The Loretto Chapel's Mircle Staircase

World Over - Exorcism - Raymond Arroyo with Fr. Tom Euteneuer - 07-09-2010

The Home Study Program..!

Catholic Home Study Service invites you to learn more about our faith by studying at home. Nine free courses, faithful to the teachings of the Church, are available. When you request a course, you will receive a textbook and a workbook with study questions. After reading a section of the book, you can send your workbook answers to us either over the internet or by postal mail. We will make whatever corrections are necessary and answer any questions you want to ask. All who complete the course receive a graduation certificate. There is no charge for the course, and no one will call on you. You may take the course alone or with friends or family members.

Enter this site: http://www.amm.org/chss.htm

p/s photo above shows the books that I have received..thats mine hehe your?

* FIFA World Cup 2010 Offical Song Hymn | K'naan waving flag | + Lyrics ...

C.I.N.T.A

Allah adalah kasih. [1 Yoh. 4:8]

Kita telah mengenal dan telah percaya akan kasih Allah kepada kita. Allah adalah kasih, dan barang siapa tetap berada di dalam kasih, ia tetap berada di dalam Allah dan Allah di dalam dia. [1 Yoh. 4:16]

Ringkasan dari kehidupan Kristian: Kita datang untuk mengetahui dan percaya kepada kasih Tuhan untuk kita.

Hal ini tidak semudah kedengarannya. Seseorang telah mengatakan bahawa cinta terbahagi kepada tiga jenis: "kerana" cinta, "jika" cinta, dan "meskipun" cinta. Yang pertama mengatakan sesuatu seperti "Aku mencintaimu karena kau begitu indah" atau "kerana kamu telah melakukan sesuatu untuk saya." Kata kedua, "Aku mencintaimu dengan harapan apa yang boleh anda lakukan untuk saya atau untuk saya "perkahwinan. Ramai yang disatukan pada salah satu dari dua jenis cinta atau kombinasi keduanya. Jenis-jenis cinta ini jelas sangat rapuh dan boleh memudar ketika keadaan berubah: "anda tidak lagi begitu indah", atau "anda tidak apa yang saya berharap anda akan".

Jenis cinta ketiga berkata, "Aku mencintaimu untuk diri sendiri, dan ini tidak akan berubah walaupun apa yang anda lakukan atau tidak lakukan atau apakah anda tetap sama atau menjadi berbeza." Ini adalah cinta tanpa syarat hanya cinta sejati . Jenis-jenis cinta yang lain adalah perjanjian perniagaan sahaja.

Tidak pandai dengar..

Ramai orang sekarang hanya mahu dilayan saja. Rasanya dibentuk oleh duniawi hari ini, membuatkan kita mahu dilayan, dipuaskan, dihiburkan, dan sebagainya. Dunia kita sekarang penuh dengan hiburan yang nampaknya memanggil-manggil kita, berlegar-legar sahaja di kepala....KK-Box...Wayang..dan Facebook (banyak lagi tu kan). Kita juga amat dipengarungi oleh cara kita berpakaian dan kadang-kadang orang yang berpakaian kot lebih dihormati. Budaya ini kita bawa juga dalam Gereja, kita mau dilayani, mau dihiburi (sebab kadang-kadang kita nilai Homili sebagai siok atau tidak),pakaian, dan lebih parah lagi bila kita rasa tidak perlu hormat pada altar (sebab terasa macam orang lemah/tidak berkuasa).

Sepatutnya Homili masuk kedalam pemikiran kita dan menyentuh hati, bukannya short-cut terus kebelakang...makan buah epal dan bukannya makan epal yang sudah dikunyah-kunyah orang, teda rasa dan zat sudah (contoh orang yang minta kena suap sahaja). Jadi, no short-cut tapi banyak-banyakkan kita merenung, membaca, dan mentaati firman Tuhan. Baru dapat zat kan..baru seimbang.

"Pernah terfikir kenapa orang zaman lampau lebih menghormati misa kudus."

Love to be civil engineer

Majek fashek - HolySpirit ( 8 )

Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA ...

Bill Donohue defends child abuse (1/2)

Bill Donohue defends child abuse (2/2)

Larry King: Conspiracy & Cover-up in The Catholic Church (Must Watch)

I like this guy with his song ^^

GMB? Hillsong? 1am? TW? desperaton band? try this 1..

"love and affection" by majek fashek

ALLAH MELARANG PEMBUATAN IMEJ?

Orang kristian katolik bukan kristian? Orang katolik menyembah patung? soalan-soalan ini merisaukan saya pada masa dahulu sehinggalah saya menyanyakan tiga(3) soalan kepada diri saya secara jujur;

1. Patung apakah yang pernah saya sembah? Patung Yesus? Bunda Maria? Santo Santi?
2. Pernahkah saya mendengar Paderi/father, sister atau orang-orang katolik menyatakan "esok jangan lupa menyembah patung Yesus atau Bunda Maria?" atau soalan-soalan lain seperti itu?
3. Kenapa saya tidak pernah membaca atau melihat buku keluaran media katolik mengenai tatacara atau kaedah menyembah patung?

Mengapakah orang katolik tidak mengaku menyembah patung? untuk cover malu?? atau sahaja menipu diri sendiri untuk kepuasan diri? Adakah Pope memberi amanah kepada para missionary supaya menyembunyikan hal ini? Tapi untuk apa? Orang bukan katolik atau sebahagian katolik menganggap orang katolik menyembah patung disebabkan adanya patung didalam dan luar gereja dan rumah orang katolik. Orang Katolik sering dilihat berdoa berlutut atau berdiri depan patung Yesus, Bunda Maria dan santo-Santi. Bukan itu sahaja tetapi juga menunduk hormat atau seperti kelakuan orang yang biasanya menyembah patung, objek, alam semesta, gambar dan sebagainya.

Bukankah Alkitab melarang kita daripada membuat patung? Allah berkata kepada nabi Musa, "Jangan buat patung bagi diri kamu, patung yang menyerupai apa-apa pun yang ada di langit, di bumi, atau di dalam air di bawah bumi. Jangan sujud atau sembah kepada patung apa pun, kerana Akulah Tuhan, Allah kamu, dan Aku tidak mahu disamakan dengan apa-apa pun..." [Kel 20:4-5 (Alkitab BM), Ulangan 5: 6-9]. Tiada apa yang harus menggantikan Allah sebagai yang terpenting dalam kehidupan kita. Kita tidak memerlukan imej untuk menyembah berhala. Jika seseorang membuat wang sebagai perkara yang terpenting dalam kehidupannya, dia telah pun menyembah berhala. Dia telah menggantikan Allah sebagai yang terpenting dalam hidupnya dengan wang. Bukannya tindakan luaran tetapi niat dalaman yang menjadikan seseorang itu penyembah berhala.

Kebanyakan penolakan orang Protestan terhadap patung-patung agama Katolik dan gambar didorong oleh kecurigaan bahawa umat Katolik terlibat dalam penyembahan berhala dengan menyembah patung tersebut. Kebimbangan ini jauh lebih luas daripada yang mungkin anda fikirkan. Kebanyakan objek untuk patung keagamaan atas dasar Alkitab.

Ulangan 27:15 berkata, "Terkutuklah orang yang membuat berhala daripada batu, kayu, atau logam, lalu menyembahnya dengan senbunyi-sembunyi. Tuhan membenci penyembah berhala." Semua orang akan menjawap, "Amen!". Tambahan kepada penentangan penyembahan berhala juga terdapat dalam Bil. 33:52, Ulg. 7:5, 25, 9:12, 12:3; 2Raj. 17:9-18, 23:24; 2Kor. 23:17, 28:1-3, 22:18-25, 34:1-7). Dalam 1 Korintus 10:14 St. Paulus menulis, "Oleh itu, saudara-saudara yang aku kasihi, jauhkanlah diri daripada penyembahan berhala (Romans 1:18-23).

Allah mengutuk penyembah berhala, walau dalam bentuk apa sekali pun, sebarang pendapat, atau sex, atau kuasa, atau sebuah kereta baru, atau sebarang benda sebagai pemujaan/penyembahan. Walaubagaimanapun, Allah tidak melarang pengunaan dalam ibadat/keagamaan (religious images) seandainya digunakan dengan sebetulnya. Sebagai contoh, dalam Kel. bab 25 Allah memberi arahan kepada nabi Musa untuk mengukir patung malaikat.

Hal ini menunjukkan dengan jelas bahawa ada keadaan di mana pengunaan patung dalam keagamaan tidak hanya dibenarkan, tetapi benar-benar menyenangkan Allah. Contoh lain adalah insiden agak lucu dijelaskan di dalam 1 Samuel 6:1-18. Dalam Keluaran 28:31-34 Tuhan memerintahkan agar penutup dada imam Harun akan dihiasi dengan gambar buah delima. Dalam Bilangan 21:8-9 Ia menyuruh Musa untuk membuat patung seekor ular yang ajaib, akan menyembuhkan gigitan ular berbisa (bayangan bagi misteri salib cf [Kristus Yohanes 3:14.; 8:28]). Dan dalam 2 Raja-raja 18:04, ketika orang mula menyembah ular gangsa, Raja segera menghancurkannya. Pada masa dahulu lagi patung suci yang sah telah menjadi objek penyembahan berhala (What once was a legitimate sacred image had become an object of idolatry). Sebuah kisah amaran bagi sesiapa pun yang tergoda terhadap takhayul atau penyembahan berhala.

Dan perhatikan apa yang Allah katakan kepada Solomo saat ia membangun Bait Allah: "Jika engkau taat kepada semua hukum dan perintah-Ku, maka bagimu Aku akan lakukan apa yang telah Kujanjikan kepada Daud, bapamu. Aku akan tinggal bersama dengan umat-Ku Israel di Rumah yang engkau bina ini, dan Aku tidak sekali-kali akan meninggalkan mereka." Demikianlah Raja Solomo menyelesaikan pembinaan Rumah Tuhan (1 Raja-Raja 6:12-12-14).

Kenyataan ini penting kerana Rumah Tuhan mengandungi sejumlah besar patung-patung dan gambar termasuk malaikat, pohon, bunga, lembu, dan singa (cf. 1 Raja-raja 6:23-35, 7:25, 36). Keputusan Solomo untuk memasukkan gambar dan patung keagamaan tersebut hasil limpah hikmat (kebijaksanaan) dari Allah yang telah memberkati dia (cf. 1 Raja-Raja 3:1-28). Tuhan berfirman kepadanya, "Aku telah mendengar doamu. Aku mengekhaskan Rumah yang telah engkau bina ini sebagai tempat beribadat kepada-Ku selama-lamanya. Aku akan sentiasa menjaga dan melindunginya" (1 Raja-Raja 9:3).

Jelas sekali Tuhan tidak akan memberkati Salomo dan bait suci-Nya yang penuh dengan patung-patung dan gambar, jika Tuhan tidak bersetuju dengan mereka. Ini merupakan bukti tambahan bahwa patung dan gambar diperbolehkan dan baik apabila digunakan untuk menempah fikiran kita terhadap Allah dan realiti surgawi.

Ingat juga bahwa Santo Paulus menyebut Kristus merupakan gambaran dari Allah yang tidak kelihatan (Kolose 1:15). Perkataan Greek di sini untuk gambar adalah eikonos, dari mana kita mendapatkan kata ikon.

Sama seperti kita menjaga foto-foto keluarga dan teman-teman untuk mengingatkan kita akan mereka, kita juga menggunakan patung-patung dan gambar di rumah dan gereja-gereja untuk mengingatkan kita Tuhan kita, Ibu Maria dan para kudus.

Bagi saya secara peribadi, menyembah patung, gambar dan sebagainya tidak sama dengan membuat dan menyimpan patung atau gambar. Penyembah berhala tetap penyembah berhala, manakala pembuat patung tetap pembuat patung.

Jika saya ingin bertobat dan berdoa dihadapan kayu salib Yesus kemungkinan besar saya senang merasakan Yesus hadir atau dalam suasan doa. Jika dilihat orang lain misalnya non-katolik kelihatan seperti saya menyembah patung. Matius 22:37, Yesus mengajak kita "Kasihilah Tuhan, Allahmu, dengan segenap hatimu dan dengan segenap jiwamu dan dengan segenap akal budimu".

Saya dapat bayangkan saya menonton perlawanan FIFA world cup 2010 dengan keseorangan dan bandingankan pula bersama teman dengan jersi pasukan yang diminati, saya yakin lebih bersemangat, berjiwa, hangat daripada berseorangan. KKR yang biasa dilakukan oleh Protestan menggunakan musik sebagai penyediaan diri seseorang untuk dapat masuk dalam suasana doa. Bergitu juga dalam retret yang biasa dijalankan oleh gereja katolik dan protestan.

"Dalam blog ini saya bukan menyatakan gereja katolik benar dan yang lain salah tetapi sekadar ingin menyatakan mengapa gereja katolik membenarkan penggunaan patung dan gambar dalam keagamaan."

Salam damai dalam Yesus Kristus+

#Ayat Alkitab semuanya dipetik daripada Alkitab [+Deuterokanonika] BM, 1996

THE CATHOLIC DIGEST WEDDING GUIDE

BY PAUL BOUDREAU

"Will you marry me?" Now there's a life-changing question if ever there was one. It may be the one you've been waiting for. It may be the one you've been building your courage to ask. It may have even tumbled out of your lips unexpectedly in the glow of candlelight and soft music. Whatever the case, it's on the table and if the answer is "yes," you've got work to do.

As for Mom and Dad, you've just been promoted to the status of wedding planner. So whether you're the bride-to-be, the bachelor emeritus, the MOB (mother of the bride) or the FOB, or the groom's antecedents, you possess a common vision: that moment the bride and groom stand at the altar before the priest in the church.

As a sacrament, marriage pos­sesses a unique character. It is the sacred expression of the rela­tionship between Christ and the Church, the union of body and soul, flesh and divinity we share with our Lord and God.

Therefore the Church has a serious stake in your upcom­ing wedding. How you express the mystical message of this sacrament is of critical impor­tance. The event you plan, the components of your wedding lit­urgy, from the decorations to the music to the outfits to the words you speak and the gestures you make, all combine to present our Catholic faith to your family, your friends, and all your wedding guests. More importantly, your wedding liturgy will implant an image of what you believe deep in your heart to serve your spiritual needs as you journey through the rest of your life.

With all that in mind, here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help you prepare for the big day:

FIRST THINGS FIRST

How soon in advance do we need to approach our parish to be married?

Normally, parishes require a six-month lead time for wed­dings. This allows for the proper preparation of the couple. It also assures the pastor that the couple will have ample time to consider the gravity of their intentions and address any concerns they might have. Additionally it gives the couple a better shot at the date and time slot they want. Check with the church first, before you engage a reception facility, so that you can better coordinate the date and the time.

Do I need to be a registered parishioner at a parish to have my wedding there?

Most parishes probably require you to be registered members, or at least your family of origin to be members. This is true for all cel­ebrations of the sacraments.

How much does a Catholic church charge to perform a wedding ceremony?

It varies from parish to parish, but expect to make an offering com­mensurate with what you are pay­ing for the wedding planner, the videographer, the photographer, the limo, and the reception. So if the wedding planner is being paid $1200, the videographer $1500, the limo $800, and the reception $30,000, don't figure on giving the church a $20 bill. As a pastor, I've simply asked for a free-will offer­ing and have received everything from $50 to $5,000.

Why can't we get married on the beach/elsewhere outside a church?

Marriage is one of the seven sac­raments of the Catholic Church. As such, it is appropriately cel­ebrated in the church building. The church setting sends a clear message to the assembled guests and the wedding party that the couple's call to union comes from God and is an outward sign of the mystical presence of Jesus Christ in their marriage. Both spiritually and socially, the church setting is necessary in an increasingly secular society. A wedding on the beach, or in the garden, or even in the Chapel of Pink Hearts doesn't convey that same sacred quality.

A Catholic may receive goodwill permission from the bishop to marry a non-Catholic Christian in a non-Catholic Christian church. The bishop may also give permis­sion for a Catholic to marry a non-Christian, such as a Buddhist or Muslim, in a neutral or secular setting. But a Catholic marrying another Catholic in a Catholic cer­emony should marry in a Catholic setting. The Church is identified by its buildings; one does not drive by a beach and think "Catholic!" In a strictly religious sense, a church evokes "the sacred" much more readily than a beach or a garden.

Can I have a wedding in a church without Mass being part of the ceremony?

You most certainly can. In fact, many priests prefer such a cer­emony because at most weddings, participation in the Eucharist, the responses and such, and Holy Communion will be light, given the broad makeup of the assem­bly. Such an event would not be a particularly good witness of Catholic faith and celebration. Also, the Eucharist is a sign of unity. But friends and family who are not Catholic would custom­arily exclude themselves from Communion, and that would not be a sign of unity.

Can we be married at my fiancee's church even though she's Protestant?

Catholics can be married in a Protestant church with a special dispensation by the local bishop. Your priest will help you obtain permission.

My fiance isn't Catholic. Can we still get married in the Church?

Yes. While Church law obliges Catholics to marry other Catholics, this law is commonly

dispensed. The pastoral team preparing you for marriage will request the necessary dispensa­tion from your local bishop.

My fiance and I have been away from the Church for a while. We want a church wedding, though. How do we approach a parish about this?

It's really easy to put yourself in a position to have a church wed­ding. Just start going to church. Make sure you greet the priest coming and going each time you attend, and attend regularly. This way you get the lay of the land, decide upon a priest or deacon to witness your wedding, and make yourself known to the pastor. Remember to register your membership in the parish office and sign up for envelopes. This way there will be no problem what­soever having a church wedding. At the same time it will give you an opportunity to rediscover the beauty of the Catholic faith and perhaps learn what attracts you to the idea of a church wedding. Celebrating your wedding in a Catholic church means that you are joining the faith community as a sacrament, an outward sign of the living presence of Jesus Christ in your marriage. What you seek is more than a wedding in a church; it's the identity you will take on as a married couple.

I was not confirmed. Can still get married in the Church?

Catholics are required to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation before marriage, unless doing so results in a "serious inconve­nience:' What constitutes a "seri­ous inconvenience" is usually determined by the local pastor. Some are strict about it and some aren't.

THE PLAYERS

Does the Church have rules about what the bride and groom wear — in style, color, level of modesty, etc.?

The Church's liturgical documents use the term "appropriate and dignified clothing" a lot when referring to what should be worn by ministers. Keep in mind that the bride and groom at a wed­ding liturgy are the ministers of the Sacrament of Marriage. Therefore their clothing should be appropriate and dignified. In addition, your priest may have specific rules for what he consid­ers appropriate. Some priests prohibit strapless or low-cut gowns, for example. However, the traditional white wedding gown is not required. I remember one October wedding when the bride wore something made out of orange cellophane. I thought it was silly, but it was her call.

If I have a themed wedding, can guests attend in costume attire?

If the costumes are dignified and not offensive to Catholicism, and if your pastor grants his approval, there shouldn't be a problem. The traditional wedding gown and tuxedo are costumes, too. They are secular symbols of wealth and social status and not at all religious. I once witnessed a wed­ding with a cowboy theme. The bride was the schoolmarm, the groom was the sheriff, the bridal party members were deputies and dancehall gals, and the guests were all buckaroos. There was even a stagecoach with four horses waiting out front. But check with the person performing the wedding. One priest may not mind Commander Riker marry­ing Counselor Troi, but another may draw the line at Lieutenant Worf tying the knot with the Borg Queen.

My friend says that it's not really the priest who "marries" the couple at the Catholic wed­ding; he says the couple admin­isters the sacrament to each other. Is he right? If this is true, what do we need a priest for?

Your friend is correct. In the theology of the Catholic Church, the sacrament of marriage is administered by the couple to each other. The priest or the dea­con is required because he is the Church's official witness to the marriage. He receives the wed­ding promises of the couple and assures the validity of the sacra­ment. Additionally, he fulfills the requirements of the state to solemnize the marriage and sign the license.

Are Catholics allowed to sign a pre-nuptial agreement?

Nope. A couple entering into a Catholic marriage must intend an unconditional, lifetime commit­ment. Any condition that is con­tingent upon a future event would serve to invalidate a Catholic marriage. No pre-nups.

THE MUSIC

Can we use secular music at our wedding?

Generally speaking, religious music is appropriate for the church and popular music is appropriate for the reception. You would not play "We've Only Just Begun" for the wedding proces­sion any more than you would want "Tantum Ergo" for the first dance.

Some secular music has enough religious connotation to work in the church. It would be best to discuss the music selection with your pastor or the music director.

THE CEREMONY

What will a parish generally allow as far as decorating the church, and where?

Generally, local florists know what works in a given church. If you're going beyond flowers, work together with the person who normally decorates the church for Sundays. Keep in mind that litur­gical seasons have specific colors and themes.

Rose petals work in the aisle if you clean up after the wedding. Rice outside? Again, clean it up. If it rains, the rice turns into a gooey, slippery pilaf that invites an accident and a lawsuit. Some parishes prohibit it. Same is true for birdseed. Birds eat it, create a mess, and sometimes end up in the church. Confetti stains. Try bubbles instead. Florists sell tiny individual-sized bubble bottles by the truckload, and the kids love em.

Other things to keep in mind when decking out the church for your wedding:

1. Don't put anything on the altar, even if the florist wants to throw in an "altar spray" for free. The only things that go on the altar are the bread and wine and their accompany­ing liturgical hardware.

2. Don't put anything between the priest's chair and the congregation. Father shouldn't have to peer through a potted palm to see what's going on.

Why can't we do a reading from a secular source at our wedding?

The readings for the Liturgy of the Word prescribed for weddings are taken from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Psalms, the New Testament, and the Gospels. Readings from sources other than the Bible would not be appropriate for the Catholic celebration of a sacra­ment. It is from the word of God and the traditions of our faith that our understanding of the sacred nature of marriage springs. And it is from the word of God that the priest or deacon preaches and instructs the couple. Perhaps a secular reading of your choice can be offered during the reception.

Can we write our own wed­ding vows?

Couples can and do write their own vows. But they must contain certain elements, i.e. a statement of "taking;' receiving, or accept­ing the other as spouse, the pledge of unconditional, lifelong commitment, and the promise of exclusivity or faithfulness to the marriage. Stuff about being "best friends" or "soul mates" or how you feel when you look into each other's eyes is OK, but the more you depart from the basics, the harder it will be to get your com­positions approved. You can read your promises, recite them from memory, repeat after the priest, or have the priest read them to you as a question to which you respond with the very traditional "I do" Keep in mind that the emo­tion of the moment will surprise you and you may not be able to clearly speak your promises. While there's nothing wrong with getting a little choked up, it may be embarrassing to you or prevent the assembly from hearing your vows.

Can our wedding photogra­pher or videographer stand by the priest, near the altar, or in the aisle during the ceremony to get good shots?

Most professional photographers/ videographers know how to get good shots and stay out of the way. But some don't. They should not be a distraction to the cel­ebration of the sacraments. It would be totally inappropriate for someone to be lurking around the altar who isn't involved in the ceremony, but that doesn't stop everyone. I once saw a video guy shooting the couple from a step­ladder behind the priest during the eucharistic prayer. I've tried to keep photographers out of the aisle during the bridal procession, but they do it anyway. It's become a lost cause. Some priests can get militant about it. Others just let it go. Curb your photographer.

What are the rules as to who may receive Communion at a Catholic wedding?

Anyone who is Catholic and properly disposed to receive Holy Communion may do so. Anyone who is not a Catholic but who has received express permis­sion from the local bishop may also receive.

My sister and her fiance had to go to confession the evening before the wedding. Will we have to do that too?

A Catholic pastor doing his job will strongly encourage you to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation before your wed­ding and provide you with an opportunity to do so. However, you are required to confess only if you are conscious of an uncon­fessed mortal sin. At the same time, it's always a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity.

My fiance and I want to stage a fabulous entrance at our wedding, maybe a little dance routine. Our priest isn't in favor of this.

Why not? While dance routines in wedding processions are gaining traction on YouTube, they've never been an American wedding custom. Generally, anything that draws attention away from the wedding sacrament loses favor in the wed­ding liturgy. Your priest is simply and correctly trying to get you to tone it down for the sake of your wedding. How about staging a fabulous entrance at the recep­tion? That would be cool. CD

Father Paul Boudreau is a priest of the Diocese of Norwich, Connecticut, cur­rently serving in the Diocese of San Bernardino, California. He is an award-winning author, teacher, and retreat leader. His monthly column on parish life appears in Today's Parish magazine.

Addition:

WEDDING CUSTOMS EXPLAINED!

Why can't the groom see the bride before the wedding?

This custom dates back to a time when most marriages were arranged by the groom and the bride's father, with the groom giving money or some other item of value in exchange for his bride. Since the groom might never before have seen the woman he was to marry, and on the chance that he might not be pleased with her looks, it was forbidden for him to see her until the time of the wedding, when the payment would be made. By that time, it would be too late for him to back out of the arrangement.

source: Edited from Catholic Digest (February 2010)

Why Go To Church?

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went
on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.. But I do know this ... They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

All right, now that you're done reading, send it on! I think everyone should read this! "When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, "Jesus, could you get that for me, please?"

spread it to your Christians friends as much as you can so together we could see God's well-made plan!!!!

I Believe

I Believe...

That just because two people argue,

It doesn't mean they don't love each other;

And just because they don't argue,

It doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...

That we don't have to change friends,

If we understand that friends change.

I Believe....

That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe....

That no matter how good a friend is,

They're going to hurt you every once in a while

And you must forgive them for that.

And you will hurt that very good friend every once in a while, but because they are a very good friend, they'll forgive you for it too.

I Believe...

That true friendship continues to grow,

Even over the longest distance.

The same goes for true love.

I Believe...

That you can do something in an instant

That will give you heartache for life.

I Believe....

That it's taking me a long time

To become the person I want to be.

I Believe...

That you should always leave loved ones with loving words -

It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe....

That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe....

That we are responsible for what

We do, no matter how we feel -

That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...

That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe...

That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe....

That sometimes when I'm angry

I have the right to be angry,

But that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe...

That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them - and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe....

That it isn't enough, to be forgiven by others.

You have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...

That no matter how badly your heart is broken

the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe....

That our background and circumstances

may have influenced who we are,

But, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...

That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret.

It could change your life Forever.

I Believe....

Two people can look at the exact same thing

And see something totally different.

I Believe...

That your life can be changed in a matter of hours

By people who don't even know you.

I Believe...

That even when you think you have no more to give,

When a friend cries out to you -

you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...

That credentials on the wall

do not make you a decent human being.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;

They just make the best of everything they have.

How To Use Love And Affection To Enrich Your Personal Relationships

Healthy Relationships Require Words Of Affection
By Jamie Simmerman
Published September 05, 2007

Love and affection are an integral part of any intimate relationship. Unfortunately, many adults today find themselves at a loss when seeking to nurture a relationship with that special someone. Some have never experienced tender love and affection themselves or have been hurt deeply in the past and now shun all forms of love and affection as a defense against further infliction of pain. Others think that they are being loving and affectionate only to find out too late that they have fallen short and their partner’s needs have been sorely unfulfilled. In order to understand the role of love and affection in a healthy relationship and express them appropriately, it is important to understand what love and affection are.

What Is Love?
Love is often mistakenly referred to as a feeling. Love at first sight is equated to a magical occurrence where destiny binds two individuals for life and they ride off into the sunset to live happily ever after. This theory works for those who live in the world of fairy tales, but leaves those of us who live with reality wondering what went wrong when the excitement of a new relationship wears off. Love is often blamed for the breakup of many a relationship with the chilling conclusion of, “I just don’t love you anymore,” or, “I just fell out of love with you.”

The simple truth is that love is not a feeling, but a choice. This type of love and the resulting affection serves as a foundation for a lasting, healthy relationship.
It is a minute-by-minute decision by both parties to remain committed to each other and treat each other in a loving manner. Love is expressed by a person’s actions, and is not dictated by one’s feelings. It is an attitude, a habit and a mantra. Love is best expressed when a person chooses to put another’s needs above her own.

What Is Affection?
Affection is seen on the superhighway between your head and your heart. Affection is a deep, long-standing commitment to understand what your significant other’s needs are and the willingness to consistently strive to meet those needs. It is love in action and is the daily motivation to build a strong and lasting relationship with another human being. Affection produces feelings of intimacy, security, significance, and respect in a relationship. Affection results in the tender feelings that are often called love. It is a learned behavior and for many people, takes a considerable amount of effort to achieve. We are naturally born with the ability and desire to love; affection takes work.

Now that love and affection have been covered, let’s take a look at how to express them.

What Are Words Of Affection?
Words of affection are historically one of the greatest expressions of affection between two people. Classical poetry, love stories and sappy romantic movies are all dripping with whispered words of affection, and for good reason. The auditory sense is a powerful force. Whispering words of affection to your loved one can instantly create a private and intimate moment between the two of you and reinforces the bonds of love that you share.

It is important to remember that affection is a learned behavior. If spouting words of prose and whispering sweet nothings in your lover’s ear seem like ridiculously embarrassing behaviors, take heart. Even the most fluent of bards had to start somewhere; begin with a simple, “I love you,” and add a few phrases over time.

What Is Public Affection?
Public affection should be discussed with your partner in advance. It is important to understand how your loved one feels about public displays of affection and if it will have the opposite effect than what you are striving for. Childhood values and morals may dictate that all forms of affection be kept behind closed doors and out of view of the public. If this is not an issue in your relationship, public affection can often boost the feeling of security in a relationship because it conveys a sense of mutual dedication and declares your love to the world around you.

Public displays of affection can be as simple as holding holds, a touch on the shoulder or looping an arm around a person’s waist. Intense public displays of affection such as gazing into each other’s eyes on a crowded street or making out on a park bench may be too much for some couples and should be discussed beforehand.

Overcoming Unhealthy Behaviors
Unfortunately, many adults enter into serious relationships with defective coping behaviors and beliefs. Emotional baggage is too often carried into relationships after failed relationships without ever addressing these defective thought patterns.

The good news is that since affection is a learned behavior, healthy habits can be created with a little understanding and hard work.

Alienation of affection at an early age can result in a person’s inability to express or receive affection. If the problem is severe, a professional counselor or pastor may be helpful in resolving the defective thought patterns that lead to this behavior. Alienation of affection tends to be reproduced for generations unless an individual who is willing to learn and change breaks the pattern. Alienation of affection can result in an individual who appears cool and distant, or a person who seems to be starved for attention.

One of the most common obstacles to intimate, lasting relationships occurs when one person is starved for affection. This problem may go unnoticed in the beginning of a relationship since emotions run high and huge amounts of affection are expressed in response to the excitement of a new relationship. As time wears on, the partner who feels starved for affection may feel like the comfortable, slower paced expressions of affection are an indication that love is fading away. One key tool in combating this perception of being slighted is to communicate openly with each other about what each of you is feeling. Caring for a person who is starved for attention may take a greater commitment to a higher level of consistent behavior than other relationships, but it is also likely to be more rewarding than most relationships as long as affection is consistently expressed.


Each person can create a list of activities that convey love and affection to him or her. You may be surprised at the differences and similarities between your list and your partner’s, as there are several main differences between the needs of the sexes. There are several relational books on the market that discuss the basic needs of men and women that can help you understand how to better meet the needs of your partner.

One very important concept to understand when learning how to express love and affection in a relationship is that no one person is able to meet every need of another. Placing such a large expectation on any relationship is a recipe for disaster. Other healthy relationships with friends and family members are required to have a fulfilled life.

Healthy relationships require constant nurturing. Love and affection are choices that strengthen a relationship and provide a lasting foundation that will weather the storms of life. By learning the needs of your partner and developing a consistent habit of expressing your love and affection for each other, you can experience a fulfilling relationship and serve as a shining example of the true definitions of love and affection.

source: http://www.lifescript.com/Soul/Self/Growth/How_To_Use_Love_And_Affection_To_Enrich_Your_Personal_Relationships.aspx

Catholic Wedding Vows

The most important part of a Catholic wedding is what is commonly known as the exchange of vows. These words are the heart—the essential element—of the sacrament of marriage; they form the covenant that establish the couple’s marriage. The Church calls the exchange of vows consent—that is, the act of will by which a man and a woman give themselves to each other, and accept the gift of the other. The marriage can’t happen without the declaration of consent (Catechism #1625 - 1631).

Catholic wedding vows are usually preceded by three questions from the priest:

"(Name) and (name), have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage?"

"Will you honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives?"

"Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?"

The bride and groom respond "I will" or "yes" (Rite of Marriage #34).

The Rite of Marriage (#25) offers several options for Catholic wedding vows. The standard version goes like this:

Priest (or deacon): Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and his Church.

Groom: I, (name), take you, (name), to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

Bride: I, (name), take you, (name), to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.

It's ideal if you memorize the words of consent; doing so emphasizes that your consent to be married is truly heart-felt. Memorizing the words of consent in the weeks and months leading up to the wedding is also a good spiritual practice that will help you to focus on the deeper meaning of your marriage.

If you're worried about forgetting the words, or being too emotional to say them clearly, many priests and deacons will have you repeat the words of consent after them, phrase by phrase. The Rite of Marriage doesn't actually suggest this, though; instead, it offers this simple alternative:

Priest: (Name), do you take (name) to be your wife? Do you promise to be true to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and honor her all the days of your life?

Groom: I do.

Priest: (Name), do you take (name) to be your husband? Do you promise to be true to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and honor him all the days of your life?

Bride: I do.

In the United States, Catholic wedding vows may also take the following form:

Groom: I, (name), take you, (name), for my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

Bride: I, (name), take you, (name), for my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

Again, you can also simply respond to the priest’s question:

Priest: (Name), do you take (name) for your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?

Groom: I do.

Priest: (Name), do you take (name) for your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?

Bride: I do.

The priest acknowledges that the couple have declared their consent to be married, prays for God's blessing on the couple, and declares, "What God has joined, men must not divide" (Rite of Marriage #26). This is the point at which, sacramentally, the bride and groom become wife and husband.

The Blessing of Rings follows the declaration of consent. (Again, it is ideal for the bride and groom to memorize these lines.) The priest says a blessing over the wedding rings (Rite of Marriage #27) and then the couple exchange wedding rings (#28):

Groom (placing the wedding ring on his wife's ring finger): (Name), take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Bride (placing the wedding ring on her husband's ring finger): (Name), take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The General Intercessions (Prayers of the Faithful) follow, and then, if the sacrament of marriage is being celebrated within Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

You may be wondering whether you can write your own Catholic wedding vows. Because the Rite of Marriage does not provide an option for couples to write their own vows, however, it is unlikely that the priest or deacon who assists at your wedding will allow you to do so.

source: http://catholicweddinghelp.com/topics/catholic-wedding-vows.htm

Cinta yg tak dapat kuraih

From : Milky Lie

Cinta yg tak dapat kuraih

Dear Milist,

Di hari Valentine ini, saya ingin mensharingkan kehidupan pribadi saya. Semoga sharing ini dapat memberikan warna baru akan arti cinta untuk rekan-rekan semua.

Saya berasal dari keluarga blasteran dimana papa saya berasal dari Indonesia, sedangkan mama saya berasal dari Amrik. Dilahirkan sebagai anak tunggal dari keluarga yang memiliki segalanya, seharusnya merupakan kebahagiaan untuk saya. Segala yang saya inginkan, pasti akan dipenuhi. Kedua orang tua saya termasuk yang berpikir, dengan harta dan kekayaan, saya dapat bahagia.

Kejadian buruk menimpa saya, ketika saya duduk di SMP kelas 2. ketika itu saya ikut didalam pesta ulang tahun teman baik saya. Siapa yang menyangka kalau ada seorang teman saya yang menaruh obat tidur ke dalam gelas minuman saya pada saat itu. Akhirnya saya pun tidak sadarkan diri. Ketika terbangun, saya sudah berada dalam kamar dalam keadaan tubuh telanjang. Disampingku seorang teman, yg merupakan teman satu gank ku juga sdg tertidur dan keadaan telanjang pula. Saya bingung dan marah, saya memaki dan melemparkan semua barang-barang yg ada disana ketubuh lelaki bejad itu, yang sudah tega menyetubuhi saya ketika tidak sadarkan diri. Tetapi apa yang dikatakan “bajingan” itu ? Dia katakan bahwa dia mencintai saya. Dia lakukan ini karena dia sayang dan cinta kepada saya. Apakah cinta dan sayang dihargai dan di nilai dengan tubuh dan sex ? Dia menangis dan berlutut untuk meminta maaf. Ketika itu Perasaan saya hancur. Saya melihat masa depan saya menjadi suram. saya jijik dengan! dia dan terlebih dengan tubuh saya sendiri. Saya ingin bunuh diri, tetapi dia menahan saya. Nasi sudah menjadi bubur, karena kelalaian saya, akhirnya saya harus dirusak oleh teman saya sendiri.

Akhirnya, saya pun mulai merokok, minum minuman keras dan terakhir saya mengkonsumsi obat-obatan. Itu semua untuk menghilangkan bayangan dari “malam laknat” yang harus saya alami. Saya berniat menghancurkan diri saya, kecantikan saya dan segalanya yang sudah membuat saya hancur. Bahkan dua kali saya mengalami kecelakaan ketika saya menyetir mobil, yang akhirnya membuat saya harus mengalami dua kali operasi plastik pada wajah saya.

Kejadian keduapun terjadi. Ketika “bajingan” itu mulai mengajak dan memaksa saya untuk melakukan hubungan seks kembali. Saya sudah menolak dan saya marah dengannya, tetapi dia menggunakan ancaman untuk melaporkan kepada kedua orang tua saya. Saya tidak ingin menyakiti perasaan kedua orang tua saya, yang sudah mempercayai dan membesarkan saya. Akhirnya dengan terlebih dulu saya mencekoki diri saya dengan obat tidur, kejadian itupun kembali terjadi disalah satu rumah yang saya miliki. Karena saya memang memiliki beberapa rumah di beberapa kota.

Buah dari kejadian itu, akhirnya membuat saya pun pregnant. Saya bingung, takut dan tidak tahu harus berbuat apa. Tidak mungkin saya melahirkan benih dari lelaki bejad seperti dia. Bagaimana dengan masa depan dan kebahagiaan saya? Akhirnya seorang diri dengan menggunakan obat-obatan, bayi itupun harus keluar dalam keadaan meninggal dan berakhir wc kamar mandi. Sedih, sakit hancur, dan berdosa, itulah semua perasaan saya ketika itu.

Kejadian ketiga dengan ancaman yg sama, mulai dilancarkan lagi. Tetapi untuk kali ini saya sudah berniat menolaknya, apapun ancaman dan alasannya. Saat itu saya mulai mengenal seseorang di kota lain. Orangnya baik, ramah dan enak diajak bicara. Saya mengenalnya dari salah seorang teman baik saya yang pindah ke kota tersebut. Karena mengenalnya, yang membuat saya terus kuat bertahan untuk menolak ajakan dan godaan dari lelaki bejad itu.

Saya mulai menyukai orang ini (sebut saja A). awalnya hanya iseng ngobrol lewat telepon, tetapi lama kelamaan saya benar-benar menyukai. Dia orang yang sederhana, bukan berasal dari keluarga yang kaya tetapi cukup, dan memiliki wawasan yang luas walaupun masih smp. Wajahnya pun tidak ganteng, tidak tinggi dan terlihat malu-malu kalau diperhatikan. Tetapi dari dia banyak hal yang saya pelajari, yang dulu mungkin terpikir pun tidak pernah. Dulu yang kemana-mana saya selalu menggunakan BMW merah kesayangan saya, makan direstaurant berbintang dan berpakaian yg serba bermerek, mulai belajar yang namanya naik bus kota, makan direstaurant sederhana, dan berpakaian yang tidak terlalu mahal.

Kala saya membutuhkan teman untuk bercerita, dia selalu sedia mendengarkan. Bahkan seringkali dia telat makan, karena harus menerima telepon dari saya. Memang itulah karakternya yang selalu mau mendengarkan masalah-masalah orang. Teman saya sendiri yang mengatakannya, karena dia pun selalu curhat dengannya. Menelpon atau bertemu dengannya, adalah waktu yang paling saya selalu nantikan. Waktu-waktu jam sekolah, adalah waktu yang paling menyebalkan dan terasa lama sekali.

Akhirnya pada bulan February, walaupun saya takut, tetapi saya menceritakan seluruh kehidupan saya kepadanya. Semua ini karena saya ingin jujur dan ingin mengetahui reaksi darinya, walau jauh dalam hati, sayapun takut kalau dia akan menjauhi dan menolak saya. Tetapi reaksi yg ada sungguh diluar dugaan saya. Dia dapat menerima kekurangan saya. Bahkan menasehati dan membimbing saya untuk lepas dari segala kecanduan saya. Anehnya, saya pun mau dan menurutinya. Dengan kesabaran dan pengertiannya, saya mulai mengurangi “jatah” kecanduan yang saya gunakan.

Sebulan kemudian, saya menyatakan menyukainya. Saat itu dia tidak menerima maupun menolak saya, dan meminta waktu untuk berpikir. Saya sangat takut, apakah dia akan menolak karena keadaan saya yang sudah tidak “virgin” dan kehidupan gelap lainnya. Apakah dia dapat menerima kalau cewe yang “menembak” terlebih dahulu. Semua ketakutan itu menghantui pikiran saya. Takut kalau dia menjauhi saya, dan takut penolakan itu akan membuat saya down dan jatuh ke dalam kesepian dan kehidupan gelap kembali.

Beberapa hari kemudian, dia mengatakan ganjalan yang membuat dia tidak menjawab langsung pernyataan saya. Semua itu dikarenakan dia minder dengan kekayaan saya, dengan diri saya yang katanya terlalu cantik dan tidak sebanding dengannya. Semua itu yang membuat dia tidak pernah berpikiran untuk berpacaran dengan saya. Dia membantu saya dengan tulus sebagai seorang teman. Tetapi ketika saya tanyakan mengenai “kekurangan” saya, ternyata dia dapat menerima semuanya itu.

Setelah beberapa bulan berjalan, hubungan kami berjalan dengan baik. Dia bukan seorang yg bermulut manis atau penggombal, tetapi merupakan seorang yang penuh perhatian dengan kepolosannya. Kejujuran didalam hubungan kami, itulah yang diutamakan. Setiap berbicara dan dekat dengannya, saya merasakaan bahagia dan tenang. Dia pun seorang yang sabar, dewasa dan pengertian didalam menjalani hubungan kami. Tidak pernah sekalipun dia mengajak saya untuk ‘berhubungan badan’, bahkan kissingpun dia tidak berani. Hanya ketika saya birthday, dia memberikan kissing di pipi. Cinta yang dia berikan didasari oleh perasaan sayang yang tulus, bukan oleh nafsu semata, sungguh membuat saya merasa di hargai dan mengerti akan arti sebuah cinta yang tulus.

Akhirnya orang tua saya pun mengetahui hubungan saya. Papa sangat marah dan tidak menyetujuinya. Mama hanya diam, dan tidak bicara apa-apa, walau sebenarnya mama tidak melarang. Karena saya sudah bercerita tentang dia kepada mama. Bahkan papa melarang saya untuk pergi menemuinya. Untuk menulis surat pun saya harus sembunyi-sembunyi menulisnya dengan menggunakan lampu kecil di meja belajar saya dan memberikannya melalui pengasuh pribadi yang sudah saya anggap sebagai cici angkat saya sendiri untuk mengirimkannya.

Sampai suatu hari, papa memberitahukan bahwa saya harus bertunangan dengan anak dari relasi bisnisnya. satu hal yang membuat saya kaget, ternyata orang itu adalah orang yang sudah menghancurkan hidup saya. Lelaki tidak tahu malu, yang berotak mesum dan mencemarkan kesucian saya. Dia gunakan kekayaan dan bisnis orang tuanya unt mendapatkan saya. Papa yang tidak tahu hal ini,begitu menyanjung si “manusia mesum” ini. Papa hanya melihat kekayaan dan status sosial, karena sama-sama dari kalangan atas yang memiliki perusahaan, dibandingkan dengan perasaan saya dalam memilih pasangan. Bahkan rencana untuk bertunangan pun sudah mulai diatur dan pikirkan. Padahal saya seorang anak yang masih duduk di smp. Semua itu papa lakukan unt kemajuan bisnisnya. dan mama tidak bisa berbuat apa-apa.

Akhirnya saya kabur, dan bersembunyi di rumah yang lainnya yang memang kosong dan hanya sebagai asset ataupun tempat istirahat. Yang membuat saya kembali kerumah adalah karena menuruti kata-kata dari dia yang terus dengan sabar menasehati saya. Akhirnya saya pun kembali, dan hasil dari “pelarian” ini membuat papa mau sedikit mengalah dengan mengundur pertunangan tersebut hingga saya lulus sekolah.

Beberapa saat kemudian, berita lain yang sangat mengguncangkan saya, bahwa orang tua saya akan bercerai. Ternyata selama ini hubungan mereka sudah retak, tetapi mereka berusaha menutupi dan mempertahankannya. Keputusan pada akhirnya, mereka bertekad untuk berpisah. Karena Mama tidak memiliki sanak saudara, apalagi saat itu mama baru juga melahirkan “adik” baru untuk saya. Akhirnya mama memutuskan untuk kembali ke negaranya. Saya yang bingung dan tidak tahu harus memilih, pada Akhirnya memutuskan untuk ikut dengan mama dan adik saya yg turut dibawanya, pergi menyusul mereka ke amrik.

Saya tidak berani bertemu dengannya. Saya takut, Takut tidak dapat meninggalkannya. Tetapi saya pun tidak tega melihat mama yang pergi dan hanya tinggal bersama seorang baby kecil. Akhirnya saya hanya dapat menulis surat yang saya tulis didalam pesawat. Tanpa kata-kata putus ataupun perpisahan, saya meninggalkan orang yang saya sayangi. Dengan perasaan hancur dan kepedihan, saya meninggalkan negri yang membesarkan saya.

Satu lagu yang menjadi kenangan bagi saya ketika bersamanya, yang hingga saat ini selalu saya putar dan putar. Lagu ini merupakan ungkapan dari perasaan saya ketika pertama kali saya menyatakan suka kepadanya. Lagu ini pernah kami nyanyikan bersama ketika di telepon, ketika pertama kita resmi jadian. Dengan sedikit memaksa saya meminta dia menyanyi. Dan dengan lucu dan tidak hafal teks, dia mau nyanyi untuk saya. Bagi saya, saat itu sangat berharga dan saya terharu ketika mendengar dia menyanyikan lagu ini. karena kata-kata dari teks itu, adalah gambaran perasaan saya yang tidak dapat terucap untuknya.

Kini semuanya hanya menjadi kenangan. Saya yang telah meninggalkan dia tanpa alamat, phone number, atau apapun bahkan saya tidak pernah mengiriminya surat maupun menelponya. Pernah saya mendapat kabar dari pengasuh saya, kalau dia beberapa kali mencari saya. Sampai saya kembali ke Indonesia, dan menelponya, tetapi tidak ada yang mengangkatnya, mungkin dia sudah pindah rumah. Hingga saat ini saya berharap untuk dapat bertemu dengannya, walaupun hanya sekedar untuk melihatnya atau mendengar kabarnya. Tetap untuk menjadi pacarnya, jujur saya katakan saya tidak berani lagi berharap. Sudah terlalu banyak saya menyakitinya. Sudah terlalu kotor diri saya untuknya. Pengorbanan, cinta dan ketulusan yang telah diberikan, membuat saya takut, malu dan minder untuk berharap kepadanya.

Ternyata harta, kecantikan maupun pendidikan yang tinggi dapat dikalahkan dengan perhatian, kepolosan dan ketulusan yang dimilikinya. Andaikan saya dapat memutar waktu atau bertukar tempat, saya memilih untuk menjadi orang yang dilahirkan biasa, tetapi hidup dengan orang-orang yang mencintai saya. Dimanapun dia saat ini, saya menaruh setitik harapan, berharap melalui tulisan ini, dia dapat membacanya dan mengenalinya. Andaikan “miracle” itu ada, `ingin`, `ingin`, `ingin` sekali aku bertemu dengannya. Walaupun hanya satu hari, satu jam, ataupun satu menit. Aku ingin melihatnya, memeluknya dan membisikkan kepadanya, “Aku masih tetap mencintaimu, kamu sudah mengisi hati dan hari-hariku. walau aku tidak dapat memilikimu,tetapi aku bersyukur sudah mengenalmu”.

Mungkin hanya Tuhan
Yang tahu segalanya
Apa yang kuinginkan
Disaat-saat ini….Oh

Kau takkan percaya
Kau selalu dihati
Haruskah ku menangis
Tuk` mengatakan yang sesungguhnya

Kaulah segalanya untukku
Kaulah curahan hati ini

Tak mungkin ku melupakanmu
Tiada lagi yang kuharap hanya kau seorang

Lagu ini yang pernah saya ketikkan untuknya
Lagu ini yang pernah saya berikan kepadanya
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With Love

Milky (Anastasia F.A )