Jeffie's World

An ode to my love

2008-11-27T23:08:00.002+05:30

(To avoid confusions & misunderstanding, this is a symbolic ode representing the relationship between me and my Catholic faith, which has seen its ups, downs and plateaus. GBU :-) )

I am a lover, a lover who has lost his dear love...She seems to be eons away from me...Hey,do not blame her,for its not she who is moving away,but me who is hiding myself away from her...She is constantly calling out for me...Always waiting for my return...I too want to be back with her,alas, I can't...

Yes,there she is...Calling out to me with her outstretched arms...Calling me,"Oh my dear Jeffie,come back...I am missing you so much"...Yes dear,I also want to be back with you...But somehow, some invisible rift has formed between us...I am constantly in the try to be with you again...But some force,unseen and unheard of,is pulling me back and stopping me from getting to you...

Each day, I wake up assuring myself,"Yes,today I will patch up our differences.I will be back with her again"...But as helpless as I am,I am not able to...I know I owe a lot to you...I am what I am today mainly because of you...You made me the Jeffie who I am today...To run away from you is something I can't eve think of;but this is what I am doing now!!!...Oh no...I don't want to be away from you...Every single minute without you is like ages to me...But together,every hour flies by us...

Oh dear...these eyes of mine has witnessed a lot...a lot to reckon
But when the light from you do not fall in them,everything else becomes just shadows in the daylight....
Seen has lot these two eyes...Too much to bear with,
The sight of them tearing you apart,
Oh my dear,I stood there watching..helpless and weak
there were enemies who took u away from me
Pounce upon u from darkness they did,put their claws into u deep into your heart
I fought for you, brought you back to me,my soul
But then came the real villains
Snatch you away, they did not from me, but killed you moment by moment
Used they neither daggers nor claws...
but their talons and feathers hidden under the white hoods,they attacked you...faces concealed,they destroyed you
The hoods gave away and revealed the faces

Oh..Aghast...
It could not be so!!!
Neither enemy nor any foe..but our very owns who destroyed you dear
.....
Sight of this could not I bear,
no more could I help you dear
Shattered all in myself..
My heart does ache,my limbs do tremble,speechless I am before thee now
Sorry dear,I failed to rescue you from them

But.....As dear as I am to you
I will be back here for you...
No more a pacifist,here I am to rescue you
Yes dear...
Here I am to rescue you...
Here I am to rescue you...

JELUA

2008-05-12T00:36:00.000+05:30

With luv and prayers,
Jeffie John Parackal

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
Phil 4:13

Unlimited freedom, unlimited storage. Get it now

About Me...

2008-01-17T23:45:00.000+05:30

I am Jeffie John...You wanna know what makes me the 'Jeffie John' I am?...Its the verse "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"(Phil 4:13)...No one else has touched or can touch me the way Jesus Christ did...He is truly awesome...To the Holy Trinity,I give my praise and all of my worship....With the blessings and grace from God Almighty,the intercession of Mother Mary and communion of the saints,there is nothing that can stop us...

My dream is to be a great witness for the Lord...Truly a soldier for Jesus...I wanna glorify my Lord Almighty,who reigns on high with wisdom ,power and love ,through my achievements....Truly wanna see Jesus lifted high

God,who gave us the supreme form of love-Agape- has called us into His love...The love that does not envy or boast..The love which is patient,kind and is not rude..The love which keeps no record of the wrongs...The love which is not angered easily or self seeking..The love which finds no delight in evil,but rejoices with the truth..The love which always protects,hopes,trusts and perseveres...The eternal and true love that is GOD ALMIGHTY...

All to Jesus I surrender...Oh Lord,use me,Your humble servant,the way you like...To be Your hands,feets...To be Your eyes,ears and tongue...To be Your disciple...To be Your gospel to the World...

Expect the unexpected !!!!!!!!

2007-08-22T18:00:00.000+05:30

14^th July 2007 – The D-day of my life. The day when I had the honour to be with the Chairman and the Board of Directors and the Chief Executives of The South Indian Bank Ltd. It all started 2 months ago, with the announcement of the new cash incentive in the Bank.

Back home from the Executive Conference, at Thrissur, my Appa, Mr.John Thomas, the Kottayam AGM, briefed us on the scheme. Even though I did’nt listen much to it initially, the emphasis on increased productivity, and cost reduction caught my attention. The right decision at the right time. After hearing the whole scheme, I was marveled at the genius behind the whole plan. The whole business was divided into 9 core areas and sectional marks were allotted to each of them. The performance of the branch, region determined the marks for each section. The sum total of all these scores gave the total score for a single quarter. The marks from all four quarters, together with the management and inspection rating formed the total score out of 100. The monetary incentive is determined on the basis of this score.

Throughout May, I was at home on account of the University Hoildays. I am particularly interested in Mathematical equations for calculating the mark. But no special regard was given to it & I continued with my works. One day Appa came home with some branch data, comprising the March base figures and the quarterly targets and asked me to enter them into the computer. Having spent almost half of the month on games and reading, a chance to do a good turn to time was always welcome. That night itself, I sat about doing it and finished entering the data. I chose Microsoft Excel TM, as it already had a tabular layout for easy categorized entry.

The next day, I had resumed with my earlier routine, when a thought struck me out of nowhere. Why not create an application to calculate the marks & display it graphically? It would be very helpful, as the calculations are too cumbersome to be performed manually, that too repeatedly for each branch/region. I knew that the basic arithmetic operations can be done in Excel TM. Even though I had used Excel very rarely in the past, this did’nt deter me and a new Excel spreadsheet solution was born. It was a simple solution with three fields, one for the deposits, other for advances, and the third for profits. They were further divided into fields for entering the March base figures and the quarterly targets and the achieved amount and to display the marks. The marks were obtained by multiplying the ratio of achievement to the target with the maximum marks possible. (After this the wasteful ‘gaming session’ continued).

The day was coming to an end. After the daily prayer and while the dinner was being set, I showed Appa, the new application. Looks like he was quite impressed by its simplicity and easy use. He then told me about the 9 parameters and how the 20 marks were divided among the 9 divisions. At first all these GNPA, Non-Interest Income, CD, retail stuff sounded quite Greek to me, but with his explanation, I could slowly catch on. That night was all spend in modifying the application to incorporate the 9 sectors to calculate the final scoe.

The new application was all set and ready. But when some test data, were fed, some glitches emerged. Now these could not be rectified through the basic arithmetic operations. This saw me browsing through the Excel Help and learning new functions, most of them I was unaware of till that date. I also learned Visual Basic coding exclusively for this and incorporated those codes into the solution. Thus the simple and humble equations gave way to the ‘mega’ equations, stretching about three or four times, all with the new and complex functions. While doing this my Amma, was constantly by my side and inspring me. My brother George also did put his helping me in the process. As Appa started using it, the other glitches were discovered and rectified. Even though the whole task seemed insurmountab le to me, the faith and trust in the supreme God & His Guidance urged me to go ahead. The words from the Holy Scriptures regularly motivated me and instilled in me a confidence.

By June, my classes had started and I returned to my Hostel. One day Appa called me and conveyed ‘the news”. He had met the CGM, Valsan Sir, that day and while discussing about the new scheme, Appa had briefly mentioned about the new application. Valsan Sir became quite interested in this and suggested we demonstrate it at the IT division, so that the application can be inducted officially. (If it were not for Valsan Sir’s interest and initiative the application would have still been locked in Kottayam). As I had originally made it solely for my Appa’s use, it had some minor bugs. But for demonstrating it at the IT division, it had to be perfect. That Friday, I came home from Hostel, and set about modifying the formulae, codes and the layout. For the first time in my life I saw 3o’clock night. Next day we proceeded to IT Division Ernakulam.

At the IT Division, we gave a demonstration of the programme. Appa explained to them the banking aspect and procedures followed in this. The programme was tested and approved and was sent to Head Office for the final approval. From HO, after approval in the TMT, it was dispatched to all regions. Congratulations and wishes started pouring from every quarter. Appa used to say about all the calls he was receiving each day. The well wishes from all were a reward more than I ever dreamt of.

On the evening of 2^nd July, Appa had to call Dr.Joseph Sir, for some business matters. Chairman told him that the programme was approved, and also they have decided to facilitate me in the next Board meeting on 10^th July. This news came off as a big surprise to us. To be honoured at the Board Meeting of this great organization, can there be a greater honour! This was one of the times when we could feel the grace of God, being showered on us in abundance. Then came the D-day. On 14^th we reached at HOand were invited to dine with the Chairman and the Board of Directors, ED and the GM’s. The Chairman offered me the apex seat in the dining table, the one he usually occupies, saying this is the ‘Year for Youth’, and the youth should be in the forefront of everything. To have these from one of the most dynamic leaders in the Indian banking Industry; man, that was something to relish. A great honour we never expected but God in his infinite mercy bestowed us with. I am especially happy to have made a contribution to our bank at this time, earmarked as the ‘Year for Youth’. My fellow youths, we all are a part of this SIB family. With our talents, and efforts, we can contribute a lot to our bank, our society, and our nation. It’s high time we arise, shine out and reach out into the world, for the present belongs to us.

After the dinner, the Chairman gifted me with a Gold coin, in the presence of Directors, ED and the GM’s. Even when I received the offer letter for my job at Siemens, I never had the joy, pride and gratitude, I felt at that moment. To be with the top executives, and talk to them, was a reward great enough. The warm and hearty welcome I received over there really touched me. Usually the image we have in our minds for top executives is that of a tight lipped, serious looking, suit clad people. But here, we have all of them, so joyful and interacting in a light environment; this experience really humbled me. The photo of the event is something, I would really treasure throughout my life. Everything just because of the grace of God, and blessings of my parents and relatives and prayers of the well wishers. Thanking you all very much....

Basic Prayers in Latin

2007-08-20T15:41:00.000+05:30

In Nomine

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

The Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pater Noster

Pater noster, qui es in caelis: sanctificetur nomen tuum; adveniat regnum tuum; fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo, et in terra. Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie; et dimitte nobis debita nostra, sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris; et ne nos inducas in tentationem; sed libera nos a malo. Amen.

The Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive s our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Ave Maria

Ave Maria, gratia plena, dominus tecum; benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus.

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen

The Hail Mary

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.

Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.

Gloria Patri

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum. Amen

The Glory Be

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Credo

The Nicene Creed

Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem coeli et terrae, visibilium omnium et invisibilium. Et in unum Dominum Jesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum. Et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula. Deum de Deo, lumen de lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero. Genitum, not factum, consubstantialem Patri: per quem omnia facta sunt. Qui propter nos homines, et propter nostram salutem descendit de coelis. Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est. Crucifixus etiam pro nobis; sub Pontio Pilato passus, et sepultus est. Et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas. Et ascendit in coelum: sedet ad desteram Patris. Et iterum venturus est com gloria judicare vivos et mortuos. cujus regni non erit finis. Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem: qui ex Patre Filioque procedit. Qui cum Patre, et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per Prophetas. Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam. Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum. Et vitam ventura saeculi. Amen.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being With the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Apostles' Creed

Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Jesum Christum, filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum: qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus; descendit ad inferos; tertia die resurrexit a mortuis; ascendit ad caelos; sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis; inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam Catholicam, Sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Salve Regina

Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae; Vita, dulcedo et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae. Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.

V. Ora pro nobis sancta Dei Genetrix.
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi

Hail Holy Queen

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, hail our life our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Laudate Dominum

Psalms Chapter 116 (117)

This hymn is added here for the benefit of Mangalorean Catholics who recite this song at most functions.

Laudáte Dóminum omnes gentes

(laudáte éum) omnes populi

Quóniam confirmáta est

súper nos misericordia eius

et véritas Domini mánet in æternum

Glória Pátri et Filio et Spiritui Sáncto.

Sicut érat in pricipio et nunc et semper

et in sáecula sáeculorum Amen.

O Praise the Lord, all ye nations:

praise him, all ye people.

For his mercy is confirmed upon us:

and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

An Idle Mind is Devil's Workshop

2007-02-28T23:47:00.000+05:30

"An Idle Mind is Devil's Workshop"...So goes the saying...For me ,it was nothing more than a proverb,till this day....Well folks,I am having vacations now,on account of semester break ....Hence at home,nothing to do;'hard at work' wasting time playing computer games,channel surfing,eating and roaming around -> The idle mind.....Slowly slowly some no-sense thoughts started creeping into my mind->Devil's Workshop.....Thoughts I wasn't supposed to have,considering the fact that I have dedicated myself and all my talents to Lord Jesus Christ....But as fate would have it,it came,it saw and it conquered....To make matters worse,my daily prayer,bible reading and spirituality has been on a constant decline since the begining of my vacation.....However I tried to ,I just couldn't make it right....Just ponder over this fact:Myself being an Electronics engineering student,controlling the flow and nature of electrons goes like breeze,but to control my mind is almost a Mission Impossible(Well, it came became the Mission Accomplished...I'll tell u how)...

Then came today......Started the day with a prayer...Things were going well,until the 'idle guy' took the U-turn and went off....tried to stop him,but he was so stubborn and wouldn't listen to me....Bad boy.....the day went like this...Then I happened to pick up the Vachanotsavam(a malayalam Christian magazine)....on the back cover was prayer for students appearing for exams....Ontop of the prayer,in bold,were my favourite words:"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"(Phil 4:13)...Almost struck like an Excalibur into my mind.....Well,if I can do all things through my Christ,then how can there be any Mission Impossible in my life?.....Isn't it a contrdiction to the Holy Scriptures,which has no contradictions recorded till date and into the future?....Well,if Christ is with me,what is impossible for me?...Then my friend called me and informed of placement tests awaiting us.....So deided to start off with its prep.....Wow...The change was unpredictable....Yet another 180 degree turn for the 'mind guy' and back into normal...phew....at last,I'm in control....Ooooops,not me,the Big J(Jesus Christ) is in control...Gave some work to my idle mind and now we are back in business.....Thus realised->"An Idle Mind is Devil's Workshop"...

A new beginning...

2007-02-28T10:31:00.000+05:30

Hi folks...I am Jeffie John Parackal from Kerala,India....This is my second blog......As with anything,I'll start this blog with Our Lord's prayer,which HE himself taught us.....

Our father in Heaven,
Holy be your name,
Your Kingdom come,
Your will be done on Earth as it is Heaven.

Give us today our daily bread,
Forgive us our sins,as we
forgive those who sin against us,
Lead us not into temptations,
But deliver us from all evil.
Amen.

Mother Mary,please pray for us..

Hail Mary ,Full of grace,
Lord is with You,
Blessed are you among women,
Blessed is the fruit of thy womb,Jesus.

Holy Mary,Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the time of our death.
Amen.

We praise you Holy Trinity....

Glory to the Father,the Son and the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,is now and forever shall be,world without end.Amen.

Patron Saint of this blog,St.Paul,please pray for us...
All Saints and Angels,please pray for us and our ventures....