Tuesday, December 28, 2010
22nd Muhurram
Have been quite idle to write for a few ... learning and growing takes one thru so many phases ..often demanding more than we feel we can manage BUT HE always knows better and carries us thru them. As I sit here today, my humility is upon my shoulder ..realizing how really insignificant I am . When I rise up and seek a higher perspective , the doldrums of life's little pains are so insignificant. I have just been up on the mountain .....seeking. What I found was so amazing ! Words will not express what I saw. The greatness of HIM is all-encompassing , all healing, all wonder and deeper than any human scope . Where else can we find such LOVE , such purity of intent , such understanding , such magnificance ..as we see in HIS light .??? His mountain top view is so precious to experience... would that each person's "jihad" take them to this peak before they go back to HIM ( from whence they came). Do I deserve this realization ? I wonder!!! But I am truly grateful for it. Please let me hold it in my palm and never forget its power as I return to manage the trivialities of daily life.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Muharram 1432 New Year
As we start the Muslim New Year , we humbly ask for a better undersanding of the world order NOW and how we can effect better relationships in it . We can see Your power as Hannukah , Diwali, Christmas and Muharram all merge at once and we are asked to see the need for LIGHT and miracles in our lives. All goodness comes to mankind when we follow the Light in our souls and seek its powerful assistance... we can reach out , reach in , and seek to support those we know and love . The bettering of LIFE as we know it will only come as we struggle in the daily JIHAD of surrendering. Help us to humbly let go of EGO .. praying for others , appreciating daily miracles , seeking to follow HIS plan for our lives. It is truly hard save for the " humble-minded".
Sunday, November 14, 2010
8th Dhul Hijjah 1431
As I sit today , in humility and awe in all that HE has given me ...on this earth ..how can I be truly thankful ? My tears would flow for days , in gratitude and/or sadness for what I have not done . I can only remember that I am an imperfect human ... needing to be forgiven for my transgressions . My soul longs for peace and mercy for my husband, family and myself . What can I do more..except praise YOU , MY RABB and believe in your promises ...you will LOVE us, protect us and care for us thru everything you give us . Let us believe in YOUR plan ...as it is better than anything my human brain may envisage . FAITH WILL TAKE US THRU ...not around or over the trials . Please be merciful to all those I have loved for you . YOU have deemed me worthy of knowing this LOVE and now I turn back to YOU...seeking only YOU . My heart is breaking for so many reasons ..that I can not comprehend or record them all here. Please forgive us and continue to watch over our path ..as we move forward in HOPE and FEAR !!!! YES I do fear YOU but my LOVE is greater than that ... please let me always hold tight to the rope of FAITH and LOVE ..above all else that I should conquer and walk thru the valley of Death with an OPEN , fearless step ..knowing that YOU will be there to meet me at the last .
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
6 days to purify for HAAJ
My LIFE is just one small candle's flickering in the wind ..ready to be extinguished at any time ... remember how minute we each are on the grand scale . Thus whatever comes today , we will manage and it can never be more significant than we MAKE IT!
Today all I can try is to serve where I am placed and be kind ... the gentle smile , the charitable touch , the encouraging word ...this will please HIM .
If I truly wish to come before my Maker one day in all humility , then I must keep this foremost on my radar screen ..now and every day . It is so humbling to know that we are following in HIS footsteps , our Prophet (PBUH) ..I can only ask that I continue to want to be as He was... not that I can ever attain this feat . It will be in the pursuit that perhaps I may find mercy and forgiveness . Visiting Mecca and performing the HAAJ would be a yearned for dream ... so once a year as we prepare for these days , let us all try our best to HOLD TIGHT onto the FAITH and seek HIS direction . AMIN sub Amin ...as we pass this torch on to our next generations , please let it shine in their hearts and souls and bring them closer , even than I am , to YOU!!!!
Today all I can try is to serve where I am placed and be kind ... the gentle smile , the charitable touch , the encouraging word ...this will please HIM .
If I truly wish to come before my Maker one day in all humility , then I must keep this foremost on my radar screen ..now and every day . It is so humbling to know that we are following in HIS footsteps , our Prophet (PBUH) ..I can only ask that I continue to want to be as He was... not that I can ever attain this feat . It will be in the pursuit that perhaps I may find mercy and forgiveness . Visiting Mecca and performing the HAAJ would be a yearned for dream ... so once a year as we prepare for these days , let us all try our best to HOLD TIGHT onto the FAITH and seek HIS direction . AMIN sub Amin ...as we pass this torch on to our next generations , please let it shine in their hearts and souls and bring them closer , even than I am , to YOU!!!!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
19th Shawwal
How to keep your heart in its right position??? I know that moods will come and go and change the equilibrium ...but to find the exact focus of each moment is our quest . We have come from that "state of purification " after Ramadan and preparing for HaaJ and should now be able to remember this pose . The tilt of the head, the humbling of the shoulders, the relaxation within ...these should all point us to the kneeling before our Creator in humble submission. We have just asked for guidance to know the path and have been granted that mercy . NOW to hold onto that forever.
There will be more tests along life's journey but they will only be casual reminders ... because we have already lit the eternal flame of SURRENDER. There are still 12 days before the HAAJ .. so keep on truckin' friends ...
Mercy and grace will follow whenever needed ...look around you for the miracles and the angels' work . HOLY , HOLY. HOLY ..Praise be YOUR NAME , O RABB !
There will be more tests along life's journey but they will only be casual reminders ... because we have already lit the eternal flame of SURRENDER. There are still 12 days before the HAAJ .. so keep on truckin' friends ...
Mercy and grace will follow whenever needed ...look around you for the miracles and the angels' work . HOLY , HOLY. HOLY ..Praise be YOUR NAME , O RABB !
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
1st 10 days of Shawwal
How to express the relief and mercy of these 10 days ...when you allow the FAITH to flourish within ,,PEACE spreads thru the whole being . To remember the HAAJ journey and what it means ... opens the soul to express itself open heartedly. With sincere repentance , one can feel cleansed and ready to re-start the life with better intentions. His greatest mercy to us is that of purification ...after which we can re-dedicate our actions to please only HIM . It will now be a serious effort to banish insincerity from our acts and look to HIM for guidance in every human effort we make . Let HIS will work thru our surrender to it! The healing love and compassion that is HIS to share is what HE gives every HAAJ time . Revel in this each year as we all renew our intentions to live for HIS pleasure.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Preparation for HAAJ 1431
As we prepare to meet our RAAB one day , it is most significant to hold onto humility of faith and humanity ..each of us is and has nothing ..save what HE chooses for us . Would that we remember this concept of selfless existance ..no NAFS, NO EGO , NO power except for HIS power. All mankind relies on HIM and we remain equal in HIS eyes . He loves each and every one of us ..desiring our submission before HIM. If we, each desire inner peace...so there we find submission to HIM . No one can truly know HIS own destiny .. we only seek to find the guidance and follow the right path. This purification process is a daily endeavour ..requiring minute by minute updates within our inner selves. Every day make a choice to LOVE and know HIM better .. letting go of all self love . Serve each day in the best way you can and HOPE for the final good outcome for those you are involved with . Forgiveness is all we can wish for when we truly realize the extent of our weaknesses. I am NOTHING ..except for what he wishes for me !
Friday, September 24, 2010
BOUNTIES!!!
When we awake every day from the night's repose , our humanity returns and we begin again to seek happiness . Some days it is harder to find .. so we can simply ask for its vision . When our eyes are meant to find it , from His planning, it will be there in front of us.
Our job is to ask, persevere with faith and certainty that IT is there .. around some corner. Let us never be in despair ..even if the road looks bleak at the moment . TODAY is a PRESENT for us to open up..minute by minute and find the JOY within it . As we walk the path today , be jovial and face the tasks in levity ... when our thoughts are light so too will be the chores .
Aging in grace will come to us with this attitude ..knowing that the final rest is good for all those who seek HIS countenance . Keep the faith and let your little candle burn bright for all to see HIS power.
Our job is to ask, persevere with faith and certainty that IT is there .. around some corner. Let us never be in despair ..even if the road looks bleak at the moment . TODAY is a PRESENT for us to open up..minute by minute and find the JOY within it . As we walk the path today , be jovial and face the tasks in levity ... when our thoughts are light so too will be the chores .
Aging in grace will come to us with this attitude ..knowing that the final rest is good for all those who seek HIS countenance . Keep the faith and let your little candle burn bright for all to see HIS power.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Eid ul Fitr 1431 (2010)
Every year Ramadan visits our homes and gives us the opportunity to refresh and reactivate our RUH ( spirit) and find the depth of LOVE that we feel for our RAbb . Once more , this JOY of seeking and finding HIM is appreciated ... as we are weak spirits , we humans all trying to find our way to meet our Master again in the Hereafter.
The lessons this year for me : surrender more sincerely to HIS daily plan for me ..allowing the grand scheme of things to surface at the end. Disregard the worry button every day and allow the faith to lift and carry me up and through the crises. Reach out to learn from those wiser than I ..in faith and submission. Serve JUST where I am placed each day ! Bow down in humility , accepting the winds of change and bend with them . Seek repentance daily . Never look down on another's condition ..only to give them support to rise up.
Allow the patient "button" to be turned on every second of my life.
Grow in wisdom and grace daily with these previous ingredients .
The lessons this year for me : surrender more sincerely to HIS daily plan for me ..allowing the grand scheme of things to surface at the end. Disregard the worry button every day and allow the faith to lift and carry me up and through the crises. Reach out to learn from those wiser than I ..in faith and submission. Serve JUST where I am placed each day ! Bow down in humility , accepting the winds of change and bend with them . Seek repentance daily . Never look down on another's condition ..only to give them support to rise up.
Allow the patient "button" to be turned on every second of my life.
Grow in wisdom and grace daily with these previous ingredients .
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Ramadan Kareem
Ramadan is a blessed visitor into our homes ..giving us a chance to re-focus our priorities and face HIS design directly. Ask to know His will ... you will then feel secure in whatever you are doing . With this friend and ally beside us , we can look in the mirror and see whatever we have become . If there is a need to change , then see that too . Ask for support to make the change and go forward.
The quest for purification this mon th is foremost ... doing whatever we have strength to manage ..fasts, extra prayers, good deeds, Zakat ,reading extra Quran , honorable intentions with those with whom we fraternize . Help whenever we can ...as we are able. Reach out to see other's plight ... remembering the Quls of gratitude for them and us .
As we face the final Judgment , we can know that what we have done for Allah's pleasure only, will stand beside us and support our final Journey to HIM . Believe in that premise ... accepting HIS forgiveness , mercy and hope for a good outcome for us at the end .
RAmadan is a great friend , who visits us annually ..giving us a chance to rectify our path ... please dear God, Our Rabb , help us to see clearly your wish for us . Let our Love for you reign supreme as we face the future journey.
These last 8 nights now are a great chance to make duwah, read Quran and HOPE for good outcomes . AMIN !
The quest for purification this mon th is foremost ... doing whatever we have strength to manage ..fasts, extra prayers, good deeds, Zakat ,reading extra Quran , honorable intentions with those with whom we fraternize . Help whenever we can ...as we are able. Reach out to see other's plight ... remembering the Quls of gratitude for them and us .
As we face the final Judgment , we can know that what we have done for Allah's pleasure only, will stand beside us and support our final Journey to HIM . Believe in that premise ... accepting HIS forgiveness , mercy and hope for a good outcome for us at the end .
RAmadan is a great friend , who visits us annually ..giving us a chance to rectify our path ... please dear God, Our Rabb , help us to see clearly your wish for us . Let our Love for you reign supreme as we face the future journey.
These last 8 nights now are a great chance to make duwah, read Quran and HOPE for good outcomes . AMIN !
Monday, August 2, 2010
Shaban -last trimester
This is a very precious reminder of where our truest HAPPINESS is derived . Shaban comes as a special visitor to help us prioritize what is significant in our daily life. Our Prophet Mohammed ( PBUH) always looked at this month of peace and blessings for HIM and for all of us... we truly must be grateful for all the daily mercies and look deeply at what we have ... how it is continually improving and to whom we owe this gratitude . If fasting and additional prayers are possible , we should do our best to follow HIS sunna .. read the Holy book and seek HIS trusting counsel . THERE IS NO MIGHT OR POWER better than HIS . Compare today with yesterday in order to face tomorrow with a hopeful countenance . Gratitude, honest research into today's work, will bring us HIS pleasure ... that is what we must seek for true HAPPINESS in what is BEST .
The 100 voluntary nafl nemaaz rakus will only serve to cover our path with joyful appreciation as we face our life. HOLD tight to the ROPE OF FAITH and pray for the deceased and those who are in dire need of help. Increase the good we can do ..give of ourselves in charity . LOVE the Lord , HIS prophet, HIS message... above and beyond worldly concerns . Your peace will follow into Ramadan and HAPPINESS will light on your shoulder ..like a butterfly.
The 100 voluntary nafl nemaaz rakus will only serve to cover our path with joyful appreciation as we face our life. HOLD tight to the ROPE OF FAITH and pray for the deceased and those who are in dire need of help. Increase the good we can do ..give of ourselves in charity . LOVE the Lord , HIS prophet, HIS message... above and beyond worldly concerns . Your peace will follow into Ramadan and HAPPINESS will light on your shoulder ..like a butterfly.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Shaban ... following HIS sunnah is happiness complete
As we are now in the autumn of our lives, we look for inspirations to help support us with these bounties we have received . It is said that we can inspire others and be good role models now to others ..younger than us.
To become stronger mentally is one way to do this .. so we turn to the sunna of the Prophet. This month of Shaban is HIS month in which he will come to our assistance when we ask . Let us all become focussed on our intimate relationship with HIM and His messenger's ways. This month is the 30 days in which we can find our best guidance for the rest of the year ...
At its finish , we can be mentally prepared for the repentance of Ramadan and its inherent forgiveness and HOPE for the Hereafter . This is mankind's ONLY hope for earthly and after life's PEACE. I truly believe that Humanity can be saved by attaching itself to the truth of Mohammed's sunnah .
We will be better thru our surrender .
To become stronger mentally is one way to do this .. so we turn to the sunna of the Prophet. This month of Shaban is HIS month in which he will come to our assistance when we ask . Let us all become focussed on our intimate relationship with HIM and His messenger's ways. This month is the 30 days in which we can find our best guidance for the rest of the year ...
At its finish , we can be mentally prepared for the repentance of Ramadan and its inherent forgiveness and HOPE for the Hereafter . This is mankind's ONLY hope for earthly and after life's PEACE. I truly believe that Humanity can be saved by attaching itself to the truth of Mohammed's sunnah .
We will be better thru our surrender .
Sunday, July 11, 2010
isra miraj 1431
I am so humble on this day ... as I realize how small I am standing beside the character of OUR Prophet ...
As I was young , I tried to reach for the intensity of HIS message and practice the art of HIS sunna . I now have come to see how frail and weak my body actually is and my willpower too. I hope tonight for HIS continued understanding of me , HIS love and compassion to forgive me and HIS abundant showering of GRACE to support my inner desires to please HIM . I want to be HIS devoted servant . Let me reach up to the best that I can be ...in Your name .
To travel to Jerusalem on a stead on a spiritual Journey is made for only ONE MAN ... let us each try in small ways to lighten our path by loving others, being charitable when we can , follow right from wrong, think about and pray for others as we miss them ...
Make us strong in our FAITH and HOLD TIGHT to its ropeline.
As I was young , I tried to reach for the intensity of HIS message and practice the art of HIS sunna . I now have come to see how frail and weak my body actually is and my willpower too. I hope tonight for HIS continued understanding of me , HIS love and compassion to forgive me and HIS abundant showering of GRACE to support my inner desires to please HIM . I want to be HIS devoted servant . Let me reach up to the best that I can be ...in Your name .
To travel to Jerusalem on a stead on a spiritual Journey is made for only ONE MAN ... let us each try in small ways to lighten our path by loving others, being charitable when we can , follow right from wrong, think about and pray for others as we miss them ...
Make us strong in our FAITH and HOLD TIGHT to its ropeline.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Isra Meraj 1431
To reach, To seek , to understand the power greater than each of us ..seems to be my human mission . This night of prayer and soul searching will be another attempt to do this . In all humility , I realize that what I am is only " matter" and if I can cherish the "ruh" within that matter , then I may have understood the POWER. To be truly grateful for all that I am , and have been given is my connection to the POWER. As I recollect the Prophet's life and how he taught us ... his sunna become quite significant. Please let me continue to learn to follow the Sunna ..without distorting any of its meaning .
Scholars teach NOT to embellish past events ...simply give them their due respect . So too ISRA MIRAJ was the Prophet's journey ... not mine ... I can only ask for what is due to me for my inspiration . Let me pray for only that ...not more or less ... what is owing to me on this earthly journey . THe rest will follow in the hereafter ...if I am deserving from this life.
Love and blessings to Islam, the Prophet and all that I have been taught .
Scholars teach NOT to embellish past events ...simply give them their due respect . So too ISRA MIRAJ was the Prophet's journey ... not mine ... I can only ask for what is due to me for my inspiration . Let me pray for only that ...not more or less ... what is owing to me on this earthly journey . THe rest will follow in the hereafter ...if I am deserving from this life.
Love and blessings to Islam, the Prophet and all that I have been taught .
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Pleasing Allah means personal happiness !!
To remember from whence we came ..that will please HIM ! Life becomes then , simple little pleasures that make our days full. RAjab , reminds us that each moment has value ...in which we can be easy and full of JOY for breathing, smiling, swallowing and being alive .
No matter what is for each of us , TODAY ..this is determined for ME from HIM . So too if I react with surrender and happiness for it , I will earn HIS pleasure . I pray for this wisdom to remain inside me .... TOTALLY aware that the outer form is simply part of what I see ... it is my perception of what I see that truly makes me aware.
HELP ME please to keep this focus as I walk my daily WALK ! Make me strong in YOUR LOVE and acceptance of WHO I AM . AMIN SUB AMIN!
No matter what is for each of us , TODAY ..this is determined for ME from HIM . So too if I react with surrender and happiness for it , I will earn HIS pleasure . I pray for this wisdom to remain inside me .... TOTALLY aware that the outer form is simply part of what I see ... it is my perception of what I see that truly makes me aware.
HELP ME please to keep this focus as I walk my daily WALK ! Make me strong in YOUR LOVE and acceptance of WHO I AM . AMIN SUB AMIN!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Memories
What is a memory ? It can only bring happiness after the MOMENT has transpired . BUT it is a grand JOY for those who can remember.
So we can be grateful for this great ability to remember ... We often fail to think about these gifts that we are given to recall happiness .
Today I wish to recall how much pleasure we are now having ...recalling a lovely wedding that took place a few weeks ago in a land far away . Our hearts still leap to see the bride , groom and all those who helped to make this event so fantastic for all of us present . The moments will never be forgotten...with HIS great mercy .
THanks to all who helped make the GRAND EVENT as wonderful as it was for all of us ...
So we can be grateful for this great ability to remember ... We often fail to think about these gifts that we are given to recall happiness .
Today I wish to recall how much pleasure we are now having ...recalling a lovely wedding that took place a few weeks ago in a land far away . Our hearts still leap to see the bride , groom and all those who helped to make this event so fantastic for all of us present . The moments will never be forgotten...with HIS great mercy .
THanks to all who helped make the GRAND EVENT as wonderful as it was for all of us ...
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Return from Fantasy
How to express the meaning of such a journey ...we have both been blessed by ? Soul shifting is the only way I can think to express it ... Allah says the the other side of FEAR is JOY ... we have truly seen this MAGIC ...that belongs truly to HIM .
When a couple gives birth to a child, the wonder comes and strikes the family with CREATION ...profound and deep.. an unknown sense of wonder and awe.
Now this trip to Australia to see our daughter married there also provided another perfectly designed WONDER ! When true LOVE abounds, it overtakes those present and the fantasy is felt by all present . This couple , families and friends truly were awed by the moments of splendour we can cherish forever. When families meet and let go of selfish motives , something magnificent remains . Our constant prayer will be onwards that the couple can feel this in their future lives and we can truly support them together in such a unity of spirits .
The flights were long and challenging but nothing can hold a candle to the actual events ...10 days of constant activities hosted by friends and family .... love and blessings .
While returning home, the Phoenix connection of Rehmans and Mirza families continued the JOY ..enabling us to rest and recup before reaching our nest in MOntreal . Good families are what makes the world worth living in .. following the eternal values of brotherhood and compassion.
Thank you dear Lord for the bountiful events You have bestowed on us ... thru this Fantasy Journey... and for the families who have made it possible .
When a couple gives birth to a child, the wonder comes and strikes the family with CREATION ...profound and deep.. an unknown sense of wonder and awe.
Now this trip to Australia to see our daughter married there also provided another perfectly designed WONDER ! When true LOVE abounds, it overtakes those present and the fantasy is felt by all present . This couple , families and friends truly were awed by the moments of splendour we can cherish forever. When families meet and let go of selfish motives , something magnificent remains . Our constant prayer will be onwards that the couple can feel this in their future lives and we can truly support them together in such a unity of spirits .
The flights were long and challenging but nothing can hold a candle to the actual events ...10 days of constant activities hosted by friends and family .... love and blessings .
While returning home, the Phoenix connection of Rehmans and Mirza families continued the JOY ..enabling us to rest and recup before reaching our nest in MOntreal . Good families are what makes the world worth living in .. following the eternal values of brotherhood and compassion.
Thank you dear Lord for the bountiful events You have bestowed on us ... thru this Fantasy Journey... and for the families who have made it possible .
Monday, May 24, 2010
Wedding Trip 2010
The memories of such a grand journey are perhaps better than the event ...but so be it ! I hold onto the Present as a way to be truly grateful for all that is . When our middle daughter chose to marry ..half way round the world ..in Sylvan Glen in the Southern Highlands of Australia ..we thought...!!!WOW!! We, the bride's parents wanted to be there to glimpse the JOY ! Plans were designed for over a year and we hoped for good health to carry us there. The whole Family worked to make this happen for us all . I KNOW the angels and HIS will encircled us on the complete journey .
From the moment , before we left , we planned with doctors, friends , van transport to airport , stop overs in Phoenix with nephew's family, seeing elder family members there, visiting son's baseball stadium for game ( box seats), travelling with daughter-in-law via LA to Sydney , to reach the final destination at daughter's home . The frivolty and wedding preps were marvellous as groom's family feted and charmed whole wedding party. Touring Sydney and local areas made the country so welcoming to us . LOVE was all around us ..the feeling was superb. Son's arrival from US mixing with other foreign guests completed bride's contentment .
The van ride to the wedding site in Sylvan Glen was monumental: fish lunch at a pub while the flower garlands were being finished; meeting all the past friends from childhood, and new ones from Australia; ferry ride with all wedding guests; touring SYDNEY via rail ; wedding site and accomodations perfect for a grand wedding venue; Mehndhi superbly orchestrated ..guests were great sports in fine, jubuliant attire; ASIYAH ..great lady in red !!! Shane ..super in goldish beige attire. LOVE was in the air!!! NIKKA performed in gentle fashion ...whole wedding party in great form ..looking only better than we planned . THIS WAS A DAY in perfect harmony .. everyone did their SUPER BEST . Praise the Lord and family who supported our wishes to be there. Southern Highlands of NSW will stay near my heart for years to come .
Ride home was easy to Sydney . Family continued to fete the royal couple with evening soirees, trips to Taree farm with Groom's parents , hosting done in Newcastle by brother , loving treatment by groom's aunt & family , continued affection by groom's grandparents , sister and fiance, bride's loving friends' continual feting for bride and groom . Constant mixing of two families brought a comraderie never before felt by us, parents of the bride. THIS was a journey into Fantasyland of LOVE. It reminded we , elders of the mixing of family when we were married in Pakistan ..so many years before. The drive to the Blue Mountains and lunch was a great highlight of the trip .. serene moments amidst the natural splendour and serenity of Nature; visits to the Pacific Ocean viewpoints in Sydney and Newcastle filled the wonder in our hearts ; just being there to watch the unity of this couple who had now chosen to be partners for LIFE ... made us proud and happiest of all .
The stay with the royal couple was superbly gratifying ... 2 1/2 weeks of seeing TRUE LOVE in motion . Thank you God ! The departure at airport was anti climactic ,,,but left us feeling content having been there. We knew that the girl would be well cared for ..whatever may come . What more can a parent ask for ?
Heading back to Phoenix to visit son's family again was another reward from this journey . Journey fatigue was present but the love and acceptance made it all worthwhile . How to thank our Maker for loving, kind adult children ??? Now I know about sadaka .. gifting to poor in honor of our truly remarkable bounties . Son's wife was 5 months in waiting for their new baby ...so we had that excitement to visit ; husband's sister and hubby were visiting their son .. we had not met for 12 years ; visiting nephew's family with two pre-adolescents , being exposed to summer climate while jet lag disappeared ...truly a remarkable journey .
The faith inspired on this journey will never leave my lips (ISA) ... prayers and hopes that left my lips throughout this trip shall inspire my thoughts and memories for the remainder of my earthly days . HOLD TIGHT to the ROPE OF FAITH ; NEVER make a picture that does not have a happy conclusion ... I choose what I want to believe in ... let the rest just BE!!! THANK YOU LORD for these bounties for which we can only hope to be worthy of.
From the moment , before we left , we planned with doctors, friends , van transport to airport , stop overs in Phoenix with nephew's family, seeing elder family members there, visiting son's baseball stadium for game ( box seats), travelling with daughter-in-law via LA to Sydney , to reach the final destination at daughter's home . The frivolty and wedding preps were marvellous as groom's family feted and charmed whole wedding party. Touring Sydney and local areas made the country so welcoming to us . LOVE was all around us ..the feeling was superb. Son's arrival from US mixing with other foreign guests completed bride's contentment .
The van ride to the wedding site in Sylvan Glen was monumental: fish lunch at a pub while the flower garlands were being finished; meeting all the past friends from childhood, and new ones from Australia; ferry ride with all wedding guests; touring SYDNEY via rail ; wedding site and accomodations perfect for a grand wedding venue; Mehndhi superbly orchestrated ..guests were great sports in fine, jubuliant attire; ASIYAH ..great lady in red !!! Shane ..super in goldish beige attire. LOVE was in the air!!! NIKKA performed in gentle fashion ...whole wedding party in great form ..looking only better than we planned . THIS WAS A DAY in perfect harmony .. everyone did their SUPER BEST . Praise the Lord and family who supported our wishes to be there. Southern Highlands of NSW will stay near my heart for years to come .
Ride home was easy to Sydney . Family continued to fete the royal couple with evening soirees, trips to Taree farm with Groom's parents , hosting done in Newcastle by brother , loving treatment by groom's aunt & family , continued affection by groom's grandparents , sister and fiance, bride's loving friends' continual feting for bride and groom . Constant mixing of two families brought a comraderie never before felt by us, parents of the bride. THIS was a journey into Fantasyland of LOVE. It reminded we , elders of the mixing of family when we were married in Pakistan ..so many years before. The drive to the Blue Mountains and lunch was a great highlight of the trip .. serene moments amidst the natural splendour and serenity of Nature; visits to the Pacific Ocean viewpoints in Sydney and Newcastle filled the wonder in our hearts ; just being there to watch the unity of this couple who had now chosen to be partners for LIFE ... made us proud and happiest of all .
The stay with the royal couple was superbly gratifying ... 2 1/2 weeks of seeing TRUE LOVE in motion . Thank you God ! The departure at airport was anti climactic ,,,but left us feeling content having been there. We knew that the girl would be well cared for ..whatever may come . What more can a parent ask for ?
Heading back to Phoenix to visit son's family again was another reward from this journey . Journey fatigue was present but the love and acceptance made it all worthwhile . How to thank our Maker for loving, kind adult children ??? Now I know about sadaka .. gifting to poor in honor of our truly remarkable bounties . Son's wife was 5 months in waiting for their new baby ...so we had that excitement to visit ; husband's sister and hubby were visiting their son .. we had not met for 12 years ; visiting nephew's family with two pre-adolescents , being exposed to summer climate while jet lag disappeared ...truly a remarkable journey .
The faith inspired on this journey will never leave my lips (ISA) ... prayers and hopes that left my lips throughout this trip shall inspire my thoughts and memories for the remainder of my earthly days . HOLD TIGHT to the ROPE OF FAITH ; NEVER make a picture that does not have a happy conclusion ... I choose what I want to believe in ... let the rest just BE!!! THANK YOU LORD for these bounties for which we can only hope to be worthy of.
Monday, March 22, 2010
TO THY OWNSELF , BE TRUE
With all the self-help books around and so much advice on " wherein lies true happiness" ... I have found an old and tried recipe . When we, each were created , there was iinner strength of conviction and purpose given us all . If we hunt this out and "dig deep" we can find this on a daily basis. Then , that is where we can find our own "happiness" . The soul answers its own calling . Dig into your soul and find your own answers. No one else can provide them to you ,,,, believe in yourself !
I do not mean answering EGO ...I mean responding to your inner core ...humbly asking it to guide you.
There you will find more than what you have been seeking ... you will find what you were meant to be .
I do not mean answering EGO ...I mean responding to your inner core ...humbly asking it to guide you.
There you will find more than what you have been seeking ... you will find what you were meant to be .
Friday, March 12, 2010
HOLD onto the ESSENCE
Whenever we hit a " Rough Patch ", it forces us to turn inward and dig deep for meaning .... my own experience is that each time , I have to find the essence both of myself and those around me . Then the path becomes clearer and void of soo many obstacles .
I watch the world around me to find the BEST of what is ... do not lose sight of the ESSENCE... of all ages and all peoples . Look past the exterior view .
Whatever we wish for as we look for " happiness" , this desire has always been there ...even in childhood . Can you remember ? What was it , for you? Remember ???
Sending you just ENOUGH of everything to make you Happy today .
I watch the world around me to find the BEST of what is ... do not lose sight of the ESSENCE... of all ages and all peoples . Look past the exterior view .
Whatever we wish for as we look for " happiness" , this desire has always been there ...even in childhood . Can you remember ? What was it , for you? Remember ???
Sending you just ENOUGH of everything to make you Happy today .
Friday, February 26, 2010
Prophet Mohammed's birth, life, death and example to follow
On the memories of past Mawlid ul Nabis ( Prophet's birthdays) ... I can recall my conversion to this faith on this day . I had been reading about Islam and I came to the mesjid with an open heart and heard HIS call . I can never underestimate the effect this CALL has had on my earthly journey ... now I am assured of its eternal effect as well . As we encounter our own challenges and life stresses, we turn to the example of a human ... who showed us his way of handling his FAITH . Humbling as it was, his example always lifts my mind , body, and soul to elevated thinking and strengthens my moral compass . I can never forget how my state of happiness has been created thru this event .
The rituals learned , practiced and willingly praised only support what I know to be right. The Prophet's daily sunna enable me to find pleasure in knowing that Allah is pleased with me. Many , many years ago , I sought a life's purpose and I am assured that I am here ONLY to seek and Praise my Creator. So if HE is pleased with my actions ... then who else can I turn to? MY LIFE's work will be fulfilled in this surrender.
The prophet Mohammed's LIGHT only helps us find our way in the Darkness of this world . With thanksgiving and open adulation , I am grateful for knowing HIM and seeing the ways of this special friend of our God.
In humble thanksgiving , I seek to come even closer to following the ways of the Prophet ... than I understand today . Would that my attempts be reviewed in favor and my heart continue to be open in the search for HAPPINESS.
The rituals learned , practiced and willingly praised only support what I know to be right. The Prophet's daily sunna enable me to find pleasure in knowing that Allah is pleased with me. Many , many years ago , I sought a life's purpose and I am assured that I am here ONLY to seek and Praise my Creator. So if HE is pleased with my actions ... then who else can I turn to? MY LIFE's work will be fulfilled in this surrender.
The prophet Mohammed's LIGHT only helps us find our way in the Darkness of this world . With thanksgiving and open adulation , I am grateful for knowing HIM and seeing the ways of this special friend of our God.
In humble thanksgiving , I seek to come even closer to following the ways of the Prophet ... than I understand today . Would that my attempts be reviewed in favor and my heart continue to be open in the search for HAPPINESS.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Gratitude for what is!!!!
As we open our eyes each day to face the morn , it is with resignation , gratitude and JOY for " WHAT IS "... let us try to make the most of it .
Play the songs, think the thoughts, utter the prayers to fill the BODY and SOUL'S vessel to the brim with thankfulness .
As this winter is ending , seasonally we have learned some great lessons . The HOW of a good life is a determined , resigned, courageous one where we never QUIT bouncing back from what comes at us. Those whom we admire most are just those people who "keep on truckin" with HOPE and peace within their beings. The resolve to resolve and find solutions to all life's wonders. IT WILL BE THE JOURNEY THAT MATTERS !!!!
REACH OUT and REACH IN to find whatever YOU SEEK ... the surprise will come when it is all over !!! You have had happiness along the way .
Play the songs, think the thoughts, utter the prayers to fill the BODY and SOUL'S vessel to the brim with thankfulness .
As this winter is ending , seasonally we have learned some great lessons . The HOW of a good life is a determined , resigned, courageous one where we never QUIT bouncing back from what comes at us. Those whom we admire most are just those people who "keep on truckin" with HOPE and peace within their beings. The resolve to resolve and find solutions to all life's wonders. IT WILL BE THE JOURNEY THAT MATTERS !!!!
REACH OUT and REACH IN to find whatever YOU SEEK ... the surprise will come when it is all over !!! You have had happiness along the way .
Saturday, February 20, 2010
PRAISE DAILY
As we sit in the "golden retirement years of our life" , we now can find the time to truly PRAISE HIM and recollect the miracles of our past existance . How we have survived is only by HIS grace ..as we have duly transgressed . Today is the miraculous gift we have now to be truly thankful . Tomorrow can only have a HOPE for a continued GRACE.
HOW to perceive TODAY?? ... look for the tiny deeds that will ease someone else's journey, moving out of the darkness that surrounds us all . Seek enthusiasm, courage , strength , determination and work to produce what is GOOD.
In all of these attitudes, there is no room for worry, fear or any negatives. Reach out and you will be given .. the HAPPINESS will follow naturally . Watch out for even the tiniest of connections that come each day and do not miss their significance ... the note, the email, the phone message, the touch , the prayer ... THEY ALL HAVE A DEEPER MEANING!
PRAISE HIM !!!
HOW to perceive TODAY?? ... look for the tiny deeds that will ease someone else's journey, moving out of the darkness that surrounds us all . Seek enthusiasm, courage , strength , determination and work to produce what is GOOD.
In all of these attitudes, there is no room for worry, fear or any negatives. Reach out and you will be given .. the HAPPINESS will follow naturally . Watch out for even the tiniest of connections that come each day and do not miss their significance ... the note, the email, the phone message, the touch , the prayer ... THEY ALL HAVE A DEEPER MEANING!
PRAISE HIM !!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Each man'spurpose
If anyone will care to read this one day , I will share the solution to individual contentment . When designed and born into this world, the Divine placed an essence within each of us ..to fulfill HIS wish for us. If we truly understand that purpose , then we can be happy ...by serving that purpose. What is your purpose to please your Creator?
For, in knowing this, we will find our greatest happiness .
For, in knowing this, we will find our greatest happiness .
Friday, February 5, 2010
a new source of HAPPINESS
Just finished reading Neale Donald Walsch's view of Happiness ( found in Happier than God)...reminds me a bit of Marilyn Ferguson's the Aquarian Conspiracy that I read a few years back . Check it out, please.. he believes that if the world's total consciousness is formed from each person's personal consciousness ..mired in creativity and LOVE ..then we all can change the world . Very intricate thoughts merging from a God's LOVE theory for mankind .truly forgotten in the religions and behaviour of mankind today.
We , are ONE with God ..HE is in us all. God is Pure Intelligence .. life's essential energy needing nothing else... He is the MOTHER of all stem cells. Divinity is who we are ..then Do for others what you would like done for yourself. We are energy , energy is all around us thus every "thing" is already created by ENERGY ..all things are already created in the field of Infinite Possibilities . we must only strive to seek the solution to all challenges ..that is the personal creation process . We simply MUST remember what has already been created ..in us and around us. You will then attract a vibration that is already formed ..in your thought, feeling, action etc. Reality comes from our "experiencing " vibrations .. otherwise it is not real.
Spiritual recovery comes into our life from the sphere of super-nature ..ie. manifesting forgiveness, compassion,understanding joy, happiness AND peace. Personal Creation " always says YES !
The Universe has been made for us in HIS love..seek and ye shall find. Intent for life is to reach out to heal others and in so doing you will heal yourself. Objective first must be to seek ye first the Kingdom of God ... Allah is One and All powerful . Believe first ! Examine the 17 steps to reach this " HAPPIER STATE" .
His thoughts are not new ...just great to remember !
Oh how we all seek to be the best of what we can be ..this is a daily journey ..I wish you all the BEST of VIBES that are already waiting for you to experience.
We , are ONE with God ..HE is in us all. God is Pure Intelligence .. life's essential energy needing nothing else... He is the MOTHER of all stem cells. Divinity is who we are ..then Do for others what you would like done for yourself. We are energy , energy is all around us thus every "thing" is already created by ENERGY ..all things are already created in the field of Infinite Possibilities . we must only strive to seek the solution to all challenges ..that is the personal creation process . We simply MUST remember what has already been created ..in us and around us. You will then attract a vibration that is already formed ..in your thought, feeling, action etc. Reality comes from our "experiencing " vibrations .. otherwise it is not real.
Spiritual recovery comes into our life from the sphere of super-nature ..ie. manifesting forgiveness, compassion,understanding joy, happiness AND peace. Personal Creation " always says YES !
The Universe has been made for us in HIS love..seek and ye shall find. Intent for life is to reach out to heal others and in so doing you will heal yourself. Objective first must be to seek ye first the Kingdom of God ... Allah is One and All powerful . Believe first ! Examine the 17 steps to reach this " HAPPIER STATE" .
His thoughts are not new ...just great to remember !
Oh how we all seek to be the best of what we can be ..this is a daily journey ..I wish you all the BEST of VIBES that are already waiting for you to experience.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Whatever is ...comes to teach
From watching and learning from OTHERS ... we can learn the significance of whatever is !!! The present, when challenging must come with the grace and courage to continue pushing forward and hopefully upward .
The HOPE that lies within each of us ...IS all is well that will be well ... in our heads... we can control THAT . The fun lies in the 5 % HOPE found in the 95 % challenge ... seek that little glimmer and BELIEVE .
There is nothing gained from discerning what could happen IF ... it would simply marr what is ..even further.
Please help me LOrd to always clean out every anxiety from each corner of my being and leave the rest to YOU... keep my footsteps advancing in YOUR cause in LOVE and brotherhood .
This is my true meaning of HAPPINESS ...not to be forgotten .
The HOPE that lies within each of us ...IS all is well that will be well ... in our heads... we can control THAT . The fun lies in the 5 % HOPE found in the 95 % challenge ... seek that little glimmer and BELIEVE .
There is nothing gained from discerning what could happen IF ... it would simply marr what is ..even further.
Please help me LOrd to always clean out every anxiety from each corner of my being and leave the rest to YOU... keep my footsteps advancing in YOUR cause in LOVE and brotherhood .
This is my true meaning of HAPPINESS ...not to be forgotten .