The Festival of Sacrifice

Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى‎) or Festival of Sacrifice or Greater Eid is a significant religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world to celebrate the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Isma’il) as an act of obedience to God, before God interfered to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead.

Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?

During the commemoration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims memorialize and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a cow, sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

God has given us authority over animals and allowed us to consume meat, but only if we pronounce Allah name at the solemn act of taking life. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our enthusiasm to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands.

It also represents our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to make stronger the ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We are aware of all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

It is very essential to comprehend that the sacrifice itself, as accomplished by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to clean ourselves from sin. This is a misinterpretation. The representation is in the thought - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. (Source: google).

I captured the sheep that will be sacrificed at November 17th 2010, the Festival of Sacrifice.

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CC: What We have Accomplished

Every married couple has a dream about their future marriage life, including me and my hubby. Our dream was having a happy marriage life, successful business and one or two children.

And then, after eight years of our marriage life, what is the reality that happens to us now? Well, I believe that only God who knows what is the best for us. We can have a dream and we have done our efforts to reach it, but the end results are totally in God’s Power and Authority.

From the three dreams, I feel grateful that we have accomplished a happy marriage life; as our relationship are becoming stronger every day. Perhaps you, my friends, have already known that we got bankrupt in our business and suffered a huge financial loss. There aren’t yet little steps running around our house since we still have no child.

I don’t feel sad at all and I accept this reality with sincerity. I and my hubby can live in a simple life, and that’s more than enough for me. We just do our best here to move forward and reach a better life. I believe that the bright future is waiting for us there.

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Rain

I hope this shot are wet enough for a watery post. I was inside our car and on the journey to Kaligua tea plantation (Bumiayu, Central Java). It was raining outside and you can see also the mist was surrounding the trees.

My entry for Watery Wednesday

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Handling Quarreling Children

As parent, dealing with your fighting children could be one of your most frustrating things. I’ve ever been in the same situation – with my two fighting nephew and niece. They were still yelling each other; but it already gave me headache. Aww, I need to learn more! That’s why I’m glad that I found these practical guidelines. I rewrite and share it for you.

The first rule is ignoring the small argues.
You can interfere if quarreling becomes physical. Quarreling is a normal part of any child’s social development, so, most children will go through this ‘quarreling’ stage. It becomes parent’s responsibility to ensure that your children are learning ways of dealing with disagreements.

The second rule: you should really try not to tell off or get offend with just one of the children, as it generally takes two to fight. If your children are old enough, ask each child to tell their story of the events leading up to the argument.

For older children (teenagers), you could ask them how they would stop quarreling children when they are parents themselves. After getting these suggestions, ask them if they could live by the rules that they just suggested. If the answer is ‘yes’, take their ideas and stick them on the fridge door or family notice board for upcoming use.

In the case that you find out that the fight was caused by a specific item, try taking out the objects that cause squabbles among younger children. If you know your child and a friend always fight over the same toy, remove it before the friend comes to visit. Another option: get two of the same kind of toy that way each child would have one to play with.

You can also try to make a game out of sharing. Hand them a toy and take it smoothly back. Repeat until your child is happy to hand it over to you. After this has been successful a few times between yourself and your child, expand the game to include other children as well. You teach your child that it’s OK to share with everyone and not just you.

When fighting breaks out in the car, here are things that you should do. Pull over to a safe spot and find out what is going on. Make clear to your children that you can’t drive with them fighting like that because it’s a distraction and could cause an accident. It may be shocking, but this method works well with children as young as three.

If your children seem to be frequently fighting, ask yourself these questions to help you:
Are you favoring one unconsciously?
Are they happy at school?
Are they hungry?

The third rule: consistency. Be steady with how you face any given condition dealing with a fight/argument. This will make your children know what to anticipate in any given situation. Write out a list of house rules, such as no playing with the ball near the window, no yelling each other, etc.

In the event that you have to discipline your children for fighting or arguing, you can always separate them for a time. Typically half an hour will work for younger children, as after about fifteen minutes they will be asking to play with each other once again. You can also inform them about your own childhood quarreling with your brothers or sisters, since it shows them that everyone has troubles with their family as they grow up.

Source: family.tips.net

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White Spotted Deer of Bogor Presidential Place (3)

These photos are from my old archive. I’ve been sick on the last few days, and I was too weak to do anything. Thank God, today I feel better and I can write this post.

Seeing the deer in front of Bogor Presidential Palace is always fun. Some of them are very tame and they are nearing the fence to get carrots from the visitors. Every week end, many visitors come to see these deer.

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Views around Bogor Katulampa Dam

These photo series were captured about one month ago. The Dam is located in my city (Bogor, West Java, Indonesia); it takes about 30 minutes car-ride to reach the place. Allow me to mention again a little information about the Dam here. Built in 1911; the Dam becomes so crucial in rainy season; because it controls the flood (from Ciliwung River) that comes to Jakarta (capital city of Indonesia).

The dam starts its alert condition since the water surface level is above normal height (80 cm). Can you see the colored water-level board? If the water level continues high (red color water level), it can be predicted that the flood will arrive at Jakarta in eight hours ahead.

My entry for Watery Wednesday

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Changing Life of a Parent – Just a Joke!

It’s said that being a parent can change your life totally. A baby’s presence in a family affects every family member. As you have baby 2, and then baby 3, the way you deal with the child also changes significantly.

It’s just jokes about changing life; that you will experience as becoming mother/parent. Don’t think, just read and smile.

Your Baby's Clothing:
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed.
2nd baby: You wear your ordinary clothes for as long as you are able.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes are your ordinary clothes.

Getting Ready for the Day of the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing as often as possible
2nd baby: You don't bother practicing your breathing because you remember that last time, breathing didn't help at all.
3rd baby: You accept an epidural injection as soon as it is offered.

Diaper :
1st baby: You change your baby's diaper every hour whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their diaper every 2 to 3 hours, if required.
3rd baby: You change their diaper when others start to complain about the smell.

What Activities Do You Do with Your Kid?
1st baby: You take your child to the Clinic, the Gym, the swimming pool and the Library for story time.
2nd baby: You take your youngster to the Clinic.
3rd baby: You take your child to Hypermart.

Baby Sitters:1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter you call home 4 times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.

How You React When at Home with the Baby:1st baby: You spend a great deal of time every day just gazing lovingly at your baby.
2nd baby: You spend some of everyday keeping an eye open to ensure that your eldest child isn't squeezing, poking or hurting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend some of every day hiding from the children.

Source: guy-sports.com

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