Timeless in Temporaries

First Birthday Note from Papa (Part Two): The Story Behind the Name

2009-07-18T22:35:00.008+07:00

"Always end the name of your child with a vowel, so that when you yell the name will carry.” -- Bill Cosby

Nindita, Papa hope you would like the name we gave to you. Papa and Mama had prayed and taken so much consideration because it would be our wish and prayer for your future. Since the beginning, Papa and Mama had agreed to give you Indonesian name, Javanese in particular. Your Papa is pure Javanese and Mama is Chinese Indonesian who is fond of Indonesian culture, especially batik. By the way, your Mama prayed fervently during her pregnancy that your complexion would be like hers instead of Papa’s and God answered her faith. Papa did not mind at all. You will understand why later on.

Mama agreed instantly when Papa offered the name Nindita, an old Javanese word meaning excellent. Actually Papa loved Anindita better, a variant of Nindita, but oh well. Papa is the head, your Mama is the neck. Anyway, we loved to think that every time we called or yelled your name, we actually called forth your destiny that you were born to be an excellent person, not because your ended-with-vowel- name will carry our yelling.

For the middle name, we had quite long arguments, until Papa won and Mama yielded her favorite Catherine for Erin. Papa fell in love with the name Erin after watching Erin Brockovich, starring Julia Roberts who won Academy Awards for Best Actress in this film. You must watch this movie when you grow up. At the moment, Papa did not know the meaning of Erin, it just sounded good to Papa’s ears. And thank God for Larry Page and Sergey Brin for inventing Google. Papa found out that Erin was the ancient Irish name for Ireland, meaning peace. Papa and Mama believed that you would become a blessed peacemaker for those in need one day. Yes, it’s not Indonesian name but at least it is very easy-to-pronounce for Indonesians.

Since both Papa and Mama only had first name, no last name and definitely no middle name, we wanted to make a family name for you and if God willed it for your future siblings as well. Pradipta meant shining light. It was chosen because it represented the meaning of your parents’ names which had quite similar implication. Papa’s name meant light and Mama’s meant sun. Papa and Mama would love to witness the light which God lighted in you on the day you were born to shine brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

And so my beloved daughter, your name signifies Papa and Mama’s hope for your future. We will always pray that you would become an excellent and peaceful light to the world. Your light would not be dazzling or hurting, but peaceful and excellent. Nindita, let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven, Amen.

Song for Nindi

2009-07-15T21:14:00.002+07:00

THE FATHER'S PRAYER
Music and lyrics by Papa

Biar terangmu bercahaya
(Let your light shine)
Di hadapan manusia
(Before men)
Dengan perbuatan baik
(Through good deeds)
Yang memuliakan Tuhan
(That will glorify God)

Hiduplah dalam ketaatan
(Live a life of obedience)
Dan takut akan Tuhan
(And the fear of the Lord)
Itulah awal hikmat dan pengetahuan
(For it is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge)

Chorus:
Dan kau ‘kan genapi panggilan ilahi
(And you will fulfill the divine calling)
Tuk berkati dunia ini
(To bless this world)
Dan hidupmu akan diikuti dengan
(And your life will be followed with)
Kebajikan kemurahan
(Goodness and mercy)
Asal Nindi setia
(As Nindi is faithful)
Hidup di jalan-Nya
(To live in His ways)

Bridge:
Jadilah kuat dan berani
(Be strong and courageous)
Hadapi ujian hidup ini
(To face the life’s trials)
S’bab tangan Dia yang Maha Tinggi
(For the hands of the Most High)
Berjanji menyertai
(Have been promised to be with you)

Surabaya, July 15th , 2009

First Birthday Note from Papa (Part One)

2009-07-15T01:53:00.004+07:00

Nindita, Papa knows that there’s no way you can understand or appreciate this now, but one day you will, one day when you are able to read and to fathom.

You were born at 5.30 a.m. on this day, a year ago. Your birth was not easy, even though many people said it was quite fast for first delivery. Your Mama was such a hard worker. The day before, she woke up early to attend staff morning prayer and still carried on her work at the office until afternoon when she found out that there was already a fleck. From the office we took hours driving to the airport to pick up grandma from Palembang. When we got home Mama did not take a rest at all. She was busy unpacking and making sure all things were in place. Unlike Papa, Mama couldn't stand messiness.

Mama’s first contraction was at 9.30 p.m. She was in pain every time it came. Papa brought Mama to Siloam Hospital at around 1 a.m. after the contractions became regular in every five minutes. Papa could not tell you too many details, but that four and a half hours period was one of the scariest moments in Papa’s life. Papa knew that anything could happen during the labor and delivery and Papa had to fight the thoughts of all worst possibilities. But Papa should stay strong for Mama and you. Papa held Mama’s hand tightly and encouraged her with all positive words available on Papa’s mind. I tell you, your Mama was a good fighter. She was able to manage her pain and followed the instructions from the doctor well. She barely cried during the labor knowing that crying would only drain her energy. After more than four hours fighting, Mama did not have any strength left to push you out. Remember, Mama did not sleep for almost twenty four hours. And the doctor decided that you had to be delivered by ventouse or vacuum pump.

Papa did not know how to explain the feeling when Papa saw you for the very first time. You looked so tiny and weak, 3.45 kilograms and 51 centimeters. At first you were held upside down by the doctor, and after he tapped your back, you began to make your first sound. Your cry wasn't too loud , but it was more than enough for Papa and Mama. Papa kissed Mama and thanked her for hours of hardship in delivering you. Welcome to the world our beloved daughter, Nindita Erin Pradipta.

On This Day, Three Years Ago

2009-06-04T20:48:00.002+07:00

Find more pictures in my facebook :)

The Past, The Influence, The Future

2009-05-01T21:36:00.002+07:00

"We can see the past but not influence it, we can influence the future but not see it" -- Stewart Brand

Welcoming The Next Step

2009-03-28T14:51:00.018+07:00

I thought there were only two good things I found in Aceh: fine coffee, which you can find almost everywhere, and stunning beaches. I was wrong.

I had moved for good to this tsunami-stricken area for almost two months and it was one month to go to the opening of the school. The climate was extremely hot and humid. The tap water was brownish and putrid. The electricity was on and off, with the emphasis on the ‘off’. The groceries were mostly overpriced. The spiritual atmosphere was oppressive. The neighborhood was suspicious. The paper work was bureaucratically intricate. The government curriculum was convoluted. The prospective teachers and parents were so demanding. However all of them were nothing compared to the waiting for conviction of someone worth waiting for. It was simply agonizing. I knew I had to stay focused. My personal life should not hinder the mission. But it was one of many things in life that is easy to say and hard to do.

One scorching afternoon, my mind was wandering somewhere when I was startled by my cell phone’s alarm. I was in the middle of doing the finishing touch of the painting of the school’s revised name due to the objection of some people. It was a short message from her. She told me that finally she got the conviction. She was willing to live in Aceh and by faith believed that all things would work together for good for those who love Him. I did not know what to say. It’s a strange feeling how I was being moved from agony to joy. The transition was just way too fast to notice. My waiting time had ended and the next step to our marriage has officially started. And as usual, the world looks better and the pressure of life is suddenly lighter for someone in love.

I have to admit that this happy feeling of mine had partly contributed to sustain me in the midst of the hardships. One after another, the challenges were taken care of and despite of the opposition and challenges, Sinar Mulia was successfully launched on July 17, 2005 with around 30 students enrolled at kindergarten level.

Philoxenia

2009-03-25T06:27:00.006+07:00

”...malah orang asing pun tidak pernah bermalam di luar, pintuku kubuka bagi musafir!” [i]

Salah satu ciri penting Kekristenan yang sekarang mulai pudar akibat gerusan modernitas adalah philoxenia atau ”kasih kepada orang asing”. Di Alkitab Bahasa Indonesia, kata Gerika ini diterjemahkan sebagai “memberi tumpangan”[ii], sedangkan di kebanyakan Alkitab Bahasa Inggris diterjemahkan dengan hospitality. Selain ditulis, dikisahkan dan dianjurkan dengan gamblang di Alkitab, philoxenia juga adalah tradisi yang berakar jauh di dalam budaya Semitik, dimana adalah wajib hukumnya bagi sebuah rumah untuk menjamu dan memberikan tumpangan kepada orang asing yang di dalam perjalanannya mengharuskannya untuk mencari tempat bermalam.

Ada beberapa alasan yang melatarbelakangi mengapa orang-orang percaya cenderung menjadi kurang hospitable terhadap orang asing. Alasan pertama adalah karena manusia belum bisa mengalahkan tabiat dosa yang selalu mementingkan diri sendiri dan tidak mempedulikan orang lain. Saat melihat orang asing yang memerlukan sambutan atau bantuan, mereka cenderung mulai berhitung dan hasil kalkulasinyapun pasti bisa ditebak: membantu orang asing tidak membawa keuntungan apa-apa, bahkan justru membawa kerugian. Alasan kedua bersumber dari prasangka sosial. Banyaknya kasus penipuan dan kejahatan dengan berkedok kemiskinan menimbulkan trauma akan pengalaman “diberi hati, mengambil ampela” di dalam membantu orang yang tidak dikenal, belum lagi jika diperkeruh dengan isu primordial. Alasan ketiga adalah perasaan aman dan nyaman yang berlebihan di dalam komunitas orang percaya. Keamanan dan kenyamanan yang demikian menyebabkan kecanggungan di dalam menghadapi orang baru yang “bertamu” ke dalam kelompok mereka. Tanpa disadari dan dimaksudkan, mereka menganggap orang asing tersebut sebagai pengganggu keasyikan berkomunitas mereka. Jika ketiga alasan tersebut terus dipelihara, maka alih-alih menjadi philoxenia, seorang percaya bisa berubah total dan menjadi xenophobia (takut kepada orang asing).

Apapun alasan atau pembenarannya, orang percaya harus menetapkan hati untuk menjadi pribadi yang bersedia memperhatikan dan membantu orang yang tidak dikenal. Ketakutan bukanlah dari Tuhan.[iii] Beranilah untuk meminta hikmat dari atas serta nasihat dari sesama jika Anda ragu di dalam memperlakukan orang asing, karena siapa tahu di Sorga nanti Tuhan dengan tersenyum akan menghampiri Anda seraya berkata “Ketika Aku seorang asing, kamu memberi Aku tumpangan...”[iv]
______________________
[i] Ayub 31:32
[ii] Roma 12:13; 1 Petrus 4:9
[iii] 2 Timotius 1:7
[iv] Matius 25:35

Apology

2009-03-10T18:39:00.000+07:00

"No, no: you never apologize -- particularly about something you're right about. Well, that is, unless you're married." -- Rush Limbaugh

2009-03-06T09:53:00.001+07:00

Santorini, Greece

In Waiting for Conviction of Someone Worth Waiting For

2009-03-04T17:33:00.003+07:00

My mouth said, “Take your time to pray.” My hearts begged, “Please, not too long.”

In the meantime, she started to ask counsels from her authorities regarding our situation. Apparently, Ibu Wanti told her to get to know me during this time of prayer since Yuyun barely knew me, and vice versa. And so we had a number of dinners and exchanged information about our backgrounds, love stories, hobbies, favorite foods, vision and dreams.

Eventually in one of those dinners I heard the most beautiful sound in my life. She was blushing when she said that there was a growing affection in her heart towards me. But before I even had enough time to enjoy the good feeling inside, she immediately told me not to be too happy first because she still could not decide anything yet. Her concern about her father and the approval from her family were the two biggest things to be prayed for. I completely understood that what I was doing back then was not one of the most popular professions in the eyes of son-in-law seekers. She told me that she needed only one thing to settle this case: conviction. She told me she would not have any problem to marry me, live in Aceh or wherever and to face all odds if she already had it.

I learned in life there is no easy and cheap way to gain something precious. And she was not ordinary.

“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.” -- Henry Van Dyke

A Song for a King

2009-02-28T05:57:00.006+07:00

SEUMUR HIDUPKU
Music and Lyrics by Nurhayatna

Siapa yang bisa menebus dosa
Siapa yang sanggup pulihkan hidup
Selain Engkau Tuhan, hanya Kau...

Siapa yang setia kala ku tak setia
Siapa yang b’rikan ku pengharapan
Selain Engkau Tuhan, hanya Kau...

Dan kumau naikkan korban syukurku
Dan tinggikan nama-Mu

Seumur hidupku, Engkaulah Rajaku
Seumur hidupku, setia kepada-Mu
Seumur hidupku, Engkaulah Tuhanku
Seumur hidupku, ikuti jalan-Mu
Seumur hidupku, kumengasihi-Mu
Seumur hidupku...

Flowery Love

2009-02-21T20:32:00.002+07:00

“Love is the only flower that grows and blossoms without the aid of the seasons.” -- Kahlil Gibran

O Deus, Ego Amo Te (My God I Love Thee)

2009-02-21T20:19:00.005+07:00

Latin hymn, attributed to St. Francis Xavier. Tr. Edward Caswall (1506–1552)

My God, I love thee: not because
I hope for heaven thereby,
Nor because they who love thee not
Must burn eternally.

Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me
Upon the Cross embrace;
For me didst bear the nails and spear,
And manifold disgrace.

And grief and torments numberless,
And sweat of agony;
Yea, death itself; and all for me
Who was thine enemy.

Then why, O Blessed Jesus Christ,
Should I not love thee well?
Not for the hope of winning heaven,
Nor of escaping hell;

Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Not seeking a reward;
But as thyself hast loved me,
O ever-loving Lord!

E’en so I love thee and will love,
And in thy praise will sing,
Solely because thou art my God,
And my eternal King.

First Love (1989)

2009-02-20T23:23:00.011+07:00

I just got my freedom as a freshman in my dream city, leaving my parents’ house behind. I wanted to enjoy all that the world could offer. But somehow He captured me before I had gone too far, in that morning.

Jogja, August 31th, 1989, 8 a.m. I was alone in my room. My class was in the afternoon, my roommate had left already. My body was aching and the battle in my soul was raging. For many days I had been tossed back and forth. I was the prize to be won by two forces: the longing for God and the craving for the world. I was exhausted spiritually and physically.

Two weeks prior to that day I was led to pray a repentance prayer. They were so excited and told me that I had been born again, but I did not feel anything. They exclaimed I was a new creation, but I saw myself still the same person. In every meeting afterwards, I envied those handful students who were so intimate with God in their worship. I felt like an outsider in the house of my Father. They taught me to pray and read the Bible every day to build my relationship with God. But how could I build something that I had not yet started? And I got even more frustrated as the flesh relentlessly invited me to satisfy its desire. Deep in my heart I knew I had to be close to God and live a righteous life but the other half of me strongly demanded the pleasure of the youth.

That morning I felt like I could not bear this soul’s conflict anymore. I fell on my knees and broke into tears as I cried out, “God, where are you? If you exist, show Yourself and help me...” I was so desperate until He came. He embraced me gently from behind and whispered, “I love you.” That single moment of truth was more than enough for me. All of a sudden the struggle disappeared. God had won. His love never fails. My heart was overwhelmed by His lovingkindness and I made a vow: from that day on, I would always love Him and never leave Him for the rest of my days. A vow that I have been keeping dearly until today.

Credit: Silvy Wantania, Eriel Siregar, Izaak Wondiwoy, Jimmy Kalauserang and all GPMI Jogjakarta Batch 1989.

Covenant Community

2009-02-16T21:32:00.010+07:00

I thanked God for Meike and Agus, a great couple friend of mine in Jakarta. I thanked God for my pastors, especially Pastor Jahja and Pastor Benny. They were my safety net, my covenant community. I did not include my parents because they had given me full authority to choose the one for me years before. I remember my father once said, “Son, remember, time is ticking and you’re over thirty already. Just take a wife, you know, like your mom buys spinach in the market. Choose, bargain, pay. That easy. Don’t think too long. Just make sure one thing.... the person is a female...” My dad loves jokes by the way.

To be honest, I still had trauma to start a new relationship. I was quite hesitant whether I would just wait or go to the next step. And covenant community functioned for such a time like this. When I told them about her, they were all in one accord giving me all out support by saying something like: “What are you waiting for? Just express your intention to her.” , “She’s perfect for you, go for her!”, ”Don’t worry, I will back you up”, etc. Pastor Jahja as Yuyun’s pastor was very supportive and even later he and Ibu Istha took time to visit Yuyun’s father and talked about the good things about me. Pastor Benny supported in prayer from Surabaya. I suspected he put this thing in the prayer tower :). Meike actively sought more information about Yuyun and reported to me. She was my number one supporter. So I couldn’t help myself but to take heed of their advice.

I borrowed Joshua Harris’ approach in his Boy Meets Girl as I texted her that afternoon: "I need to talk about a guy I know who's interested in you." We made an appointment to have lunch at a restaurant nearby our church. And that was a mistake. Two friends of us passed by, greeted us and then joined the lunch with us. The good news was I had finished what I wanted to talk to her about and had gotten the answer. The bad news was the news about two of us having lunch together spreaded very quickly and within days everybody was like aware of our situation. Life lesson for the singles: If you want to do like what I did and you want to stay low, find a restaurant with minimum possibility of your friends to come.

Back to that restaurant nearby our church, I told her that I had a feeling about her and thought that she was the one for me. I said that I might be wrong and asked her the possibility to do courtship to get to know each other. She was not so surprised because apparently she knew about what I wanted to talk from somebody. She said that she honestly did not have any feeling towards me, but she was willing to pray about it. I was a little bit down because I thought we had a mutual feeling. But I encouraged myself to see the positive thing. I realized she treated everybody nicely, not only to me, and that thought made me even adore her more. As I told her to take her time to pray, those two friends showed up...

Irresistable Desire

2009-02-14T05:31:00.001+07:00

"Love: The irresistable desire to be irresistibly desired." -- Mark Twain

A Brief History of Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T05:11:00.003+07:00

Valentine's Day
Dr. George Grant

Valentine was likely a third century pastor from the southern Umbrian town of Terni who was imprisoned for his faith during the great persecution of Claudius II. According to a popular legend, he wrote small pastoral notes to members of his congregation on leaves he was able to pluck from a maple tree just outside his cell. These little “Valentine’s cards” expressed his love for the flock, and his desire that they demonstrate like love toward one another. Gradually the tradition grew up for Christians to exchange notes of love and encouragement to one another on this, his birthday.

When A Man Loves A Woman Part II

2009-02-12T05:36:00.006+07:00

I don’t know about you, but I desperately need role models. Following are the men who inspired me to be a better husband.

Jesus of Nazareth to His Church: “Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” - He reserved nothing to Himself. He gave all to her.
Joseph Ben Jacob to Mary, mother of Jesus: “Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly.”
Joshua Jacob to Mary Jacob: ”I don’t care if people think that I am afraid of my wife. What I do care is I love my wife!” - something like that :)
Randy Pausch to Jai Pausch: "I waited until I was 39 to get married because it took me that long to find someone whose happiness meant more to me than my own."
Adrian Monk to Trudy Monk: “She’s always with me… Every time I close my eyes… She’s always 34 years old. She’s always wearing the same dress. And, she’s always – so…” - Well, it is fiction, but the truth about his deep love to Trudy remains.

About Her

2009-02-07T06:10:00.007+07:00

Her name was Yuyun. She worked as a pastors’ secretary. That was all I knew about her. Personally, I have determined myself not to marry somebody based on the first impression only. I needed to know her spirituality, her ministry, her family, and definitely her passion for mission. The problem was I did not have any idea and chance to dig up about her life. So for some time I was just the secret admirer of hers.

And then, ”Jackpot”! "That was Saturday when we met accidentally. She had just finished her music practice and I was just about to go home. She offered me to ride along with her girl friends to Taman Anggrek Mall because both of her house and the place I used to stay in Jakarta were near with that mall. I was quite hesitant at first because I was the only man in the car, but I had to seize the moment. I wouldn’t know whether this kind of chance would come again. As we arrived at the mall, by what I believed as a divine arrangement, one by one her girl friends started to leave, until only the two of us were left.

I forgot what we ate, but I would never forget her passion for God and people. I learned she led a large cell group of singles and had actively involved in mission. Yes, my check list was almost complete. But there was one consideration. I was on my way to stay in Aceh to start a school, most likely for good. I was thinking before about the way to propose somebody. Instead of saying, “Will you marry me?”, I would say “Will you go to Aceh with me?”. She lived with her father. It had to be hard for her to leave him alone if she would marry me. I kept that in my heart and just enjoyed the first date with her. By the way, she still refuses to call that night as a “date”. For her it was just a casual dinner :).

The heavy rain that was waiting for us as we were leaving the mall made that evening even more romantic to me. That night I couldn’t sleep.

To Watch You Grow in Beauty

2009-02-06T05:46:00.011+07:00

I WILL BE HERE
Steven Curtis Chapman

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I will be here

If in the dark we lose sight of love
Hold my hand and have no fear
'Cause I will be here

I will be here
When you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to crying
Through the winning and losing and trying
We'll be together
'Cause I will be here

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I'll be here
Just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
I will be here

I will be here
You can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you
And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here

I will be true
To the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me

And just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
'Cause I will be here
We'll be together
'Cause I will be here

p.s. I sang this beautiful song at the end of our holy matrimony as a surprise gift to my bride (June 4, 2006).

Morning Kiss & Roses

2009-02-05T04:15:00.009+07:00

I wish today will be as pleasing as your face

As I wake you up with a morning kiss

Love, let's see the rosebuds I bought yesterday

They have bloomed and waited for praise

Ah, roses, the icon of romance and affection

Remain to become sweethearts regardless the thorns

(i.t.a.l.y.)

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

2009-02-03T01:39:00.003+07:00

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Someone Whose Happiness Meant More To Me Than My Own

2009-02-02T08:45:00.004+07:00

"I waited until I was 39 to get married because it took me that long to find someone whose happiness meant more to me than my own," -- Dr. Randy Pausch

I was a 35-years-old bachelor back then. I had been through several relationships which I boldly counted them not as failures because apparently I was able to find out that those fine young ladies were not meant to be with me. I thank God for each relationship. They had taught me so many priceless things in life. Each time a relationship ended, I always applied what I called as a personal code of honor which means I did not tell anybody about it that I would never initiate another relationship until my former girlfriend had seen somebody else. I feel free to talk now since all of them are married already. Sure, there was a feeling of sadness, failure and shame. But I had learned to trust in God’s perfect plan that all things work together for good to those who love Him.

Back in 2005, I was free from my personal code of honor since my last girlfriend had already engaged. Nevertheless, I had made up my mind to seize every moment of my single life and maximize it to serve His purpose on earth and did not have any intention at all to start another relationship. So, there I was, single, available but not looking, until the day I met someone whose happiness meant more to me than my own.

First Crush (2005)

2009-02-01T04:46:00.006+07:00

Introduction: I would like to dedicate the month of February to write nothing but love: love in general, love to God and others, and especially my love to the one I cherish and adore, my beloved wife. Following is one of the fragments of our love stories.

In early 2005, I found myself in Jakarta to prepare our school project in Aceh. Everybody was busy when I was waiting for someone at MSI Jakarta office. Just as I was starting to get bored, an angel came and rescued me from the boredom. With a beautiful smile she handed me books to read, Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life and Elizabeth George’s Loving God with All Your Mind. After thanking her for her consideration, I tried to read but somehow I couldn’t. My eyes were on the book, but my mind was on her.

Indifference

2009-01-31T06:44:00.004+07:00

"The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.”-- Elie Wiesel quotes (Romanian born American Writer. Nobel Prize for Peace in 1986. b.1928)

Extravagant Love

2009-01-30T20:34:00.006+07:00

This is my all time favorite intimate worship song:

YOUR LOVE IS EXTRAVAGANT
Darrell Evans © 1998 Integrity’s Hosanna Music

Your love is extravagant
Your friendship intimate
I find I’m moving to the rhythms of Your grace
Your fragrance is intoxicating in our secret place
Your love is extravagant

Spread wide in the arms of Christ
Is the love that covers sin
No greater love have I ever known
You considered me a friend
Capture my heart again

When A Man Loves A Woman Part I

2009-01-30T08:16:00.006+07:00

In my cell group gathering last night, a husband asked, “Is there any woman manual book?” after jokingly lamenting about how difficult it was to understand his wife. Somebody replied quickly, “There is, but it’s revised everyday...” Today’s life lesson for men: Don’t bother to understand women, just love them. :)

Aurora Australis

2009-01-28T08:24:00.002+07:00

Churchill Aurora Borealis

2009-01-27T20:58:00.010+07:00

An aurora borealis glows brightly over Churchill, Canada. Auroras occur when charged particles outside the Earth's atmosphere collide with atoms in the upper atmosphere. The result: a glowing display of curtains, arcs, and bands in the sky. The phenomenon is called aurora borealis or northern lights in the Northern Hemisphere and aurora australis or southern lights in the Southern Hemisphere. (Source: National Geographic. Photograph by Norbert Rosing).

This one is my most recent dream place. Borealis or australis, it doesn't matter as long as I can stand and gaze upon this breathtaking, indescribable beauty at least once in my life time.

The Late Rear Admiral John Lie on Patriotism

2009-01-26T10:53:00.023+07:00

Last night, Metro Files featured the life of a Chinese Indonesian patriot by the name of John Lie. I’ve heard about him before but forgotten until Metro TV exposed his profile in the series of Chinese New Year Program. Actually, these days I’ve been thinking to search for some information on Chinese Indonesians who devoted their lives to their country in order to impart patriotism to my (Chinese in particular) students. So let’s take a brief look at his life I compiled from various sources.

John Lie was born in Manado on March 9, 1911 to the family of Lie Kae Tae and Oei Tjeng Nie Nio. He worked for a Dutch ship before joining the Indonesian Navy. He was well known due to his heroic feat to sell raw rubber and other commodities to Singapore and bought guns from Thailand for the Indonesian struggle against the Dutch. He successfully led weapon smuggling operation for at least fifteen times during the Dutch blockades from 1947 to 1949. One night his boat was seen by the Dutch warship and it seemed like there was no way to run. Under the fire, he asked his crew to gather, opened his Bible, read it and prayed. Miraculously, his small boat was able to slip through the enemy’s fingers. Part of his life story was documented by LIFE Magazine under the title "Guns and Bibles, Are Smuggled to Indonesia" in September 1949 edition. The picture above was tagged as "Before a Smuggling Trip" and the text on the flower painting at the left was "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

After the independence he continued his career in the Navy and took part in the operations to crush secession movements, including the RMS (Republik Maluku Selatan). One morning, the shells were ready to fire from his ship to one of the Moluccan islands. Noticing that it was Sunday, he pleaded his commander to postpone the bombardment because that was the moment for the Christians to go to the church and the wise commander granted his appeal. After retiring on December 1966 at the rank of Rear Admiral, he was actively involved in social and religious activities. He passed away on August 1988 and was buried in Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery.

Former Coordinator Minister for Political and Security Affairs Sudomo, as one of his colleague in Navy, recalled John Lie as a very religious man who was willing to give his best effort for his country. He was a leader who was deeply concerned about the welfare of his men and practiced the life motto 'love your neighbor as yourself'.

Admiral Lie, thank you for what you’ve done for the independence and unity of this country. Thank you for living a profound life as an inspiration to many of us. Thank you for giving us a lesson that being a Christian or Chinese Indonesian is not an oxymoron.

Terganggu atau Tergerak?

2009-01-23T13:10:00.006+07:00

"Yang Kukehendaki ialah belas kasihan dan bukan persembahan...” -- Matius 12:7

Alkitab mencatat bahwa hati Yesus sangat mudah tergerak oleh belas kasihan, sebuah belas kasihan yang selalu melahirkan tindakan. Mujizat lima roti dan dua ikan yang memberi makan ribuan orang dimulai dengan belas kasihan Yesus saat melihat orang banyak yang mengikuti Dia selama tiga hari tanpa makanan. Hati-Nya hancur dan tangan-Nya tak kuasa untuk tidak menjamah seseorang yang tubuhnya rusak akibat kusta saat orang tersebut bersujud memohon pertolongan kepada-Nya. Di kota Nain Yesus kembali diliputi dengan kesedihan ketika melihat seorang janda yang meratapi kematian anak tunggalnya. Dan anak muda itupun hidup kembali saat jasadnya bersentuhan dengan Pribadi yang lebih berkuasa daripada maut. Yesus sangat terharu saat melihat Maria menangisi saudaranya yang telah meninggal empat hari sebelumnya. Diapun tidak bisa menahan air mata ketika orang membawa-Nya ke kubur Lazarus. Walaupun masih diliputi keharuan yang dalam, Yesus meminta orang untuk membuka batu penutup kubur, mengucap syukur kepada Bapa dan memerintahkan Lazarus untuk hidup kembali. Pada saat para murid terganggu oleh teriakan orang-orang buta di luar Yerikho, Yesus tergerak hatinya oleh belas kasihan dan menyembuhkan mereka semua.

Bagaimana dengan kita? Apakah kita menjadi terganggu oleh seruan mereka yang membutuhkan pertolongan di sekeliling kita? Atau apakah kita akan mengijinkan hati kita tergerak oleh belas kasihan dan mulai melakukan tindakan? Kita memang tidak mungkin bisa memenuhi kebutuhan semua orang. Namun kita semua bisa melakukan sesuatu - sewaktu hati kita digerakkan oleh belas kasihan - sesuai dengan takaran iman dan kemampuan yang dipercayakan Tuhan kepada setiap kita.

“Kasihan berhenti di perasaan. Belas kasihan akan melewati perasaan dan melahirkan tindakan.”

Mr. Joseph Jacobson on Dreams

2009-01-22T21:40:00.009+07:00

“And Joseph remembered the dreams which he dreamed of them...” -- Genesis 42:9a

Joseph had dreams once and then forgot about them for a very long time. Probably he tried to forget because every time he remembered them he felt pain in his heart. Or possibly the hardships he had to go through - being left out by his own brothers, thrown into a dark pit, being sold in a slave market, falsely accused and put into prison - contributed to his forgetful mind. Anyhow he worked hard and kept his integrity hard: telling the truth about his brothers’ evil doing, fleeing from immoral temptation and freely forgave those who had bitterly wronged him. He refused to compromise his conscience and guarded the purity of his heart with all diligence. It’s true that God was with Joseph all the time and it was the key of his success. But if he had not kept his heart right, he might have ended up like Samson or Solomon. Instead, after years of ups and downs he finished his life strong.

And so he remembered his dreams when he was already in the fulfillment of his dreams. Joseph was not obsessed with his dreams. He simply took every job given seriously, one by one, one day at a time. Little did he know, the destiny drew him closer to his dreams.

“It's not about how to achieve your dreams. It's about how to lead your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you.” -- Dr. Randy Pausch (1960–2008) was a Professor of Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, and Design at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States and a best-selling author, who achieved worldwide fame for his speech "The Last Lecture" at Carnegie Mellon University, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and having only a few months to live.

p.s. To my knowledge Dr. Pausch was not a believer, so if any of you is bothered by that “karma”, you may change it into “destiny” :)

Popularity v. Principle

2009-01-20T00:43:00.001+07:00

"Look, I’ve been both popular and not so popular. But the thing that matters most in life is not one’s popularity but principles. And I am not going to sacrifice my principles on the altar of political popularity. If you chase popularity, you’ll be a lousy president. If you make decisions based upon sound principles, you’ve done your job.” --President George W. Bush

Aceh Memories (2005)

2009-01-19T06:04:00.007+07:00

Lonely duck at Sigli estuary

Meuraxa sunset

God's sign of covenant over Aceh

My faithful partner & me

To Have A Life Worth Living

2009-01-17T05:21:00.001+07:00

“It's faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living.” -- Oliver Wendell Holmes (American Physician, Poet, Writer, Humorist and Professor at Harvard, 1809-1894).

Ms. T (Surabaya) on Respect

2009-01-16T15:04:00.008+07:00

I’ve known Ms. T as a very courteous person. But I did not realize her true courtesy until I had dinner with her and her fiance at a nearby pizzeria. When she took her seat, the first thing she did was turning off her cell phone. Looking at my bedazzled face she smiled and said, “This is what I used to do in an appointment. I've set this time to be spent with you and I won’t let anybody to disturb. They can wait for another hour. Besides, I am not a doctor or in an emergency situation.” And so I enjoyed great time with great friends and with not really great food (for me). I’m not fond of pizza by the way. In a time when people seem to not be able to live without their cell phones, she has shown me a great lesson and example - though it's not always easy to follow - in respecting other people’s time and company.

Connecting the Far, Disconnecting the Close

2009-01-16T15:01:00.004+07:00

Have you ever seen this typical scene? A family is having dinner in a restaurant. The father is busy talking about business over the cell phone. The first child is busy texting. The second child is busy chatting with her Blackberry and the youngest, doesn’t have cell phone yet, is busy playing his DS. The mother? Of course she is busy ordering and desperately asking what they want to eat. Or how about those who could spend hours after hours in the social networking websites and enjoy interacting with people thousand miles away but could not stand for five minutes with their own family in their own house? Cell phones, social networks or other communication technologies are intended to connect faraway people, not to lose connectivity with the close ones.

True Christians

2009-01-14T10:08:00.020+07:00

"In truth, there was only one Christian, and he died on the cross" -- Friedrich Nietzsche. (Born in 1844 as the son of a Lutheran pastor. He rejected his father's faith and became a lifelong rebel against Christianity. He spent his last decade in mental darkness and died in 1900).

Excuse me Herr Nietzsche, you’re not accurate. That was Christ, not Christian. A Christian is the follower of Christ. He or she is the one who surrenders his or her life to the Lordship of Jesus. True, there are many Christians who don’t live christianly and become the stumbling block for those who want to know Christ. But there are still many true Christians. I am not talking about Maximilian Kolbe or Mother Theresa. I am talking about ordinary Christians who are striving to follow the footsteps of Jesus day by day. Common Christians who failed many times and yet do not give up on themselves, believing for the bounteous grace of God to change them. True Christians are not perfect individuals. True Christians are those who are being perfected - in a progressive reformation - into the likeness of the One who died on the cross.

"In truth, there was only one perfect man, and he died on the cross" -- nurhayatna :)

"Yes, Why Not?"

2009-01-12T23:37:00.006+07:00

“You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'” -- George Bernard Shaw (Irish playwright, the only person to have been awarded both the Nobel Prize fro Literature (1925) and and Oscar (1938)).

Perspective

2009-01-12T07:43:00.007+07:00

"Garing adalah bila saat kita berpikir kita kreatif tetapi ternyata bergantung kepada alat produksi; ketika saya pikir saya kaya ternyata tidak mampu membantu orang miskin; serta ketika saya pikir saya kuat ternyata tidak mampu mengendalikan hawa nafsu."
--Joseph Theodorus Wulianadi, tokoh pencetus dan pemilik Joger, pabrik dan toko T-shirt terkenal di Bali.

Terang Dunia

2009-01-12T07:06:00.007+07:00

“Kamu adalah terang dunia. Kota yang terletak di atas gunung tidak mungkin tersembunyi. Lagipula orang tidak menyalakan pelita lalu meletakkannya di bawah gantang, melainkan di atas kaki dian sehingga menerangi semua orang di dalam rumah itu. Demikianlah hendaknya terangmu bercahaya di depan orang, supaya mereka melihat perbuatanmu yang baik dan memuliakan Bapamu yang di sorga.”
- Matius 4:14-16

“Be as you were born to be!”. Demikianlah pesan Lord Elrond sewaktu menyerahkan pedang Anduril kepada Aragorn, pewaris tahta Kerajaan Gondor, dalam The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Sebagai putra mahkota, tujuan hidupnya telah digariskan. Aragorn lahir untuk menjadi raja. Pilihannya tidak banyak dan ia memutuskan untuk menjadi sebagaimana ia dilahirkan. Pedang itu diterimanya dan dengan gagah berani ia maju berperang.

Tuhan mengatakan bahwa kita adalah terang dunia. Dia tidak mengatakan bahwa kita akan menjadi terang dunia atau seharusnya menjadi terang dunia. Tuhan juga tidak memerintahkan kita untuk menjadi terang dunia. Dia berbicara tentang siapa kita. Berbeda dengan garam yang bersifat low profile, mempengaruhi dengan cara melarutkan diri tanpa terlihat, panggilan sebagai terang adalah panggilan yang high profile. Inilah panggilan untuk membawa perubahan yang nyata dan tidak ditutup-tutupi. Tuhan mengumpamakan terang sebagai kota di atas bukit yang terlihat oleh semua orang, bahkan dari jarak yang sangat jauh. Tempat yang demikian umumnya menjadi penunjuk arah bagi mereka yang tersesat. Saya percaya sudah saatnya gereja bukan hanya menjadi garam, yang walaupun terasa manfaatnya, namun tidak terlihat. Inilah waktunya gereja tampil menjadi landmark yang menjadi petunjuk arah kehidupan bagi semua orang.

Siapa kita menentukan apa yang kita lakukan. Jika terang mengeluarkan cahaya, maka kita menyatakannya dengan perbuatan baik kita. Saat Tuhan berkata kita adalah terang dunia, Ia sedang mengatakan bahwa kita harus berani menyatakan siapa diri kita dan apa yang bisa kita lakukan. Mari kita keluar dari persembunyian dan biar terang itu bercahaya melalui perbuatan-perbuatan baik kita sehingga orang-orang akan memuliakan Bapa kita yang di sorga.

Inilah alasan mengapa kita melakukan misi. Kita tahu siapa kita dan melakukan apa yang menjadi tanggung jawab kita. Secara khusus Tuhan memanggil keluarga rohani dimana saya berjemaat untuk melakukan perbuatan baik kepada bangsa ini melalui pendidikan. Jika ada yang melihat masa depan bangsa ini suram, maka kami melihat sebaliknya. Yang kemarin sudah tidak dapat diperbaiki. Hari ini adalah produk masa lalu. Namun sekarang kita bisa bekerja keras untuk kepentingan hari depan dengan mendidik generasi penerus bangsa. Biarlah apa yang kita lakukan menjadi seperti cahaya fajar, yang kian bertambah terang sampai rembang tengah hari (Amsal 4:18). Be as you were born to be!

Note: Tulisan ini juga ada di Buletin Misi MSI Surabaya

You'll Never Lose Everything

2009-01-10T08:43:00.006+07:00

"Just remember - when you think all is lost, the future remains."
-- Dr. Robert H. Goddard, American rocket engineer (1882-1945)

Skillful Fingers

2009-01-07T22:48:00.008+07:00

Truly, my Nindita (5 months old) has been given skillful fingers. Exclusively designed, hand made by God.

The Dream of a Teacher

2009-01-05T23:57:00.004+07:00

Way back in my elementary time, there were still some students who wanted to become a teacher, besides the other popular jobs: doctor, engineer, and pilot. How about now? I never conducted any survey, but if I ask the same question I bet almost no student who will say, “I want to be a teacher someday.” Yes, some of my students want to be a teacher because they want to help the community, but it is as their second profession after a businessman or businesswoman. Why? Please tell me, what is wrong with being a teacher?

Many things I don’t’ understand in this life. One of them is why the teachers, who must spend more time and energy in preparing, delivering and checking the lessons or test - not mentioning the suffering of having some naughty students or mean parents - and doing strategic work with the future leaders of the world: the children with their complexity, have lower wage than other professions who deal with papers and dead stuff?

My mother was a teacher, a quite good one. She ever won a third place award in “Guru Teladan” competition in Central Java province. One time she wrote a letter to the Minister of Education to express her concern regarding an issue and the late Mr. Fuad Hasan replied with his own handwriting. She quitted several years before her pension because she couldn’t compromise her integrity in the school work. I’ve heard from some people who said to me that my mother was the best teacher they ever had. She is part of the old school teacher who still gains a quite big amount of respect from her students and society but did not gain a quite big amount of salary. Most of the teachers today are even worse, they are not paid well and don’t earn respect they deserve. Granted, many teachers don’t perform well, thus the level of respect gets lower. Yes, this is the homework for teachers, including myself.

I am grateful for the government who shows some initiatives to raise the salary of the teachers recently. It is the easier part. The more challenging one is still haunting me and it has been my dream: seeing teachers return to their honorable place in the community, to be one of the vocations the students want to be.

Lago d'Orta (Lake Orta), Italy

2009-01-05T10:12:00.009+07:00

One of the places I want to visit someday. The background is Isola di San Giulio (San Giulio Island).

The Late Mr. A (Somewhere) on Tolerance

2009-01-03T08:31:00.012+07:00

His life ended tragically. His dead body was found cold at the foot of Mount Seulawah, Aceh Besar, several weeks after his wife passed away. I will always remember him as an Acehnese hajj who boldly risked his reputation against those who did not want us to start a Christian-owned school in Aceh. I did not know why, but somehow he trusted us after I told him the reason we came to Aceh was purely to help Acehnese children in education and character building. No hidden agenda at all. I told him we wanted to follow the footsteps of Jesus who gave, healed, and loved unconditionally. One evening, after a long discussion about Moslem-Christian distrustful relationships over strong black coffee in Ulee Kareng, he said, "Frankly Pak, as a Moslem I have a desire for you to follow Islam, and I know deep in your heart, you want me to be a Christian. Am I right?" I was not ready for this sudden question, but I totally agree. So I just nodded and whispered, "Yes, you're right." Since then, we had a deeper trust in each other and we could talk freely about our beliefs without reservation or fear of offending each other’s faith. My friends, that is what I call tolerance. I don’t know where he is right now, but I have a hope that shortly before he went to eternity, he had a divine encounter with the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Mrs. R (Surabaya)

2009-01-03T08:15:00.003+07:00

She stands out among the mothers in our school, in the way she dresses, in the way she talks, and in the way she works. I’ve never heard she complains or gossips in the midst of bad circumstances. Her inputs are always constructive and delivered in a good attitude. No pushing, no demanding, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Like Jesus admired the faith of the non Israelites, I do admire this fine Moslem lady. In many ways, she’s more Christian than many of us.

Stewardship of Time

2009-01-02T09:46:00.004+07:00

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." -- J.R.R. Tolkien

(Taken from http://grantian.blogspot.com/)

Mr. O (Jakarta)

2009-01-01T23:27:00.010+07:00

He is truly an energy giver and friend. His words are always loving and encouraging. This is what he said in his text message as a reply to the news of the birth of Nindi: "Our dearest Pak Nur & Ibu Yuyun, congratulations on the birth of our dearest Nindita Erin Pradipta; Praise be unto our Ever Dearest Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, let His name only be glorified; It has been a great joy for us to share the beautiful and wonderful news of her birth; Our Ever Dearest Lord & Savior Jesus Christ satisfies her with long life, He gives her perfect health & prosperity & makes her a godly daughter to serve His purpose; Our Ever Dearest Lord & Savior Jesus Christ loves & blesses you all always; Our best & warmest regards to you all, as always with love & prayers from all of us here." No abbreviation. No one ever wrote me that way. It reminded me, in a way, of what Paul said in his letter to the Colossians, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt...”

I got to know Mr. O when I recruited him as a translator for the foreigners who attended our church's services. Since then, every time I asked him to substitute other translator he always willingly and readily said yes.

Mr. O is a prominent lawyer who shared the same university with Barack Obama. His wife is having a very serious illness, and yet he still manages to do his best to serve God and others with a cheerful heart.

The last time I met him, he told me something that struck my heart, “Pak Nur, for my spiritual family, I ask nothing. I give everything.” Good God! Can anybody say the same thing? The answer is yours.

First Day Prayer

2009-01-01T09:10:00.007+07:00

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants.
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
and for as many years as we have seen evil.
Let your work be shown to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.
And let the favor (KJV: beauty) of the LORD our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!

(Psalms, Book Four, Chapter 90, verses 12-17. ESV)

2009, Here I Come!

2008-12-31T07:22:00.000+07:00

Holiday season is almost over and I am thankful for that. I enjoy every minute of these free days of routine activities. My soul is resfreshed, my mind is renewed, my body is rejuvenated. 2009, here I come!

O Come O Come Emmanuel

2008-12-30T07:57:00.003+07:00

It's delivered as the opening remark in my church's Christmas Celebration (originally in Indonesian):

"Christmas is the time to remember, there was a time in the history of mankind when the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, those who lived in a land of shadows, the light was shining on them."

"Christmas is the time to remember, that the Creator has become the creation to be the ransom for the freedom of sin of the world."

"Christmas is the time to remember and to cry out once again the groaning of all creation of the longing for the coming of Emamnuel, A God who has promised to never leave us nor forsake us."

(and followed by the choir "O Come O Come Emmanuel")

about me

2008-12-30T07:39:00.002+07:00

I am a christian who is striving to be a better husband to my wife, a better father to my daughter, a better son to my parents, a better brother to my siblings, a better teacher to my students, a better man under my authorities, a better leader to those under my leadership, a better fellow to my friends, a better member to my community, and to be a person I was born to be. Bear with me, I am in the making.