When my parents lost the fortune and died, he cast me off, and made himself happy with another, not caring a sou for my heart- the heart he left broken and trodden upon. He offered me false promises and broke them all. How can I be certain you do not do the same, Gabriel?” she returned bitterly.
“Look, at me Viola! Do you think I would lie to you? I mean what I say.” His eyes flashed, grieved that she had doubted his love for even a moment. Ashamed of her doubt, she replied contritely,
“Forgive me, Gabriel, and show me how I may atone.”
“I will. Viola, will you marry me, and be my dearest possession?”
“Yes, I will Gabriel. I love you too, and consent to pass my life with you.”
His heart overflowing to fullness, he gathered Viola in his arms. “When, Viola? When shall you make my dream come true?”
“Now, if you wish it, Gabriel.” She smiled at him; her eyes radiant through tears, tears of love. Together, arm in arm; they strolled through the arch, oblivious of the dark clouds gathering in the skies above, only sensible of their great joy.
The Adventures of Elitemeadow
Hi people! I don't know why I chose this title for this story some 5 years back. I guess I was really impressed with the word 'elite' and so I decided to use it. :) I wrote this story on a suggestion between my cousin and me. We decided on 2 titles to choose from: The Rock and Beyond the Stars. I chose the latter, but changed the title (we sort of laxed the rules!) to elitemeadow. This story is about my toys, and the addition of a new member. You can read about my toys in my journal. There is one more thing I should mention before I leave you to enjoy the story: As I said in the beginning, I wrote this 5 years back, and my english was not what it is now, so please excuse the lapses in quality, grammer and punctuation! I am posting the story as it was then.
Chapter 1
“I know! Let’s go pick fruits and nuts in the forest, tomorrow morning. We can cook some for supper, and we could have a picnic there!” cried Miffy excitedly. “Yes, Let’s do” said Greenfy earnestly, who was anxious to please Miffy. He was promptly backed up by the others: “Pleasee? We’ve not had a picnic in ages,” and they all sat looking up at Tiger.
“Please Tiger, it would be so much fun to go berry picking again this summer. The berries are ripe, and Miffy makes such nice cakes and muffins with them. Besides,” he added, “If we don’t collect them soon, the Friskies will.” begged Greenfy. At this, the whole ‘family’ roared with laughter at the last few words. Everyone knew that the Friskies were Greenfy’s enemy, for they had taught Greenfy a lesson that he would not soon forget. “Hmm, I don’t know,” said Tiger looking amused, “ you might make a good snack for the bears, Greenfy. You look like a plum juicy little bunny!” Here, everyone except Greenfy started laughing again. “Oh, please don’t tease me. We’ll be good, truly” pleaded Greenfy. “
“Please?” cried everyone. “Oh, alright, I see that I’ve no choice. Only, you must promise me not to go into the Bears Territory. Theirs paws are very dangerous,” said Tiger seriously. “Oh we’ll keep out,” everyone promised.
“Good! Now, Miffy will prepare the picnic for tomorrow with Greenfy’s help. Spotty, come with me to see and set the boundaries for tomorrow. While we are away, Brown bear, guard the house, and let none of the others stray from the house. Jumbo will keep you company. If anything happens, send Jumbo to call me immediately,” instructed Tiger. At this the two cats bounded away to the forest to catch supper, and to set the boundaries for tomorrow.
Chapter 2
Miffy retired to the kitchen to prepare, but the rest stayed at the front lawn. Here, I will proceed to tell you a little bit about our friends.
Tiger is a beautiful white Siberian tiger with black stripes and blue eyes. As the oldest, she is the head of the ‘house’. Everyone in the family looks to her for leadership and comfort. She is a very strict but just disciplinarian, as you will find out later. She is Greenfy’s friend and comforter most of the times.
Jumbo is the next oldest. He looks somewhat like "Dumbo". The only difference between them, is that Jumbo is a mouse. “Dumbo” is an elephant. He is small in size compared to his big ears, which is his transport most of the time. He can fly. Although he is a very quiet family member, he is the most faithful. He obeys all orders almost instantly.
Although Brown bear is the third oldest, he is big for his age. Brown bear loves, and is attracted to honey like a bee. Brown bear eats a lot, which accounts for his size. He is therefore, being chosen as guard of the house. He too obeys orders without question.
The next in age is Spotty. He has both cheetah and leopard blood in his veins. He runs very fast as well as he climbs trees. He is another member who rarely shouts in the house. He is Miffy’s confidante and transport, because ‘he acts like a gentleman’ as Miffy would say. This makes Greenfy very jealous of Spotty. Right now, Tiger is teaching him how to hunt like an expert.
Greenfy is the ‘unlucky’ one who was always being teased by the others because of his size. He didn’t mine being teased by Tiger, but he got very hurt sometimes if the others, especially Miffy laughed at him. He used to be fat, but careful management of his diet by Tiger helped him reduce his ‘fat’. When he was hungry, which he always was, he would gobble down his share of food, to Miffy’s disgust.
Miffy is the youngest of this present group. She is regularly called: “The lady of the house”, because she had, in her bearing, both elegance and grace in speech and manner. Whenever anyone got hurt, or was in trouble, (which was very rare,) Miffy was the person to go to. She had a heart full of compassion for people. Yet, she was still a regular mischief loving little bunny. She got into more trouble than the others, including Greenfy. She was the best cook at the present, and a very good one she is too! She made very yummy muffins, cakes, sandwiches, and many other things fit to eat. She is the most spirited and excitable family member present.
Such is the little family who occupies the den of Elitemeadow.
Chapter 3
Now to return to the story: Miffy had gotten everything together without Greenfy’s help. She surveyed work, nicely decorated with flowers in the picnic basket with immense satisfaction. There was meat for Tiger and Spotty, with a little leftover for Brown bear if he wanted; water in abundance; honey in plenty; carrots and lettuce for Greenfy and herself; and last of all cheese for Jumbo. Thinking to herself: “We’ll have the fruits we pick as dessert,” she went out. She found her friends lying down, snoozing in the grass.
Sitting down on the grass, She said to herself, I’ll wait for Spotty.” 5 minutes passed, 10 minutes passed, but still no sign of them. Presently, she thought to herself: “ What’s keeping them? They’re usually not so long. I wonder what has happened to them?” Another 20 minutes passed. Suddenly, an idea occurred to her: “ I know! I’ll look for them myself! After all,” she reasoned, “I know my way around here.” Without thinking of the consequences of her action, she went into the house, took her water bottle, and was off before anyone woke up. She went off without even a word to anyone ……
~
Presently, the group on the grass woke up. They felt hungry, so they sent Greenfy in to ask Miffy for something to munch on. But, you can imagine their surprise when Greenfy came out a moment later, not only empty handed, but with a troubled look stammering: “I …I can’t find Miffy anywhere! She’s… she’s g…gone!” “ GONE!” Brown bear exclaimed:
“What do you mean?”
“Just what I said!”
“Are you sure she’s not hiding?”
“Yes, very sure. I even shouted for her.”
“Jumbo”
“Yes sir?”-
“Call and inform Tiger right away.”
“Yes s…”
“There’s no need. They are here,” intervened a voice from behind. The startled group spun around to face Tiger and Spotty. “What’s the matter? What are you crying for Greenfy?” demanded Tiger. “S…She’s dis…disappeared,” sobbed Greenfy. “WHAT? WHO? Tell me Brown bear,” commanded Tiger.
When Tiger finally learnt the truth, she was frustrated and angry. “Have you any clue where she’s gone?” growled Tiger. “No” came the nervous reply. “Bother Miffy, bother everything! Jumbo, fly ahead and keep a look out for Miffy. Meet us at the forest when dark.” At this, Jumbo flew away in haste. “ Now we’ll break up into two search parties. I’ll take one and Brown bear will take the other,” said Tiger much to the disappointment of Spotty. “Greenfy will come with me. We will search the east, near the river. Brown bear will take you Spotty to the west, the forest. You will search for her there. When the sky is dark, we’ll meet you there.”
At this, the group dispersed.
Chapter 4
Meanwhile, Miffy was wandering around in the forest, at the mercy of illusions. She was not used to it. “Where are they?” she would think to herself. Then just at that moment, she thought she saw Tiger’s stripes, and would rush toward it. Reaching there, it would disappear, or turn out to be rows of berries. Then again she would hear the rustling of the trees, and run towards it. Then she would find out it was the wind. Shortly after, she happened to see a little lane. After following it, it would end up now where. There were many of these sorts of illusions. But one thing remained the same: She was always disappointed.
Finally, she gave up and looked around her, and for the first time, a feeling of horror rose up in her. She didn’t recognize the place she was in.
In other words, she was lost ……
~
Tiger paced up and down. She and Greenfy had seared every nook and cranny of the east. But there was no sign of Miffy. The sky was growing darker and darker every minute. It would soon be night.
In the West, Spotty and Brown bear were tired and hungry. They wanted to go home. They, too, had searched almost every place they knew, but sadly, it was of no avail. They choose a place and sat down, waiting for Tiger and Greenfy. After awhile, they fell asleep.
~
Miffy wanted to cry. She wished she had not left home. She had no idea where she was, and the thought of spending a night alone in a cold unknown forest, sent shivers down her back. She sat down and cried in despair.
After awhile, when she regained her composure, she stood and looked around. The sky was dark now, but she was not worried about that now. It was what she heard. Something likes a cry in the still, silent air…
Chapter 5
Spotty woke up to hear Tiger talking to Brown bear, who woke up before him because he was less tired. Spotty who was anxious for his friend had searched more than Brown bear. He walked over to hear what Tiger had to say: “No, we didn’t find her either. She is not there.
“Couldn’t she have gone home? We could have missed her.”
“Hmm…not thought of that. Very unlikely, Brown bear, but it’s worth a try.”
Here, Tiger called Jumbo and explained to him their plan. Jumbo agreed to do it immediately although he was very tired. They sat down to await the news.
~
Miffy shivered as the cold wind blew. She walked towards the sound, as if mesmerized by it. Somehow, it expressed what she felt. Although she did not understand it, she somehow ‘understood the feeling’. It was a mournful sound coming nearer and nearer as she walked. A sudden rustling of leaves above her made her stand still. She thought of owls, eagles, lions, foxes, stoats and other animals, which hunted for rabbits at night. She was alone in a dark night. The sound was now right behind the bush that she was standing in front of. She slowly crept around, her heart beating with terror. What she saw made her heart turn in spite of herself. A huge female bear lay within a few feet from her. She gave a little jump and was about to turn around and run blindly, when a tiny movement caught her attention. She stared hard in the dark, at the bear. It appeared to be asleep. Nevertheless, she walked towards the bear silently. Just beside the mother bear, lay a little cub. But why stay in the open where danger was?
Then, the moonlight appeared just above the fir trees, and revealed the answer: The mother bear was dead. The cub was homeless, and lost, in a dark cold night.
Feeling sorry for the little bear, she walked confidently, yet quietly and slowly towards the cub, so that she would not frighten it. “It’s alright little bear. Come on, I won’t hurt you, I’ll take good care of you…” With soothing and comforting words, she gently drew the bear out. It was much bigger than she thought. Probably about a month old she thought. She carried it to a shady tree and sat down, with the bear in such a position, that it acted like a water bottle to Miffy.
Very soon, the moonlight shone on a little bunny with a bear cub in her arms, fast asleep beneath the starry sky ……
Chapter 6
Tiger was very worried. Jumbo came back to confirm that Miffy was not at home. She sighed: “I don’t know what to do. Shall we…”
Spotty meanwhile, was a little distance away from his friends. Far enough so that no one could see him, but also near enough so that he could hear them. He was pacing up and down, sniffing. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he saw ……Miffy’s water bottle! He gave a little cry, which caused the others to come running over, saying breathlessly: “Oh Spotty, what hap…” but they got no further, for the minute they saw the water bottle, they too, fell silent. Tiger was the first to recover saying: “SEARCH!” Everyone searched far and wide, but did not see anything, for Miffy had dropped the bottle when she heard the sound. They did not think of looking behind the bush.
Again, they gathered, but before anyone reported anything, Jumbo squeaked: “Look! Footprints!!! True enough, it was Miffy’s paw prints. It could be seen clearly against the mud background ……
~
Miffy awoke to the tickling of whiskers. It was Spotty’s. Everyone was so glad at finding her that they woke her up with all the hugging and crying tears of relieve. Spotty was the happiest. “Hush!! The cub’s asle…” but she did not finish it, for she saw the cub safely tucked away with Brown bear. There was great jubilation and relieve as they went home. A tired but contented group.
When they arrived safely back home, Tiger ordered everyone into bed at once. Tiger brought into Miffy’s room a little basket and blanket for the newcomer to sleep in.
Soon, everyone was asleep under the moonlit sky. All was still and silent.
~
At last, dawn came, and the joyful rays of the sun bathed the air. Miffy was the first to awake on this sunny day. Not because she was less tired than the other, no! But because the little cub had tried to wake her up by climbing on top of her face. It was then that Miffy remembered the events of the day before. She ran out to the kitchen to get some breakfast of the bear cub, when she saw the picnic basket just as she left it yesterday. “Oooh!! Picnic!” She exclaimed. “Not for you,” came a stern voice behind her. “Why, please?” She inquired as she spun around. “Because you …” came the reply. Tiger definitely said a lot more than that which no one knew, and will ever know. Later, however, everyone knew the outcome of the talk when Spotty called out: “Miffy!! Hurry up! We’re goin…” Tiger promptly quenched him by saying: “Let her alone. She is not coming. She will be taking care of the cub for the day, at home. Spotty was stunned, and so was Jumbo. “But, but…” they stammered, ‘you don’t intent to punish her this w…”
“NO BUTS!!!”
~
Miffy spent most of the morning thinking of the consequences of her action, and a name of the cub. She wasn’t even sure Tiger would let her keep it. She would ask, she decided, when Tiger came home.
She was tidying the house when a cry from the cub made her rush to the door in panic. She found Tiger carrying the cub away. “No, NOO!!!” She screamed. Tiger looked back but continued to walk away from her. “Please let me keep him, Please!” She cried as she ran to the room, and slammed the door. She spent the whole afternoon in the room crying bitterly, for she felt sorry for the cub that had no home. She couldn’t bear to part from the cub. Her affection for the cub had grown strong during the day.
Chapter 7
Just before the sun was about to set, Miffy received a knock on her bedroom door. Miffy opened the door, expecting it to be Tiger, but to her surprise, it was Spotty. She invited him in cordially, but without a word. Both sat on the floor at the end of the room, facing each other. Spotty was the first to speak: “Miffy, I’m sorry you didn’t come today. I’ll tell you about it. The nuts and grapes weren’t really ripe yet. It was just the berries.” Here, Spotty hesitated to go further, knowing that Miffy loved to pick berries the best of all the fruits. Miffy, knowing what was in his mind said: “Go on please,” trying to speak with dignity, but failing utterly. Spotty sighed with relieve and continued: “the berries were in abundance, especially the black berries, blue berries and the boysenberries. They were really lovely, together with the food you packed. Thanks.” “It’s alright,” replied Miffy with a quiver in her voice. For a while, they sat in silence, staring at each other, both feeling uncomfortable.
All of a sudden, Miffy burst out passionately: “I want to keep the cub! Oh, I want to keep him!!!” Spotty replied calmly, as if prepared for this. “Miffy, Tiger knows what to do with the cub. She will find him a good home.” “ NO!! This is a good home. I will take care of him, if you don’t want to. It’s not fair that get punished twice.” “No. Tiger knows what is best.’
“Indeed I do,” replied a solemn voice from behind. Miffy turned to see Tiger walking toward them. “Tiger, please don’t take him away, It’s not fair” she cried, making on last desperate attempt. “It’s not fair to punish me twice for yesterday!”
“I’m not punishing you twice Miffy, therefore…” Tiger stepped aside, and to the astonishment of Miffy, brown bear brought up a basket saying with a grin: “Open it.” Miffy opened it, but with a voice full of disappointment, she said: “Blueberries?” It was all she managed to say, for in looking in the basket harder, she saw a pair of black beady eyes peering out at her, from under the layer of blueberries. Squealing with laughter, she picked up the bear soaked from head to roe in blueberry sauce. When the others saw it, they too rolled over in laughter. They had planned to surprise Miffy by putting her favourite blueberries, and her beloved pet, in the picnic basket. The naughty bear however, had a plan of his own, and in trying to eat the blueberries, he squashed ¾ of them, and only managed to get ¼ in his mouth. Of course, he was covered in sticky berry juice.
Chapter 8
When the general excitement was over, Jumbo asked meekly: “What will you name it?” “Blue bear” was the somewhat subdued reply he got. Miffy smiled shyly as she said: “I treasure this precious gift from all of you, and I want to thank all of you for it!”
~
The next morning, the sun never rose as beautifully as it did now, as if expressing its joy at seeing such an unusually fine day.
A fine day it was indeed, as the little group gathered again once more on the lush grass in front of the house. They gathered together again on this beautiful summer morning, to celebrate the addition of one more member: Blue bear.
Chapter 1
“I know! Let’s go pick fruits and nuts in the forest, tomorrow morning. We can cook some for supper, and we could have a picnic there!” cried Miffy excitedly. “Yes, Let’s do” said Greenfy earnestly, who was anxious to please Miffy. He was promptly backed up by the others: “Pleasee? We’ve not had a picnic in ages,” and they all sat looking up at Tiger.
“Please Tiger, it would be so much fun to go berry picking again this summer. The berries are ripe, and Miffy makes such nice cakes and muffins with them. Besides,” he added, “If we don’t collect them soon, the Friskies will.” begged Greenfy. At this, the whole ‘family’ roared with laughter at the last few words. Everyone knew that the Friskies were Greenfy’s enemy, for they had taught Greenfy a lesson that he would not soon forget. “Hmm, I don’t know,” said Tiger looking amused, “ you might make a good snack for the bears, Greenfy. You look like a plum juicy little bunny!” Here, everyone except Greenfy started laughing again. “Oh, please don’t tease me. We’ll be good, truly” pleaded Greenfy. “
“Please?” cried everyone. “Oh, alright, I see that I’ve no choice. Only, you must promise me not to go into the Bears Territory. Theirs paws are very dangerous,” said Tiger seriously. “Oh we’ll keep out,” everyone promised.
“Good! Now, Miffy will prepare the picnic for tomorrow with Greenfy’s help. Spotty, come with me to see and set the boundaries for tomorrow. While we are away, Brown bear, guard the house, and let none of the others stray from the house. Jumbo will keep you company. If anything happens, send Jumbo to call me immediately,” instructed Tiger. At this the two cats bounded away to the forest to catch supper, and to set the boundaries for tomorrow.
Chapter 2
Miffy retired to the kitchen to prepare, but the rest stayed at the front lawn. Here, I will proceed to tell you a little bit about our friends.
Tiger is a beautiful white Siberian tiger with black stripes and blue eyes. As the oldest, she is the head of the ‘house’. Everyone in the family looks to her for leadership and comfort. She is a very strict but just disciplinarian, as you will find out later. She is Greenfy’s friend and comforter most of the times.
Jumbo is the next oldest. He looks somewhat like "Dumbo". The only difference between them, is that Jumbo is a mouse. “Dumbo” is an elephant. He is small in size compared to his big ears, which is his transport most of the time. He can fly. Although he is a very quiet family member, he is the most faithful. He obeys all orders almost instantly.
Although Brown bear is the third oldest, he is big for his age. Brown bear loves, and is attracted to honey like a bee. Brown bear eats a lot, which accounts for his size. He is therefore, being chosen as guard of the house. He too obeys orders without question.
The next in age is Spotty. He has both cheetah and leopard blood in his veins. He runs very fast as well as he climbs trees. He is another member who rarely shouts in the house. He is Miffy’s confidante and transport, because ‘he acts like a gentleman’ as Miffy would say. This makes Greenfy very jealous of Spotty. Right now, Tiger is teaching him how to hunt like an expert.
Greenfy is the ‘unlucky’ one who was always being teased by the others because of his size. He didn’t mine being teased by Tiger, but he got very hurt sometimes if the others, especially Miffy laughed at him. He used to be fat, but careful management of his diet by Tiger helped him reduce his ‘fat’. When he was hungry, which he always was, he would gobble down his share of food, to Miffy’s disgust.
Miffy is the youngest of this present group. She is regularly called: “The lady of the house”, because she had, in her bearing, both elegance and grace in speech and manner. Whenever anyone got hurt, or was in trouble, (which was very rare,) Miffy was the person to go to. She had a heart full of compassion for people. Yet, she was still a regular mischief loving little bunny. She got into more trouble than the others, including Greenfy. She was the best cook at the present, and a very good one she is too! She made very yummy muffins, cakes, sandwiches, and many other things fit to eat. She is the most spirited and excitable family member present.
Such is the little family who occupies the den of Elitemeadow.
Chapter 3
Now to return to the story: Miffy had gotten everything together without Greenfy’s help. She surveyed work, nicely decorated with flowers in the picnic basket with immense satisfaction. There was meat for Tiger and Spotty, with a little leftover for Brown bear if he wanted; water in abundance; honey in plenty; carrots and lettuce for Greenfy and herself; and last of all cheese for Jumbo. Thinking to herself: “We’ll have the fruits we pick as dessert,” she went out. She found her friends lying down, snoozing in the grass.
Sitting down on the grass, She said to herself, I’ll wait for Spotty.” 5 minutes passed, 10 minutes passed, but still no sign of them. Presently, she thought to herself: “ What’s keeping them? They’re usually not so long. I wonder what has happened to them?” Another 20 minutes passed. Suddenly, an idea occurred to her: “ I know! I’ll look for them myself! After all,” she reasoned, “I know my way around here.” Without thinking of the consequences of her action, she went into the house, took her water bottle, and was off before anyone woke up. She went off without even a word to anyone ……
~
Presently, the group on the grass woke up. They felt hungry, so they sent Greenfy in to ask Miffy for something to munch on. But, you can imagine their surprise when Greenfy came out a moment later, not only empty handed, but with a troubled look stammering: “I …I can’t find Miffy anywhere! She’s… she’s g…gone!” “ GONE!” Brown bear exclaimed:
“What do you mean?”
“Just what I said!”
“Are you sure she’s not hiding?”
“Yes, very sure. I even shouted for her.”
“Jumbo”
“Yes sir?”-
“Call and inform Tiger right away.”
“Yes s…”
“There’s no need. They are here,” intervened a voice from behind. The startled group spun around to face Tiger and Spotty. “What’s the matter? What are you crying for Greenfy?” demanded Tiger. “S…She’s dis…disappeared,” sobbed Greenfy. “WHAT? WHO? Tell me Brown bear,” commanded Tiger.
When Tiger finally learnt the truth, she was frustrated and angry. “Have you any clue where she’s gone?” growled Tiger. “No” came the nervous reply. “Bother Miffy, bother everything! Jumbo, fly ahead and keep a look out for Miffy. Meet us at the forest when dark.” At this, Jumbo flew away in haste. “ Now we’ll break up into two search parties. I’ll take one and Brown bear will take the other,” said Tiger much to the disappointment of Spotty. “Greenfy will come with me. We will search the east, near the river. Brown bear will take you Spotty to the west, the forest. You will search for her there. When the sky is dark, we’ll meet you there.”
At this, the group dispersed.
Chapter 4
Meanwhile, Miffy was wandering around in the forest, at the mercy of illusions. She was not used to it. “Where are they?” she would think to herself. Then just at that moment, she thought she saw Tiger’s stripes, and would rush toward it. Reaching there, it would disappear, or turn out to be rows of berries. Then again she would hear the rustling of the trees, and run towards it. Then she would find out it was the wind. Shortly after, she happened to see a little lane. After following it, it would end up now where. There were many of these sorts of illusions. But one thing remained the same: She was always disappointed.
Finally, she gave up and looked around her, and for the first time, a feeling of horror rose up in her. She didn’t recognize the place she was in.
In other words, she was lost ……
~
Tiger paced up and down. She and Greenfy had seared every nook and cranny of the east. But there was no sign of Miffy. The sky was growing darker and darker every minute. It would soon be night.
In the West, Spotty and Brown bear were tired and hungry. They wanted to go home. They, too, had searched almost every place they knew, but sadly, it was of no avail. They choose a place and sat down, waiting for Tiger and Greenfy. After awhile, they fell asleep.
~
Miffy wanted to cry. She wished she had not left home. She had no idea where she was, and the thought of spending a night alone in a cold unknown forest, sent shivers down her back. She sat down and cried in despair.
After awhile, when she regained her composure, she stood and looked around. The sky was dark now, but she was not worried about that now. It was what she heard. Something likes a cry in the still, silent air…
Chapter 5
Spotty woke up to hear Tiger talking to Brown bear, who woke up before him because he was less tired. Spotty who was anxious for his friend had searched more than Brown bear. He walked over to hear what Tiger had to say: “No, we didn’t find her either. She is not there.
“Couldn’t she have gone home? We could have missed her.”
“Hmm…not thought of that. Very unlikely, Brown bear, but it’s worth a try.”
Here, Tiger called Jumbo and explained to him their plan. Jumbo agreed to do it immediately although he was very tired. They sat down to await the news.
~
Miffy shivered as the cold wind blew. She walked towards the sound, as if mesmerized by it. Somehow, it expressed what she felt. Although she did not understand it, she somehow ‘understood the feeling’. It was a mournful sound coming nearer and nearer as she walked. A sudden rustling of leaves above her made her stand still. She thought of owls, eagles, lions, foxes, stoats and other animals, which hunted for rabbits at night. She was alone in a dark night. The sound was now right behind the bush that she was standing in front of. She slowly crept around, her heart beating with terror. What she saw made her heart turn in spite of herself. A huge female bear lay within a few feet from her. She gave a little jump and was about to turn around and run blindly, when a tiny movement caught her attention. She stared hard in the dark, at the bear. It appeared to be asleep. Nevertheless, she walked towards the bear silently. Just beside the mother bear, lay a little cub. But why stay in the open where danger was?
Then, the moonlight appeared just above the fir trees, and revealed the answer: The mother bear was dead. The cub was homeless, and lost, in a dark cold night.
Feeling sorry for the little bear, she walked confidently, yet quietly and slowly towards the cub, so that she would not frighten it. “It’s alright little bear. Come on, I won’t hurt you, I’ll take good care of you…” With soothing and comforting words, she gently drew the bear out. It was much bigger than she thought. Probably about a month old she thought. She carried it to a shady tree and sat down, with the bear in such a position, that it acted like a water bottle to Miffy.
Very soon, the moonlight shone on a little bunny with a bear cub in her arms, fast asleep beneath the starry sky ……
Chapter 6
Tiger was very worried. Jumbo came back to confirm that Miffy was not at home. She sighed: “I don’t know what to do. Shall we…”
Spotty meanwhile, was a little distance away from his friends. Far enough so that no one could see him, but also near enough so that he could hear them. He was pacing up and down, sniffing. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he saw ……Miffy’s water bottle! He gave a little cry, which caused the others to come running over, saying breathlessly: “Oh Spotty, what hap…” but they got no further, for the minute they saw the water bottle, they too, fell silent. Tiger was the first to recover saying: “SEARCH!” Everyone searched far and wide, but did not see anything, for Miffy had dropped the bottle when she heard the sound. They did not think of looking behind the bush.
Again, they gathered, but before anyone reported anything, Jumbo squeaked: “Look! Footprints!!! True enough, it was Miffy’s paw prints. It could be seen clearly against the mud background ……
~
Miffy awoke to the tickling of whiskers. It was Spotty’s. Everyone was so glad at finding her that they woke her up with all the hugging and crying tears of relieve. Spotty was the happiest. “Hush!! The cub’s asle…” but she did not finish it, for she saw the cub safely tucked away with Brown bear. There was great jubilation and relieve as they went home. A tired but contented group.
When they arrived safely back home, Tiger ordered everyone into bed at once. Tiger brought into Miffy’s room a little basket and blanket for the newcomer to sleep in.
Soon, everyone was asleep under the moonlit sky. All was still and silent.
~
At last, dawn came, and the joyful rays of the sun bathed the air. Miffy was the first to awake on this sunny day. Not because she was less tired than the other, no! But because the little cub had tried to wake her up by climbing on top of her face. It was then that Miffy remembered the events of the day before. She ran out to the kitchen to get some breakfast of the bear cub, when she saw the picnic basket just as she left it yesterday. “Oooh!! Picnic!” She exclaimed. “Not for you,” came a stern voice behind her. “Why, please?” She inquired as she spun around. “Because you …” came the reply. Tiger definitely said a lot more than that which no one knew, and will ever know. Later, however, everyone knew the outcome of the talk when Spotty called out: “Miffy!! Hurry up! We’re goin…” Tiger promptly quenched him by saying: “Let her alone. She is not coming. She will be taking care of the cub for the day, at home. Spotty was stunned, and so was Jumbo. “But, but…” they stammered, ‘you don’t intent to punish her this w…”
“NO BUTS!!!”
~
Miffy spent most of the morning thinking of the consequences of her action, and a name of the cub. She wasn’t even sure Tiger would let her keep it. She would ask, she decided, when Tiger came home.
She was tidying the house when a cry from the cub made her rush to the door in panic. She found Tiger carrying the cub away. “No, NOO!!!” She screamed. Tiger looked back but continued to walk away from her. “Please let me keep him, Please!” She cried as she ran to the room, and slammed the door. She spent the whole afternoon in the room crying bitterly, for she felt sorry for the cub that had no home. She couldn’t bear to part from the cub. Her affection for the cub had grown strong during the day.
Chapter 7
Just before the sun was about to set, Miffy received a knock on her bedroom door. Miffy opened the door, expecting it to be Tiger, but to her surprise, it was Spotty. She invited him in cordially, but without a word. Both sat on the floor at the end of the room, facing each other. Spotty was the first to speak: “Miffy, I’m sorry you didn’t come today. I’ll tell you about it. The nuts and grapes weren’t really ripe yet. It was just the berries.” Here, Spotty hesitated to go further, knowing that Miffy loved to pick berries the best of all the fruits. Miffy, knowing what was in his mind said: “Go on please,” trying to speak with dignity, but failing utterly. Spotty sighed with relieve and continued: “the berries were in abundance, especially the black berries, blue berries and the boysenberries. They were really lovely, together with the food you packed. Thanks.” “It’s alright,” replied Miffy with a quiver in her voice. For a while, they sat in silence, staring at each other, both feeling uncomfortable.
All of a sudden, Miffy burst out passionately: “I want to keep the cub! Oh, I want to keep him!!!” Spotty replied calmly, as if prepared for this. “Miffy, Tiger knows what to do with the cub. She will find him a good home.” “ NO!! This is a good home. I will take care of him, if you don’t want to. It’s not fair that get punished twice.” “No. Tiger knows what is best.’
“Indeed I do,” replied a solemn voice from behind. Miffy turned to see Tiger walking toward them. “Tiger, please don’t take him away, It’s not fair” she cried, making on last desperate attempt. “It’s not fair to punish me twice for yesterday!”
“I’m not punishing you twice Miffy, therefore…” Tiger stepped aside, and to the astonishment of Miffy, brown bear brought up a basket saying with a grin: “Open it.” Miffy opened it, but with a voice full of disappointment, she said: “Blueberries?” It was all she managed to say, for in looking in the basket harder, she saw a pair of black beady eyes peering out at her, from under the layer of blueberries. Squealing with laughter, she picked up the bear soaked from head to roe in blueberry sauce. When the others saw it, they too rolled over in laughter. They had planned to surprise Miffy by putting her favourite blueberries, and her beloved pet, in the picnic basket. The naughty bear however, had a plan of his own, and in trying to eat the blueberries, he squashed ¾ of them, and only managed to get ¼ in his mouth. Of course, he was covered in sticky berry juice.
Chapter 8
When the general excitement was over, Jumbo asked meekly: “What will you name it?” “Blue bear” was the somewhat subdued reply he got. Miffy smiled shyly as she said: “I treasure this precious gift from all of you, and I want to thank all of you for it!”
~
The next morning, the sun never rose as beautifully as it did now, as if expressing its joy at seeing such an unusually fine day.
A fine day it was indeed, as the little group gathered again once more on the lush grass in front of the house. They gathered together again on this beautiful summer morning, to celebrate the addition of one more member: Blue bear.
Feudalism
Feudalism is a government system based on contracts that started during the 9th century, and lasted up to the 13th Century. It was mainly widespread in Western Europe, and it provided a relative order and security for the time being.
The origins of Feudalism can be traced back to the last days of the old Roman Empire in the 5th Century. Roman Nobles left their cities and moved to the country. There, they offered to protect the people living there in return for land and different services. Feudalism can also be traced back to the German Barbarians who invaded the Western Roman Empire. The fierce German fighters swore allegiance to their chieftains.
The highest authority in a feudal system is the King. The King was the one who owned all the land in his Kingdom (theoretically). Part of the land, he kept for his own use, and the remainder he would allocate to his high nobles, dukes, counts or earls. The land that he kept for himself is called the royal or crown land. In return for the land given to them, the high nobles would promise to provide a certain amount of knights for the King’s protection and use. It was not uncommon to find that the nobles themselves were often knights.
The knights were probably descendants of the Roman nobles or the German barbarians, but whatever it is, they were masters of the medieval warfare. People in various domains who needed security would perform different services for a knight in return for protection. The people were glad to call the knights “lords”.
After the King, the next in the chain of power are the high nobles. Then the noble aristocrats come next. These people owned huge amounts of land, and they had farmers working for them. They worked on the Manors, the estates belonging to the nobles. It ranged from a few hundred to several thousands of acres. In one Manor, there are several different types of people working inside. All of the people inside a Manor had specific duties. The nobility was to administer protection and justice, while the Clergy Men attended to the spiritual needs of all the people. The Freemen and the Farmers were the people who did the hardest labour.
Usually, the Freeman had the easier job than the Farmers. They worked as blacksmiths, millers, carpenters, etc. They had several more rights than the farmers. They were allowed to leave the manor whenever they liked, and they were often excused from working in the fields along with their fellow peasants, the farmers. Although the Freemen had greater privileges, their living conditions did not differ much from the farmers.
The farmers were the actual people who did manual labour in the fields, planting, harvesting, while also caring for the lord’s cattle. More commonly, however, the farmers are called serfs. While it is true that the serfs are the lowest in the chain of “power”, they differ greatly from slaves in 3 different aspects. Serfs are given the right to own property, while slaves are properties of their owners. Serfs could not be sold, but slaves can be put up in the auction house for bargain. Serfs can buy their own freedom, provided that the have the money; whereas, slaves would probably be whipped and scourged, and sent back to the fields to work under the scorching sun; if such an idea was ever mentioned.
The Freemen and the Farmers lived in continual poverty despite the much labour. For, as they had to use the mill and the bakery own by their lord, they had to pay “taxes”. These taxes took form in their production of their crops. Their cheese (for pasturing their cattle in the lord’s field), their flour and grain for using the mill and bakery served as taxes to pay the lord. These peasants lived on the verge of starvation continually.
They had but 2 major holidays in one year- Easter and Christmas. They were then invited to dine in their lord’s house for a feast. During Christmas, they had 2 weeks of vacation. Otherwise they had to work for at least 2-3 days a week, doing the lord’s work.
This is the basic structure of Feudalism in the 9th to the 13th Century. It was prevalent in Western Europe, but there were other countries that practiced it.
The origins of Feudalism can be traced back to the last days of the old Roman Empire in the 5th Century. Roman Nobles left their cities and moved to the country. There, they offered to protect the people living there in return for land and different services. Feudalism can also be traced back to the German Barbarians who invaded the Western Roman Empire. The fierce German fighters swore allegiance to their chieftains.
The highest authority in a feudal system is the King. The King was the one who owned all the land in his Kingdom (theoretically). Part of the land, he kept for his own use, and the remainder he would allocate to his high nobles, dukes, counts or earls. The land that he kept for himself is called the royal or crown land. In return for the land given to them, the high nobles would promise to provide a certain amount of knights for the King’s protection and use. It was not uncommon to find that the nobles themselves were often knights.
The knights were probably descendants of the Roman nobles or the German barbarians, but whatever it is, they were masters of the medieval warfare. People in various domains who needed security would perform different services for a knight in return for protection. The people were glad to call the knights “lords”.
After the King, the next in the chain of power are the high nobles. Then the noble aristocrats come next. These people owned huge amounts of land, and they had farmers working for them. They worked on the Manors, the estates belonging to the nobles. It ranged from a few hundred to several thousands of acres. In one Manor, there are several different types of people working inside. All of the people inside a Manor had specific duties. The nobility was to administer protection and justice, while the Clergy Men attended to the spiritual needs of all the people. The Freemen and the Farmers were the people who did the hardest labour.
Usually, the Freeman had the easier job than the Farmers. They worked as blacksmiths, millers, carpenters, etc. They had several more rights than the farmers. They were allowed to leave the manor whenever they liked, and they were often excused from working in the fields along with their fellow peasants, the farmers. Although the Freemen had greater privileges, their living conditions did not differ much from the farmers.
The farmers were the actual people who did manual labour in the fields, planting, harvesting, while also caring for the lord’s cattle. More commonly, however, the farmers are called serfs. While it is true that the serfs are the lowest in the chain of “power”, they differ greatly from slaves in 3 different aspects. Serfs are given the right to own property, while slaves are properties of their owners. Serfs could not be sold, but slaves can be put up in the auction house for bargain. Serfs can buy their own freedom, provided that the have the money; whereas, slaves would probably be whipped and scourged, and sent back to the fields to work under the scorching sun; if such an idea was ever mentioned.
The Freemen and the Farmers lived in continual poverty despite the much labour. For, as they had to use the mill and the bakery own by their lord, they had to pay “taxes”. These taxes took form in their production of their crops. Their cheese (for pasturing their cattle in the lord’s field), their flour and grain for using the mill and bakery served as taxes to pay the lord. These peasants lived on the verge of starvation continually.
They had but 2 major holidays in one year- Easter and Christmas. They were then invited to dine in their lord’s house for a feast. During Christmas, they had 2 weeks of vacation. Otherwise they had to work for at least 2-3 days a week, doing the lord’s work.
This is the basic structure of Feudalism in the 9th to the 13th Century. It was prevalent in Western Europe, but there were other countries that practiced it.
Home is where our hearts are
People seek thrills, excitement and adventure, and those are precisely the reasons why activities such as bungee jumping and drag-racing are becoming increasingly popular. People looking for exotic elixirs, or whopping deals haunt the shopping mall. But sadly, society forgets, or rather, discards the idea of home being anything but dull and unexciting, unable to offer new and brilliant things to stir us out of our listlessness. This is not true at all. Home is a place of love, comfort, unity, shelter and refuge.
The modern day’s preconceived notion of home shines the spotlight on all the wrong places, and deliberately belittles the very attributes which make it a home. Home is not dull. If you were to pay my family a visit, you’d agree with that statement. Uproarious noises made at the farthest end, echo through the entire house! Children will play, you know, and whether an accident or mischief turned all wrong, spillage, mess and destruction are sure to occur. Since when were sofas made of boisterous-kids rip-free material? Kids especially love ‘tip-toey’ games, the sort that requires sneaking around parents etc. Unfortunately, they occasionally fail their missions, and crash into parents serving guests with hot coffee or tea! I think my mum might go so far to say that more adventures are to be found at home than elsewhere.
But even in a home where there are no children, adventure may still be found. The thrill of adventure comes from the fact that a rare opportunity is a rare find, each coming of it to be cherished. An everyday occurrence ceases to be an adventure. Old couples look forward to the arrival of their nieces and nephews if not children or grandchildren, because they do not get such a visit every day. The excitement of a visit for them is equivalent to the average adult’s thrill of standing on the verge of a cliff and being told to jump, with a safety rope attached to them. It is probably the most they can manage anyway, at the time of their lives. How can people call home boring? Either anticipating the rush of air the body plunges down, or eagerly awaiting the long dreamed of arrival of grandchildren and drinking in the deep pleasure the smiles and antics those kids bring- causes the familiar head pounding and blood racing sensation. It is no wonder grandparents sink back in exhaustion after a bout of ‘post-visit flu’.
Over-excitement wearies a young body, so how much more will it weary an older person? Home is meant to be a place of relaxation, of rest. No one can possibly rest in a home filled with noise from morning to night. The opposite indeed will happen: the family’s stress level rises. The ideal home is a quiet house, warm, comfortable and friendly. Did you know houses can be friendly? We can step into a house and immediately sense whether we are welcome. A bright, cheery and warm tint to the house enhances the hospitable reception given to a guest. On the other hand, unfriendly homes cause goose bumps to creep along the upper arm. The host/hostess may actually welcome us the best they can, but still, there is this feeling of antagonism about the house, a feeling undefined, but there. The house usually reflects on the owners, too. The furniture arrangement, the mix of colours, whether warm or cool, the layout of the house, and the tidiness, all contribute to defining the owners and the way they live. “See a bear in his own den before you judge of his conditions; come, live with me and you’ll know me.”
Another aspect of home that people take for granted is its comfort. Imagine coming home from work on a wet and blustery cold night, shivering from top to toe, and you turn round the street corner in expectation of seeing the warm glow of a little house with the pretty bit of shrubbery at the front, but instead see nothing, absolute desolation. Well I don’t know about you, but I would certainly value my home a lot more after spending that freezing night out in the streets cold, dirty and lonely. The value of the little dear, quiet nook near the chimney place, albeit so ‘boring’ would inflate sky-high …
There is always a certain sense of security about home, which can never really be done away with. It is our den- the place where we bathe, eat, sleep, and relax, and do the other nitty-gritty details which make it a home. One may stay in a fantastic resort, or indeed even a luxury hotel for 6 months, and yet I guarantee that at the end of those 6 months, the urge to go home will be strong as if you just finished work, weary and hungry. Why? For one thing, a resort, however fantastic it may be, does not have the same security as a home. You own the home. You know it inside out; you arranged the furniture, and everything in the house belongs to you, barring a robber’s den, which gives you a sense of comfort and security. Your home will be there. Its location will not change, and neither will its objects. However, in a resort, you only have what you brought, and even 6 months of familiarity with the place will not change the innate desire for home, the burning sensation which eventually drives you to pack your bags and leave for home.
However, the most important thing about the home is neither the furniture, nor the beauty of the garden, or even the warm fuzzy glow the hearth emits. No. The most valuable thing about home is the relationships you build in it. We share our home with family, children and relatives. To invite someone into a home is to offer protection and care. The host/hostess trusts the guest. To harm the family after partaking with them is treachery of the blackest kind. After a long day with strangers, we like to return home to dwell in the love, protection and care of our family, and have them fuss over us in concern. This sort of attention we can never have enough of. We desire to be close to the people we love, to share our security with them, to help them and care for them. That is what a home is ultimately made of- deeply forged relationships that will last, even beyond the structure of the house.
Home is where our heart is. Probably where our heart is, our future is too. Jesus knew this when He observed, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Our family is our treasure, and our heart naturally follows after what it longs for. Family is home. Home may seem dreary without all the alluring excitement of the outside world, but it is ultimately the best place to be. To be among family, friends, familiar objects, and have our own particular tastes and desires gratified in everyway- isn’t that what we all want? Even in our search for excitement and adventure? Realize the value of your home, for there is nothing quite like home.
The modern day’s preconceived notion of home shines the spotlight on all the wrong places, and deliberately belittles the very attributes which make it a home. Home is not dull. If you were to pay my family a visit, you’d agree with that statement. Uproarious noises made at the farthest end, echo through the entire house! Children will play, you know, and whether an accident or mischief turned all wrong, spillage, mess and destruction are sure to occur. Since when were sofas made of boisterous-kids rip-free material? Kids especially love ‘tip-toey’ games, the sort that requires sneaking around parents etc. Unfortunately, they occasionally fail their missions, and crash into parents serving guests with hot coffee or tea! I think my mum might go so far to say that more adventures are to be found at home than elsewhere.
But even in a home where there are no children, adventure may still be found. The thrill of adventure comes from the fact that a rare opportunity is a rare find, each coming of it to be cherished. An everyday occurrence ceases to be an adventure. Old couples look forward to the arrival of their nieces and nephews if not children or grandchildren, because they do not get such a visit every day. The excitement of a visit for them is equivalent to the average adult’s thrill of standing on the verge of a cliff and being told to jump, with a safety rope attached to them. It is probably the most they can manage anyway, at the time of their lives. How can people call home boring? Either anticipating the rush of air the body plunges down, or eagerly awaiting the long dreamed of arrival of grandchildren and drinking in the deep pleasure the smiles and antics those kids bring- causes the familiar head pounding and blood racing sensation. It is no wonder grandparents sink back in exhaustion after a bout of ‘post-visit flu’.
Over-excitement wearies a young body, so how much more will it weary an older person? Home is meant to be a place of relaxation, of rest. No one can possibly rest in a home filled with noise from morning to night. The opposite indeed will happen: the family’s stress level rises. The ideal home is a quiet house, warm, comfortable and friendly. Did you know houses can be friendly? We can step into a house and immediately sense whether we are welcome. A bright, cheery and warm tint to the house enhances the hospitable reception given to a guest. On the other hand, unfriendly homes cause goose bumps to creep along the upper arm. The host/hostess may actually welcome us the best they can, but still, there is this feeling of antagonism about the house, a feeling undefined, but there. The house usually reflects on the owners, too. The furniture arrangement, the mix of colours, whether warm or cool, the layout of the house, and the tidiness, all contribute to defining the owners and the way they live. “See a bear in his own den before you judge of his conditions; come, live with me and you’ll know me.”
Another aspect of home that people take for granted is its comfort. Imagine coming home from work on a wet and blustery cold night, shivering from top to toe, and you turn round the street corner in expectation of seeing the warm glow of a little house with the pretty bit of shrubbery at the front, but instead see nothing, absolute desolation. Well I don’t know about you, but I would certainly value my home a lot more after spending that freezing night out in the streets cold, dirty and lonely. The value of the little dear, quiet nook near the chimney place, albeit so ‘boring’ would inflate sky-high …
There is always a certain sense of security about home, which can never really be done away with. It is our den- the place where we bathe, eat, sleep, and relax, and do the other nitty-gritty details which make it a home. One may stay in a fantastic resort, or indeed even a luxury hotel for 6 months, and yet I guarantee that at the end of those 6 months, the urge to go home will be strong as if you just finished work, weary and hungry. Why? For one thing, a resort, however fantastic it may be, does not have the same security as a home. You own the home. You know it inside out; you arranged the furniture, and everything in the house belongs to you, barring a robber’s den, which gives you a sense of comfort and security. Your home will be there. Its location will not change, and neither will its objects. However, in a resort, you only have what you brought, and even 6 months of familiarity with the place will not change the innate desire for home, the burning sensation which eventually drives you to pack your bags and leave for home.
However, the most important thing about the home is neither the furniture, nor the beauty of the garden, or even the warm fuzzy glow the hearth emits. No. The most valuable thing about home is the relationships you build in it. We share our home with family, children and relatives. To invite someone into a home is to offer protection and care. The host/hostess trusts the guest. To harm the family after partaking with them is treachery of the blackest kind. After a long day with strangers, we like to return home to dwell in the love, protection and care of our family, and have them fuss over us in concern. This sort of attention we can never have enough of. We desire to be close to the people we love, to share our security with them, to help them and care for them. That is what a home is ultimately made of- deeply forged relationships that will last, even beyond the structure of the house.
Home is where our heart is. Probably where our heart is, our future is too. Jesus knew this when He observed, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Our family is our treasure, and our heart naturally follows after what it longs for. Family is home. Home may seem dreary without all the alluring excitement of the outside world, but it is ultimately the best place to be. To be among family, friends, familiar objects, and have our own particular tastes and desires gratified in everyway- isn’t that what we all want? Even in our search for excitement and adventure? Realize the value of your home, for there is nothing quite like home.
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