The Miracle of God's Love

Me - Kan

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 05:49:00 +0000

Kita berdua menuntut untuk dihargai,

tapi tidak ada yang mau menghargai.

Kita menuntut untuk dihormati,

tapi kita berlomba untuk saling merendahkan.

Kita berdua menuntut perhatian dan kasih sayang,

tapi kita enggan untuk memperhatikan dan menyayangi.

Kita berdua menuntut untuk mendengar kata-kata sopan,

tapi kita berkata-kata untuk saling menyakiti.

Kita berdua ingin diperlakukan dengan lembut,

tapi kita saling bersikap kasar dan melampiaskan amarah pada sesuatu yang tidak bersalah.

Kita masing-masing sudah berpikir menurut kacamata kita sendiri.

Tak ada satu visi, satu pandangan dalam menyikapi sesuatu.

Kita saling menuntut di – kan,

tapi tidak mau me – kan.

Cara berpikir kita sudah beda,

dan itu yang membuat semua tidak dapat disatukan lagi.

Kita masing-masing sudah merasa me – kan yang lain,

tapi kita tidak merasa di – kan oleh yang lain.

Itu yang membuat kita berpikir, aku sudah berkurban untuknya,

kenapa dia begini dan begitu?

Pertanyaan relatif yang sulit dijawab.

Kalau memang sudah tak sanggup,

jangan memaksakan.

Masih ada hari esok.

―Iva

No man's an island also means He is with you

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:36:00 +0000

Saat kau kehilangan alasan untuk bersukacita,

Saat kau merasa tak ada satu hal pun yang membuatmu bahagia,

Saat kau melihat segala sesuatu menyebalkan dan tak seorang pun mengerti perasaanmu…

Saat kau merasa tak ada orang yang mengasihimu dan kau bersedih karenanya…

Ingatlah…

ada satu Pribadi yang sungguh mencintaimu…

Pribadi yang selalu berjalan bersamamu,

merasakan jatuh bangun kehidupan denganmu,

Pribadi yang peduli air matamu…

Pribadi yang tanpa jenuh mendengar keluh kesahmu

Ingatlah nama-Nya saat kau bersedih

Tanpa kau sadari, Dia ada di sampingmu saat kau bersusah

Namun, kau yang menutup mata untuk kehadiran-Nya.

Dia menunggumu membuka mata hatimu agar kau menyadari

Kau tidak sendiri…

―Iva

Saya Dapat Kedua-duanya

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:14:00 +0000

Saya tidak baik juga tidak jahat, saya dapat kedua-duanya.

Saya jujur dan tidak jujur, saya dapat kedua-duanya.

Saya tidak murah hati juga tidak mementingkan diri sendiri, saya dapat kedua-duanya.

Saya cengeng juga tegar, saya dapat kedua-duanya.

Saya lemah juga kuat, saya dapat kedua-duanya.

Saya takut juga berani, saya dapat kedua-duanya.

Saya tidak teguh tapi juga tidak berputus asa, saya dapat kedua-duanya.

Saya pemalas tapi juga rajin, saya dapat kedua-duanya.

Saya minder juga percaya diri, saya dapat kedua-duanya.

Saya merasa kesepian juga dapat banyak perhatian, saya dapat kedua-duanya.

Saya ambisius juga ga mau berusaha, saya dapat kedua-duanya.

Saya benci diri saya juga mengasihinya, saya dapat kedua-duanya.

Tetapi, Allah menerima saya, mengampuni saya, dan mengasihi saya.

Dan sekarang saya menerima, mengampuni, dan mengasihi diri saya sendiri.

Terima kasih, Tuhan, untuk kasih setia-Mu dalam hidupku.

―Iva

Fearanisz

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:40:00 +0000

“Bravery is not the absence of fear, but to face the fears!”

―Franisz Ginting

Bagaimana manusia bisa terbebas dari rasa takut? Kita tidak tahu jawabannya, kecuali setelah kita mengalaminya: menghadapi rasa takut itu, lalu mengetahui cara mengatasinya. Pada dasarnya mengatasi rasa takut adalah menghadapinya.

Mostly, bahkan para tokoh dan karakter di Alkitab pun merasa takut. But, they face their fears! Mulai Adam sampai Yesus Kristus, mereka pernah merasa takut.

Mungkin ketakutan kita adalah takut mengikuti panggilan hidup kita; takut hidup sederhana atau kekurangan uang; takut menjumpai orang-orang yang kita takuti atau benci; takut pada suara-suara―baik yang ada di dalam diri kita atau dari orang-orang; takut menghadapi pengalaman, peristiwa atau acara menakutkan yang biasanya akan terjadi nanti; takut berbicara; mencoba lagi karena kita mengalami kegagalan demi kegagalan; takut kebenaran; tampil apa adanya; atau takut berpura-pura dan berbohong sedikit (Ingat cerdik seperti ular, tulus seperti merpati―jangan terbalik); takut menjadi serius atau tidak terlalu serius.

Dan mungkin ketakutan terbesar kita adalah mengakui kesalahan kita―kesalahan terbesar atau rahasia terbesar kita. Mengakui kesalahan atau rahasia kita kepada Tuhan mungkin gampang, apalagi ke diri sendiri. Tapi kepada orang-orang, apalagi ke orang-orang tersayang kita? Not until we try to release the fear do we begin to understand the meaning of bravery. Maksudnya, hadapi rasa takut itu, lalu keberanian akan menyelimuti, menjaketimu.

Mungkin rasa takut itu ada di sana untuk menguji kita. Sampai seberapa takut rasa takut itu takut menghadapi kita? Biasanya, saat kita takut, yang terjadi justru sebaliknya. Contohnya, kalau kita takut tidak didengar oleh orang-orang, kita malah benar-benar didengar―entah didengar atau didengarkan. Tapi, yang sebaliknya juga benar: Kalau kita takut tidak didengar, kita juga takut didengar.

What’s your BIGGEST fear? What do you fear today? Let one fear, one day. Tuhan pernah bilang bahwa orang-orang penakut tidak akan mendapat bagian dalam Kerajaan Allah. Mungkin maksudnya, orang itu takut, sampai setakut-takutnya setiap hari, dan ia tidak pernah berani melakukan sesuatu yang ia yakini!

Change Often

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:23:00 +0000

It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change {again}.

―Charles Darwin, emphasis added

We can make plans. But, any change can happen. An when this occures, we should better be ready. Change doesn’t merely mean the way you change your outward appearance, your approach to life, or your way of thinking. Change also means to change your attitude and your heart.

Anyway, our departure to the Dominican Republic is postponed. So, shall we delete our blog account? No. We will still use it. We can change the purpose of this blog. We would still write about writings, though.

So, we hope you would keep enjoying this beautiful and useful blog. We’ll see you guys around. Never give up. Change often.

p.s.: for those who curious about my first blog,

it’s fasophone.blog.friendster.com. I’ve changed,

haven’t I…? : )

A Traitor Writer

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:39:00 +0000

Dan engkau, anak manusia, janganlah takut melihat mereka maupun mendengarkan kata-katanya, biarpun engkau di tengah-tengah onak dan duri dan engkau tinggal dekat kalajengking. Janganlah takut mendengarkan kata-kata mereka dan janganlah gentar melihat mukanya, sebab mereka adalah kaum pemberontak. Sampaikanlah perkataan-perkataan-Ku kepada mereka, baik mereka mau mendengarkan atau tidak, sebab mereka adalah pemberontak… Seperti batu intan, yang lebih keras dari pada batu Kuteguhkan hatimu; janganlah takut kepada mereka dan janganlah gentar melihat mukanya, sebab mereka adalah kaum pemberontak. Selanjutnya firman-Nya kepadaku: "Hai anak manusia, perhatikanlah segala perkataan-Ku yang akan Kufirmankan kepadamu dan berikanlah telingamu kepadanya. Mari, pergilah dan temuilah orang-orang buangan, teman sebangsamu, berbicaralah kepada mereka dan katakanlah: Beginilah firman Tuhan ALLAH; baik mereka mau mendengarkan atau tidak."

─Yehezkiel 2:6-7; 3:9-11

It is rare a writer who is afraid. A traitor always fears, but a good writer, I seldom to acknowledge him or her is afraid. He or she just tells (write) what God has told them to say (v. 2:7). The outcome or the response from the readers depends on their decision, not on the writer.

A traitor writer is the one who is writing no truth. But, we should rejoice about this. For the defenders will come and write the truth. So, the gospel may be spread and shared to people as many as from the traitor writer. Henry D. Thoreau said, “Rather than peace, than love, than money, give me truth.”

A traitor writer is also the one who doesn’t write what he supposes to write or what God has told him or her to say. He or she is also not eager or lazy to write it. He or she doesn’t use his and her energy. Sometimes rasa kenyang (feel stuffed) is only in your mind─so is with laziness. First you lead your mind, then it leads you.

On the contrary, a good and a great writer is never afraid. Although he or she is not in fears-free life, he or she faces the fear. Good or great writers are not afraid whether in their writings or in their life. They just write what God ordered them to do and what they suppose to write (v. 2:6-7; 3:9-10). An Arabian proverb says, “A brave man dies only once. A coward dies a thousand times.” A traitor writer is always afraid. A good and great writer is never afraid.

A Writing Within Us

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:40:00 +0000

Dan apa yang telah Franisz pelajari, terima, dengar, dan lihat dari mentor-mentor Franisz, lakukanlah itu. Allah sumber damai sejahtera akan menyertai Franisz.

─Phillipians 4:9, paraphrase

Sometimes we long to write, and not do. Thomas á Kempis said, “The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill. Rather, fear because of the talent given you. If you think you know many things and understand them well enough, realize at the same time that there is much you do not know. Hence, do not affect wisdom, but admit your ignorance. Why prefer yourself to anyone else when many are more learned, more cultured than you?” Do your writing. When all is written and done, God will be with you (v. 9b).

You have known “all things”. You have written “many things”. You have heard “a lot of things”. But, many words cannot quench our thirst. Thomas á Kempis also said, “Many words do not satisfy the soul. But a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God.” Until we do what we knew, God is likely not being with us─although He is always accompanying us.

Though meaning is more important than money, works are the same necessary with words. Some people consider works are more important than words. But, the written words are equal to the deeds.

Beyond the Border..

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:25:00 +0000

What would come to your mind if you see a 56 years-old grandpa learning new language which is not common for him? Do you think he makes silly thing, and don't you think he's too old to learn it...?

First time I heard and read that story is when coincidentally I'm in my way of learning my new language... Castellano...

I'm a 27 years-old woman, dreaming about going to another part of the world, taking my specialty in ophthalmology.. Sounds great, doesn't it? But many times I doubt about being able to speak and being understood by whom I speak to, concerning my age in learning Spanish.

Scientists said that the best age in learning new language is in the age of 14-16. Unconsciously, it becomes some kind of border to everyone over 14 years-old in learning new language.

Me, myself, have proven that even if we had learned other language, which is not our mother language since 13 years-old, we wouldn't have the ability to speak it out fluently in the age of 27 if we were lack of verve in learning that language.

We may consider the result of many researches around the world about human abilities. But, we can't forget that there's a power bigger than our logically thought that helps us to walk beyond the border...

The result depends on our way of thinking..

I still can't prove that in my age I will be able to learn Spanish quickly. But at least, I can encourage myself by believing that I won't deal with it by myself... I have the Holy Spirit guiding me in learning every new things based on His will. That faith will bring me to another good things of learning something, which is positive attitude.

Positive attitude doesn't depend on the situation surround you... It depends on how good your relationship with God.

Positive attitude gives us strength in dealing with failure, which is common in our learning process. It will give us power to not give up until we reach our goal in learning the things we desire.

Be brave to walk beyond the border...

Feed your spirit...

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:27:00 +0000

The spirit inside you is need to feed..
You can't just let it being neglected..
For when it's forgotten.. you are the only one who will suffer.

Feed your spirit..
Its wealth impact on every aspect of your whole life..
It is the power beyond the Verve
It is the reason to keep on moving without complaining..

It brings hope.. joy.. strength.. to your every day life..

Feed your spirit by the words of God..
Don't let it starving

Learn A New Language, Get A New Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 03:23:00 +0000

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives.It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.”

—Charles Darwin

I used to master 1.945 kanji. It began from mastering one kanji, though. Yet, I need to keep practicing them in order to remember all of those kanji because I’m unlike Wolfgang Hadamitzky and Mark Spahn who authored The Kanji Dictionary and became kanji gurus.

Anyway, soon I will be going to Dominican Republic with my wife. She will study ophthalmology, and perhaps I will study audiology. Imagine: I graduated from Japanese language faculty, and will study Spanish to be an audiologist! Indeed, my wife is a medical student and a doctor, yet she also knows nothing about Spanish! It’s kinda being robbed when you study new things, while the old stuffs still on your bag.

We do speak English, and it is fine already to travel the world only with English. Mastering English is mastering the world. And my neighbor said that mastering Latin, mastering the languages—because all major languages were derived from Latin. I love Latin language, too. Yet, Spanish is one new challenge to learn! But, me and my wife will try anyway.

Why Americans are smart? Because since they were children, they have learned English. You know, we Indonesians usually speak more than two or three languages. My mother-in-law learned Batak Karo language. She’s a Javanese, which is hard to study Karonese language. But, she did manage to learn and master it, even has become more likely as a Karonese! While me and my wife able to speak four (or more) languages: Javaese, Bataknese (Batak Toba and Karo), Sundanese, Indonesian, Japanese, and English. And now we will have to study Spanish.

If Viktor E. Frankl—a psychologist—could learn new things and become a pilot; if a friend of mine, Lincoln Ali, who studied international relations, could study abroad and learn to skiing; if Jim Whittaker—a climber—could sail across and explore the sea; then we can learn new things or languages, too!

Anyway, shall I leave the 1.945 kanji? Should I forget my English? Not necessarily. We can use our old knowledge due in time needed. My wife said that there’s a man who is able to speak in 17 different languages! Is it possible? I wonder. But, if a man could fly a plane, if a genius could master every math’s formulas, then someone could be a master in language. And you gotta be in love with language in order to master many languages. But, the most important thing that I long to master is the eloquence of beauty of languages.

Leave your comfort zone. When you want to learn new language, sometimes it also means to be away from the same language community. You cannot be advance in studying new fruits of tongue if you stay with the same people who sing the same old song.

Learning new languages also requires new attitude—a readiness to face new things. Fear not of losing your old languages, but of not becoming flexible. The greatest enemy is oneself, and the deepest prison is the prison of the mind. The important thing you should conquer and free from is yourself and your mind in learning new languages. After all, it is better for you to change your attitude first before you learn new language. If you are approaching with new attitude, then learning new language will come easy. I did't say that learning new language will be easy. But, your heart will love to learn.

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 05:40:00 +0000

I asked for Strength.........
And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom.........
And God gave me Problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity.........
And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.

I asked for Courage.........
And God gave me Danger to overcome.

I asked for Love.........
And God gave me Troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors.........
And God gave me Opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted ........
I received everything I needed!

-from: Inspiring stories-www.indianchild.com-

If..

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:08:00 +0000

If Hee Ah Lee can Play Piano with her four fingers and has her concert around the world..
If a blind-amazing kid can play video games, skate, run, etc and live his life normally..
Do you still doubt the miracles?

God works!!
The best news is He works even through our weaknesses..

What Will He Say?

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:21:00 +0000

She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word.

―Luke 10:39

What were You saying, Lord, so that Maria sat close at Your feet? So that Maria was willingly to listen every words You said. I guess You have plenty to say─Your Word. That is why it’s true that how our attitudes toward You, Lord Jesus, may determines our altitude towards Your Word─the Bible.

What can make a woman really listen to you or read your writings? I think it’s confidence, enthusiasm, and energy. Although women also listen to men’s grief, they’re really captured in that three matters. That is why I can’t barely imagine Lord Jesus woke up every morning without excitement.

The love of two people who truly love each other is better than the love of the whole world for a one person. How is your heart now moved by His Word? Does it lift you up? Do you still love Him? Because He still and always loves you. Back to what you felt at first.

Now confidence and energy doesn’t mean we should always be enthusiastic in appearance. But, in our spirit, our voice, and our conviction. Writer Maya Angelou doesn’t look enthusiastic in appearance or motion, yet her deep convicted voice shows enthusiasm!

What if right now Jesus is sitting next to you in your bed? And you are sitting close at His feet? Sitting next to His feet is talking about humbleness before Him. He is God, willing to sit next to you. What is He saying─writing?

Anointed Writer

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:02:00 +0000

Sometimes, writing or speaking without power, authority, and anointing is like giving one thousand rupiah to a person who has a million rupiah! So, you should write with His power or anointing. An anointed author, John Calvin Maxwell says, “The anointing represents God’s intimate presence and enabling power.”

Sometimes, our motives are impure. It is better untidy writings than impure thoughts. MaryAnn Diorio said, “A sound soul is essential to sound writing.” James Watkins used to say, “I need to constantly remind myself that my identity is not being a writer and speaker, but a loved child of God.” It is better of you doing one act of truth or random kindness than being a glimpse of bunch of theories.

When we are spiritually bankrupt, so too our writings. Thus, it is “better” the communist writers. Why is that? Because like Lenin ever said, “Every communist is to be actively engaged in the distribution of atheistic literature.” Bob Hoskins ever said, “Communism best weapons were words─the power of the printed page! Communists weren’t afraid to preach their message wherever they could get an audience. They knew the power of literature.”

We are all monks in every area we choose─in writing, development, etc. And as a writer, if you don’t write, you become unproductive. But, a monk who doesn’t live what he believes in is a monkey. Let others speak or write in hasty and nasty language. But, you know you can do nothing without His anointing. So, go search for it.

What is the sign for someone who loses something? He will be looking for it. What about thirsty people? They’ll effort to find water, then drink it. What about a man who is hunger? He would try everything until he got food. Hunger is good. But, why when you’re losing, thirsty, and hungry for Him or His anointing, you wouldn’t search for Him?

We should want Him and want to be like Him before we’ll ever become like Him and receive His anointing. And it means being convinced that spiritual transformation is something desirable.

The confession

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:16:00 +0000

Dear Abba..

This is the confession of Your daughter..

I used to blame You when everything doesn't happen as well as my will..
I used to rebel just to make You understand my need..
I used to be disappointed when your decision seems to hurt me..
I tried to make You as good as my wish..

I know Your promises, but I doubt though I say I believe..
I know Your love, but many times I don't think it's quite enough..
I know Your grace, but I can't stop my worries..

Please forgive me for hurting You each time I don't trust You..
I hate to do those things.. but many times I lose control and I do it again..
:(

Please forgive me..

-Iva-

In the process of being perfected..

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:24:00 +0000

I was lost, but I'm found
I was hurt, but I'm cured
I was sinful, but I'm forgiven
I was condemned, but I'm exempted

I used to be afraid of sleeping alone, now I can stand all night long by myself
I used to be algophobia, now I'm a doctor
I used to be perfectionist, now I learn to be humble
I used to be well-organized, now I'm dealing with the abrupt

I'm weak, but I'm strengthened
I'm afraid, but I'm encouraged
I'm shy, but I'm emboldened
I've failed, but I'm survived

I'm blessed to be a blessing
I'm inspired to be an inspiration
I'm filled by mercy so that I can serve without counting my kindness

I'm nobody, but Jesus has made me worthy
For life is a process..
And He makes everything beautiful in its time

-Iva-

When nothing was written..

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:11:00 +0000

Water (Writings) From Your Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:22:00 +0000

He brought water for you out of the rock of flint.

―Deuteronomy 8:15b

Did you ever feel that idea is hard to come out as from a flinty rock? Perhaps you did. Yet, did God ever fail you? Up to this time, did He fail to guard, provide, and take care of you? If your heart says no, then I agree with you.

He will give you pretty ideas in its time. But, if you never give (money for tithing, quite time, et cetera) to God, He would likely not to give you (ideas for writing, or else). I don’t mean we can buy Him. And it is not only about giving, but intimacy with Him, too. I mean, He sees our heart. How can we recognize one’s own voice if we’re not intimate with him or her? And even though we haven’t given, yet our heart already tends to give, He will overflow us with ideas.

We tend not to counting on God and really worshiping Him anymore─especially when there is financial safety and living in comfort yet stressful (high pressure) zone. It is easier to believe what can be seen. But, what can’t be seen is permanent and safer. If we say we don’t want to be like this and judging others, our heart knows the truth. If we fail in generosity, usually we err and in unhealthy pride.

Sin can hinder ideas. Or, if it isn’t, it makes us hard to speak and tell the truth. Being able to tell the truth makes being able to write the truth easier. And writing the truth is the beginning of healing the heart.

Sometimes it is easier for God to bring out water from the flinty rock than from your heart.

He Cares...

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:12:00 +0000

Many times..
We let our thoughts dispute our hope for miracles..
We sink beneath the worries and let the gifts from God disappear

Don't worry if your decisions are not usual
Don't worry if you are not one of the popular
Don't worry if you can't fill the society's standard of life

It's everybody's right to be different..
indeed becoming popular doesn't bring anybody to the eternity..

Stop letting God's promises gone by the wind of distrust
Start learning to see everything happens beyond what you see and feel
Stop burdening your mind with the waste
Start making the priority..

God who created and more over who saved you, don't you think that He cares??

-iva-

Power to choose my attitude..

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:25:00 +0000

I realize that I have my own power to choose my attitude in dealing with the situations I face these days.. Waiting for something without thinking BIG can easily disturb my mood and break my hope. At last, it will drive me in self-pity.

I have to choose ..
- To be positive (by thinking: God's still working on it for my goodness) or
- To be negative (by thinking: God doesn't care about me, what a pity girl I am)

The rest depends on my decision...
But before I decide.. I should remember God's promises
For His promises are my strength

-Iva Ginting-

The Sensitivity of Writers

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:22:00 +0000

God communicates with you. You have to write down what He wants you to write (Amos 3:7).

A writer is a lion. Sometimes his or her writings are scary (Amos 3:8). I just don’t get it how people can be so afraid of a writing. Although a writer is a lion, the writings of a writer can be charming to the readers─just as we fascinated to the charm or elegance of a mighty and standing lion.

When you are going to write, you should better pray first (Amos 3:3), especially when your writings are long. Just as you want to go to somewhere faraway, you always pray first, don’t you? If you try to write without praying, it seems you try to write without God’s permission. Imagine. It’s like you want to walk with a stranger in the street. It’s rarely happen.

Writers have sensitivity. I hope so. They observe the surroundings (Amos 3:4-6). But, perhaps when you live in a safety zone or deep-pressured zone, you become insensitive. They have a stock of words─beautiful ones. Some words that unfamiliar for others are sometimes mesmerizing them.

You start to write when you got an idea or inspiration (Amos 3:4). It can come from God, the books you read, a blaze of thought, ‘& c’ (et cetera). You write not to be arrogant, cocky, or hinder others to write better or more than you. A lion never gets arrogant when he or she is roaring. He or she’s just showing himself and herself. You write just to write. That’s the simple secret. Forget the rules.

As closing, you just have to write down what God wants you to write. Use your energy.

Did Great Writers Have An Editor?

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:47:00 +0000

Sometimes in writing, you have to edit. You might even ask, “Did Shakespeare has an editor?” And in executive editing, you cannot do wrong. Pursue excellence, not perfectionism. Imagine Michelangelo when he drew on the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling. He didn’t want any single mistake. For the Lord sees. That’s also what the authors or the translators of the Bible did. They could do no wrong.

We do this is to make our readers understand, not to stand under you. But, even if our writings are not perfect, pray first, so that our writings are excellent and we do no wrong. And in order to make readers understand, we shall understand them first. It’s hard, though. In Nehemiah 8:1-15, verse 2 and 3 (NKJV), to understand (Indonesia: mengerti) is put first, then being understood (dimengerti) in verse 8 (NKJV). And put explanations so that readers understand.

Tony Cowie suggests us, “To compose as well as to understand.” If you do not understand your own writings, how could your readers? In order to make our readers apply what they read, we should apply it first. I know it’s not easy. But, let’s be like Thoreau. Ken Kifer said something about Henry David Thoreau…

“Thoreau is being every bit as revolutionary and anti-capitalistic as Karl Marx. But his solution depends on the actions of individuals rather than on the actions of armies and mobs. If you want a Marxist revolution, you have to join with others to overthrow the present system. But if you want a Thoreauvian revolution, you need to change only your own life, not that of others.”

When we embody our writing, we know what to say. We know words to give comfort in season. And those words can touch others’ heart or give strength (v. 10-12). Now, there are two kinds of way of giving comfort in season. You touch their heart and give strength to be able to hang on and face their obstacles. Or, you can give comfort just to hear them and don’t want them to overcome their problems. But, sometimes listening is meaningful for those who are in troubles.

I know, when you are asking joy, God can allow you to sense grief. I do not know how my life’s friend, Dina Evariyana (Iva), who as a doctor, facing grievous patients every day? What strength does she have? I do not know how you face your circumstances which are mournful, but you strengthen others by your writings? Have hope. For the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Solitude, A Way To the Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:27:00 +0000

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, will bring her into the wilderness, and speak to comfort her. I will give her her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt.”

─Hosea 2:14-15, NKJV

Sometimes as a writer, God will take you to solitude. It’s okay. He wants you to rely on Him. He wants to comfort your heart before you give comfort to others (v. 14). It’s nice to keep encouraging each other. But, if we can’t encourage ourselves, even though people encourage us, it is useless. It’s also nice to read many books on writings and learn from other writers. But, if we never write, it’s a vain.

As a writer, you also should give up to yourself. I mean, surrender. I know it isn’t easy. When you surrender yourself, you can touch others’ life. Your trials can be a blessing (v. 15).

What Are You Doing?

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:22:00 +0000

Although this writing media is about our journey and news to our families, we would also like to input about writing pieces. This entry below was actually from a book entitled, Writing Foriva, which I wrote for Iva's birthday.

Dengan percaya kepada ketaatanmu, kutuliskan ini kepadamu. Aku tahu, lebih dari pada permintaanku ini akan kaulakukan.

─Filemon 1:21

“Say what you want to say when you have the feeling and the chance. My deepest regrets are the things I did not do, the opportunities missed, and the things unsaid.”

─Jim Keller

It is not what you have written that makes you sorry; it’s what you did not or have not written. Even though when all is said and done, a lot of said than done, you need to say it and write that down. Every word is important─either good or bad word. Love is an expression, even for small thing. And so is writing!

Athur Sinaga said, “Saran saya, segala sesuatu dicatat. Usahakan ada catatan.” But, impressing or writing what you are not is like showing off a cheap new mobile phone─which looks good and expensive, but it isn’t! Anyway, do not hesitate to write (or type) it down. Open rebuke is better than love carefully concerned (Lebih baik teguran yang nyata-nyata dari pada kasih yang tersembunyi). So is to writing. You can express and write the best for others; can you express and give the best for you loved ones?

You know, during his ministry, John Sung was a simple man and loved God. John Sung knew God loves him. He prayed, wrote up his diary, preached, etc. he could never waste a minute. He used every available moment of the day to study and write. He wrote an average of several thousand words a day, including fresh gleaning from the Scriptures.

People asked John Sung, “Who are you (actually)?” He answered, “(I’m) merely a voice!” If I don’t write constantly in one or two days, or in a week, I’ll go crazy. By this, I want to imply the importance of keeping a journal and writing. Ralph Waldo Emerson ever asked Henry David Thoreau, “What are you doing now? Do you keep a journal?” So, soon right after that question, Thoreau made his first entry to his journal. A journal is really a close companion for life.

Sometimes we are ashamed in expressing our favorite writers. But, we should show respects and gratitude to them. We like the writers not only because of the writings, but as well as their spirit and persistence towards life’ obstacles. And indeed, you cannot forget how they might make you feel.

Well, my favorite writers are: Norman Vincent Peale, Joyce Meyer, John Calvin Maxwell… this list can go on and on─whether from Indonesia or other countries and any types. For example: Xavier Quentin Pranata, Viktor Emil Frankl, Anaïs Nin, Clive Staples Lewis, Philip Yancey, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, Gilbert Keith Chesterton, Alex Palmer Haley, Patrick M. Morley, Charles R. Swindoll, Amy Tan, Joan Didion, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Andrias Harefa, Helen Keller, William Shakespeare (of course).

Ernest Hemmingway, Vladimir Nabokov, Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Disraeli, Benjamin Carson, Washington Irving, John Irving, Abraham “Abe” Lincoln, George Bernard Shaw, Eleanor Roosevelt, David Livingston, Dale Carnegie, Mark Twain, Calvin Coolidge, Elbert Hubbard, Robert H. Schuller, Peter F. Drucker, Orison Sweet Marden, Stephen King (Richard Bachman), James C. Dobson, Edwin Louis Cole, Paulus Winarto.

Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Bera, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Leo Tolstoy, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Ishikawa Takuboku, Zig Ziglar, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Albert Schweitzer, David Joseph Schwartz, Aiden William Tozer, Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu (Mother Teresa), Ingwer Ludwig Nommensen, H. Norman Wright, John Gray, Billy & Ruth Graham, Anne Graham Lotz, Joyce Brothers, Aurelius Augustinus, Joni Eareckson Tada, Rick Warren, Robert Louis Stevenson.

Ulf Ekman, Andy Stanley, Friedrich Wilheim Nietzsche, John Wesley, H. Norman Schwarzkopf, Ann Landers, Jack Welch, Eliezer Wiesel, Og Mandino, Charles “Tremendous” Jones, Maya Angelou, Margareth Fishback Powers, Margaret Mead, Anthony Robbins, Geroge W. Target, Warren Wiersbe, Eka Darmaputera, Jonathan Edwards, Fred Smith, Watchman Nee, John Sung, Fanny Crosby, George Barna, J. Oswald Sanders.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, J. I. Packer, John Bunyan, Les & Leslie Parrott, John Donne, Kenneth Blanchard, Soren Kierkegaard, Carl Jung, Mohandas (Mahatma) K. Gandhi, Thomas Muller, Thomas à Kempis, Thomas Jefferson, Vince Lombardi, John Wooden, Sadhu Sundar Singh, Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj, Napoleon Hill, Napoleon Bonaparte, Florence Nightingale, Smith Wigglesworth, Stephen Covey, Madame Guyon, Hudson Taylor, Oswald Chambers, Joanie E. Yoder, Joseph Leininger Wheeler.

Bill Bright, Marilyn Hickey, Jack W. Hayford, Kathryn Kuhlman, Benny Hinn, Mandaliem Lembong, Rabindranath Tagore, Pati S. Ginting, Corrie Ten Boom, Agnes Pratiwi br. Ginting, Murlan Silalahi, Dina Evariyana Bangun, and Frans John Israel Ginting─last two are my favorite letter writers. Usually the most influential writers of your life are the ones who you mention on the first and the last.

Sometimes we are also ashamed to express our love toward God, our Lord Jesus. Get to know the divine Author personally, and you will have a greater interest in His book. Then, He will get interested in your book. Author Joyce Meyer wrote, “If you will tend to God’s business, He will tend to yours.”

Lord Jesus Christ is a great drum Player. He is advance Politician and Thinker. Jesus Christ is the politest Japanese. He is the enthusiastic Indonesian. Lord Jesus is a loving Rocker. He is the smartest Physician and Scientist. He is a advance Writer. Read and write like Him─short, simple, sharp, clear, provoking, and unique. His life is a writing.

You see, one day I found a pen. I looked at its ink. It was a dirty pen─full of dust and laid down on the floor. I took it up and then washed it. It has potential. There can be great writings from it. So is with God to us! He found us. He looked at our hearts. He saw potentials. But, we are full of dusts─sins, doubts, weaknesses, etc. He took us up and then washed our sins with His water of forgiveness. He believes… there can be His writing from our lives. And He wanted to express, say, and write it through us.

“Let’s tell our young people that the best books are yet to be written. The best paintings have not yet been painted. The best governments are yet to be formed. The best is yet to be done by them.”

─John Erskine

Little Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Franisz Ginting) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:14:00 +0000

Due to our departure soon, we (I) would like to say thanks to our (my) beloved friends.

I'm thankful and grateful for Mr. Tim. Without his kindness, I couldn't be here in Jakarta until now.

I'm thankful for bang Jules. You are the expression of poem of God.

I'm thankful for Mr. Pras, who has become an example of being humble. He is a calm guy, but has a lot of things to do. He has many skills too, especially in video editing and photography.

Thank you, kak Vino. You are a person with a cheerful heart, expressive. And we love you just the way you are. Without you around, the office is so silent, flat. Sometimes you are quite. Some other time, you are laughing out loud :D. A candle and salt indeed speak not much, but they give light and taste.

Thank you, miss Anggie, who is the same alumni with me from ANDI.

I thank you, my brother, my man--you the MAN--bang Lamhot 'Athur' Sinaga. Thank you for setting an example of hard work and work smart, and a caring heart. The opposite of love is not hate or anger, but indifference. When we do something wrong, and no one cares, then it's a fatal sign. Mom says, "We got angry because we care enough about you." We hope you will find the woman of your dream. :)

Thanks to Otje and Yuli. Thank you, Otje, for being a cool guy. Please, take care of Yuli. And for Yuli, keep loving and respecting him.

Xie-xie ni, Nita charm. You are charming indeed, whether you're sad or even more when you are happy. Never give up--neeeever give up in your life!

For Debby, are you still being Himawari :D? One day, you will be the sun (matahari). By the way, thank you for the picture above. Awesome.

At last but not least, be patience for someone. We thank you, Mbak Wati, my fellow traveler to Jakarta several months ago. Our beloved sister. We believe someday you will be a superb writer. Keep writing, no matter what.

The preparations of the heart [belong] to man, But the answer of the tongue [is] from the LORD.

(Proverbs 16:1)

Sincerely,

Iva and Franisz