ITS PRISON TIME AGAIN

Saturday the 11the October 2008 I was back in the Sungai Buluh Prison with another gentleman. He is in his 70's but still very active in charitable deeds. After the usual Security clearance we got pass the massive iron door. Then we stepped out into the huge courtyard and we were allowed to walk by ourselves to the next gate. We took a casual stroll and in the distance beyond another barbed fence- we could see prisoners in red T shirts staring silently at us as we walked pass.

The meeting itself started off with many complaints about having too few Bibles to share among themselves.Then there was this complaint about the food that lacked salt and the fact that their last meal was at 3.p.m and after that they were all locked up again until 6.a.m. the next day.The Indians complaint was that they hardly saw any curry while in there.

I spoke for about 2 hours and then the warden gave the sign of the thumb,with a look on his face that said- " Thats enough crap you churned out today."

Sometimes the warden looks through the partial glass door wondering why are all the prinoners laughing? One of the KESALAHAN KECIL within the prison walls is this- that you cannot laugh out loud!!

After the meeting, as usual they crowded around the both of us and thanked us for our time spent at Sungai Buluh. I usually come away from these meetings rather downcast.Was it worth their time spent with the 2 of us? I dont know-But something within me keeps drawing me back there.

PARTING WAYS(& MAKING A POINT)

A Cambodian couple saws their house in half in order to make their divorce easier under the law.This handout from the Phnom Penh Post shows a house sawed cut in half by a Cambodian couple as they were hoping to avoid the country's troublesome divorce process near Phnom Penh.

He brought his relatives and used saws to cut the house in half," she said, adding that she now owns the other half that is still standing. The house is made from wood with a tile roof and propped up on wooden pillars, a typical style for a Cambodian country home.

I have heard a few divorce cases myself.Granted, sometimes it is necessary to part ways and say-"Darling,it was really nice knowing you- but the road ends here." But I am wondering what made the man of the house go to this extent?

CORIOLANUS

Coriolanus lived during the first half of the fifth century B.C- he was a military commander and his name invoked fear and awe.Then he decided to enter politics. His military victories showed him as a man of great bravery.Since he spent most of the time on the battlefield many kinds of legends became attached to his name.
However, the moment he gave his first political speech all that grandeur and mystery vanished. He began to brag and boast like someone who had a notorious sense of insecurity.Suddenly has was not what people had pictured him to be in their minds.The discrepancy and the reality proved immensely disappointing to those who wanted to believe in their hero.The more Coriolanus spoke,the lest powerful he appeared.

All the god like aura that surrounded that man disappeared when he let loose those words.If only he had said less, he would not have lost his legentary status. But the human tongue, though it weighs only a few ounces, is a beast that only few can master.If it is not kept in check,it can run wild and cause you untold grief.

Great acquainted with the inner self- all those who brag,boast and exagerrate suffer from subtle insecurities.Guard your reputation, it can be lost by only a few words.

SARCASM

Silly remarks by anyone oftentimes takes deeper roots than the memory of evil deeds.The late Earl of Sussex told the reigning Queen that her conditions were as crooked as her carcass, but it cost him his head which his insurrection had not cost him but for that speech. Sir Walter Raleigh 1554-1618

Learn the lesson- Once words are out, you cannot take them back. Keep them under control. Be particularly careful with sarcasm.The momentary satisfaction you gain with your biting words will be outweighed by the price you pay.

It is said that oysters open completely when the moon is full; and when the crab sees one it throws a piece of stone or seaweed into it and the oyster cannot close again so that it serves the crab for meat.Such is the fate of him who opens his mouth too much and thereby puts himself at the mercy of the listener.
Leonardo Da Vinci 1452-1519

CHART YOUR OWN COURSE

What happens later always appears better and more original than what came first.The fist computer was an awe inspiring event to the whole human race.In the light of today's lap top, many would agree that the first invention is on its way to the museum. If you suceed a great man or have a famous parent, the burden is on you to double their acheivements to outshine them.Do not get lost in those kinds of shadows or get caught in a past not of your own making. Establish your own name and identity by changing course.Slay the overbearing figure and brush aside his legacy and shine in your own way.

You are unique and there is no point in trying to be someone else. You have your own giftings and talents.There is no need to imitate others. Avoid stepping into a great mans shoes and there will be no burden for you to carry in this regard.Set your own heart free in time you will blossom in due time.

AFRICAN PROVERB

WHEN YOU SEE A RIVER FLOWING UPSTREAM,IT MEANS SOMEONE IS REPAYING A KINDNESS.

AFRICAN PROVERB

MY DREAM WOMAN

I will have to sigh to myself everytime I see your photo!! The sad truth is - I have actually dated a New York model in the year 2001 - and she was fabulously gorgeous. Vijay.