THANK YOU FATHER

Thank you Father,

For making it possible for Barack Obama to be elected President Of United States.

I commit myself to the changes for the world that will eminate.

Our plans come from you and are blessed by you

O Heavenly Father.

In you palm we lie protected

O Great God

Your majesty is amazing

We often forget who we are

Only your humble servants

May we walk always with you

Towards the Light

Thank you our Heavenly Father

God of all nations

God of all people

God of the Universe

And much more

I Believe In Every Drop Of Rain That Falls

No Matter What

Thanks Siti and Moi Yen for helping me embed this

Remember This As A Leader

YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lQugtmf44sQ&feature=related

SOMEWHERE OUT THERE SKATING

Skating to a meaningful song...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpwsSsKHBDI

HERO BY ENRIGUE INGLESIAS

Dashing and daring...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=CHU6YRq9CZg

HERO BY MICHEAL ISRAEL

Unusual artist who paints amazingly on stage...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QZFkZiwMLZ4

WHERE IS LOVE

This is a scene from the Classic Oliver Twist...ponder on this...conflict and pain and hope...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=K6B2K3dPvlo

NO MATTER WHAT...Boys Zone again

Well this is such a fabulous song I just couldnt get enough... enjoy... and wont someone embed this...I cant seem to get it right....

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-TejcZJSIy4&feature=related

No Matter What by Boys Zone

Wont someone help me embed this beautiful clip....

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ogjFSW7PqRY

REMEMBER THIS AS A LEADER

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=sQVPR71QdHA&feature=related

Check out this link when you see new paths before you...

As an Eagle you will see farther because you look from above

As a leader you will find a way

And others will follow...

I Believe In Every Drop Of Rain That Falls

A flower grows.....

Check out this link when you feel there is a mountain to climb...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ribBjBUi3c4

Some Day At Christmas

Someday at Christmas men won't be boys
Playing with bombs like kids play with toys
One warm December all hearts will see
A world where men are free

Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for
When we have found what life's really worth
There'll be peace on earth

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime

Someday at Christmas we'll see a land
With no hungry children, no empty hand
One happy morning people will share
A world where people care

Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears
All men are equal and no men have fears
One shinning moment,one prayer away
From our world today

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime

Someday at Christmas man will not fail
Hate will be gone and love will prevail
Someday a new world that we can start
With hope in every heart Someday all our dreams will come to be

Someday in a world where men are free
Maybe not in time for you and me
But someday at Christmastime
Someday at Christmastime

AS I FEEL BLUE

I am feeling blue today..

In Hiakz I found a reader who had this poem...

Perhaps it will pick you up too

LIFE

life is a challenge, face it
life is a gift, accept it
life is an adventure, dare it,
life is sorrow, overcome it
life is a tragedy, face it
life is a duty, perform it
life is a game, play it
life is a mystery, unfold it
life is a song, sing it
life is an opportunity, take it
life is a journey, complete it
life is a promise, fulfill it
life is love, enjoy it
life as a beauty, praise it
life is a spirit, realize it
life is a struggle, fight it
life is a puzzle, solve it
life is a goal, achieve it.



It picked me up a little... but I am still blue blue blue

BOB DYLAN THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING

Check out this song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vou4qUu5YY

OUR NEW DANCE SONG

JAMES BLUNT 1973 with lyrics...so lets sing and dance eagles...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKLxOkdKj0g

Stay cool...relax...dont work so hard

SING ALONG : THERE CAN BE MIRACLES

Sing along with Witney Houston...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Geg-2OLudvc

SING ALONG WITH ANGELS

Try this one to sing along...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TX6zQnSWJs

ANGELS WITH LYRICS

I didnt realize this song is so...

Listen and follow the lyrics...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WE6j9bX6GU

ANGELS

This song by David Archuleta moves me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sM0w4UFXsE

DREAM SKY HIGH

Here is a song for you.... embrace the words and may it take you to your eagle mountain...
from David Archuleta

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rorjq0b-nIg

PARADISE

David Archuleta on the piano. This is a thought provoking song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bQLW-J7x64

AND SO IT GOES

Here is a song by David Archuleta that I have been searching for...wow cant wait to share it with you...even took a risk to download this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tv-3454ndU

THE MAGIC LETTER

Once again, I had run away and really do not know why. I would walk out the gate to go to school and then keep walking, and walking, and walking. I had just turned eleven years old the week before. It was almost dark; I was tired, scared, cold, and all alone. I had not eaten all day and was afraid to turn myself into the police. I knew I would receive another beating once I returned to the Children's Home Society in Jacksonville, Florida. There was nothing for me to do, except keep on walking.

As darkness fell, I made my way over to the city park located on Park Street. I entered the darkened area and sat down on one of the wooden benches hoping to avoid the police cars. It was cold and I began to shiver uncontrollably. All was quiet except for the passing cars in the distance.

"Well, hello young man." A voice came from behind me.I jumped, almost falling off the park bench. My heart was beating ninety miles per hour, and I could feel it thumping in the side of my neck. I gasp and I could hardly catch my breath. I looked up and saw a woman standing behind me in the shadows.

"You look cold," she said."I'm cold. I'm real, real cold." I continued to shiver."Here wrap this around you."I watched as she took off her shawl and wrapped it around my shoulders."But ain't you gonna be cold now?""I'll be ok.""Is there anything else you need?” she questioned."I sure could use some food.""Follow me," she said.I walked with her about twenty feet, then she stopped under one of the park streetlights.

She held out her hand and said, "Here, you take this letter and give it to the store owner."I looked at her outstretched arm but saw nothing in her hand. "There's nothing in your hand," I told her."Roger, reach out and take the letter from my hand," she replied.Slowly I reached out, acting as though I was taking something from her hand."Now close your thumb and finger and hold the paper tightly," she instructed.I closed my thumb and finger as though I were grasping the letter.

"Take it to any store owner.""What do I say to them?""Nothing," she replied."But what store do I go to?""It doesn't matter," she said, as she smiled.I turned and began walking toward Five Points. Several blocks down the road, I came to a store with a woman sitting behind a counter. I opened the door, walked in, and stopped directly in front of her."Can I help you?" asked the woman.I was hesitant to talk and had no idea what I should say. Very slowly I held out my hand toward her. I watched her face to see if she might think I was crazy or something."Is that for me?" she asked."Yes Ma'am.” I looked down at the floor.She reached out and as her hand touched mine, I opened my tightly closed fingers and stood there waiting. She pulled back, smiled, and looked down at her hands.She immediately turned and walked to the back of the store. I began to inch toward the front door for fear she might be calling the police.

Just as I made it to the front door, I stopped as I heard someone call my name. I turned around and saw the woman holding a paper plate."Roger, here is something for you to eat.""How did you know my name?" I asked her."It was on the paper.""But there wasn't no paper. I didn't see no paper," I told her.She smiled and motioned for me to eat by twirling her finger in front of her mouth. Within two or three minutes, I had downed the entire plate of food and several coca colas."Are you full?" she asked."Yes Ma'am.""Then it's time for you to go."I turned to leave when I felt her hand on my shoulder."Here, your paper. You almost forgot your letter," she said, holding out her hand.

Again seeing nothing, I held out my hand and closed my thumb and finger as though I were taking something from her. Tightly grasping nothing more than air, I walked out into the street and headed back to the park. When I arrived, the old woman was sitting on the park bench. "Did you eat?" she asked."Yes Ma’am, and I had two coca colas too.""Good.""How do you do that magic?" I asked her."It’s not magic.""But how does everyone know my name?""It is written in the letter.""Can I have the letter so I can be magic too?" I asked.

She reached out, took my hand, and opened my tightly closed fingers. Whatever was being held between my fingers, she took and placed into her apron pocket. "Would you help someone if they were hungry?" she asked me."Yes Ma'am."Would you help someone if they were hurt, cold or scared?""Yes Ma'am. I would be their friend.""Roger, you are very lucky little boy. You will never need the letter," she responded.She stood up, kissed me on the forehead, removed the shawl from my shoulders, and began walking down the sidewalk. I watched as she disappeared into the darkness.

Stories from The Life and Times of Roger Dean Kiserhttp://www.rogerdeankiser.com

A Strange Encounter

We find love in unexpected places... I was looking for something for you.. and look what I found...

http://www.rogerdeankiser.com/

Explore this web to find out more about Roger who met an angel or angels...

I will try to add a story of his encounter

SCARY WOMAN

Ya I know I asked you to post on a scary movie. It seems there is a real life scary movie unfolding in USA. The demonic character is a beautiful lady who is ( sadly ) having the same faith as I.... but the more I read about her I am convinced that for sure she is NOT having the same faith as I.

The reason why I say this is because she seems to have sold her soul to the evil one by telling lies, dangerouse lies that can lead to murder of a Peace maker ( I think you know who I mean )

Lets pray that this evil lady does not have power in USA because if she does I have a strong feeling there will be more wars....

And unjust cruel wars ( not that ANY war is good )

Lets pray for protection from voters getting misguided by beauty and what appears to be religion but really is not not not anything that comes from Heaven...

Sarah Palin... a beauty?

A beast...?

Focus your good spirits and we shall overcome...

Teaching Models

Only 4 to remember... : )

1. Information Processing Model : Schumans Inquiri training, Ausubels advance organisers, Schwab's Scientific Inquiry.

2. Behavioural Model : Glasers direct teaching, Blooms mastery learning, Thoresnsen and Mahoneys personla self management, Albert and Emmons assertivemness training.

3. Social Model : Deweys group investigation, Sharon et al role play, Fannie and Shaftel simulation, Benne, Gibb and Bradford Laboratory Training

4. Personal Model : Rogers non directional teaching, Browns awareness training, Gordons synectics.

Try and investigate these models.

MAKE IT SIMPLE!

There are so many technical terms in pedagogy, the art and science of teaching, it makes your mind spin... so I decided to make this post to make it simple.

First, the umbrella term "approach" refers to 5 approaches: inductive, deductive, thematic, intergrative and eclectic. You know what these mean so let me move on...

The next term is "strategy" which refres to 4 strategies: teacher centered, student centered, task centered and resource centered.

Then we come to : "methodology and techniques" which refers to : story telling, demonstrations, problem solving ( you can use the Theory Of Contraints ), discussion and brainstorming.

Well that is not that confusing ya?

I suggest you make a little diagram or picture to help you to remember...Does anyone want to put this into a picture of a bird ( my favourite memory aid and symbol...) and post it in your blog???

THE COLOUR OF FREEDOM

What is the colour of Freedom?
Black , Brown, White, Cream?
A shade of red , a shade of red
The blood within our veins

A sensitive issue you say
But our children do dream
Of a world where they will have
No race to their names

I never had a race
Though on paper I had two
So I was a Eurasion
Only one thing was true

I am a child of God
Moulded for his plan
I listen to his voice
I hear not the voices of man

Real Agents Of Change

There are agents of change among us.. and are you one of them?

Two questions come to mind. Is the change what you want?

We often assume that changes are movements towards a better situation. But I have observed that the reverse can be true.

So let us look at how people try to accomplish change so that we are nor dragged along as unwilling participants.

The first way to change is to use force and control towards the target group. Rewards are given for submission and negative reinforcement for resistence. Yes, yes...it is the carrot and the stick strategy to control horses and donkeys...Er.. but I dont know if it works for humans.

As for me, I would never use this as an educator.

The second way to promote change is through wisdom and logic. That is use your persuasive powers to explain why change is needed. Aha... you know we often nag teens into obedience. I dont agree with that. I believe teens are wise ....yes I do, more wise than many who have left their teen years long ago.... Being older does not mean that mean being wiser...

The third way to promote change is reeducation. I am all for this. Give new information Provide opportunities to learn new skills. Open the windows to new territories of knowledge and truth that were not available before.

Finally we serve to create change. Help the target group to overcome obstacles. If more time is needed... try and make the time. If we have to rethink and reapply the curriculum... let's do it.

We are the agents of change .

Real change... not indoctrination.

What Is Missing In Motivation?

As I digest the theories on motivation I could not help senseing the vacummn....psychosocial needs...physilogocal needs.. ok ok...we know that ... but what's missing?

I finally found a glimmer of light in Brunner. He says that INTRINSIC MOTIVATION is a natural desire to know.. and drive to achieve. Well, I can relate to that. Extrinsic motivation is not for me. But if it works for you, what the heck.. just use it.

The desire to know can be applied in project based learning. Let your groups choose their own outcome. They will investigate, create and invent because they are driven by their own curiousity.

Of course physiological drives are something else...It is related to an unfulfilled need. Of course I must admit that I would really be attracted to do something if the reward was my favourite chocolate...

What is missing in motivation?

Whatever happened to meaningful learning? If you do not feel that what you are learning is meaningful, would you bother about it?

And what makes it meaningful?

Back to what's missing in motivation?

Can you buy a person's heart with a promise of a good job, a powerful career and a good name?

You know what motivates you... I bet it has a lot more to do with your spirit than with the superficial rewards danggling before you.

The question is... how do you touch the spirit of todays learner to motivate him to meaningful learning?

Conducive Learning Environment For Today's Teen

I assume we all agree on the basics of a conducive learning environment. Physically attractive, emotionally safe, psychologically stimulating...Of course there are all the details of managing people in a fixed space...common sense will give you good answers.

But my concern is how do we really make teens want to learn? Well I have observed that even before kids get to officially become teens, they already feel like teens...so it is a mistake to treat them like kids... : )

Two things pop up in my mind: A multi way communication situation is better facilitated with chairs arranged in groups or in circles...Theatre style chairs reflects one way or two way communication. Thats not for me.

The other thing is that in this day of virtual adventures we have to really give teens freedom to utilise this tools to connect to others beyond the classroom. come on...let go... As long as we do not let go, the learning environment will be artificial and stunt growth instead of enhancing growth.

HIDDEN TREASURES

We celebrate with you our Muslim friends. Post some pictures from where you are to capture your hidden treasures... especially those who are going home to an indigenious culture. Let's share the beauty of who we are as Malaysians with diverse cultures.

We often look for things we do not have and did not realize we have many gems in our own gardens.

NORTH BLUE

North Blue is a place where there is no Freedom. Read about this land in the blog I started almost a year ago in October 2007.

Someone wants to escape from North Blue, a warrior trained to deliver victory to Zeema, the power crazy zealot.

Who is this warrior and why does he want to flee?

Can he do it alone? Who helps him and what magical powers come to play in this tale of going beyond what you dare to do.

Click on this link to go to North Blue.

http://www.maryannesstories.blogspot.com/

Find out more

Try this link to see artists designs for time travel and other feats...

http://www.wired.com/culture/art/multimedia/2008/09/gallery_conceptships?slide=3&slideView=3

Sci - Fi Ships

Culture : Art
Sci-Fi-Inspired Concept Ships Show Future of Travel By Jenna Wortham
09.17.08
Future worlds described by science fiction visionaries like Philip K. Dick, William Gibson and Robert Heinlein often included wildly inventive methods of transportation to other planets, galaxies and dimensions.
These brief glimpses into the possible future of travel were left largely to the readers' imaginations, but a flourishing group of dreamers, designers and illustrators are bringing those creations to life -- at least online.
The conceptships.org website run by Igor Tkac showcases these artists' renditions of spaceships and other fantastical creations.

Wana Conquer The Future?

Zeema was a power crazy leader who wanted to control the future. I guess devouring the present was not enough for him....

I started this epic but it has not reached its destination.

Go to http://www.maryannesstories.blogspot.com to read this tale ... start with the earliest post...

Then meditate and tell me what you see in your minds eye..

Write the future with me....

Send in your ideas in the comment...

Look up futuristic ships in yahoo today

WATCH THE TAIL

Since you've been gone , someone has taken over

the kitchen....

And she sure gets away with anything.....

If not for you , ... both of us would not be here...

Remember when you chose me as your puppy..?

We miss the bones from your bar b q ....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY REUBEN !

DOGS ALOUD

I just couldn't get Snowy to come nearer...

Beware of Machiavellian Personalities

Dear Eagles,

I felt the urgency to write about this danger after reading about how Sarah Palin is being used by John McCain to confuse American voters against Barack Obama.

A Machiavellian person is someone who will use deception and cunning to power. He has no principles and does not care for truth and morals.

Unfortunately I see it happening around the use of an attractive woman to lure voters with misleading arguments to go against Obama.

He is being accused of calling her a pig with lipstick. He didnt do that. What he said was " If you put lipstick on a pig, it is still a pig . If you wrap an old fish with paper and call it change..it is still an old fish and after eight years it will stink."

Here we see how he uses analogy.. that is everyday comparisons to highlight a point.

So what the McCain people did was they twisted his words and used it to the instigate the people. Saying that he called Sarah a pig. To be specific they want to try to turn women voters against him. Err... are American women so easily misled?

If I were an American woman I would be insulted that the McCain compaign is trying to sell me a lie.

Here's a bit of info on the word Machiavellianism

Machiavellian of, like, or befitting Machiavelli. being or acting in accordance with the principles of government analyzed in Machiavelli's The Prince, in which political expediency is placed above morality and the use of craft and deceit to maintain the authority and carry out the policies of a ruler is described. characterized by subtle or unscrupulous cunning, deception, expediency, or dishonesty: Example: He resorted to Machiavellian tactics in order to get ahead. a follower of the principles analyzed or described in The Prince, esp. with reference to techniques of political manipulation. Source: The Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary Copyright © 1997 by Random House Inc.

Machiavellian using clever but often dishonest methods which deceive people so that you get what you want, esp. power or control Source: Cambridge International Dictionary of English

Machiavellian pertaining to Niccolo Machiavelli, 15th-century Italian statesman; unscrupulously cunning. Source: From The Hutchinson Dictionary of Difficult Words © Copyright Helicon Publishing Ltd. 1998

Socio-Cultural Motivation

Do you belong to a group that energises you because you identify with the values and beliefs of the group?

You are experiencing socio-cultural motivation. You want to build up your identity in the group by learning more about the group set of beliefs . You want to belong.

At first when I read about this theory I could not accept it because it sounds like giving up your real self to be part of a community. Then I realised that it was true for me in some situations.

Looking back I realize that when I was in a club called Toastmasters, an international communications and leadership club, I was very motivated. I trained myself to be a great leader. In my heart I wanted to be the voice of the voiceless.

No doubt there were all sorts of extrinsic motivational incentives like titles and competitions that were built into the system of training. However, I was a self motivated person. Intrinsic motivation.. from within.

Now I realize that the values of the members attracted and uplifted me. So this is the socio-cultural aspect of it.

As eagles , this is an important theory to impliment. If we are to energize birds to be eagles... we need to form a learning community. We need to have a culture of excellence. What this is we determine ourselves.

I see you have contributed a lot to our treasure of emerging values.

You post messages which are very meaningful.

You provoke thinking.

We are actually creating a socio-cultural motivation situation in this shared blog...eagles lead

Meet Daniel Goleman

Explore this link that takes you to Daniel Goleman's Blog. Look out for " Social Emotional Learning". ( SEL ) . Do you think we have enough of this in our system? How would you create more experiences for Social Emotional Learning?

I always believe that to really appreciate a concept we must go to the source..no point getting a watered down version of Emotional Intelligence.

We can't put new wine into old bottles. People have a way of interpreting new concepts according to their old ways of thinking. As a result, when we learn from from a translated version or a simplified version.. the whole thing can be changed beyond recognition.

So if possible... use this link to read what Daniel Goleman says about it himself.

http://www.danielgoleman.info/blog/topics/emotional-intelligence/

DAVID ARCHULETA

Watch him perform " When You Believe "...
by clicking the link in the posting below.

DAVID COOK THE TIME OF MY LIFE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAsR4q6P_fQ

This link brings you lyrics so you can sing along with this song .

What does it tell you about yourself? Write your response by posting a comment below.

Do you have a song that you wanna share with me?

Send me the link and let me know why you like it.

DAVID ACHULETA WHEN YOU BELIEVE

I was looking for another song. Think Of Me by David, when this song caught my eye. Took me a long time to get a video clip that could actually work.. and it was worth it..What can I say..its beyond words...

This is a link to a most beautiful song and a remarkable person

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EtLALxS_44

At the cross roads we stand.. and he reaches us from across the oceans and across time..

If you are reading this do write your comment about how you feel after listening to this song.

NOT TO BE MISSED

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ato7BtisXzE

WHY READ JONATHAN LIVINGSTONE SEAGULL?

It is a must-read inspirational book for the modern generation, who''s passion and desire to learn and achieve no longer exists.While flying is just another means of finding food for most seagulls, for Jonathan Livingston Seagull, flying is life itself. He practices only to fly more higher, more freely and more gracefully. and with practice, Jonathan Livingston Seagull successfully masters numerous techniques which other seagulls can''t even imagine.

JOHN LENNON THE DREAMER

If someone says you are dreaming would you feel upset? John Lennon had a dream that he could generate enough empowerment among the ordinary people to stop the Vietnam War. Near Christmas he put out BIG bill boards with the message

WAR IS OVER
if you want it

Yoko Ono his wife made posters with the same message.

Well, it makes me think..it depends on whether we want it and what we are willing to do as ordinary people..

He wrote a song , GIVE PEACE A CHANCE

" All we are saying is
Give Peace A Chance"

It became the chant for demonstraters who use it as a battle cry for PEACE.

In the end the young, the brave, the dreamers did make a difference.

The war ended.

Check out his song REVOLUTION and let me know how you feel it.

You say you want a revolution
Well you know
We all want to change the world
You tell me that it's evolution
Well you know
We all want to change the world
But when you talk about destruction
Don't you know you can count me out
Don't you know it's gonna be alright
Alright Alright

You say you got a real solution
Well you know
We'd all love to see the plan
You ask me for a contribution
Well you know
We're doing what we can
But when you want money for people with minds that hate
All I can tell you is brother you have to wait
Don't you know it's gonna be alright

( you can discover more about John Lennon in the website http://johnlennon.lyrics.info/ )
Alright Alright

ATTRIBUTION THEORY

Now I usually take theories with a pinch of salt. But this is one of my favourite theories. I first learnt about it when someone in Flinders Uni, Adelaide talked about " Locus of Control" . It means where do we see the key to our success. Is it inside us or outside us?If we have an internal locus of control we feel the key is in us and if we wana change something we go ahead and do it. Thats me : )

If we have an external locus of control we feel that things happen to us because of factors lying outside us.. so we have no control over them.To a certain extent, if a hurricane comes along,..we do not have control over the situation. Like now in New Orleans. They are trying to get the people to pack up and go because its gonna be "the mother of storms".Sheesh... what a poor way of using the image of a mother. Why not call it the Father of all storms ? Who is more stormy you tell me?

But even in a hurricane situation you can have an internal locus of control. You can decide to leave before it's too late. No doubt you lose whatever you have ( for the second time ). But would you rather be caught in the storm?

Now when it comes to freedom, to what extent do you have an internal locus of control?What about feelings in a relationship? Do you have an internal locus of control or an external locus of control?

To write a comment just click and write. You can use a pen name or your real name. While you are visiting my blog perhaps you wana look at my webpage too. Check out my profile.

The Messenger

Are You In Love And In Pain?

Kahlil Gibran on Love

When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreamsas the north wind lays waste the garden.
For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you.
Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.
Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,
So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.
Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.
He threshes you to make you naked.
He sifts you to free you from your husks.
He grinds you to whiteness.
He kneads you until you are pliant;
And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.
All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart.
But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.
Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.
Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;
For love is sufficient unto love. When you love you should not say, "God is in my heart," but rather, "I am in the heart of God."
And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.
Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:
To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.
To know the pain of too much tenderness.To be wounded by your own understanding of love;
And to bleed willingly and joyfully.
To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;
To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude;
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

Kahlil Gibran : Poet and artist

Remembering Tunku On Merdeka Day

Believe it or not I had a chance to meet Tunku Abdul Rahman, the founder of Malaysia. It happened because I collect interesting books. One book I kept from my days in University Malaya was THE PROPHET by Khalil Gibran. It's not a religious book. It's an artistic book with poems. There are paintings in the book which are done by the poet.

You see, what happened was the President of Singapore was a good friend of Tunku. On one visit he mentioned to him that he should read this book. So he asked my dad who was his secretary to look for it. Dad went to University Science Malaysia and the Penang Library but could not find it. Over breakfast he just mentioned his exasperation in looking for the book. I told him it was upstairs in my room.

Well, I wrote a message in it for Tunku. After that I had a chance to meet him. His home in Penang was warm and open. Chicken roamed freely.

What did he talk about? He seemed to be broken hearted.. saying that his successor did not understand how hard he worked to build Malaysia. He mentioned specifically that he travelled along many rivers to explain his vision to the people.

I still have a Times Magazine feature on Tunku. I kept it because in it he made a statement which I had quoted when I gave a speech entitled " The Vision Of A Great Man". He said " We have deviated from the true struggle.."

What is the true struggle?

Today in church we sang a song , Sejahterah Malaysia ( Joyous Malaysia ). I have sung this song many times but somehow today it hit me with a new urgency and poignancy. Thank you Almighty for your gift. We are willing to embrace the challenges.

I realized that we were put here as a gift. It could bring us to greater level of liberty. Or we could be pulled backwards to selfish , self-centered destructive conflicts.

There was a profound calling in my spirit. Tears streamed down as I felt the spirit call me. I knew I had to move towards our true struggle. It was not only nation building. It was building the heart and soul of the new generation in Malaysia.

Kami rela kami setia sejahterah Malaysia
We are willing , we are loyal, Joyous Malaysia.

Happy 51st Merdeka.

What is our true true struggle..share your feelings here.

Obama's Great Grandfather

I just finished reading Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama. One story stands out. It's about his grand father in Africa.

He lived in a time when the Luo tribe did not wear western clothes, only a goatskin loin cloth.

The village had heard that white men had skin as soft as babies'. They came in ships and carried sticks that had fire.

He was told by his father not to go to town because they did not understand the white man.

But he went and did not come back for several months. Finally he came and stood in front of his father's hut with a shirt, trousers and shoes. His father taught he had leprosy and that was why he covered himself up. So he told the others not to go near him and said he was unclean.

The father never spoke to him again.

What do you think of this encounter? How does it make you feel about your own life?

NO ONE IS THINKING

Here is a quotation for you to ponder on:

If everyone is thinking the same way, no one is thinking.

Wanna share your feelings about this?

It's Alright To Cry

Do you hide when you cry?

I did when I was a child. You see my mum is Chinese and she believed that crying would bring bad luck. I remember reading Black Beauty and when the horse died I cried. So I climbed on the wall behind the bathroom and sat on a ledge near the roof and cried. I cried quietly.

When my father died I didn't cry. It was because of what happened when I was holding his hand and he was looking up. I just said, "Jesus is here". It was a peaceful moment. Nothing scary or painful. Just so right. And I really wasn't thinking. I was feeling.

Well recently I cried. I burst and exploded. I shook everyone up. And it was alright. Cos if you were me, you too would have cried.

The Obama Factor

I just wanna recommend the website ObamaO8. You can check out his inspiring speeches and ponder on how networks of power are born. Let me know what you find in there that grabs you.

One quotation that I wanna leave with you , from Obama:

" You are the change that you have been waiting for"

What do you wanna change and how do you plan to go about it?

THE ENERGY IN BOLT

I read with interest the reports that Bolt, the fastest man in the Olympics was criticised for taking the flag of his nation in a festive manner to celebrate his success. He was advised to shake hands with his competitors.

Well, Bolt said, I am just having fun. I am a performer. People come here to see a performance. In fact , Lin Dan , the badminton singles gold medalist was just as much a showman and I admit it was entertaining.

After his triumph in the match with Lee Chong Wei, he threw his racket to the audience, unties one shoe, threw it to the right. And untied another another shoe and threw it to the left.

Then he threw himself into the arms of his admirers.

So who makes the rules about how one should celebrate?

BOOMERANG

Now back to Dr Victor Frankle, the founder of Logotherapy ( I wrote about it in my first blog ) , .. he has this tale which makes me ponder.

We are like the Australian aborigine that throws a boomerang. If or boomerang hits something.. we have found our meaning. If our boomerang comes back.. we are still searching.

So what happened to your boomerang?

BARAPUI AND THE EAGLE

My e mail is barapui@gmail.com if you wanna contact me

Why did I choose this name? Barapui is a hero that has fascinated me. If not for the Eagle, Barapui would not have been born. You see, Eagle, the protector, heard a voice calling for help. He swooped down from Eagle Mountain and searched the rainforest. Then he saw two eyes. no face no body but a mass of pink and red with two eyes.

" The witch took my skin" Dayang cried. She has put on my skin and Lian Aran has taken her home...

Eagle carried Dayang deep into the jungle where she gave birth to Lian's son. She named him Barapui, meaning "warm coals", saying " One day your name will bring you to your father.."

When he grew up, Eagle taught Barapui to dance, to hunt and to fight. One day Barapui asked Eagle, " Where is my Father? Why has he left me here? "

Eagle said, " Don't be angry with your Father. He may not know you are here.."

"If he does not know.. I will search for him." And so Barapui went in search for his father.

( Do you feel that you have a Father who does not know where you are.. do you search for him...
Is there someone in your life that you feel is missing... and you are going on a dangerous journey searching ... because in your heart you know you must go on this journey... write and tell me about your journey ..)

SELF HELP IS NO HELP

I was reading this book about having a purpose driven life. It says that self help books are approaching the question from the wrong focus. That is .. how can we find meaning in life if we begin with self. We must begin with our Creator because he gave us the life and has a plan for it. So my question is , do you talk to your Creator?

I really would like to know when you had the last conversation, how it felt like and how he spoke to you.

PLANTS CAN LOVE

Now you know I am pretty passionate about emotional intelligence. On thing I hope to activate in this blog is to have more people express their deepest feelings .. and say it like it is... speak out what you are hurting about, angry about,..what or who you love...especially if it does not seem right..that is when it really bugs you.

Well I am always looking at ways to express feelings and there I was jsut thinking when suddenly a plant decided to talk to me.

You see Reuben planted this creeper two years ago and I have been watering and loving it but it never bloomed for me. Then he came home. After fetching him from the airport I was amazed to see the creeper full... full of the most amazing blooms..you know like they were welcoming him home.

Now you may think.. ah.. it's a coincidence. Well, he went back to Kuala Lumpur...and you know what... the blossoms are gone.

Is that love ?

What do you think? Have you observed plants expressing love too?

ATTENTION VS APPRECIATON

Raphael has written an interesting argument justifying his belief that the deepest human need is attention. Read it in the comment in my last post " HOW IS YOUR LOVE TANK". Tell me what you think or feel about his views.

How Is Your Love Tank?

I read this term "Love Tank" in "The Five Languages Of Love" by Gary Chapman. It means we have a need for love and if our love tank is empty.. well.. we feel lousy. So how are you feeling? Is your love tank full?

I was attarcted to this story about a couple who lived in a beautiful house but they did not feel loved. After talking to both of them Gary decided to get them to appreciate each other . He calls it " Words Of Affirmation" . So he got them to write things about each other that they liked. The wife liked the husband's hard work but felt neglected. The husband liked her being a good mother.

Months later the hubby was pretty happy because his wife expressed appreciation for his hard work. ( He was a workaholic .. trully ). But the wife was not happy . Why? She told Gary he never spent time with her.
( of course lah ) . Mm.. Gary said he had made a big mistake because he thought her PRIMARY language of love was the same as that of her husband. He wanted appreciation. Actually she wanted QUALITY TIME.

That does not sound very romantic does it? But you know when he describes it... actually it is..Quality Time is sitting and looking at each other. I fully agree. Giving each other full attention ( not in front of the TV).

So I quess that means you have to plan to go for a walk ( not in the supermarket ) and hopefully when you talk you are not scolding or complaining or boasting.

Just open your heart and share your fantasies...that is the best part of you.

Tell me what happens ok?

And if your love tank is empty.. er...I think you need to let your lovey dovey know what is your PRIMARY language of love...

Or you could post it in this blog... it's for helping us to express our feelings.

Let me leave you with this thought. Psychologist William James said that the deepest human need is the need to be appreciated. Do you agree?

Language And Freedom

You asked me to write on this question of language for learning.
I did but then I will not post it
Cos now I see it is not about learning really
It's about mind control

See you can weaken a whole generation
By depriving them of the stories of heroes
Who gave their lives for freedom
If you educate them in another lingo

So you see no amount of reasoning is going to
Make a difference
Because it's going exactly as it was planned to

I mean ..unless you wana say it like it is..
It's about hierachy!
The multilingualist wields the money
And the blurr lingualist
Has not options
To be free

So don't tell me its about identity
Unless you identify with the Emperor
Cos he believed that only one language would unite

And he also believed that his taracotta soldiers would protect him
In his after life

So what do you believe won't you tell me?

What langauge will set you free?

COME TO MY GARDEN

FREEDOM CALLING TO ME

I watched two movies in two days

And both seemed to call to me

To strive for freedom

One was "Wall - e"

About three types of machines

The one that falls in love

The one that is loved

The one that destroys

Does that sound familiar?

It's about standing up to protect

What you cherish.


While food and clothes distract you

And we get so comfortable

We get weaker

And we let the machines

Take control


For me the machines

Are the people who have

One way of thinking

There is no place to be alive

To change and move forward


We give preach the importance of change

And yet when there is a different idea

And a different reality

We don't feel free to express it

Why?

Why?

Why?


The other movie was .. "Meet Dave"

It's about this spaceship in the form of a man.

Inside are tiny men.

The captain learns to have feelings

After observing humans

And the crew learn about dance

And about making friends using Facebook

But one leader, the Number Two,

He can't accept feelings , dance and friendship,

He takes over and just becomes

Violent

He freaks out

Blasting and hurting people

Sound familiar?


So what can we do ?

These movies warn us

Are we letting ourselves be led

By leaders who are good human beings?

Will you fight to take back your power

If someone takes over your spaceship

And becomes a beserk destroyer?

I HAVE NOTHING

I have nothing

You told me.

Not many would say that.

Could you not see

That it leaves you

With you and your heart


So what are you gonna do

With that lovely heart

I see in you

The heart that aches for

The people you now miss


So many people are drowning

In their addiction to plenty

They spend their quiet hours

With a noisy TV


Come

May I beckon you

To the door to your soul

Come fly

and find

the path that will open to you



You gotta leave what you know

Know so well

Because

It looks like it's not enough

There is something more

Travelling Warrior

Are you a travelling warrior

In a battle field so unkind

Meeting with foes that stab you

While before you they smile


I wait for you to return

To prepare for greater battles

For you are a soul so set apart

To carry larger hearts


Many will look at your wounds

Bleeding, burning, open,

And wonder why you bother

To give it all up for someone you can't touch


They will never know

How you looked into the eyes of love

And saw the path before you

Lead to the mountain and beyond


My travellor, my warrior, when will you return?

The shady trees are waiting

You will rest and dream of Love

Afraid Of Love

I know a little someone

Who is so afraid of love

He runs under the water tank

Hides behind the leaves

Snowy my little someone

Is so afraid of me


Maybe he has been beaten

Maybe he thinks I will trap him

Maybe he has never known

Someone who really loves him


Yet one day he stood still

beneath the water tank

and let me touch his trembling nose

and let me reach out and pull him close


And I hugged my little someone

And showed him that I care

He looked at me with sad eyes

And kissed me just one time


I let my little someone go

For a moment he would not move

For a moment he walked close to me

And I did not hear him leave

What Can I Give You?

What can I give you
My faithful friend
To say how dear you are to me

For the many times
You were there to help
For the many times
I did not thank you

For the many times you called
And I was not there to answer
And the miles you travelled

To lend you presence when I grieved

This I write for you
Me trusted friend
For you have been with me
A long long time

And the space between us
Seems so strange
When you are close in my mind

What can I give you
I really dont know

I wanna thank you

For so much

I hope you will read this and know

I wish I could give you much much more

Empty Dream

I wana say it. I wana say it

The hate.. the hurt..

But you show it better than I

One day I will do it

Tell you why I cry

But not today...

My tongue is twisted

My heart is still confused

My wings are still not strong enough

Not strong enough to break free

I live in a cage of flowers

But flowers can't love me

The broken promise

The empty dreams

I wana leave behind

And when the cage

I leave

You will be the last to know

Because you have lost me

I no longer believe

In you

Universe Or Friend?

You know , I think it is curious
When I was in another land
I heard many say
"the universe"
as tho' it had a will, a mind, and intention

Do you mean a Creator
I asked in my heart

Yet another said it was a Cosmic Force




Hey, I can't relate to what you are saying....




I talk to my Creator

like a friend

and when I am flying

there is another

I sense

And when I am soaring

reaching another sky

I feel a bird fly with me

I know this Eagle is my friend

Alone Or Lonely?

Well I do get real, real, real lonely..
There I have said it...

And its because I have almost forgotten how to be me.

Because I tried to be whatever

Others tried to shape me into

I gave up my soul

Almost...

But now I am taking it back

And I wana shared it with you...

So have you ever, ever ever been lonely...

But you know

I was never, never , never alone...

HYPOCRISY REPACKAGED

I don't know... I think.. if you ask me
To write on hypocrisy
And you did you know
I think we must come up with a new word.

Because there are so many forms of hypocrisy
That it's high time we identify the many categories

Would you care to post a reply and help me?

But mind you

Eagles fly inspite of the many times

Evil birds and other malicious creatures

Try to send arrows in their path


So if you are an Eagle

Just let the hypocrits

Enjoy their nasty reality



As long as they do not

Meddle with your journey


And if they do


Eagles are wise



Spend as little energy as possible

For it's not worth wasting time on


The sky is beckoning you

O Eagle

To Fly

FLOCK SYNDROME

If you are reading this I am sure you are not suffering from the Flock Syndrome.

In a certain sky space

Located near a certain sea space

There lived a flock of birds

Who love to be the same

Or rather they did not know they could be any different

( Now I apologise for misusing the word "love" )

But , you know, I did not want to cover up my mistakes...

Like you know

Let's be real right?

So... to continue my dreary tale...

Each bird prided itself in getting a similar shine on its feathers

And they would exchange sweet talk

And enjoy spicy nibbles

Until one day

When a spunky bird arrived

O to every birds dismay

She was attractive and smart

And , horror of horrors,

had feathers of a colour

that was alien

to THE FLOCK.

O well...

We can't have that can we?

Let's begin the process of enlightenment

Oops , now I apologise for misusing that word too.

It was a slip of my consciousness.

Err... let me go on

Let's not get distracted...

Ah this is too much fun

For I am not one of the Flock

And so many instructions were given

And many mouths spoke

Tho' I was kinda surprised that they lingered

On something as surface as

Feathers.

Why not look at her mind

Her heart

Her soul

And by the way

Just who, may I ask,

Made the rules?

But o they were bitter

Afraid and screamed that she had better...

Or else...

And so the drama is reaching its peak

Will she break

Or will the Flock think they made a mistake

Will anyone ask the question.

Where is it written that we all must be the same?

New Type Of Destruction

It is urgent... that is why I am posting to you again.

There are minds who use their skills to destroy Eagles

who can help us all

To find Peace .

So be careful, fellow Eagles ,

and other visiting hearts

Maybe you have just dropped by.. curious...

Not knowing if you are really interested in joining in this

Sky talk



But let me tell, you I just read in Yahoo

A distrubing piece of news

There is a writer who has put out a book called

OBAMA NATION

It is trying to frighten US voters to distrust this great brave peace maker

And the writer uses his writing skills as though he knows better.

If he succeeds it means that people will go against OBAMA

Just because he is Gifted

Because he sees things differently

And has many good paths

That can help the whole world

They wana destroy him

It's the lesser mean guy

Destroying a great soul .

So Eagles

and those who have not decided

Let's unite and make ourselves stronger.

Speak to your friend and creator

In the way you choose

Ask for help

So that we may uphold

Great Eagles



Let's not wait and see.

For the path has been shown to us

One path

And many more for us to find


Come fly with me

Tell me your thoughts

Your fears

Your dreams

For they are the

Open doors to where you want to be


Come fly with me

Dr Victor Frankl

Dr Victor Frankle was writing a book when he was caught and thrown into a camp in Auswitch. His manuscrpt was burnt. But he kept himself alive and when he was released, he wrote a book: Man's Search For Meaning. He developped a type of support for people who are facing a crisis. It's called LOGOTHERAPY. It is linked to the word LOGOS which means "word" .

For me LOGOS means MEANING.

And in my being I know WORD carries many deep meanings.

Metaphysical meanings.

Beyond the physical.

So Dr Victor Frankl helped people to handle terrible tragedies by discovering the meaning of their lives and situations.

What is the meaning you are looking for...

What do you sense?

Can you write about it from your heart...

From your inner being

From wherever you are....

I wana meet and learn from another Eagle

Or Eaglet

like me


I believe

It's you

EAGLES LEAD

Do you sense that you were born to fly?
To faraway places
Not yet seen with your mind's eye
Then come with me
Fly with me
I will share with you
How I learnt to find
The door to the open sky

And where you go
Share with me

For we are eagles
Born to lead

You are out there
I know

If you by chance
Wana take a risk
And discover

Come with me

And tell me
Your story

How did it begin?