Random musings

Someone we know talked about one of his friends and how that friend was a devout Christian, but eventually stopped reading the Bible and going to church when he discovered that God was the " villain " of the Old Testament. Though, I could not relate or agree with that statement, I could understand to a certain extent, where this person was coming from. There are parts in the Bible which make no sense unless one makes an effort to study it in-depth or someone else explains the history or context behind it. Even then, there are things which just seem bizarre or radical. Most people who walk away from their faith also have similar reasons. It is interesting to read comments/reactions, when a religious article is posted on message boards and websites. Someone will comment on how religious people have very low IQ's, and how could someone worship a God that kills babies and destroys nations. They throw in the fiery, blazing furnace of hell, as an argument. And then, th...

The other day when we were at church, one of the senior members in his sermon, gave an analogy about man's life. It was something about how God created different animals like a donkey, a dog, a monkey and gave each of them tasks. The donkey was told that he would work from sunrise to sunset carrying burdens on his back and would live 50 years. The donkey didn't want 50 years, and opted for 20 years instead. So, God granted him that wish. The dog was told that he would guard the house, and live on scraps. And, the dog took 15 years, instead of 30. The monkey would swing from branch to branch doing tricks and was awarded 20 years. But, the monkey wanted only 10 years. Finally, God created man and told him that he would be the only rational creature on the face of the earth and would live 20 years. But, the man wanted the years the animals had refused to be added to his life.  So since then, man lives 20 years as a man. Then, spends 30 years like a donkey, working...

The other day, I heard my boy, Daniel tell his sister, " Oh, Naomi, you can tell grandpa the truth. He does not get angry, like parents do ".  One of my biggest fears is people closest to me lying about things. And, it was sort of unnerving to hear that my six year old didn't feel comfortable telling the truth because he didn't like the consequences.  It seemed like it was time to do things differently. So, I tried not to over-react at what they told me, and keep a calm disposition. I also told Daniel that he could tell me anything and I would try my best, not to get mad. So, the kids took it to the next level. I heard statements like -   " Mommy, we painted our faces with permanent marker, but we are telling you the truth. I hope you are not angry ". " We painted the wall. It looks really nice ."  " We just tore up the homework folder ."  " We gave Henry crayons to eat." " I just flooded the ba...

Speaking of bad habits, I've had one since as long as I can remember. I bite my nails.  I bite them for no obvious reasons - when I'm bored, happy, anxious, stressed, nervous, thinking... I tell myself that because I'm somewhat OCD about washing my hands, it shouldn't matter as much. So, I just do it, because I CAN'T seem to stop.  Though, over the years - I have tried many things to make it stop. I've gone for manicures, hoping that looking at pretty nail-paint would do the trick. I've been told that it is ridiculous to watch a grown up person bite their nails. And, it is true. I do look very stupid doing it. I've tried wearing gloves. I've tried solid resolve. And, none of that worked. Till, until ... I saw my little munchkins copy my monkey act. It started with my son, who started biting his nails after watching me. After a whole lot of begging, pleading, threatening and what not, my little boy with stellar discipline stopped doing i...

Having an opinion about teenagers when I don't have one is like people talking about kids without having their own. It doesn't mean that they are not entitled to their opinions. It's just that their opinions are laced with a mix of fantasy and delusions! But, I feel very qualified (NOT!) to talk about teenagers, because I have one in the house. Our four legged friend, Henry is a teenager in doggie years. (2*7=14). See, I did my math.  Henry, our teenager is a bundle of contradictions. A sweet symphony on one hand, a bitter discord on the other.  He LIKES whom he likes he likes. The rest are treated with absolute disdain and suspicion.  He runs away when its time to come inside the home, leave a play-area, or his buddy friends or anything he deems unnecessary. In fact, running away seems like his favorite activity. When I ask him to do something, he lifts his doggie paws in the air and tells me, "I don't want to. I want to do what I want to ...

I don't know why I think of those friends now. It's been years since they left the state.  Even when they were here and I found a way to get along with them, I still maintained my distance.  Both these men were my husband's college buddies. I met them for the first time, after I was married, about 12 years ago. They were both unmarried at that time, had done their masters in the US and worked for hi-tech companies. One of them, especially was very rude. I still remember the first few visits with him. The first time, he said something like " girls from India just want to get married to men in the US ".  It was like someone just knocked the wind off my sails. I worked in the US before I was married. I certainly didn't need to get married to be in America. If anything, I had given up on my business visa and transferred to a dependent H-4 visa, to be with my husband, instead of working in different states. Then, he said things like " It doe...

With the coming of the New Year, I feel as if I need to be doing something different as in write resolutions, or make those changes or do something I always wanted to do. Part of me, thinks that it is a wasted effort because I find it hard to keep my " resolutions ". But then, if ever there was a time to start anew, the beginning of the year is it. The word that hits me this year is - Passion.  Now, passion and I have very little in common. Especially, when I think of the " Mills and Boon " or " 50 shades of Grey " kind of passion - I'm like - hmm, sounds really nice. I should try it sometime. Yet, when I think of passion in the true sense, I think of someone who lives life to the fullest. Someone, who doesn't necessarily do things perfectly, but puts their heart and soul into everything they do. Someone, who is driven by a purpose, a goal, or life itself. Someone, who is alive, in the moment. Someone, who makes mistakes, but picks thems...