I'd Rather Be Deluded Than Cynical

Hello Everyone,

So it’s been a while since I’d written a post that didn’t involve The Music Corner. The reason I’m writing this post, is because I was inspired. For the last few months I’ve been reading a few fiction books. They’re somewhat religious as they’re based on the angels. The books are part of an on-going series called The Chronicles of Brothers by Wendy Alec.

First off, these books are awesome! I know there are many mistakes both in terms of its grammar and spelling but despite that I still like them. It’s both the religious and the fantasy aspects of the book that appeal to me. Of course, it makes sense since I’m Catholic and quite vocal about (here at least) and I do love the idea of magic and fantasy.

So what does this have to do with being cynical? Well, when I finished the last book A Pale Horse, I started arguing with myself. Yes I do that! Anyway, I began to do this because I was looking at reviews, and I stumbled upon a very negative one about Ms Alec and her books, and it got me thinking…what if I met someone like that, someone who would hate something because it doesn’t sit right with them? What if they started to give me all these reasons and such, how would I deal with that? Soon I started thinking up scenarios, and that’s when I began arguing with myself to the point where I eventually called myself deluded.

Now this is where the title of this post comes in. So I thought about this question for a while, and then I decided to say, “I’d rather be deluded than cynical.” Why? Simple. I’d rather be deluded than cynical because it gives me hope. It inspires me to try to make the world a better place without being so negative all the time. I understand people think that you can still make the world a better place, even though you are cynical, but doesn’t that mean you’re deluded too? I mean if you think you can make the world a better place, it makes you dream of how you could do it, without actually having done it yet. Doesn’t that mean you’re deluding yourself as well?

So I ask you, would you rather be deluded than cynical? Would you rather see the world negatively or positively? I mean, what would being cynical do for you? Why would you complain over every positive thing that someone else has done because you don’t see it that way? Why would it be so bad to allow people to believe in such things as God and an afterlife? Wouldn’t it be better if they did, because it gives them something to look forward to? We wouldn’t fear death as much because of it, and people would be less angry at each other.

That’s why I believe it is better to be deluded, because at least I have some form of hope. I believe in God and in Jesus because it is my way of saying, I’m not afraid. Yes I may be afraid of living, but I’m not afraid of death, and in the words of the famous child who never grew up, “Death would be an awfully big adventure.”

Well, that’s it. Have fun, and as always do with this post what you will, and I’ll see you soon. God Bless. ^^

The Music Corner Episode 5 - Here I Am Lord

Hello Everyone,

As promised another arrangement here for The Music Corner on Monday, to help you through the week. Ok, so unlike the previous two episodes, which were original pieces, this is another arrangement of a hymn. This one is my absolute favourite because it holds dear memories in my heart. It’s called Here I Am Lord.

So he reasons why I love this hymn is because I once was asked to participate in a liturgy. My part was to “dance” for…you guessed it…THIS HYMN! ‘Course this was when I was a kid (around 7 or 8 at the time) and something like this was a huge deal for me! For someone like me, being chosen to be a part of liturgies and masses was awesome! It meant that I would no longer just be a part of the crowd; my voice could be heard! For someone like me, it was a relief to know someone was finally listening!

Needless to say, I felt blessed from that moment on, and because of it I joined the school choir where I felt closer to God through the songs we sang. Of course, not all the songs were hymns, we sang other stuff, but that moment stuck with me and that’s why this hymn is my all-time favourite.

However, I was quite reluctant to make an arrangement for something like this. Although I love this hymn, there were times when it was sung in my parish, and it was deathly slow. Not to mention, they would have a drumbeat going on behind it, which took the majesty out of it. So, not only do I have some great memories of it, I also had some not-so-great memories too, but I can’t fault them, I guess they did it because they thought people couldn’t sing to it if it were faster.

Oh and if you want to check out the WordPress page, where I've also uploaded the score, and the ScoreCloud version (no I did not spell SoundCloud wrong) then click here.

Well, anyway here’s the piece. I hope you like it just as much as I do. 

Here I Am Lord - SoundCloud

As always tell me what you think in the comments below, and I’ll see you all soon! As always, do with this post what you will, and God Bless. ^^

The Music Corner Episode 4 - The Doll In A Music Box

Hello everyone,

So the title of this piece came from the first time I heard what I’d created. It reminded me of a music box theme, and I sort of went with it. Of course now it reminds me of one of Mozart’s many complicated songs, and I’m not going to lie when I say that classical music inspired this piece too. I simply remembered the things I had to play to discover I was Grade 5 four years ago, so this is basically it.

So without further ado, here's The Doll In A Music Box.

Oh and if you want to check out the WordPress page, where I've also uploaded the score, and the ScoreCloud version (no I did not spell SoundCloud wrong) then click here.

Well, here’s the piece. What do you think of it?

The Doll In A Music Box - SoundCloud

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll speak to you soon. As always, do with this post what you will, and God Bless. ^^

To Fear The Loss Of Faith

Hello Everyone,

So this is the continuation of the last post The Story Of A Candle. First off what made me decide to make something like that? Well not only am I in a rut with my own novel, I recently read this article and it made me begin to think:

I was 25 when I had my first kiss. Here's what I learned. 

At first I was tormenting myself over this article, basically feeling sorry for myself, and that’s when my thoughts turned a little darker. I began to think about the “what ifs” in my life, like “what if somewhere along the way, I lose my own faith?” or “what if no one will listen?” Thus “The Story Of A Candle” was born.

There are moments in my life where I realise I’ve been through that situation, where I almost lose faith, but then something amazing happens to restore it. So although my candle is still a little weak, it’s getting stronger. I have been knocked around a bit, in terms of my faith, but I’ve learned that going to church and having my quiet time with God refreshes me, it restores the faith that I have lost.

Ok, so that’s just a little summary of what I’m about to say, but stay with me, it’ll all make sense, that is…if you’ve got a religion you believe in.

So let’s start from the beginning. What you need to know is that I was pretty much raised as a Catholic, my parents went to church every Sunday; I went to Catholic primary and secondary schools, and I took part in all the initiation sacraments of the Catholic Church. Basically, I’ve led a sheltered Catholic lifestyle. That is not to say I’ve not learned a thing or two while I’ve grown up. In my schools we weren’t just dictated the bible and punished as you’d think. We were also taught little bits and pieces of other religions like Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Judaism, etc. So I’m not that ignorant, and I am fully aware that each religion have their own traditions and principles that I respect.

Now skip forward to Sixth Form (the equivalent to college or the last few years of high school for some of you), where I’m thinking about university and what I want to do in the future. The idea that I’d be in a world, where people don’t quite understand my views on the world, or the views of the Catholic Church, finally hit me. I would no longer be sheltered as much, by the Catholic Church, or by any sort of spiritual guide, and that thought scared me the most. It didn’t matter if I was going into a new environment. It didn’t matter that I’d finally be in a “co-ed” environment. It didn’t matter that I was going into UNIVERSITY to get a DEGREE. What scared me most was the fact that my own faith would be shaken just because there would be people who do not understand (or like for that matter) the fact that I am a Catholic.

I don’t understand why they hold such animosity for us. I mean I know there are a many deeds in the history of Catholicism that I’m not proud of, but they have to understand that we’re also human, we’re not gods. I’ve used this quote many times before, and I have a feeling I’m going to use it many times more in the future, but I believe everyone needs to remember this:

“Religion is flawed on because man is flawed, all man!”

It is very easy to fault the religion itself because of the people that have influenced it, but at its core, religion is about faith and the belief that there is something more to our lives than simply being on this Earth. I mean, my faith has led me in many of my decisions. For example, my novel, the music I write/arrange/compose, the TV programmes and movies I watch, etc.

My faith has gone so far as to give meaning to everything I do. That is how I came to this subject while reading that article above. I always have to have meaning in everything, even in the names of each character of my novel have meaning. I always put some sort of meaning to whatever I do because without meaning, I don’t think we could function. For example, every movie has a meaning, if not explicit, it’s implicit, words have meaning, even paintings have some sort of meaning. This is why I’m actually glad I’m Catholic. It gives meaning to whatever happens to me.

Anyway, regardless of what has happened to me for the past two years, I am still glad I’m Catholic. I won’t fault others for believing what they believe in. If you don’t believe in a god, or a higher being, that’s up to you. If you think there’s meaning in life, and your purpose will eventually show itself, it’s your choice, but there is one thing you must remember. Do not be too aggressive in your conviction. If you try to convert me, know that I will listen to your point of view, but I will always believe that I will flourish under the Catholic religion. Everyone has their own way of worship; this is mine.

Well, that’s it for now; I know it’s a bit of a rant and a bit long but I hope you understand that it’s something I’ve been wanting to say for a long time. I know I’ve said it before, but I feel like repeating it, because it is not just something that can be put out there and then archived, it’s something that needs to be remembered.

So do with this post what you will, and God Bless! ^^

“Religion is flawed on because man is flawed, all man!”

The Story Of A Candle

Hello everyone,

So this post is going to be a bit different. It’s actually a prelude to a much more intense post. It’s actually veering away from the whole “encounter with Christ” sort of posts I’ve been posting up lately. Anyway, I’ll explain it later, for now, enjoy the story:

Once upon a time, there was a little girl. Her world was bleak, dark, and very much lonely. One day, she stumbled along a candle, standing in the middle of a deserted street. Feeling brave, she went up to it and using the matches in her pocket, she lit it.

When the wick burned brightly, her whole world changed. Gone were the looming shadows and scary monsters. In all honesty, the candle itself was very beautiful and because of its simple beauty, she wanted to show the whole world. So she set out to find the people who would like to see the candle too.

On her way, she did her very best to protect the candle, hiding it from the rain, the wind, the snow and sleet, the sun and moon too. Through it all, the candle burned brightly, and when she finally made it to a crowed part of town, she breathed a sigh of relief. She’d be able to show off her candle very soon.

As she traversed the many bodies, she learned one very important thing. The only thing that could blow out her pretty candle, were other humans. Squeezing past many people, she encountered many who wanted to blow out her flame, and so in her desperation she ran. She ran as fast as she could, away from the people who wanted to blow out the only light in her bleak world.

When she’d made it to safety, she breathed another sigh of relief and checked on her precious candle. She gasped in surprise as she gazed at the now weak flame. Through her rush to get away from the people who wanted to stop the light, the flame itself was almost blown away. Desperate she tried to keep the light going once more…

Can you guess what I’m talking about? Well, you’re going to have to wait, because next week, I will be posting up the reason for this short story. For now why don’t you come up with your own ending? Does the candle come back to life? Does the little girl get to show others her pretty candle? Or does the flame go out? Will the girl be plunged back into the darkness and misery?

Well, as always, do with this post what you will, and God Bless! ^^