When the going gets tough,
the tough ones get going.

Wow, today we complete 3 years of our journey, our marriage. And it feels great to be three from just the two of us. Blossom has made our life all the more beautiful, added more fragrance and colours to our marriage.

Years back, it was a dream to get a like-minded lifepartner. Slowly the dream became a prayer. Then the person we prayed for began to have a name. And 3 years back, he gave us to each other. God enabled us to build our tent. In this past year, our tent has gone through many repairs. At times, we have completely broken down our shelter, to rebuild it in a much better way than before. Now that it has to accomodate the three of us.

Marriage is like a garden. It can be a delight...filled with colorful flowers and fruits only when the ones who tend the garden choose to keep it in a pleasing manner. God is the owner of our garden and as he has chosen us to tend the same. In the past 3 years, with his help and guidance we have had opportunities of planting seeds, watering and nurturing flowers and fruits. We have also witnessed some troubled times, but his grace alone has enabled us to withstand the same. Blossom is his gift to us...to our marriage. A beautiful flower of his garden that we are proud to own. It is our heartfelt prayer that he would bless these hands of ours to work even harder... to give her the best in every way in the years to come. And to witness her budding into a personality who would spread her fragrance wherever she goes.

And before I end this post this is what I want to say to the the 'One and All of my Life'. This is for you my man. I take this as a privilege to sing it for you this time. As every year you sing it first. So here I go......"I love you lots more than the moment that passed. And I love you lot less than the moment to come. And these lovely moments...I'll cherish all my life. And I just wanna tell you...I love you!!!! I love you.

His grace is sufficient for me.

The one thing I want from God,
the thing I seek most of all
is the privilege of meditating in his temple…
living in his presence everyday of my life…
delighting in his incomparable perfections and glory.
- a verse from Psalms (Holy Bible)

This is one of the most cherished verses of the Bible…which I still remember…learnt during my Sunday school & VBS days. But as you can see I have forgotten the chapter tho! Anyways it is from the book of Psalms. And the reason I begin my today’s blog post with this is…coz I am remembered of how with each passing day…I was actually forgetting the very essence of something that was so close to my heart.

Our God is an awesome God. His way of doing things are simply incomparable. He is loving, merciful, impartial, forgiving and just. He never keeps an account of our wrong doings. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

There may be some of you, who can relate to what I am writing…or even understand my feelings to the God, the Most High. But nevertheless, I believe each of us have a God shaped vacuum, that only can be filled by his love.
So in short, each of you reading would be able to walk with me as I share my heart out.

I always ran to him when I needed something. But how forgetful I have been most times…when I saw a prayer get answered, and never returned to say a ‘Thank you’. This below video touched my heart so much that each time I watch this little girl, I get tears in my eyes. Each time I hear it, I get goose bumps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2vmT2oq_6E

The lyrics of the song this little angel sings...You were born to be loved. And you are receiving that love through your life. The love from God that started from the beginning of your birth.

He loved us even when we were just getting formed in our mother's womb. He loved us at all times. He loves us even when we are least bothered about him.

I was ever ready to point at someone else’s mistake, but when it came to mending my own wrong ways, I had questions. At times, I failed to realize that self-righteousness is my problem. But when I did understand and accept, he was ever-ready to provide a cure. Who are we to keep an account of somebody’s wrongs, when in a day every minute…there are so many things that we do…which causes so much of pain to our heavenly Father. But when he forgives us our wrongs, how can we not forgive someone who has caused us pain.

I so much thank God for my God-send husband, who has always made it a point to stress on this point as far as our family life is concerned…that ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’. That the kingdom of God belongs to the one who takes the first step. And every time we have done something, keeping this in mind, we have witnessed some lovely times. It is gonna be 3 years of our married life this month. And together we are finding a cure to the very areas of our life, that is a danger to us individually, to our family and to and our ministry.

Few years back, I sang this song…I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. No turning back. But somewhere in life’s journey, I decided to turn back and look at the world. That is when life’s troubles hit the most and pained the most. Now once again together with my family… I sing….’We have decided to follow Jesus…No turning back. No turning back. The world behind us. The cross before us. No turning back. No turning back’. And it is only with him by our side...in us...within us, that we can pass this journey beautifully. Till he takes us home!

Lots of love & Blessings.

Pass it forward!

Wow! I stand back in awe as I wonder what an amazing day(yesterday) was. My husband had a holiday. So we decided to go forward to inquire about my income tax refund status, that has been pending for quite a while now. We began early morning, left our little one at her grandparents home and left for the day. In the bus that we first boarded from Thane to Mulund, there was this lady passenger cribbing and shouting at the conductor for arriving late. After which a rude conversation followed. The result: This frustration was effortlessly transferred to many others in the bus.

We had to reach the Income Tax Office and Joe was all the time accessing his GPS system on the cell. But even as we got into the second BEST bus from Mulund, after leaving baby at our parents home...the universal GPS system began functioning over us. By the Universal GPS system, I mean God's Provisional System. We took a 20 rupee ticket. Thanks to this initiative by the BEST...we were able to travel throughout the day in 5-6 buses to and fro. This bus conductor we met, was rather calm and composed. Even as people pour their frustration on him, he chose not to retaliate and remained quiet. He was kind enough to guide us and asked us not to get down at Mahim bus-stop, but to rather get down at the Kurla Depo.

He reminded us when the stop came and even as we were heading towards the exit door...he yelled out 'The stop below the bridge'. As per his guidance, we went towards the stop and got a 310 which took us right outside 'The Income Tax office building' (BKC). Unlike most government operations that normally take hours to get done ...we were being led and found ourselves outside Bldg C 10, 1st floor-enquiry officer's room. When we opened the door, we found no one there, just an empty room with the lights and fan working.

Hmmm...Joe & I wondered how careless people working in Government offices were, unlike a private firm. Anyways...in just a few seconds a man wearing a light coloured shirt, blue jeans, and sports shoes...entered the room. He signalled us to come in. I showed him the file and asked that we came to ask about the refund status. He went through the documents, entered the file number on the pc... and made the online entry. He then answered politely that the cheque will reach us in the next 10-15 days. Praise God. What a relief that was! We do not know whether we will get it that early...but on a whole, the conversation and the climax was quite pleasing.

In less than 15 minutes we were done and began our journey back home. Got a 310 bus and as we were nearing the stop.. my sandal broke. Hmmm....tried walking but couldn't ....so took the sandals off, held them in my hands and headed towards the door. As we were moving towards the door of the double decker bus, the conductor said "There is a cobbler near the bus-stop." As we got down and began walking, all eyes were on me. Of course it will be, as I was walking on wet land bare-foot. So I just decided to continue walking without looking at anyone. Suddenly, a young man stopped by and directed us again to the cobbler. Just took 3-4 steps more and a little boy stopped and said 'Mocchi( cobbler) paas mein hain." Hmm...we just smiled at each other at how GPS (God's Provisional System) was shining over us that day. WOW...the cobbler mend my sandals and we headed to the next bus-stop. As we were crossing the road, I happened to see a 2-3 year old boy... holding his Father's hands. When I looked down at his feet I was sad...coz the little boy was barefoot. My heart cried. Atleast I had one...though it was broken some time back.

The very reason I chose to pen this down is because...I give a lot of importance to these minute details of my life...coz I look at it as something that happens with a purpose. Well...at the end when we reached home, I actually got a beautiful pair of golden sandals... as Joe's mom wasn't wearing it...and above all our foot size was the same. :-) So she gave it to me.

These good deeds that others bestowed on us...will be passed over by us to someone else. The bus conductor, the passer by, the little boy, the government officer, the cobbler, Joe's mom could have behaved differently...but they chose to take a small step. And small steps is all that takes to add a little bit of happiness in somebody's life. We were the beneficiaries yesterday. We will pass it forward and someone else will smile. All thanks to those few people who choose to act differently.

Bye. Till I write again. God bless.

Predators v/s Aliens

(Photography - Vimal Tandan)

Their hunt is always on.
Little ones fall prey, day by day, to these heinous predators living in the very midst of us.

Every day when I pick up the newspaper to read, my heart goes out to those victims afflicted by such grave pain, which for me is just unimaginable. Every time I keep wondering, if it hurts me so much, how much more will he be hurt who created them. The creator of us all… the creator of these innocent little angels.

But among us, there are a few who aren’t just aware of these predators, but who live a life rescuing the innocent from falling prey to them. One person I respect and look up to is this Indian brave heart, living her life with a purpose.

Sunitha Krishnan – A rock solid woman of today. She has rescued over 3200 girls from Indian brothels, and is supporting them through her organization ‘Prajwala’. This one woman army needs a lot of encouragement, because she truly is touching many lives every day.

On November 6, 2009, the audience at TED India was completely drenched with emotions, as she shared the heart-breaking lives of 3 children - Pranitha, Shaaheen and Anjali.

(What I have written below is as mentioned by Dr. Krishnan)…

Pranitha’s mother was an HIV Infected Prostitute, who when was too ill to work any more, sold her 4 year old little girl to a broker, pushing her into prostitution. Little Pranitha, was raped repeatedly by dozens of men day after day before she was rescued.

The second toddler, Shaheen, was so brutally sexually assaulted after being trafficked that her intestines burst through her abdomen, and had to be surgically re-inserted into her body. She was found in this state on a railway track.

Little Anjali was the daughter of a drunkard father, who sold her for pornography.

Even as I type out these painful incidents in the lives of little children…I am just not able to imagine how someone could do something so evil and heinous, to those who had not even begun living. How does the mind even plan out something so devilish? We all are living in the Predator’s Zone. Where the outrage of anger is so intense, that the mind forgets to connect with the heart. Just leaves no place for emotions.

I look at Pranitha, Shaaheen and Anjali as ALIENS. Aliens because... they seem to me as innocence trapped in a world of filth and rage. Aliens because, they were alienated from the truth of what REAL LIFE is. Aliens because, they were alienated from happiness, family, brotherhood. They were alienated from LOVE. They were just not meant to be here. About the ones who have afflicted this degree of pain on them, I just have to keep reminding myself. “It is his to avenge.” And he will do it at the right time.

Today’s post is dedicated to Dr. Sunitha Krishnan. This is what she has to say about her life…
”I have this deep-rooted belief that my life is a providence by itself, and God has brought me in this world to do what I'm doing, and God will allow me to stay in this world so long as he believes that my mission is not done, and therefore I do believe that the day God believes that my work is done, I'll be killed or I'll die naturally, or whichever way that is possible.” http://www.ted.com/talks/sunitha_krishnan_tedindia.html

Our National Anthem - An Inside view

Jana Gana Mana Adhinayaka, Jaya He

Bharata Bhagya Vidhata

Punjab Sindhu Gujarata Maratha

Dravida Utkala Banga

Vindhya Himachala Yamuna Ganga

Uchchhala Jaladhi Taranga

Tava Subha Name Jage

Tava Subha Ashisa Mage

Gahe Tava Jaya Gatha.

Jana Gana Mangala Dayaka, Jaya He

Bharata Bhagya Vidhata,

Jaya He, Jaya He, Jaya He,

Jaya Jaya Jaya, Jaya He

(The English translation)

Thou are the ruler of the minds of all people, dispenser of India's destiny.

The name rouses the hearts of Punjab, Sind, Gujurat and Maratha.

Of the Dravid and Orissa and Bengal.

It Echoes in the hills of Vindhyas and Himalayas, mingles in the music of Yamuna and Ganga,

and is chanted by the waves of the Indian Sea.

They pray for your blessing and sing thy praise.

The salvation of all people is thy hand, thou dispenser of India's destiny.

Victory, Victory, Victory to thee.

Today the National Anthem makes so much more sense to me. I am touched by what I learnt and wished to share it with all my readers.
Today, I am even more proud to say that I am an Indian!

Wishing you all a very Happy Independence Day!

Angels in Disguise

(Photography - Vimal Tandan)

What I wish to share today has something to do with what happened few months back, before the rains. Then it was a regular routine for me and my baby to take a stroll in the garden.

One fine day, we happened to meet this 70 something year old, Gujarati speaking gentleman, who was taking a walk. With a smiling countenance, dressed in white, and hair completely white as snow, he looked at us and smiled. He then came forward and asked me "Is this your daughter". In his language "Beti che"? for which I replied "YES". And then smilingly, he lifted both his hands and gestured as if he was blessing us.

Few days later, we happened to meet an old lady, dressed in pink. The conversation began in a rather rude way though…but which I later realized was her way of sharing her concern for us, or her own learning through experience. The next day, I happened to see her sit on one of the benches in the garden, from where she waved to me. The following 5-10 minutes were then spent talking. Later, when I stood to bid her goodbye, she said ‘Jeete reh’. Which means 'Blessings on you.'

Then on, there were many others whom we met regularly in the garden. But both these identities are very strong in my mind, as 2 figures whom I wish to term as ‘Angels in Disguise’. They didn’t give me anything, didn’t offer me any sort of help. I do not even know who they are, where they came from. But what they did to me…has left a lasting impression of what I would like to call 'Divine Love'. Without even knowing me ‘They blessed me’. What I learnt is…some simple deeds can be special & meaningful.

I have watched the movie ‘EVAN ALMIGHTY’ many times. And it is one of my favorites. Today I am actually able to connect certain core dialogues of this movie with my own life. A slight background of this movie for those who haven't seen it. (Morgan Freeman plays the character of God. Evan is the main character who prays and asks God for strength, as he has been elected as the US Congressman and needs the wisdom and guidance to change the world.) To answer his prayer, God (Morgan Freeman) actually appears to him…and in their conversation tells him “People who want to change the world, just don’t know where to begin.” His solution to Evan was simple…Build an ARK.

ARK - One ‘Act of Random Kindness’

Many of us wish to do many things for the sick, needy, helpless. But just don’t know where to begin. Outside our sheltered lives, is a dying world. Homeless children, sick men and women, deserted parents, HIV infected people abandoned by their own families, widows; mothers selling their bodies to earn a loaf of bread for her kids, innocent children who are made to believe that ‘Pain is Pleasure’, little kids falling prey to evil and heinous crimes of men.

What this world needs is An ARK – Act of Random Kindness.

God has uniquely crafted each one of us. He has gifted us creatively. Together hand in hand, we can make a GREAT difference in many lives. We can build an ARK.

Step by step…moment by moment…may be by just learning to Smile.

In these past days, I have missed many opportunities to help or be of help to someone out there. My prayer to God is ‘Use me as an Angel in Disguise in this world’.

God bless.

If you can spare a few more minutes, do view the video below. Pukar - A song for a cause. Be Blessed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrI2Ah1xLXs&feature=player_embedded

Bound & Rebound

"It's impossible." said pride.

"It's risky." said experience.

"It's pointless." said reason.

"Give it a try." whispered the heart.

When my ego took control of the situation... I became adamant and didn't want to let go. That is when realisation struck and I knew it was 'Pride'. When I dusted it all off and accepted the feedback 'Humility' dawned in again. When my point was not being understood...my conscience said 'It is pointless' arguing. Then I decided to listen to my heart. May be just another try! Things will be sorted out.

My daughter keeps watching 'Pixar animation movies'. And I want to share this special video which makes so much of sense. Sometimes in life you just need to Bound & Rebound. Just move on. Don't let the burden of guilt or sorrow take over you. It is okay to be not understood...but what matters is 'Another try'

(A portion of the Pixar short video---lyrics)

Now sometimes you’re up and sometimes you’re down,
When you find that you’re down well just look around:
You still got a body, good legs and fine feet,
Get your head in the right place and hey, you’re complete!

“Now as for the dancin’, you can do more,
You can reach great heights, in fact you can soar.
You just get a leg up and ya slap it on down,
And you’ll find you’re up in what’s called a bound.
Bound, bound, and rebound.
Bound and you’re up right next to the sky,
And I think you can do it if you give it a try,

Does your 'Time' lack the Q factor?

But after a while

You realize time flies

And the best thing that you can do

Is take whatever comes to you

'Cause time flies'.... - (Porcupine Tree)

Well...sometimes I wonder, how fast time flies. At times, waiting becomes difficult. Then you see that the moment for which you waited for, all day long... just flew away.

Like what happened with us this past week. Still can't believe the weekend is over...and we are 2 days ahead in the new week. Phew!!! how fast time flies. Well, with this comes the realisation that...make the most of whatever you have. Especially time. I believe it all has got to do a lot with the 'Q' factor. Quality Time.

Giving quality to everything you do really matters. Even to something that is for as short as 5 mins! Stands true in relationships. The bonding just gets stronger when you are able to keep your mind and heart completely involved, in whatever you are doing. For me, the best example of Quality Time is...when my husband who has just slept for 3 hours in a day, makes it a point to give 15 minutes of his valuable time to our daughter, just playing with her....throwing the ball at her and watching her laugh heartily.

As children start growing, mothers expect them to share everything. From what happened at school, to time spend with friends...and so on and so forth. But....few are disappointed and shocked to see that their kids refrain from doing what they expect. Why does that happen? In a recent parenting seminar we attended, we learnt and understood that it seems this has got to do a lot with the time the mothers spend with the kids. We as a couple have got many things lined up in life...but our prayer and desire is to give the best moments to our child and not the leftovers.

Finally I believe all has got to do a lot with the 'Quality' of our relationship with God. If we give him 'Quality', we will see quality in our own lives. If we give 'Quality' to our family, we will be witnesses of great miracles not just in this generation, but in the generations to come.

God bless.

Few masterpieces often go unnoticed!

Metamorphosis: From a Mallu to a Maharashtrian...

Though I am a pure Malayalee at heart, lately I have lost interest in the kind of movies that are being made, down south. Really miss the country feel and the brilliant story lines that conquered my senses once upon a time. All of a sudden ....it is the Marathi cinema that has caught all my attention. So many masterpieces are being made here...which is actually going unnoticed. May be one can blame it to the poor advertising, PR etc. But once I was convinced of the existence of this certain brilliant art form...I decided to share my heart out.

'Jogwa' - The Awakening - one movie i saw in recent times. A movie that touches upon a very bold topic...exposing a heinous crime existing in our society. An inspiration of courage to break down man-made superstitions and find true happiness. Directed by Rajiv Patel, under the banner of iDream Productions, screenplay by Sanjay Krishnaji Patil....this masterpiece has won 5 National Awards(Best Film, Best Actor, Best Music, Best Female Playback singer, Best Male Playback singer) apart from other prestigious awards. Excellent direction, Exceptional performance...above all what a storyline!!! Simply awesome.

Like Mr. Javed Akthar said recently, while receiving the 'Lifetime Award for his contribution to Hindi cinema at Screen Awards; give more chances to new writers, pay attention to the script. As good cinema has got all to do with a brilliant storyline and not colourful set-ups, or expensive locations. Very true...and I very much agree with this point of view. Hoping Bollywood directors would glance through these masterpieces being made in our very own state. And pick up a lesson or two from them.

Marathi cinema truly has some great minds at work..in recent times. Movies like Harishchandrachi Factory-a tribute to Dadasaheb Phalke-the man who gave us the taste of cinema; Dombivli Fast - A middle-class man who decides to fight against corruption, City of Gold-story of lives of mill workers who lived in old Mumbai, Bayo-a heartbreaking love story of the early 1940's, Mi Amruta Boltey-a brutal one-sided love story, Sanai Chowgude - a family entertainer sporting a new kind of marriage institution, 'Mi Shivaji Raje Boltoy' and not to forget 'Natrang'. I simply wonder of the variety of storylines and unseen talent that exists here.

A day back I tried watching a short documentary film named 'Manjha' but just couldn't take it as it can be watched only when one is in a very insane state. And I really don't know when I am gonna be in such a mood.... but the reason I am sharing about this movie is coz I did manage to catch upon the first 15 minutes of the same. It is a story on child abuse. Backed by dark colours, loud background and intense acting...especially by the two kids in the role of street children. This movie is about Rakha - a 5 year old boy who makes 'Manjha' to earn a living and also looks after his 3 year old mentally challenged sister. This 27 year old director 'Mr. Rahi Anil Barve' deserves all praise...and has been rightly bestowed with the 'IDPA Award for the best first film' and the 'Best Film Award in the Fiction category'. Though I cannot go insane to watch this movie...I am sure that I will appreciate this piece of art completely someday... when I gather the courage for the same.

Hmmm....I strongly feel it is an era of awakening for the sleeping giant...the Marathi Movie fraternity. And each of us should appreciate and look up to the work happening here...or else we may just miss upon a spectacular piece of art!!!

He, Me and Her

"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8.28 ( The Holy Bible).

An inspiration to our marriage and a lifetime promise that his grace abides and he will meet all our needs.

My life revolves around My hubby 'Joe' and my baby 'Blossom'. They fuel my very existence as a wife and a mother. As each day passes, the question I ask myself...is have I been able to give them the best of me. Sometimes I wonder, what is it that a woman longs for....a wife seeks...or a mother contributes. As for me I truly believe the very fact that God created woman after man was coz he knew he had to create a being that could complete his tent. So that the outcome would be a 'Bigger One'. And not two different individuals...as the world looks at Marriage today. I don't need my own space...coz I know my husband knows me more than myself. And there are no hidden corners amongst us.

Before my Joe could enter my life...I already looked up to a man who is responsible for shaping

my identity...the very me. My Dad. I have no words to thank him for all he has done for me.

Of course as a father his love lacks expression at times...but I can always sense the depth of the intense love he has for me. I will always be indebted to my dad for trusting my decision of marrying Joe. There were times when I rebelled against him...times I hurt him....times of trials. But the very fact that when marriage dawned in my life...he gave me to Joe...approved of this God send one in my life...and I realised that Words are not just the only way of expression of 'True Love'. Dad..I love you...from the bottom of my heart. And I will never put you down. I don't know if you will ever come across this blog of mine...but this is just for my heart's contentment.

Coming back to my marriage, as a mother, my contribution to this beautiful world will be a

wonderful human being.... our daughter Evelyn Blossom. God says 'Ask for wisdom and I

will give it to you'. Joe and I keep asking him for the same each day.

My heart cries to see little children being pressurised and pushed into areas which interest the parents more. Reality shows, musical competitions, quiz contests... competition..and constant games of comparison. It's like babies are being forced to lose his/her innocence and behave like adults. What are we trying to make out of them? Why are we enforcing our failures on them?

May God give parents the grace to understand how unique and special each child is. Joe and I believe God selected us out of the big lot...to be parents to our dear darling Evelyn Blossom. And it is our responsibility to shape her into a beautiful human being. We believe our marriage...our life is her mirror. When she sees her dad and mum hug each other to bid goodbye... she will know what LOVE is. When she hears her dad address the building watchman as 'Watchman Uncle'...she will learn that everyone is to be treated with dignity and respect. When she sees her mother care for her great grandmother....she will learn to respect and love old people. When she sees both of us pray before every decision we take....she will learn about God on whom she can blindly trust on...at all times.