Destiny Life

BBC2 – How To Write

2013-04-18T07:14:00.001+01:00

Michael Morpurgo, Philip Pullman, Caroline Bird, and few others talk about their personal approach and unique process to writing. This 30-minute talk was delivered to 400 young people at Broughton Castle in Oxfordshire.

The video is available on BBC iPlayer (UK residents only) until April 24th.

War Horse: Michael Morpurgo, Francois Place: Books

ISBN: 1405226668
ISBN-13: 9781405226660

Book Review: Origins by R.H. Hughes

2013-04-06T09:53:00.000+01:00

The tale is about the creators and the inhabitants of heaven. So it happens that the Masters are the creators. And of all their creation, they extol the characteristics of Lucifer, Michael, Gabriel and a few. The Masters continually give these select archangels greater responsibilities and duties of high honour in heaven. However, the Masters possess a secret knowledge - that Lucifer will betray his brothers and bring a terrible war on the universe. Secretly, the creators begin to plan with trusted angels and set up the defences of heaven in anticipation of the war their enemy will unleash on them.

“Origins” explores the fantasy realm of heaven, the creation of its government, and its ways of life. It also reveals the ties between the rulers and the subjects, though more of the text is dedicated to the development of the relationships among the powerful archangels. We also get to see how these heavenly beings grew into their given roles and how those roles changed them.

The book draws heavily on Christian, Jewish, and Greek mythology as a premise for the story. The style is surprisingly light-hearted and the language is free of fantasy jargons. This fact enables us to bond easily with the characters as we laugh with them, shed tear, and shake our fists in anger at the injustices and sufferings they endure.

Getting Out Of Our Head

2013-03-30T08:44:00.000Z

A portrait of Anthony Hopkins. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A friend posted this quote on Facebook last week:

There was nothing in his construction, in his architecture that would permit him to, but Peter did venture out on the water. It was audacity; it was temerity; it was inconceivable; it was madness; insanity of the first order. But he stepped out and the water held him; he took the second leg and the water held him – and he began to walk to Jesus! After some time he stood and his history began to challenge him... The key to audacity is to kill the intellectual!

– C.D. Gwamna

I did not think much of it, but I ran into another quote while surfing the web this week:

We are dying from overthinking. We are slowly killing ourselves by thinking about everything. Think. Think. Think. You can never trust the human mind anyway. It's a death trap.

- Anthony Hopkins

I have no special liking for quotable quotes. I believe it does sometimes breeds the tendency for taking words out of context to justify our erroneous thinking, like we Christians sometimes do with few sections of the bible. However, I do realise the main points of the two above quotes – the trap of overthinking issues and the pitfalls of relying on our minds.

Now it takes a certain kind of man to get addicted to the intellectual side of things. The guise of deep-thought can make us feel sage-like, give an air of superiority, and an aura of awesomeness some people strive to attain. But there is a trap in overemphasising thinking so much that it hampers us taking action on anything. It also encourages lazy thinking and focuses on the process of the thinking itself and not the results it is suppose to bring.

Obsessing on thinking does not bring in good ideas. It hampers us from following God’s words for our lives. It also kills our faith in God and fosters worrying, creating an idol in the shape of our intellect.

Getting out of our head makes us take ourselves less seriously so we can take in joy of living, of family, and of friends. It also has the potential to open us to childlike faith in what God can do.

Jesus said it all by saying:

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
- (Matthew 6:26-34 KJV)

Keeping Your Eyes On The Ball - The Pitfall of Chasing Creative Ideas

2013-03-10T20:07:00.001Z

Greek philosopher Archimedes having his famous bath (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Picture a naked man running in the streets, shouting “Yes! Yes! I found it. I understand it now.”

Yeah. That should be Archimedes after a crucial mental breakthrough on his problem regarding the king’s crown.

After a long period of intense concentration on determining whether the king’s crown was 100% gold without harming the item and coming no closer to an answer, Archimedes decided to take a break at the local bath. That break proved more valuable than all the hours he had spent at work.

A lot of creative people do say most of their ideas come out of the blue...when away from real work. An article in by Melanie Pinola on Lifehacker illustrates this well. You can also check designer Erik Spiekermann’s interview with Design Matters.

One of the most cited book regarding thought processes and creativity is the Art of Thought by Graham Wallas (1926). Wallas broke down the creative process into five parts: preparation, incubation, intimation, illumination, and verification.

The incubation section is one of the most underrated part of this process as it involves internalising a problem into our subconscious while taking no action outwardly. This mean allowing our minds to mull on the problem while we engage in a lighter activity of a different goal.

The truth is, when it comes to creative work, it does no good keeping your eyes on the ball 24/7. If you do, you are likely to come up with nothing. You must relax, take a bath, go for a walk, go dance, do something else and free your God-given mind to do its work independent of your interruptions. You may be surprised at the results.

How To Be The Best - Daniel Day-Lewis’ Way

2013-03-02T06:20:00.001Z

Academy Winner: Best Actor. Three times. That is a feat that no one has achieved, except for Daniel Day-Lewis. The moody-looking, son of Poet Laureate, Cecil Day-Lewis, took his first Oscar gong for Best Actor in My Left Foot (1990), his second in 2008 for There Will Be Blood, and just this week took the third for his role in Spielberg's Lincoln.

So what makes Daniel Day-Lewis special? Is he just lucky? Or was any of the three awards a mistake, you know, may be someone else deserved it more?

In any case, whatever you think of him, many people who have worked with him says he takes his art seriously and has a unique way to work.

As a writer, I am curious to learn Daniel Day-Lewis' approach to work. I want to know how he became one of the best around. As I read more about him, I discovered three things that makes him unique.

1. Fussy Bunny

Day-Lewis is reported to be very choosy of the roles he takes in the movie business. He is said to always agonised over the roles to accept and which ones to drop. Take this – he has starred in just six films over the past fifteen years.

2. Long Preparation Ritual

This point is an explanation of the above point. I learnt that the reason Day-Lewis is fussy about taking roles is because of the huge amount of preparation he puts into his characters. He was reported to have prepared for a year for his role in Lincoln. When he emerged from his preparation to the set, it was said that his voice had become quite close to Abe Lincoln’s actual tenor-ish, reedy voice.

3. Immersion

I am not talking about water baptism. Actually, this is name of the style Day-Lewis is reported to use to get to know his characters. Basically, he studies everything he needs to know about them and try and stay in the character almost every time and everywhere he is. Even when off the set, it is known that Day-Lewis still sometimes stay in character. He once said, "What would drain me much more, in my case, is jumping in and out of that world that we've gone to such an inordinate length to create for ourselves."In January, 2013, he told the BBC that his acting method made "complete sense" to him. "All you're trying to do is lay the groundwork, which might allow the imagination to free itself," he said.

Having gone through the above points, it is clear to see some of the price Daniel Day-Lewis pays to be what he is today.

My Left Foot [DVD]: Film & TV

ASIN: B00153NOVI

Creative Flexibility Sometimes Means Going Out On A Limb

2013-02-22T10:42:00.001Z

Coming out on the desert (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I have changed a lot of things on this blog and more change will be coming in coming days.

I love to think this is because I am still searching for my calling rather than being double-minded. More so, I would like to think I am being flexible and not superficial.

I have learnt that being creative involves taking a gamble and being adventurous. So I will say this is my adventure and I am going to enjoy every minute of it.

Free Audiobook - Brother Andrew: God’s Smuggler

2013-02-21T09:29:00.001Z

Assuming you do not know anything about Brother Andrew, he was basically a man who risked a great deal smuggling bibles across closed borders to get the Word of God into places it was not allowed.

This free audiobook is about his adventures, escapades, and the miraculous ways God led him during his various missions to dangerous places.

The audiobook can be downloaded for free (worldwide) at christianaudio.com

Hope the tale of this man of God enriches your spirit.

God's Smuggler: Brother Andrew, John Sherrill, Elizabeth Sherrill: Books

ISBN: 0340861142
ISBN-13: 9780340861141

New Release: Paul Wilbur–Your Great Name

2013-02-20T08:34:00.001Z

I think the last studio album by Paul Wilbur was “Holy Fire” released in 1997 by Integrity Music. Goodness! That was over 15 years ago.

“Your Great Name” is a new studio album released by Integrity Music and follows the tradition of Paul Wilbur’s Messianic worship style that has become well-loved by believers worldwide.

“Your Great Name” was released yesterday, 19th of February, 2013. It contains new tracks like “Song of the Beautiful Bride”, “Glory Come Down”, and the title track, “Your Great Name”.

See a clip of the title track, “Your Great Name (originally performed by Natalie Grant)”, below.

Thanks to Eydely Worship YouTube Channel for this track.

You can buy the title track (MP3), Your Great Name, through the Amazon link below:

Your Great Name: Paul Wilbur: MP3 Downloads

ASIN: B00B68X9NK

The Duality of Man

2013-02-19T07:51:00.001Z

Every road has its ups and downs.

Behind every smile lurks a hidden frown.

Outside a fire is a coldness ready to embrace.

In each human is good and evil waiting to stuff their face.

Please Pray for Carman.

2013-02-18T08:36:00.001Z

Carman Dominic Licciadello, a Christian artist I love, posted the message below on his Facebook page over a week ago. Please join me in praying for him and his family.

“I have delayed writing this but those of you I call friends and supporters, who have prayed for me and this ministry need to know about this new battle that lies ahead. One week ago I was diagnosed with Myeloma Cancer. It is incurable and I've been given a 3-4 year window of time. Tomorrow I go in for my first bone biopsy and the process will start. I used to go to movies in the afternoon, now I go see doctors. I write these things for a few reasons. First, I want to put an end to all the rumors. Second, I ask for your prayers. And 3rd, I want you all to know that I will continue to minister and win souls until I can't do it any longer. My life has always been about ministry. I have a call of God to touch lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ and that's what I will do until the Lord calls me home. Please, do not allow this Facebook site to be an ongoing blog for cancer treatment remedy's. That would be depressing to everyone.

If you have any insight you can message me personally. But I want to encourage you, if you can, to please come see me the next time I'm in your area. Bring someone who doesn't know the Lord or who needs to be healed. I will always pray for the sick and I'm also going to step up the intensity of my message at these events. I will not leave this world quietly and I want the devil to know that he put cancer on absolutely the wrong Italian. I have a few good years and before it's too late I want to see your faces, shake your hands and hug your necks. But mostly I want to see one of you get healed of what threatens your future and I really want to see someone you love come to Christ. Now lets get back to business, we have to work while its day for soon the night comes.
I love you all –C”

Carman is know for hits like:

1985:The Champion
1991: Addicted to Jesus
1991: High Praises, Vol. 1 & 2
1991: Shakin' the House...Live with Commissioned and the Christ Church Choir
1992: Yo Kidz!: Heroes, Stories, and Songs from the Bible
1993: The Standard
1994: Yo Kidz!, Vol. 2: Armor of God
1997: I Surrender All: 30 Classic Hymns
1997: Mission 3:16 (EP)

TV Series: Game of Thrones (Season 3) Is Back! - 31/03/13

2013-02-15T07:57:00.001Z

I am a sucker for good fantasy writing. George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire is an example of this. Though I have gone through the books, the TV series (based on the novel) by D.B. Weiss and David Benioff is a spectacle - a fine representation of when creative directing meets good writing.

Be warned, though, the nudity is a little too much (which a big minus in my book).

The Season 3 premiere appears on the screens on the 31st of March, 2013.

The Uncertainty of Life

2013-02-14T08:43:00.001Z

Uncertainty (Photo credit: nicubunu.photo)

“When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day or night do one’s eyes see sleep, … that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find out. Even a wise man claims to know, he cannot find out.” Ecclesiastes 8:16-17

It is well and good to learn how things work. It is even better to learn exactly what to do to be the best in a particular field. However, life do not always follow rules. What works for Mrs A yesterday may not work for Mr B today.

You do not know your path to success or poverty. There may be thousands of books and seminars out there, but no one really knows.

Jeremy Camp Raises An Important Question On His New Single, “Reckless”

2013-02-13T08:41:00.001Z

Is God enough?

The above question is, according to Jeremy Camp, the inspiration behind his new single, Reckless (released yesterday by BEM Recordings).

As we live, is our relationship with Christ being pushed back down the list of our priorities, further down below making money, raising children, and self-actualisation? I was blessed listening to him (video below).

Boundaries Keep Death and Decay Away

2013-02-12T08:58:00.001Z

Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere.

- G. K. Chesterton

Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No, To Take Control of Your Life: When to Say Yes, How to Say No, to Take Control of Your Life: CLOUD & TOWNSEND: Books

ISBN: 0310247454
ISBN-13: 9780310247456

Feeling Fear

2013-02-11T07:24:00.000Z

Therefore we are always full of courage, and we know that as long as we are alive here on earth we are absent from the Lord— for we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

It is funny how you beat your chest in boldness, beaming with pride and courage in front of everyone. You tell the people present, including yourself, that you will do what needs to be done when the time comes.

It is remarkable how when the time comes to make good your promise, you develop a sinking feeling. You are left with a dry mouth and a pounding heart. Dread comes over you like a cloud of bees, stinging you until you become dizzy with fear and panic, until you turn your back and flee.

When People Are Big and God Is Small, Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man Resources for Changing Lives: Edward T. Welch: Books

ISBN: 0875526004
ISBN-13: 9780875526003

Dr Ben Carson’s Speech at the National Prayer Breakfast 2013

2013-02-10T05:59:00.000Z

Ben Carson’s speech resonates with me on what is happening in the so-called Western countries today.

GIFTED HANDS: The Ben Carson Story: CARSON BEN: Books

ISBN: 0310214696
ISBN-13: 9780310214694

Charles Bukowski’s Take On The World

2013-02-09T05:25:00.000Z

Tales of Ordinary Madness: Charles Bukowski: Books

ISBN: 0753513870
ISBN-13: 9780753513873

Review - Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, & Life Together

2013-02-08T05:03:00.000Z

Real Marriage: The Truth about Sex, Friendship, and Life Together: Mark Driscoll: Books

ISBN: 1404183523
ISBN-13: 9781404183520

“This is costly book.”

The above was the first sentence in the fairly bulky red book.

The authors were right, though. There are sections of this book that seem like an autobiography as both Mark and Grace Driscoll delved into their respective pasts, bringing up errors, mistakes, and wrong decisions they had made regarding their marriage.

I believe this is a different marriage book as it does not present the author(s) as having “made it” and holding the key to marriage bliss. As a matter of fact, a big chunk of the book was dedicated to explaining the things they did not do right and what they should have done in the light of God’s word.

While several religious relationship books shy away from sensitive subjects like oral sex, masturbation, sex toys, and pornography, Mark and Grace boldly peer into this modern issues with humility and godly wisdom.

For its openness, directness, unabashed”ness”, scriptural-based instructions (and admitting lack of biblical reference for some issues), I recommend this book to any married couple regardless of whether they are enjoying your relationship or not.

(Image) The Lovely Path

2013-02-02T05:26:00.000Z

I took this picture three months ago while I was in West Malling, Kent. This particular woods was full of singing birds and couple of flying insects going about their daily businesses. It was lovely and my heart was happy, so I whipped out my camera.

The Artist's Way: A Course in Discovering and Recovering Your Creative Self: Julia Cameron: Books

ISBN: 0330343580
ISBN-13: 9780330343589

Paperman: Oscar®-Nominated Disney Short Film

2013-01-31T03:48:00.001Z

Cute! Directed by John Kahrs (a Disney talent directing for the first time).

You Had Me At Hello: Mhairi McFarlane: Books

ISBN: 000748805X
ISBN-13: 9780007488056

The Fruit of “Charity”

2013-01-29T05:30:00.000Z

“Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil;” Romans 14:16

Have you ever felt the need to tell some people to keep their hard-earned money instead of giving it to charities. There are so many charities in today’s western world that I am tempted to believe the world is now a kind and loving place where most people are looking out for your well-being.
Charities are big business that makes people feel happy they are not like other people. Their main business is making money and distributing it to places where it won’t benefit anyone but the man at the helm.
The tree of charity offerings sometimes bears the fruit of arrogance. For example, some people believe they are better than the residents of a region because they give to a charity that distribute used items there.
Compassion takes more than feeling sorry for someone. Compassion breeds humility in the giver, which in turn cultivates respect for the receiver. Don’t give to charities to feel good that you are doing good. That is not compassion.

When Helping Hurts PB: Corbett & Fikkert: Books

ISBN: 0802457061
ISBN-13: 9780802457066

An Underrated Classic – The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien

2013-01-26T05:33:00.000Z

The Silmarillion Gift Set: J. R. R. Tolkien, Martin Shaw: Books

ISBN: 0007120605
ISBN-13: 9780007120604

Just finished listening to the audiobook of The Silmarillion by JRR Tolkien. Still enthralled by its scale and grandeur. The fact that Tolkien worked on it throughout his life and loathe to publish it was sad but understandable. Some of the stories were personal to him, no doubt. And the emotions he poured into it still reeked off the pages of the book.
Beren and Luthien, the sons of Noldor, Fingolfin and his brothers, the siege of Angband are few of the tales in The Silmarillion that makes you sigh and meditate on life’s issues. This is a rare feeling that is not common when engaging with most fantasy fiction.
This book is an underrated classic and makes an impactful reading every time I pick it up in whatever form.
Blessed Lord, your gift to the sons of men is lovely. Beautiful is its glory and humbling is its majesty.

(New) Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers: Bless This House

2013-01-26T05:09:00.001Z

Bless This House: Music

ASIN: B009QYIC2E

Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit

2013-01-19T05:54:00.000Z

So some critics did not like the Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit. Tough luck.
I reckon book readers will appreciate it much more since this is a trilogy that is meant to cover not just The Hobbit’s tale alone but some parts of other Tolkien’s tales.
As for me, I did enjoy seeing Radagast on the screen. He was loony, as I expected. Fervently looking forward to The Desolation of Smaug in December 2013, God willing.

WORKING AT LABAN INC. REQUIRES DIFFERENT THINKING

2013-01-13T05:14:00.001Z

“I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten rams from your flocks. I did not bring you animals torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for whatever was stolen by day or night. This was my situation: The heat consumed me in the daytime and the cold at night, and sleep fled from my eyes. It was like this for the twenty years I was in your household. I worked for you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks, and you changed my wages ten times.” Genesis 31: 38-41 (NIV)

He was a good man, Laban. He loved to entertain strangers in need, enjoyed welcoming visitors, upheld good tradition, and never turned his back on family members. As a business man, he was doing well enough to stay afloat. His employees worked well, but gave him nothing special.

One day, Laban met Jacob.

Jacob was broke. He was desperate for shelter, food, and money. He came to Laban for retreat – a means of getting a short-term rest, food, and an opportunity for planning the next step in his life. He got all these and much more - a seemingly lucrative employment deal with an attractive retirement package in the form of Rachael. Jacob shook hands with Laban on the deal. It was a win-win situation.

Now Laban, like most savvy employers, was able to pinpoint his employee’s strengths and weaknesses very quickly. Most importantly, he was able to work out how his business might boom exponentially and his life enriched from tapping into Jacob’s strengths. However, he believed his lofty aims cannot be achieved without taking advantage of Jacob’s weaknesses and abusing the goodwill of his new employee. But Laban was not worried about that. At least, Jacob was being paid for his work. Besides, there were no suitable places around where Jacob could find good work and shelter at the same time. The clincher? Rachael! That retirement package was good enough to make Jacob do anything. Laban knew, like any smart business owner, that it is profitable to keep reminding your workers of their bonuses or incentives if they meet their targets. This is useful for motivation.

Jacob worked hard for the seven years of his contract. Laban’s company grew in size. It grew moneywise. It made huge profits, thanks to Jacob’s effort. Of course the road was rough for the superstar employee. Though he could see profits rolling in, Laban convinced him the business was not doing as well as its competitors. Wages were docked, in line with the “recession” period. Stricter rules were made to ensure wastes were minimised. Shorter breaks were introduced to ensure no employees loafed around.

It worked! Business boomed further for Laban. He became what he had always wanted to be. Wealthy.

Now it was the end of Jacob’s contract. It was time to collect his retirement package and move on to another step in life. This was when he noticed a clause in his contract. He had never seen it before but Laban told him it had always been there and the lawful interpretation remained the same. The clause said Jacob cannot marry Rachael with first marrying Leah, Rachael’s elder sister.

It was heart-breaking for Jacob, but Laban was ‘kind’. He gave Rachael to Jacob after the latter’s wedding to Leah but made him sign a contract extension for another seven years. Jacob signed. It was a lose-win situation.

Jacob later tended his resignation letter but Laban rejected it. The sad employee had no choice but to roll up his sleeves and continued slaving at a job he no longer wanted.

After much thought, Jacob took a gamble and renegotiated his contract. He struck a deal with Laban where he took a part of supposedly “damaged products” and oversaw a different part of Laban’s business. Laban agreed to this on the condition that his new in-law will give up his wages but keep the earnings from the “damaged items”. So it was done.

However, contrary to Laban’s expectations, Jacob succeeded in this unique business section for many years so much so that his fellow employees began to get jealous and his employer became suspicious.

One morning Jacob woke up and ran away with his profits, taking his wives and children. Laban followed, accusing his ex-employee of stealing. He tried to guilt Jacob into going to work. But Jacob, having an upper hand for the first time, refuted Laban’s argument and came away with his family and wealth.

Interpret this story in whatever way you please, but the truth is that most of the doings in this story were very unconventional (even on Jacob’s part) and require lots of courage and divine guidance. Jacob wanted something and was determined to work for it regardless of the difficulties he faced. He outfoxed a cunning boss legally and did not wait to submit a second resignation letter after the first one was rejected. It took long but he freed himself from slavery and grew prosperous in the process. That, for me, was worth emulating.