efatima's picture perfect diary

test

2009-01-13T20:40:00.001-12:00

test

Some people

2007-02-08T21:03:00.000-12:00

... just make the world more special just by being in it. I thank God Almighty for the blessings esp for Jaana.

Marin Headlands from Golden Gate Bridge

2006-12-05T02:53:00.000-12:00

Marin Headlands from the South Tower of the Golden Gate Bridge
Originally uploaded by xinegasparac.

I must get a shot like this next time :)

Support

2006-10-31T17:17:00.000-12:00

Our Hands
Originally uploaded by holgaguy.

Trick or Treat?

2006-09-27T23:16:00.000-12:00

Trick or Treat?
Originally uploaded by noqontrol.

The Arry of Light & Fire

2006-07-04T17:57:00.000-12:00

CIMG9072
Originally uploaded by Pinkbell.

Tough life ;)

2006-06-15T03:51:00.000-12:00

Tough life ;)
Originally uploaded by ciro@tokyo.

Feelin Yellow

2006-06-14T10:36:00.000-12:00

yellow dahlia
Originally uploaded by misarco.

You know you are in the desert when...

2006-05-20T02:49:00.000-12:00

You know you are in the desert when...
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

... your car turns into an oven.

And the summers arent officially begun yet. *sigh* Now, who all wanted to come to dubai again?

Obey. Peace.

2006-05-17T21:54:00.000-12:00

Obey. Peace.
Originally uploaded by olivander.

Light of Love Imprisoned

2006-05-08T04:56:00.000-12:00

Light of Love Imprisoned
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

Its possible.

If you're going to San Francisco...

2006-05-06T07:14:00.000-12:00

If you're going to San Francisco...
Originally uploaded by olivander.

.... I have but only to have it forever and ever.

Star Trek

2006-04-25T05:23:00.000-12:00

Star Trek
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

Love Ashore

2006-04-21T03:07:00.000-12:00

Love Ashore
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

Heart to Heart
Miles Apart...

Can you feel the love tonight ...

2006-04-19T08:25:00.000-12:00

Can you feel the love tonight ...
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

U in my heart!

2006-02-02T22:28:00.000-12:00

Hearty Arabian Wishes
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

A Place

2006-02-02T22:27:00.000-12:00

A Place
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

Happy Brithday Sweetheart!

2006-01-31T04:43:00.000-12:00

Happy Brithday Sweetheart!
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

I thank my God for all the love HE has blessed with me and for the gift I cherish the most - My Husband. I wanted take some special photos but with my circumstances, I am unable to - I promise you some colorful memories in time - but for now, warm wishes from miles away.

Happy Birthday My Love!

With Love

2006-01-21T04:46:00.000-12:00

which colours did you like best?
Originally uploaded by Kika BR.

Hugs to kika!

Happy Birthday efatima!

2006-01-12T05:46:00.000-12:00

Happy Birthday efatima!
Originally uploaded by olivander.

... I'm so lucky to have such wonderful caring friends. Thank you God.

Happy Birthday efatima

2006-01-12T05:45:00.000-12:00

Happy Birthday efatima
Originally uploaded by Ziko.

... and such beautiful flowers from my brother. Catchy ones too :) Thank you Hamood.

Black Out

2006-01-10T04:32:00.000-12:00

Black Out
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

I feel so down today.... creatively blocked... no inspiraiton whatsoever. my eyes are quite tired of seeing the same old stuff of what i once took. a big part of me wants to shoot something new but my health does not permit to me move around much. still unable to see any photos on flickr, am totally demotivated and blue. i have stopped blogging too coz i dont know what pictures are what.

i should probably log out now before i pour my heart out.

Happy New Year!

2006-01-02T22:09:00.000-12:00

happy-new-year!
Originally uploaded by the tomahawk kid.

iBlush

2005-12-31T04:31:00.000-12:00

iBlush
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

With Love! From Hong Kong

2005-12-29T01:00:00.000-12:00

With Love! From Hong Kong
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

San Francisco

2005-12-13T04:43:00.000-12:00

San Francisco
Originally uploaded by !Habit Forming.

My Treasure.

2005-12-12T06:08:00.000-12:00

Good wishes for efatima
Originally uploaded by Crfullmoon.

Close to You

2005-12-12T04:52:00.000-12:00

Close to You
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

This has become my fav pass-time. I sooo love my iPod.

Schwabacher's Landing

2005-12-05T06:48:00.000-12:00

Schwabacher's Landing
Originally uploaded by Hoot1.

Till Death Do Me Apart.

2005-11-25T05:13:00.000-12:00

Dedicated to My Husband
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

Fragile Friendship

2005-10-31T00:42:00.000-12:00

flowerblw
Originally uploaded by seanhfoto.

Time Out

2005-10-31T00:34:00.002-12:00

Time Out
Originally uploaded by seanhfoto.

I've got mail!

2005-10-31T00:34:00.001-12:00

I've got mail!
Originally uploaded by seanhfoto.

Falling with Grace

2005-10-22T07:35:00.000-12:00

maple glitter
Originally uploaded by Berat.

Good Morning

2005-10-19T23:09:00.000-12:00

Good Morning
Originally uploaded by seanhfoto.

Odd or Unique?

2005-10-19T08:54:00.000-12:00

Stones and Hairpin
Originally uploaded by ~ Greg ~.

I can relate to this so much.

Where Art Thou?

2005-10-19T07:32:00.000-12:00

In My Absence
Originally uploaded by TeeveesBella.

Comfort Road

2005-10-19T06:26:00.000-12:00

Comfort Road
Originally uploaded by iahklu.

It's days like this that I wish I can just escape into the woods and become one with Nature. Feel its peace, hear it whisper secrets, feel the cold still wind on my skin and embrace the solitude, the wisdom of time and the grace of twinkling little leaves. I bow to my Lord God who has so intricately, so delicately, so beautifully designed to perfection this beautiful planet and empowered every bit with a purpose.

Wordsworth

2005-10-18T06:44:00.000-12:00

The pillow book #2
Originally uploaded by _KoAn_.

A Fascinating Journey called Learning

2005-10-18T06:42:00.000-12:00

There's a world out there
Originally uploaded by Bertrand.

Whaaa .....

2005-10-17T06:43:00.000-12:00

05.10.14-DH000089
Originally uploaded by chikifunk.

A Saga called Life

2005-10-11T00:32:00.000-12:00

I was just goin through my old notes from my journal on my computer and I found these scribbles of 1992. I was new to writing journals... there was so much going on then. Tough decisions that I had make that changed the direction of my life. Boy! I sure have come a long way.

Time is the only healer I heard all say. But I wonder healer of what? I feel time is like that train which runs on tracks created by every passed away second, taking its passengers towards the final destination via phases and phases of life. It might not pass from the same scenery the second time again but the scene that passed by is not only remarkably significant, leaving an impact on its passengers but it makes the passenger accountable in either way upon reaching their destination.

For me the dawn of tomorrow will mark an era. For it will be one year tomorrow. In this one year time has taught me those facts of life that many only hear about but I have no complains, no regrets.

I have always had a flair for learning. Wanted to know every little detail of what life offers and at fast pace and I guess I did. I have passed those phases of life that could either make a person or break a person.

I do not mean to say I am the only one to have gone through difficult times … but whatever that took place did have a major impact on my personality which only I can see, feel and understand.

When I look into my mirror, I see a girl who is thin, weak and tired wearing torn clothes, her delicate shoulders burdened with heavy responsibilities, a shattered heart, her forehead and cheeks bruised. Blood slowly flowing down from the corner of her dry lips and her long silky mane which she was once very proud of – all in knots.

Smiling very painfully with her deep drenched explicit eyes full of hope; she extends to me her divine strength and promises me of unknown reliance. Yes! I tell her, with a warm comforting smile, ‘time will heal you’…

I have tried my best to take it all as positively as possible. Today, I feel I am standing at the junction of life and staring at the blank pole which points to different destinations. I wish I could close my eyes and JUST GO … but NO, I cannot take a single step further without naming the direction. Whereas one year ago, my directions were crystal clear and I had planned to pave my roads beautifully and now, whatever direction I name will be paved as I walk on.

Today, with my eyes on the slowing setting sun I am standing at a crucial turning point trying to decide…

An Apple a day ....

2005-10-09T08:05:00.000-12:00

an apple.
Originally uploaded by mivella.

Let's Sing a Song!

2005-10-07T05:22:00.000-12:00

Let's Sing a Song!
Originally uploaded by lil aNNa.

Aging Gracefully

2005-10-07T04:56:00.000-12:00

Fallen
Originally uploaded by Happy.Phantom.

I Love Coffee

2005-10-07T04:46:00.000-12:00

I love coffee
Originally uploaded by seanhfoto.

Its small things in life that add so much joy. A perfect cup of coffee, company of your best friend, that perfect story book, high speed internet access to flickr ... I'm so grateful to Almighty for all the blessings. Thank you Sean for presenting these picture perfect photos that are a sheer delight.

I miss Princess Diana

2005-09-29T08:02:00.000-12:00

From Princess Diana with Love!
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

She will forever be my favorite Princess.

The Power of Touch

2005-09-28T08:55:00.000-12:00

Leave in Silence
Originally uploaded by Greg76.

Designed with Love to Perfection

2005-09-28T08:29:00.000-12:00

Originally uploaded by soulsister.

My God is PERFECT. The nature HE created never fails to overwhelem me.

Thank you God for this beautiful art that YOU paint and for this planet that you so generously decorated. YOU are the Perfect One and my MASTER. YOU are my King.

Orchard sky and Apples for efatima

2005-09-28T06:57:00.000-12:00

Orchard sky and Apples for
Originally uploaded by Crfullmoon.

I adore CR. She is my greatest support and my best friend. Her determination, strength and kind heart leaves me in awe of the wonderful person she is. Thank for being the wonderful you. Its people like you who make this world a better place.

I'm all Alone.

2005-09-28T06:11:00.000-12:00

deep thoughts
Originally uploaded by Pesi.

Will I be able to Make it?

2005-09-26T07:31:00.000-12:00

Death Is Certain (Life Is Not)
Originally uploaded by MuzicologY.

I'm trying and trying really hard to survive with my all. Somethings I understand and some I just can't.

I will not give up. I will survive.

D'OH!

2005-09-22T09:33:00.000-12:00

D'OH!
Originally uploaded by Kavehpd.

NOT a terrorist

2005-09-15T07:27:00.000-12:00

NOT a terrorist
Originally uploaded by *Dragonfly*.

yawn

2005-09-10T06:54:00.000-12:00

yawn
Originally uploaded by *vina*.

so tired n sleepy.

Colors are Me

2005-09-04T02:08:00.000-12:00

Eyes of EFatima
Originally uploaded by jbum.

I'm so grateful to Jim for this creation. Sooo thrilled to have everybit of catchy color in me, on me .... the most wonderful gift i have received in a long time. Thank you Jim, for framing my most treasured collection so artistically.

It is said, one picture says a thousand words - but here, thousand pictures say one.

I pray to my Almighty to heal my vision as soon as possible.

A Little Wish

2005-09-02T03:53:00.000-12:00

Flower
Originally uploaded by hcoo.

So blue without you

2005-08-27T00:29:00.000-12:00

Happy Furry Friday!
Originally uploaded by Buntekuh.

From an Other World

2005-08-26T03:26:00.000-12:00

Originally uploaded by rosemary*.

Safe and Protected

2005-08-26T03:09:00.000-12:00

Farewell Mocca..
Originally uploaded by * HoNe$t *.

Fly Home...

2005-08-26T03:08:00.000-12:00

Fly Home...
Originally uploaded by * HoNe$t *.

Wish i was a brid.

uh ... Hmph!

2005-08-25T09:02:00.000-12:00

Hedwig the Snowy Owl
Originally uploaded by Feathers McGraw.

Color-less colors

2005-08-24T07:15:00.000-12:00

Color-less colors
Originally uploaded by Dovaneh.

The paint dried and the brushes died..
That's when the colors walked the path to death..

...and ever and ever

2005-08-23T06:41:00.001-12:00

...and ever and ever
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

Thank you for all the beautiful, colorful, soulful, the most amazing memories. They keep my soul so vibrant and evergreen.

So blessed to have the most wonderful husband, amazing friends and the gift of time.

Hi!

2005-08-23T06:11:00.000-12:00

Hi!
Originally uploaded by Coffee Break.

Wishing upon Path of Petals

2005-08-22T05:51:00.000-12:00

Rose petals
Originally uploaded by 84rms.

It's just not the same

2005-08-21T06:45:00.000-12:00

It's just not the same
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

These eyes have feed my senses beyond what words can describe.... with a weak eyesight and being unable to see and enjoy colors has been dampening my spirits. Now when i see the most awesome colors at flickr, my mind weaves a kind of gradient or the depth that photo must contain. I didn't realize how dependent I had become .... without my glasses .... the wold is a blurred-vision... and without deep colors.... I feel soooo lost and alone.

Message from Hell

2005-08-19T06:39:00.000-12:00

evil
Originally uploaded by Flecto.

I adore this little guy. My hubby promised me a cat soon.... sooo looking forward to it. Thanks for the great photo Flecto. You rock.

Its all about Prespective

2005-08-18T07:38:00.000-12:00

A Life Half-Lived And Only Partially Enjoyed
Originally uploaded by PlateauPhotography.

Slowly but Surely

2005-08-18T05:38:00.000-12:00

Chatting =P.. !!
Originally uploaded by MaD Gi®L•™.

The Info High way makes me feel so insignificant and small. So much to see, read, observe, understand and learn....

Past makes us a better Present

2005-08-18T04:45:00.000-12:00

Goldeneye
Originally uploaded by Agnieszka.

I love this photo by Agnieska. It touchs me beyond words and reminds me of how much our personal journey helps us grow and the experiences endured add to our personality.

Landing in San José

2005-08-18T03:32:00.000-12:00

landing in san josé
Originally uploaded by fabianmohr.

huh?

2005-08-09T06:06:00.000-12:00

Eat me.
Originally uploaded by WayneMethod.

From Ana Valeria

2005-08-08T08:58:00.000-12:00

Three sisters
Originally uploaded by Ana Valéria.

This kind gesture made my day. Thank you Ana for being a huge motivation to me.

The Search has Begun

2005-07-16T19:53:00.000-12:00

The Search has Begun
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

If you think about your own past, you'll almost surely realize that your search for the true self has already begun. Many of us start tryin to see real selves through that "dim glass" from our earliest years.

As we pass through adolescence and into adulthood, most of us abandon this quest to some degree. Somewhere, the search gets lost in the process of making life's other important decisions, about family and career. Yet, I believe that, if we are committed, spiritual human being, part of our responsibility to ourselves (and to others) lies in actively taking up that search again. In the words of Teilhard Chardin, "We are not so much human beings on spiritual journey as spiritual beings on human journey."

Jaana

2005-07-12T02:15:00.000-12:00

titt ut
Originally uploaded by Cia L.

You are...

2005-07-12T00:09:00.000-12:00

You are...
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

....what you think you are.

Reaching to Recharge

2005-07-11T22:35:00.000-12:00

Originally uploaded by Bron Ko.

Sparkle

2005-07-10T05:48:00.000-12:00

sparkle
Originally uploaded by seanhfoto.

Life is all about lookin at things as they can be. So grateful to God Almighty for the untangable gift of friendship.

Soul Mates

2005-07-10T00:18:00.000-12:00

Zuneigung
Originally uploaded by Ph.Siber..

Please don't Crush Me

2005-07-09T11:45:00.000-12:00

Please don't Crush Me
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

Who am I? What I am I? Why am I here?

I'm a very simple being here to find a sense of belonging. It's not fame nor immortality that I seek. I just want to be recognized as a humble being - a being without any bar of color, culture, cast or creed. My motive is to find peace and hope in everything around me. I'm just a limited life in the path floating at a slow pace without disturbing its surrounding but only wanting to add beauty including the place where I fall.

Please, please don't crush me - not now, not when am down.

Chance

2005-07-09T10:55:00.000-12:00

Chance
Originally uploaded by R80o.

What life is all about....

My Mac mini

2005-07-08T20:18:00.000-12:00

Showering Mac mini
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

I duno what I would do without my mini. It takes such good care of me by keeping me connected to the world and I sure do take good care of it to. :)

Serving Time

2005-06-14T13:23:00.000-12:00

orange
Originally uploaded by dockmaster.

This picture brings soooo much joy to me. Just looking at it - the refreshing, light feeling is soothing. I love this picture. These flowers, the colorssss.... the empty space beyond... Its B E A U T I F U L!

I wish they never die... but that is defying the truth of existence. Such beauty, life so rich with details that nature abundantly offers.... with an expiry date.

Do all good things come to an end? Yes! But only after serving their purpose. I guess these flowers did while blooming and now captured in time touching hearts of the eyes that see them.

We all are serving our time - the question is with the choices we have, how much of a difference are we making?

Change

2005-06-09T16:32:00.000-12:00

Intel Inside
Originally uploaded by The Living Albums.

Who moved my cheese?

Blessings

2005-06-09T11:43:00.000-12:00

Catching Blessings
Originally uploaded by jogales.

You are only one thought away from a good feeling.

This wonderful picture alongwith the most awesome bouquet that never fails to overwhelem me. I'm soooo grateful to my Almighty for these blessings.

The Truth of Seperate Realities

2005-06-09T09:08:00.000-12:00

Seperate Realities
Originally uploaded by alongside.

It saddens me to recall couple of my close friends who have been feeling very down and depressed. I wish they would make an effort to understand their own self and the power of their emotions.

I'm no shrink, but will key few thoughts that make sense to me and some excrepts from a very interesting book I read.

Accordingly to me it's all about understanding how mind works. Mind basically revolves around the five principles:
- Thought
- Moods
- Separate Realities (no two people see life in precisely the same manner)
- Feelings; and
- Present Moment

The most interesting and intriguing of the above, to me is, the principle of Moods. I'm sure you agree that understanding moods in ourselves and in others is critical if we wish to maintain harmonious and gratifying relationships. Each of us might feel like we're living the life of Dr Jekyll and Mr (or Ms) Hyde.

When we are in good or high mood, other people seem nice. We see the beauty in relationships and we have a sense of perspective and wisdom. We have the ability to compromise, to see other points of view and to maintain a sense of humor. We have loads of common sense and know instinctively what to do when adversity strikes.

Likewise, in our low moods, we loose our perspective (or bearings) and life itself seems hard and frustrating. Our relationships seem to be a burden and other people seem irritating, or in some way out to get us.

I don't deny there are times when we simply cant wait for a better mood to evolve. We cant force a good mood, but if we understand moods, this isn't a problem. We simply do the best we can, knowing the state of mind we are in. Therefore, it's important to know when WE are in a low mood, and also important to know when others are in a low mood. For most of us, it is not difficult to sense someone else's mood level, particularly those we are closest to. In fact, someone else's moods, particularly the low ones, are often easier to detect than our own. After sensing a low mood in another, understand and respect the power of moods enough not to be concerned or personally affected by them.

Our family, friends, co-workers and others will say and do things in their low moods that they wouldn't dream of saying or doing in their high moods. If we didn't understand moods and their effects on people, we would be bothered or hurt by their misguided action and comments.

Does this mean we excuse negative behavior? Yes and no. It's not a matter of looking the other way, or pretending it doesn't bother you, but of allowing a human being who has moods to be a complete human being. Strongly reacting to someone else's low mood behavior is like reacting to bad weather, something that's beyond our power to change. (We would certainly prefer people to be less defensive or critical in their low moods, of course!)

What we CAN do is to take our understanding of moods out into the world and set a positive example. We can learn not to take other people's low moods seriously, or take to heart what they say and do in these moods. You judge the situation, then bring forth the necessary compassion to help pull others out of a low mood and into a more productive state of mind. While we can't single-handedly pull someone out of low mood, if we maintain our own equilibrium and sense of happiness we will be helping them.

I wouldn't try to give people advice when they are in a low mood! None of us is receptive to information in a low state of mind. I wouldn't ignore them either, but just understand and have compassion. The rest takes care of itself.

Moods
Originally uploaded by Dfunk.

It amazes me how most of us believe that our happiness depends on outside circumstances, that by solving our problems, improving our relationships, or achieving success, we will find contentment. Happiness, in my humble opinion, has got nothing to do with forces beyond our control - but Contentment which breed's happiness and therefore a positive outlook on life.

If you are experiencing anything other than contentment that comes from self-understanding, it may be useful to ask yourself the following question:
- Is my life really all that bad right now, or am I simply in a low mood?
- Am I following the road toward unhappiness in an attempt to find happiness?
- Am I putting my opinions above my positive feelings?
- Am I reacting to someone else's low mood?
- Am I playing out a war in my own head?
- Am I struggling with a problem?
- Is my tolerance for stress too high?
- Am I thinking about myself too much?
- Am I taking the past with me?
- Am I postponing my life?

Like I quoted before 'Life is what happens when while you're busy making other plans.' You can be happy right here, right now - IF you choose to do so.

Journey

2005-06-08T10:47:00.000-12:00

luo boatman, lake victoria
Originally uploaded by pigapicha.

To get to the promised Land, you must negotiate through the wilderness.

Daisy Days

2005-06-07T16:26:00.000-12:00

Daisy
Originally uploaded by Pandarine.

It's been said that 'Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans.'

We can be happy right here, right now, if we choose to do so.

Prespective

2005-06-04T09:02:00.000-12:00

Sticker
Originally uploaded by Abu.

To succeed, look at things not as they are, but as they can be.

In a Prayer...

2005-06-03T22:08:00.000-12:00

In a Prayer...
Originally uploaded by !efatima.

Thank you Almighty for all the honor and respect you bestow upon me through your faithfuls. I'm indeed so blessed.

Thank you for loving me.

Need More Energy

2005-06-02T16:30:00.000-12:00

the tongue.2
Originally uploaded by jmw71.

All the surfing, faving, reading, writing - such a delight.

Fun can also be exhausting. I'm growing in every direction within my chair. I need some exercise and some sleep.

You cool people out there, stop taking such darn good pictures. Its tuff for me to keep up. :)

On the other hand, go out and shoot more. I will have lots of goodies to look into when I return. :))

Courage

2005-06-02T15:43:00.000-12:00

glass
Originally uploaded by seanhfoto.

A new idea is first condemned as ridiculous, and then dismissed as trivial, until finally, it becomes what everybody knows.

Step Beyond

2005-06-01T20:33:00.000-12:00

The Sims Go Swimming
Originally uploaded by Mareen.

Creativity is simply your willingness to take a step beyond.

Success

2005-06-01T20:16:00.000-12:00

Win a Pro account!
Originally uploaded by Coffee Break.

Success is often just an idea away.

Moments

2005-06-01T20:03:00.000-12:00

dark and light
Originally uploaded by Nachosan.

We remember moments, not days or months.

Language of Love

2005-06-01T19:51:00.000-12:00

Birdie
Originally uploaded by Coffee Break.

In a glance of a speechless animal, there is a discourse that only a heart filled with love can really understand.

Abiding Joy

2005-06-01T19:43:00.000-12:00

DE-LIGHT
Originally uploaded by seanhfoto.

Every man is truly happy in so far as he is unselfish; he is miserable in so far as he is selfish. All truly good men, and by good men I mean those who have fought victoriously the battle against self, are men of joy. How great is the jubilation of the saint! No true teacher promises sorrow as the ultimate of life; he promises joy. He points to sorrow, but only as a process which sin has rendered necessary. Where self ends grief passes away.

Joy is the companion of righteousness. In the divine life tender compassion fill the place where weeping sorrow sat. During the process of becoming unselfish there are periods of deep sorrow. Purification is necessarily severe. All becoming is painful. Abiding joy in its completion is realized only in the perfection of being, and this is

“A state where all the loveliness, a power and love, with all sublimest qualities of mind, …where all Enjoy entire dominion o’er themselves, Acts, feelings, thoughts, conditions, qualities”

Consider how a flower evolves and becomes: at first there is a little germ groping its way in the dark soil towards the upper light; then the plant appears, and leaf is added unto leaf; and finally the perfected flower appears, in the sweet perfume and chaste beauty of which all effort ceases.

So with human life: at first the blind groping for the light in the dark soil of selfishness and ignorance; then the coming into the light, and the gradual overcoming of selfishness with its accompanying pain and sorrow; and finally the perfect flower of a pure, unselfish life, giving forth, without effort, the perfume of holiness and the beauty of joy.

The good, the pure, are the superlatively happy. However men may argumentatively deny or qualify this, humanity instinctively knows it to be true. Do not men everywhere picture their angels as the most joyful of beings? There are joyful angels in bodies of flesh; we meet then and pass on; and how many of those who come in contact with them are sufficiently pure to see the vision within the form- to see the incorruptible angel in its common instrument of clay?

“They needs must grope who cannot see,
The blade before the ear must be;
The outward symbols disappear
Form him whose inward sight is clear”

Yes; the pure are the joyful. We look almost n vain for any expressions of sorrow in the words of Jesus. The “Man of Sorrows” is only completed in the Man of Joy.

“I, Buddha, who wept with my brothers’ tears,
Whose heart was broken by whole world’s woe,
Laugh and am glad, for there is Liberty!”

In sin, and in the struggle against sin, there is unrest and affliction, but in the perfection of Truth, in the Path of Righteousness, there is abiding joy.

Tribulation lasts only so long as there reminds some chaff of self which needs to be removed. The tribulum, or threshing-machine, ceases to work when all the grain is separated from the chaff; and when the last impurities are blown away from the soul, tribulation has completed its work, and there is no more need for it; then abiding joy is realized.

All the saints and prophets and saviors of the race have proclaimed with rejoicing the “Gospel”, or the “Good News.” All men know what good news is – an impending calamity avoided, a disease cured, friends arrived or returned in safety, difficulties overcome, success in some enterprise assured – but what is the “Good News” of the saintly ones? This: that there is pace for the troubled, healing for the afflicted, gladness for the grief-stricken, victory for the sinful, a home-coming for the wanderer, and joy for the sorrowing and broken-hearted. Not that these beautiful realities shall be in some future world, but that they are here and now, that they are known and realized and enjoyed; and are, therefore, proclaimed that all may accept them who will break the galling bonds of self and raise into the glorious liberty of unselfish love.

We must seek the highest Good, and as we find it, as we practice it and realize it, we will taste the deepest, sweetest joy. As we succeed in forgetting our own selfish desire in our thoughtfulness for others, in our care and love for others, in our service for others, just so far and no further will we find and realize the abiding joy of life.

I have always strongly felt, inside the gateway of unselfishness lies the Elysium of Abiding Joy, and whosoever will may enter in, whosoever doubts let him come and see.

And knowing this – that selfishness leads to misery, and unselfishness to joy, not merely for one’s self alone – for if this were all how unworthy would be our endeavors! – but for the whole world, and because all with whom we live and come in contact will be the happier and the truer for our unselfishness; because Humanity is one, and the joy of one is the joy of all – knowing this, lets us scatter flowers and not thorns in the common ways of life – yea, even in the highway of our enemies let us scatter the blossoms of unselfish love – so shall the pressure of their footprints fill the air with perfume of holiness and gladden the world with the aroma of joy.

My First Picture

2005-06-01T17:24:00.000-12:00

My First Picture :)
Originally uploaded by !efatima. I feel so happy today. So very happy... not because I can take a picture but because the picture I take will matter. I guess it always has, I just never knew.

I will forever cherish this gift mom got me. Under the circumstances it was presented - it will forever be a reminder of a mother's pure, unconditional, intense, deep love.

Thank you God. Thank you for all the blessings. Please help me make that difference, touch a life, put a smile and add color in everyway possible.

My Little Brother

2005-06-01T06:17:00.000-12:00

My Angel
Originally uploaded by Ziko.

It feels just like yesterday when I was helping you with your homework, ironing your little shirt to get you ready for school and sitting by your bedside telling you how to believe in yourself and how to be grateful to Almighty God for all the blessings HE has bestowed upon us.

And now when you hold my hand and remind me how lucky we are to be together and how much God loves us, it shakes me from inside.

You have grown up so fast. I'm so much at peace now. No matter where I go or what happens to me, I know the family I cherish so much will be well taken care by you. I'm so lucky to have you as my brother.