Noel's ThoughtLog

Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation – The Meaning People around the world ask this question: Is baptism necessary for salvation? The word "baptism" is a transliteration of the Greek word "baptisma" and this word is from a primary Greek verb "bapto," which is also the root of the word baptize. The word means to dip, to dye or to change the identification of. When a piece of white cloth was "bapto" into a vat of blue dye, it no longer was white cloth because its identification was changed to blue cloth. That is the root of the meaning of the word. The rite of baptism was a ritual in the Jewish culture from the beginning. Ceremonial washing of priests and the dipping temple utensils into water was part of the law. For instance, a priest was "baptized" into his office as a priest and it was to dedicate and identify the priest in his position. This baptism set apart the priest to take part in the temple worship and sacrifices. The bapt...

1⃣College canteen becomes your adda! It is the place where all your holidays are planned – the ones where everyone agrees to go but no one shows up, the ones you plan knowing it is never gonna happen. It is the place where you discuss your fear of exams and your love for TV shows and movies. From meeting up with friends to going on your first date with your so called college crush, the canteen is the place for everything! Everything over just one cup of Coffee. What's your story? 2⃣You’ve always known deep down that you’re awesome, but college will smack you in the face with this self-realization faster than you can say “bad guy.” Your four years of mingling with Ivy Tower elites and perfecting the art of pre-exam cramming will (hopefully) lead to a significant amount of self-actualization and growth. You will begin to discover who you are behind the glitzy façade you put on for the outside world, and you will eventually realize that all of your idiosyncrasies — as strange ...

Subject was a College boy who had come home after a very long time. He was excited to meet his friend Verb, who lived next to his Home. They were close friends. He also liked fishing. He would often go to river bank near his home and enjoy his Hobby.  He often took his friend Verb with him. Verb was Subject's close friend who knows all the actions he does. On the way, they had a conversation on all the happy and naughty things they did at school. All the pranks and fun they had at school were always meaningful and fun-filled only if they did it together. So Subject told his friend, "We had some much fun at school. We played football, went fishing after School Hours, Cycled in the Lawn, played hide and seek and annoyed our neighbours. Now everything has changed but still we go fishing, chat with each other - that hasn't changed and never will." They went caught some fish, came back had dinner together. "Thanks my friend, my life was more meaningful and action-fil...

I searched and searched forever for clever words to say .. I know that, they are there for I feel them everyday. But today I’m having trouble for now they will not flow .. With any clever lines my mind won’t even go. Perhaps the words I need are not within my mind .. For in my heart I know the words there, I will find. Excessive words right now will never, ever do .. For what I really want to say is Brother I Love You. Happy Birthday!

The real tragedy of cancer may be that it affects people of all ages, and children suffering from the disease are often hit hardest. Robbed of any semblance of a normal life, "cancer kids," as Green's narrator, Hazel Grace Lancaster, calls them, mark their time in days and weeks. Hazel, 16, has been battling thyroid cancer since age 13, and only through the use of an experimental drug is she still alive. She carries an oxygen tank with her everywhere, and hasn't attended traditional school since her diagnosis. Depressed and lonely, she tries a support group, where she meets the handsome — and deceptively sick — Augustus Waters, a 17-year-old dreamboat who quickly proceeds to turn her life into an adventure. Green graciously avoids the typical will-they-or-won't-they of most teen reads, as cancer victims don't have the luxury of time to dawdle with their affections. Instead, Augustus and Hazel become fast friends. Green's novel is elegantly plotted, an...

A day to celebrate all women, and acknowledge the great things they do From the women of creation stories, From ancestors, mothers, and grandmothers, From the tender prayers of sisters, And from the strength within their songs We learn from the many spirited friends around us, Every single one You can be like a man But do remain like a woman For you are the Unique Creation of God. As a 'girl' with a passion, is an inspiring woman of tomorrow.

What gifts can I give to my favorite teachers? No amount of gifts or words can ever be enough to appreciate their immense impact in my life and the lives of many others. They are simply priceless. Teachers work hard day and night to bring out the best in students. They unfolds the our hidden talents and creativity . Just like a good gardener, a teacher sows the seeds of moral-ethics within us so that we can become good citizens. It is really important to value the work teachers do in our lives. At one point in life or another a teacher must have added value to your life. Always find a way to appreciate them. every small gesture counts. Such appreciation will only motivate them to do better. You can’t talk about quality education without talking about quality teachers.  According to Solomon Ortiz. “Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students.” This is indeed true but we must understand...

✓Her hands trembling and her heart filled with utter joy and happiness, like a giggling schoolgirl, she gazed lovingly at the man who this day would become her husband until death do them part. Their wheelchairs were placed side by side in the room filled with family, friends and nursing home attendants, all smiling and tearful, while a seemingly group thought gripped them all: The body may grow old but the heart is forever young. ✓A single tear slid down his cheek, uncomfortable emotions clogged his throat, and anger pulsed at the injustice of it all when the tiny, perfect hand clasped his finger. With a frustrated sigh, he hugged the baby close, stood, and cast a last look at the carnage that represented two ruined lives, before walking around the lifeless body and handing the precious bundle to the waiting social worker. ✓A lone figure stands, unmoving atop a bridge. She reaches for the rails, and places one leg over, the rhythm of her heart blaring in her ears. ✓She took a...

Happy mother's day mummy!!! Always remember that our mothers will never tell about their struggles and suffering but we can always do something to lessen her burdens. It is high time that we recognise the importance of this angel in our life which is constantly making our life blissful with her love, understanding and kindness. It is hard to describe the feeling that a mother has towards her children. Mothers give an awful lot of support to their children, whether it involves very visible support or simple background encouragement. Not only do mothers support their children, but they also often hold the whole family structure together. When all is well, a mother puts her children before anything else, including their own comfort and happiness. Describing a mother's love is virtually impossible. It is a feeling that can only truly be understood by those that experience it. Famous saying states that "God could not be everywhere and so he invented mothers"! ...

What is Valentine’s day all about?                 Valentine’s Day is an international festival that celebrates the feeling of love. Saint Valentine’s Day is celebrated each year on the 14th February and marks the death anniversary of one of the Christian legends, Saint Valentine. In most of the first world countries, February 14 is considered as a national holiday. Valentine’s Day has especially come to become a day made for lovers. Even in the media, Valentine’s Day is portrayed as a day meant for lovers. However, Valentine’s Day has a much larger appeal.  It is a day to express love and that love can be for anyone and not specially a lover. What does Valentine’s Day means?                   Saint Valentine was a total of 14 saints who laid out their life for Ancient Rome. However, some people believe that the Valentine’s Day is a tribute to only one of these fourteen saints. In Christian ...

The far we have as a nation, The endless problems, And the struggle for justice, Freedom and equal rights For every patriot calls for love, Peace and unity among the citizens of this Nation. Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; Where knowledge is free; Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls; Where words come out from the depth of truth; Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection; Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit; Where the mind is lead forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action- Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.” Even as we celebrate this memorable day In thee history of our Mother Nation, Let us keep checking on our underprivileged Brothers and Sisters on the streets; Let us show the beauty of this Nation To everyone regardless of social, Economic Or financial background. Ha...

Imagine this scene a few thousand years ago in the Indus Valley region. A group of herders out grazing a few hundred cattle, enjoying the warm sun on their backs with the occasional cry of a calf seeking its mother and the mother guiding it. The whole herd is on the move as the lazy day passes by. Suddenly a bull decides to run astray. With wild animals lurking, there is the danger of the herd breaking up into smaller groups. A young herder emerges and chases the bull. Bulls being males high on testosterone run quite fast and finally the herder catches up with it. He lunges forward and holds onto the hump of the bull. The hump is a unique feature of Bos Indicus cattle. He manages to hold onto the hump, slowing the bull down and finally stopping it. He leads it back to the herd and the group continues, while showering praises on the young herder for catching the bull. Now imagine this scene repeated on a daily basis and the herders sharing the story with the villagers when they ...

Thanksgiving comes but once a year. It's a time when families gather near To reflect and give thanks for those we hold dear. We celebrate Christmas with parties and food, Spend time with family and everyone's in a good mood. Soon it's all over, and decorations are put away, And then we do it all again for the next holiday. Look forward to the New Year and keep hope alive That our country brings our troops home So no one else dies. Have faith things will get better, Pray to God above That He will bless us and keep us In His everlasting love. Our country's in turmoil, and it gives me a chill. We'll see better times soon.....I know we will. Try not to let worry get you down.  Smile, keep your chin up, And laugh out loud. We'll certainly survive hard times once more Because we have great strength and resolve We didn't know we had before. Take one day at a time, and treasure each day. We need to work together because that...

Numismatics was one of my brother's and granny's hobbies and I often admire the ancient coins and rupee notes alongside my granny and dad who used to tell how worth they were in their time! When I was studying in 8th standard, my dad told me to add to the collection a 50 paise coin which turned out to be invalid later on. This nostalgia struck me when I woke up this morning. Now LOL welcome to another couple of notes, ₹500 and ₹1000 to that collection...   Looking forward for the new notes to arrive with some defining technology! Heard a lot about the new coming notes. An initiative for a better India! Thank you RBI and Modi government...

Mother Teresa once said, “Peace begins with a Smile five times a day at someone you really don’t want to smile at; do it for peace”. Is it true that love and compassion comes rushing to one person once he smiles? Not necessarily.                                                               There is a constant fight going on inside you… White versus Black, Good versus Evil and when we obtain control over our ourselves we can win this war. Consequently, when good prevails over evil within us, can we spread peace to our external elements. Peace comes from living in the moment and looking for the good in others. Peacefulness comes from facing our fears and letting them - trust th...

The piano is a beautiful instrument that warmed its way into my heart the first time I ever heard its magical sound. When I started playing the piano, I didn’t have a choice, it possessed me. I could not deny the flowing rhythm, pulsing beat, or the surreal noise. The piano is not an instrument, it is a spell. I was cast under this spell from the very beginning. I love playing the piano. There is always silent and peaceful moment, a concealed passion before I play it alone in my dimly lit room. I sit on the edge of my piano stool, close my eyes and smell the air. I put my fingers on the keys and feel their cold and smooth touch like marble. My energy, which is normally hiding deep in my heart, gradually spills out and travels excitedly to the tips of my fingers. I love listening to the echo of simple chords filling my small room. I feel my heart fills with joy and sadness with the movement of the melodies. These times are some of the precious moments in my life. It allows me to ima...

Infinity tells it All Most everyone is familiar with the infinity symbol, the one that lootheories the number eight tipped over on its side. Infinity sometimes crops up in everyday speech as a superlative form of the word "many. But how many is "infinitely many? How big is infinity? Does infinity really exist? You can't count to infinity. Yet we are comfortable with the idea that there are infinitely many numbers to count with; no matter how big a number you might come up with, someone else can come up with a bigger one; that number plus one, plus two, times two, and many others. There simply is no biggest number. In turn, the concept of infinity cannot be truly understood by humans as humans have no experience of infinity. It is possible to define infinity. Human knowledge cannot understand infinity. Trying to visualize infinity in our heads is impossible. Humans have never experienced infinity so humans do not truly understand infinity.             ...

Quiet time could refer to those precious moments after the kids are in bed, but for Christians, a quiet time is more than that. Quiet time, or devotion time, refers to our daily appointment with God, when we shut out as much outside interference as possible. During our quiet time, we may sing praise songs, pray, read Scripture or daily devotions, meditate on God's Word, or simply be still and listen. Making that appointment is one thing; keeping it is something else entirely! If you’ve never had a quiet time before, you may not have a good, simple plan for doing one. Simplicity is important with any plan you develop. If you make it complicated, you’re more likely to get off track. All you really need for an effective quiet time is a Bible, notebook, and maybe a hymn or songbook. Quiet time can be so difficult to prioritize. It's tempting to make excuses or just not bother. Preparing our hearts to hear from God requires a focused effort. Noise, whether outside or inside, distra...

Every once in a great while someone crosses your path, walks part of life’s journey with you, befriends, influences and invests in you, leaving you forever changed. Many people give a gift to appreciate the work done by the teachers, however, there is nothing more valuable than a few words of thanks that can make the teacher feel they have done a worthwhile job. Teachers rarely understand the impact they have on a student’s life. I guess this is because we, as students, float in and out of your lives in a sea of names and faces. However, sir I am so proud of you and want to thank you because as an educator and a music teacher, took the time to encourage me reach my potential: To play the piano with a feel, to be able to write and talk correctly, to strive to break down the walls of fear and build instead upon my dreams of doing something against the grain. Most of all, you made music fun to learn. Your love for music has influenced me to become a better student and person. You have ta...

MUSIC THAT HEALS! Music is one of the most important and powerful things in my life. My life without melodies and harmonies would be totally empty. Listening to and playing different tunes helps me to de-stress, relax and it can also help to motivate me in trying times. I love listening to music while on my way to school, as I feel it helps me to prepare for the day that waits. I think it is like the memoirs to my life as it has been there throughout everything with me. What would life be without music? The world would be a very quiet place. Music is in many ways the fabric of our lives and the definition of society. It is a reminder of how things once were, an indication of how things are, and a view of where society is headed. Music is a direct reflection of the picture of society. Music can be a way to deliver messages, a poetic medium, a fine art, or nothing more than a source of entertainment. No matter what it is used for, music is the perfect art and our lives would be that ...