God's Existence

One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children.

The teacher asked a little boy: Kevin do you see the tree outside?
Kevin: Yes.
Teacher: Kevin, do you see the grass outside?
Kevin: Yes.
Teacher: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.
Kevin: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.
Teacher: Did you see God?
Kevin: No.
Teacher: That’s my point. We can’t see God because he isn’t there. He doesn’t exist.
 

A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions.
The teacher agreed and the little girl asked the boy: Kevin, do you see the tree outside?
Kevin: Yes.
Little Girl: Kevin do you see the grass outside?
Kevin: Yessssss (getting tired of the questions by this time).
Little Girl: Did you see the sky?
Kevin: Yessssss
Little Girl: Kevin, do you see the teacher?
Kevin: Yes
Little Girl: Do you see her brain?
Kevin: No
Little Girl: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she must not have one!

Wood Cutter

Once upon a time, a very strong woodcutter asked for a job in a timber merchant and he got it. The pay was really good and so was the work condition. For those reasons, the woodcutter was determined to do his best.

 

His boss gave him an axe and showed him the area where he supposed to work.

The first day, thae woodcutter brought 18 trees.

 

“Congratulations,” the boss said. “Go on that way!”

 

Very motivated by the boss words, the woodcutter tried harder the next day, but he could only bring 15 trees. The third day he tried even harder, but he could only bring 10 trees. Day after day he was bringing less and less trees.

 

“I must be losing my strength”, the woodcutter thought. He went to the boss and apologized, saying that he could not understand what was going on.

 

“When was the last time you sharpened your axe?” the boss asked.

 

“Sharpen? I had no time to sharpen my axe. I have been very busy trying to cut trees…”

Reflection:

Our lives are like that. We sometimes get so busy that we don’t take time to sharpen the “axe”. In today’s world, it seems that everyone is busier than ever, but less happy that ever.

Why is that? Could it be that we have forgotten how to stay “sharp”? There’s nothing wrong with activity and hard work. But we should not get so busy that we neglect the truly important things in life, like our personal life, taking time to get close to our Creator, giving more time for our family, taking time to read etc.

 

We all need time to relax, to think and meditate, to learn and grow. If we don’t take the time to sharpen the “axe”, we will become dull and lose our effectiveness.



One Eyed Mom

My mom only had one eye. I hated her… She was such an embarrassment. She cooked for students and teachers to support the family.

There was this one day during elementary school where my mom came to say hello to me. I was so embarrassed.

 

How could she do this to me? I ignored her, threw her a hateful look and ran out. The next day at school one of my classmates said, ‘EEEE, your mom only has one eye!’

I wanted to bury myself. I also wanted my mom to just disappear. I confronted her that day and said, ‘ If you’re only gonna make me a laughing stock, why don’t you just die?’

My mom did not respond… I didn’t even stop to think for a second about what I had said, because I was full of anger. I was oblivious to her feelings.

I wanted out of that house, and have nothing to do with her. So I studied real hard, got a chance to go abroad to study.

 

Then, I got married. I bought a house of my own. I had kids of my own. I was happy with my life, my kids and the comforts. Then one day, my Mother came to visit me. She hadn’t seen me in years and she didn’t even meet her grandchildren.

When she stood by the door, my children laughed at her, and I yelled at her for coming over uninvited. I screamed at her, ‘How dare you come to my house and scare my children!’ GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!!!’

And to this, my mother quietly answered, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry. I may have gotten the wrong address,’ and she disappeared out of sight.

 

One day, a letter regarding a school reunion came to my house. So I lied to my wife that I was going on a business trip. After the reunion, I went to the old shack just out of curiosity. My neighbors said that she died. I did not shed a single tear. They handed me a letter that she had wanted me to have.

 

‘My dearest son,

 

I think of you all the time. I’m sorry that I came to your house and scared your children.

I was so glad when I heard you were coming for the reunion. But I may not be able to even get out of bed to see you. I’m sorry that I was a constant embarrassment to you when you were growing up.

 

You see……..when you were very little, you got into an accident, and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn’t stand watching you having to grow up with one eye. So I gave you mine.

I was so proud of my son who was seeing a whole new world for me, in my place, with that eye.

 

With all my love to you,

Your mother.’

A Glass of Milk - Paid in Full

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, “How much do I owe you?” “You don’t owe me anything,” she replied. “Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness.” He said, “Then I thank you from my heart.”

 

As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.

 

Year’s later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor’s gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.

 

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She began to read the following words:

 

“Paid in full with one glass of milk”

 

Signed, Dr. Howard Kelly.

Bad Temper

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper.

His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

...

The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.

Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all.
He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his
temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.
He said, “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same.

When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. It won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound is still there.

“A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.”

-Pearl-

Burnt Toast

“When I was a little Boy, I remember one day in particular when she had made breakfast. She must have been very tired. My mom placed a plate of eggs, and rather burned toast in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed. Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how was I ready for school. I don’t remember what I replied, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jam on that toast and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the toast. And I’ll never forget what he said: ‘Baby, I love burned toast.’
...

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy and I asked him if he really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, ‘Your Momma works hard day after day and she’s real tired. And besides a little burnt toast never hurt anyone!’ You know, life is full of imperfect things…..and imperfect people. I’m not the best football player either.

What I’ve learned over the years is that learning to accept each other’s faults – and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences – is the one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

We should learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He’s the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where burnt toast isn’t a deal-breaker! We could extend this to any relationship in fact – as understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!!”

Colombo Destinations

Colombo, being the largest city in Sri Lanka, which is also referred to as the Capital of Sri Lanka is a busy and vibrant place with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings and ruins. Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. It was made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independant in 1948.

I shall run through a short journey to certain destinations in Colombo as you scroll below:

The Viharamahadevi Park (formaly Victoria Park) is a public park located in Colombo, next to the National Museum in Sri Lanka. It is the oldest and largest park of the Port of Colombo. Situated in front of the colonial style Town Hall building. The park is named after Viharamahadevi the mother of King Dutugamunu. The park was built during the British rule of Sri Lanka, and was originally named "Victoria Park" after Queen Victoria.

The park features include a huge Buddha statue and a series of water fountains.

Beautiful flowers decorate the green nature into a more colorful scenery. Here are some shots of macros of such kind:

My favorite macro taken at the background of Buddha Statue.

Beautiful pink flower turning to welcome the visitors.

Another macro of a white flower which was in a bunch (should apologize me for not mentioning the names of these species since I am not aware of)

Shot by Aslam (my nephew) at the very same place.

Some beautiful hanging species. Looks like some creature...lol!

Flowers of this kind were very rare and most of them are faded, but this stood still smiling at me.

Another creation of Aslam, but actually this doesn't fall as "Macro", but a bunch of flowers.

Finally some purples to wrap up the macros.

Viharamahadevi park is also a fascinating place for some sceneries which I shall take you through before it gets dark.

This tree looked abnormal with a cave shaped hollow beneath.

Finally we waved at this tree to say good-bye and packed the things for the next place.

Viharamahadevi Park is the green lung of Colombo: the largest, oldest and most colourful park. It is at its best from March to May, when most of the flowers are in full bloom. The park is great for shaded walks and relaxation. There are small ponds, occasional elephants, and some interesting Buddha statues.


Originally called Victoria Park by the British, it has been renamed in honour of a famous historical Sinhalese queen, Viharamahadevi, of whom there is a large statue. The park is conveniently near other tourist sites such as the National Museum and the Town Hall. Furthermore, the Public Library adjoins the park.


There is a special children’s section with a small train ride and a zoo of baby animals. There are swings, see-saws, and other amusement activities for children. During certain times of the year, concerts, art exhibitions, garden shows, and flower exhibitions are held at the park.

Our next visit was to the "GALLE FACE GREEN"

Galle Face Green is a beautiful stretch of land of around 1/2km by the sea, that’s mostly used as a public walk way, located at the heart of Colombo. It’s situated right in front of the old Parliament of Sri Lanka. This promenade is the biggest open space to be seen in this congested city.

Most of the best star class hotels are situated around it, complimenting this famous site a little bit more.

At the side of the promenade they sell the yummiest snacks that you can try outdoors in Sri Lanka. They have fruits like, mango and pineapple mixed with salt and chilli powder or pepper or you can try the Galle Face Green specialities, the Prawn Wades that is better known as, Isso Wade or the Naan Rottis with delicious curries to be sold and mostly on weekends you will be able to see children crying or nagging to their parents asking for ice cream and toys sold by the mobile vendors visiting this place every day.

Galle Face Green is most of the time filled on weekends with families who come to fly kites or just to enjoy the nice sea breeze while they sit on the nice green carpet of grass that is neatly laid and maintained by the Urban Development Authority.

For a brisk walk in the evenings, this would be the perfect place for you and if you are staying in one of the star class hotels nearby you have the advantage of not needing separate transportation to get here.

Young lovers walking hand in hand or sitting closer to each other on the benches placed on the side of the promenade is a common site to be seen. It’s truly a romantic place to be watching the sun going down in many colours and finally fading away to the ocean.

This was shot on way back from Galle Face Green to the Exhibition held at BMICH because of the beauty of the lights in the bridge in preparation for the Christmas on the following day. We call this "The Gangaramaya Temple".

What was once a swamp adjoining the famous Beira Lake, a landmark in the capital city, is today a vibrant complex comprising the Gangaramaya temple, the ‘seema malaka’ – an assembly hall for monks - in the picturesque Beira Lake and a vocational training institute.

Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) is reputed for its high-quality specialized conference facilities and personalized customer service. A multi-functional complex comprising of 9 buildings, the BMICH is a complete events venue in Colombo, Sri Lanka and covers around 37 acres of landscape. This prestigious centre enjoys its status as South Asia's top exhibition complex and is one of Asia's most modern forum. It comprises of high-tech facilities, modern convention halls & rooms and also offers a spacious delegation room of 16,000 sq ft. With a variety of advanced technical services and facilities at its convenience, BMICH is Sri Lanka's most popular events venue and is the place to host musical dramas, beauty pageants, conferences, exhibitions, plenary sessions and trade events.

Lights decorated for the Christmas..

Some Fine Arts experienced at low shutter speed at BMICH at the entrance.

Back to the olden memories.

Proud to be Sri Lankan!

Thank you!

Bird Shoot

It was a fine Saturday morning when I decided to leave for work, I suddenly received a call that the office has been closed since there was a power failure wherby it would take the entire day to fix so.

With no other plans to spend the weekend, I sat in the balcony, thinking how can I spend the day, with a tea cup on my hand.

Suddenly, I noticed the skies were very clear and pigeons flying around on the neighbor's roof top. Luckily, my camera was ready to capture a few actions of the birds.

Since I have not experienced this before, it was very difficult and most of the shots missed the subject.

However, there came the best ones which I was very happy with...

Pigoen just on a takeover at a quite long distance.Shot at f5.6 and 1/1600th of a second

A lucky shot on the one which flew most high. To be honest, I have to say that I was not prepared for this one and had to take this through LCD screen while adjusting the settings.