h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Great to read that you are a Christian, Cornel. And that you have a happy marriage.

Carole

Hy,celtiv girl.Where've ya been hiding ?

I'm an Orthodox Christian by birth.as a student in bucharest I met very interesting people who initiated me in budhism,yoga,nutrition,and stuff.I lived extraordinary experiences and saw things that would make an atheist or a Jehova witness bite his tongue before mumbling their religious fantasies.Then I started some serious readings on the matter.I read mircea eliade's 'history of religions'and all he wrote about india,I read the mahabharata and vedes,alexandra david neil's book about her 40 years spent in tibet.about 10 years ago a greek-catholic priest borrowed me a book about confucius.I have't read the Qu'ran yet.by the way,there was a very interesting debate within the 'religion and ethic'section,the other day.they were debating whether both creationists and scientists were equally wrong.I poked my nose in and wrote a posting.you'll find it faster in my conversations, in my space.God is everywhere,carole,g.m.hopkins would see Him everywhere,remember ?I guess he was right.nothing is left at random in the Universe.I don't even know whre you live.thre must be about 4000km between us.I could have clicked any other name 2 nights ago .why yours ?

I'm an Orthodox Christian by birth.as a student in bucharest I met very interesting people who initiated me in budhism,yoga,nutrition,and stuff.I lived extraordinary experiences and saw things that would make an atheist or a Jehova witness bite his tongue before mumbling their religious fantasies.Then I started some serious readings on the matter.I read mircea eliade's 'history of religions'and all he wrote about india,I read the mahabharata and vedes,alexandra david neil's book about her 40 years spent in tibet.about 10 years ago a greek-catholic priest borrowed me a book about confucius.I have't read the Qu'ran yet.by the way,there was a very interesting debate within the 'religion and ethic'section,the other day.they were debating whether both creationists and scientists were equally wrong.I poked my nose in and wrote a posting.you'll find it faster in my conversations, in my space.God is everywhere,carole,g.m.hopkins would see Him everywhere,remember ?I guess he was right.nothing is left at random in the Universe.I don't even know where you live.there must be about 4000km between us.I could have clicked any other name 2 nights ago .why yours ?

Good morning Cornel, and a good morning to your wife. As usual, I can't stay long here this morning. I have poetry homework to get done NOW !!!!!

I am an active Christian, and rather evangelical. I cannot be bothered with the "religion" MB's only because things get so nasty there! There used to be some really horrid people who would say the most insulting things to Christians! And I would either end up in tears, or feel like yelling at them!! So, I decided not to be so involved-to "shake the dust from off my shoes". But I will happily discuss my faith-and my poetry-with you.

I do hope that you are both having a happy day. God is indeed everywhere-mercifully . His ways are not our ways-thankfully. "God holds the keys of all unknown, And I am glad".

I live in Dorset,Cornel.

Blessings to both of you.

PS I did leave a message elsewhere for you. Have you read it/found it?

Carole

Hy carole.you know,it's so awkward we can't talk online.so I'd better adapt and organise a bit:
-thanks for your greetings.you know,you begin to look like that kind of English I have made up for the last 35 years but haven't found on this website.I frankly began to lose hope.
-homework? what for?as what,a pupil or a teacher ? wait .there's one more possibility.Whose homework,one of your mates',your child's,
grandson's ?
-I've been on this site for almost a year now.2 days ago I clicked the 'religion and ethics' site for the first time.I didn't even know it existed.I first chose to attend a debate on creationists and traditionalists'theories regarding the making of the universe,which I found quite interesting and I posted my message there.Of course I would need a second opinion,yours would be of great help.Otherwise,what are our beliefs meant for,if not to share them with friends and give up some,change them and ourselves ?
-I was raised within the Christian religious system of values.but one day I realized I needed to learn more about the other religions ,so that I could understand them better.I have a very curious nature.I know:curiosity kills the cat.In my case,I'll have to live with that.There's no cure for it.However,it worked and it helped me a lot to focus on one's deeds rather to their words.And I noticed there were much more resemblings between dogmas,rather than differencies.I have made an opinion on my own, but frankly,very few people share it.Most of them prefer to stick to differencies and change nothing.
-a message for me?I've been looking for it,but have't been able to find it.
-an evangeliste?There's nothing wrong in that.I understand you're tryng to get useful.I'm interested.tell me more.
-and more about you
-dorset ? it must be lovely.I love England for a billion reasons.

A late "hello" Cornel!

I see that you are online at the moment!

My homework? Poetry-for a poetry class.

Dorset-very pretty. Beautiful hills and villages.

Faith-now that needs a much longer answer! And it is now too late for my brain to work! Nevertheless, Faith is an individual thing. No-one can make one have Faith. No-one can learn how to have Faith. Faith happens unawares in the heart-just as when you fell in love with your wife. One moment it isn't there and the next-

I have respect for all creeds and notions, but that does not mean that I ever waver from my own Faith!

And you were not meant to imagine that there WAS anything wrong in evangelism! It simply means going out and about and spreading the word of God(because one feels one wants to-not made to!). In this day and age, one is under threat to keep silent...But some of us just can't do that! Evangelism is also about reaching out in practical terms(under God's guidance). A gentle word, a touch on an arm, a listening ear..."All good things come from God".

You probably DID see the initial message that I left for you(after you first sent one to me). All confusing, isn't it?!!

Well, goodnight Cornel and Mrs. Cornel. Keep warm

Best wishes,
Carole

Hy again.homework-classes-school-ecole-schule-scuola-scola.that sounds familiar to me...Oh, I work in one.so,you can go to school (as a pupil),or to the school(to teach and get your wages).you haven't mentioned what quality you attend a school in.and does it have a name ?
-a poetry class.this is something high school students cannot attend in romania,as it simply doesn't exist.I first attended a poetry class at the university held by an American teacher on 20th century american poetry,emily dickenson.whitman,robert frost,simon and garfunkel.
-dorset.hills and villages.how different is the landscape from the one in essex ?I could just close my eyes and see it through hardy's novels.
-after graduation I got a job in a mountain village at 1300 m high.I stood there for 3 years.on my first sunny winter morning there I was on my way to school when I suddenly looked around and realized I was above the clouds.and the view was so magnificent,that I completely forgot about the class
-through 'Evangelism',the average romanian would understand one of the numerous orthodox religious sects that populate our religious society.
and the only social activities of their believers are to attent the services and walk from house to house to attract new adhepts.they are not socially involved whatsoever.they actually hate one another and try to discreditate both the orthodox church and the other sects in order to steaaaaaaaal their believers. you see,these guys think the power of a religion lies in its number of believers,and not in their quality.
-the romanian communities are socially dead.they 're waiting.They've been waiting for 3000 years for somebody to organise them.
-what does my people need actually? education.education.education.
-so how was your day ?what was the poetry class like? what was the topic ?
-what about the homework ?did anybody read it?I told you I have a very curious nature.

Change is a basic rule in both nature and social life.all great religions have emerged from smaller trends or influenced one another.when you have read mircea eliade's 'History of Religions',you'll get to understand that most of the differencies between them lie more in their rituals than in their dogmas.All the 11 main religions contain the 10 commitments.None of the major religious books contain urges to racial hatred. But they do contain different ideas about life after death. Does it really matter where we all go after we 'kick the bucket'? And who holds the ultimate proof to this issue ?Which dogma is right ?What if our deeds here are much more important ?Either in hell or a bad karma sounds the same to my skin and bones.How did we get here ?Will it be the Big Bang,the aliens,a God,responsable for that ?What about OUR RESPONSABILITY for what we have done to other people or to this nature which 's been nourishing us and our kids since we started crawling on our fours ?What do we give HER in exchange ? does it really matter who created it ?Will we stop killing whales when we have the proof that God has made them ?I doubt that.I say all religions are good and all come from God as long as their believers obey the 10 commitments.and start doing what they preach.I AM YOU.I NEED YOU.I LOVE YOU.and your blood is my blood, irrespective of your colour skin, banking account or the name you're wearing.we are all contemporaries,after all.We should all be proud and grateful for that.what will we lose if we ,for 5 minutes,stop thinking to what separate us,and see how much alike this misterious creator has shaped us.Then,and only then,your children and my children will be safe and we'll be able to say :'What a wonderful world this is'.
bloodsweatandtears,a life lover.
-this is my posting on the 'religion and ethics site.topic?who's right ,the creationists or the traditionalists?do I have a point or not? do you agree with it ?
-good night,carole,take care of yourself and those you love.

Good afternoon Cornel.
Ooh, so much I could say on what you have posted!

Firstly-I had the most wonderful day with my daughter yesterday. I came home this morning. She was "top graduate" and I was introduced to so many eminent folk! It was a day that I shall cherish for ever. My daughter is my everything. She is my world. I love her so very much.

Poetry-I belong to a class of poetry lovers. We had to pick a postcard, from a heap of cards a few weeks ago, and then find at least 4 poems on the subject. My postcard had a windmill as its picture. I found plenty of relevant poems-only because I have a house utterly full of wonderful poetry books.
I also do a bit of poetry teaching in schools. And I adore poetry-I was brought up on it....Loooooooooooong story!

Dorset-yes it is very pretty. Very Thomas Hardy'ish! Lots of beautiful scenery. I love being well away from my home and walking. The countryside is my Heaven here on earth...

Faith. Now that is a VERY loaded subject! I could talk for ever about my Faith. It is NOT about organised 'religion'. It is about loving the Lord, and having a wonderful and blessed hope in Him. Yes I do believe in a Heaven, just as I believe in a hell! All that is wanted/needed of us is to take God's Son, the Lord Jesus, as our Saviour. And I do. I love Him for what He did for me-taking my horrid sins with Him to Calvary. And by doing so, I am able to speak to God, through the Lord Jesus. God utterly hates sin. And sin isn't just about murder, and mayhem. It is about our daily pride, or anger, or impatience, or envy or.... Every negative thing about us is a sin in God's eyes. God is Perfection. And is All Loving. And All Goodness. None of us stand a chance on our own. We have "all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God".Even the tiniest blot on an otherwise "clean sheet" makes us imperfect.No matter how hard we try to be good or seem good we just cannot attain perfection.But God's Son has taken our sins from us-on the cross at Calvary. Amen. "He died that we might be forgiven". And isn't that wonderful? And such amazing news? The one God, who is All Love, can love a sinner like me. What wonderful news................


Being an evangelical Christian is not about being a nuisance to folk, or putting folk in their place! It is simply telling folk where I stand-given the chance, or whilst 'up against it'. If anyone loves something, or someone, one usually cannot but help wanting/needing to broadcast the good news! I want to tell the world about my fabulous daughter and her hard work and her achievements! And I want others to know that there IS a way to Salvation through the blood of the Lord Jesus.I am just so full of utter happiness at knowing that I have a Saviour, and how can I keep my mouth shut?!!!!!!!!

Plus, what is better-good news or bad? Why do folk decide to believe in the bad news that there is no life-after-death? Why not take a huge leap of Faith and believe that maybe one day we SHALL see our loved ones again...I could not bear to believe that I would never see my mother and father and brother again. I miss each one of them. And I DO TOTALLY believe that I shall see them again on that wonderful resurrection morning...

Dear Cornel, I could write masses here. I am only touching the tip of an enormous iceberg! I could write for ever in huge detail...


I love all colours, all creeds, and have the deepest respect for all. But I DO have a solid Faith. That doesn't mean that I hate or despise or ridicule anyone who doesn't share my Faith...

We have just had a wild storm here. My cat went mad outside. It was very funny to watch.

Astronomy this afternoon, and I feel quite weary after yesterday.

Very warm wishes to you.
Carole

hy,Carole.congratulations !!I know what you must have felt.
your lifetime dream has come true.she's top graduate!!! I'm impressed !!may I congratulate your daughter for having accomplished her major aims.I KNOW how hard it is.You're a happy mother,Carole.I'm sure you thanked God for supporting you.But did you cry all that joy out,so that all neighbourhood may hear it,did you plunge all dressed in the nearest river,did you and your daughter splash with champaign,I mean,how did you express all that overwhelming joy ?
I remember the day I passed my entrance examination at the University of Bucharest.I had been working for a year,12-14 hours a day,even more,I had seen my name on the list and I suddenly ran into some other friends who had passed their exams at different universities.We hired tail coats for each,went to a a cosy restaurant placed in a central park in the middle of a lake and plunged into it.That day I lived my first climactic moment of hapiness.I had been working my brains out,had spent a great amount of money on tutoring and I had got some excellent marks.I had achieved my goals.and I was 21.
I felt I had conquered the world.all by myself.if I could make up some device and collect the energy the youth go off in such moments and keep it alive for their lifetime,I'd become more famous than Mr.Einstein.
In my case,communism killed it within me a year later.They knew no mercy.dragged it out of our hearts and slew it in cold blood.
I buried my dreams in my generation graveyard.
You see,you belong to a different world with a different education.
I know one can't change one's true nature,but if I were your daughter,I would let myself go and then set my heart and mind on new higher aims.
But I'm sure she knows how to manage her destiny.and she has you.

Dear Cornel,

What a lovely message. How kind of you. Thank you so very much.

I have not got much time to write but I will say that my daughter and I had a wonderful day together. And she and her husband are celebrating tonight.

My daughter is now studying for her Masters, as well as working a few days each week(within her chosen field). She and her husband work very closely as a wonderful union. He is there for her every step of the way. She has many friends, and colleagues, who know her potential, and who are giving her so much help and great advice.

I have only just had another cry with joy whilst thinking of my darling daughter, and the graduation. I cannot express to you how I feel -utter jubilation and pride.

I do understand how you must feel about your country and your heart. It is very sad what you have said. I really do not know what to say except that I shall mention you and your wife in prayer. My very best wishes go to both of you, and a big hug to you both.

I must dash now. I look forward to your next letter. I will write more next time.

Carole

Hy,sorry for answering so late,but my wife,my daughter and I have been striving to redecorate our house ourselves for about 2 months.I know,it sounds pretty odd to you up there,but for us,it's been quite an ordeal down here.
The point is all good romanian workers of all sorts of jobs,the so-called craftsmen have fled to spain, italy,ireland,germany,france, england and the workshy ones have stayed home,so if one should hire such people for repairing stuff,or a furniture joiner,or a plumber,or whatever,you name it,they would get the devil at their door.I made this mistake 3 months ago.Believe me, I know, I'm not overreacting.so,we fired them 2 months ago and took up redecorating the house with our own hands.the problem is we have sent our 4 year-old daughter to my parents and we haven't seen her since,only talked to her on the phone and we miss her badly.luckly we're almost done. hope they'll all come over within 5 days or so.
-you haven't said which field your daughter has been preparing her Masters.does it have something to do with poetry ?will it be,let's say, genetic ?
-thank you for your very kind appreciations to my posting,I was afraid my latin genes gave it a too informal touch that you would somehow dislike.
-I must go back to work now,carole,lookintg forward to reading your postings.take care of yourself and those you love.and pray for a wiser world.

Hello Cornel.

Lovely to get your message.

I am sure that you ARE missing your little daughter. I would be too. Children are wonderful. I loved every moment of my daughter's growing up years. She was an absolute angel-never cried, or had tantrums, or went mad in shops(like so many do!). People say, sarcastically, that I had an angel for a child. But I truly did! She was marvellous. We sang, walked for miles, read, played, made things, recited poetry , sang hymns...all the time. And it was all worth it! I now have a fabulous 33 year old daughter.

She is reading Psychology at university.I can't wait to see the graduation photos-and to have one proudly on show in my home!

I have done all my own decorating. I love painting. And I make most of the soft furnishings-they are my favourite! So, any curtains that need to be made, let me know.
Last week, I at last finished re-furbishing my kitchen cupboards. I had no idea what I was doing, or how to do it, but I have made a really great job of it! It's surprising what some strips of beading, and paint can do! Plus, new curtains, matching cushion, and pretty paintings-voila! A new kitchen!!!
The only thing that I have never finished is the stair-well.I can't do it. It is too dangerous for me to try and erect a ladder etc. So it will just have to remain as it is! I am quite used to it now. Just as well!!

What kind of weather have you been having? We are having lots of rain and gales. But-it is autumn after all-my favourite season.

How is your wife? Would she(and you) like more children? Please give her my very best wishes. Tell her to enjoy every moment of motherhood. It goes far too quickly-childhood I mean. One moment we are looking after our child(ren) and giving them advice. And the next they are looking after us, and showing us how things ought to be done!!! But I love my daughter taking charge of me. It is a warm and comforting feeling.

Now I should be making my supper. What kind of food do you make in your country? A daft question, I know, but I would love to know what you, as a family, sit down to. What is a 'traditional' meal?

Blessings and very warm wishes to both of you.

Carole x

Dear Cornel.
I haven't heard from you for quite a while. How are you and your family? Did you mange to finish all the decorating? I do hope so. Are you keeping warm during these winter months? And what sort of weather are you having there?

Please do let me know that you are all safe and well and happy. Many warm wishes to your family.

Carole x

hye,long time,no read...don't ask...I'll tell you all about it. but not now.I'm dead-beaten.I don't know when...in 2-3 days' time.Hope you'll forgive me...It's raining cats and dogs.It hasn't rain for weeks.It's been the hottest day in the last 60 years.42 degrees.Tens of thousands have lost everything.their crops, animals,gone bankrupt.people are praying in groups of thousands for rain.you wouldn't believe it to your eyes...I'm too tired to go out in the rain.but the streets are crowded...god's too merciful, sometimes.good night,carole x.wimbledon has started.are you watching? hope your tim wins.i like him. bye.

Hello once again, Cornel.

How are you? And how is your wife and family? Did you ever get the decorating finished? I do hope so, for their sakes.

I'm afraid that I know very little of world events due to not wanting to hear all the awful news. But I do pray for the Lord to be with those who suffer-especially those who suffer at the hand of man. It is an agonizing thought.

The tennis holds no attractions to me! I have my church, and my friends, and one very close friend. These are of far greater importance.

Please give your wife my very best wishes.

My best wishes to you, too. Take care-all of you. Continue praying-for the Lord is ever faithful to those who honour His name.

-you've anwered, thank God,am I forgiven ?
-You know, I thought I'd never talk to you.I don't know how you do it,maybe you don't realize it, or it may be just in my head, but there's something in your person, something I've felt with other extraordinary people,people endowed by god with the gift of healing,that I've had the honour and privilege to meet.
-I remember JFK advising people who wanted to get wiser that they should meet wise people.
-I've been living hell for the past 2 years now,and it's been quite unbearable, a nightmare I've lived every day.I feel better now,
thank you,you're infinitely kind and tender and...normal...
-Cain hasn't died.he's still ruling the Earth.I've felt its distructive power.
-where do bad people get their energy, is there a hidden button somewhere ?I wish someone would turn it off! I wish it so badly...

Dear Cornel,

Your post has rather troubled me. Can you tell me what has been happening at home, and in your country? How is your little daughter? She was with your(or your wife's) parents last November. Are all 3 of you managing with everyday problems at home? And did you get that decorating done????

Can I give you some very sound advice, Cornel? Do not look down at the mud. Instead-look up to the stars above. Turn to God with all your needs. Trust in Him with all your heart. His timing is not our timing, but He will hear your prayers, and He will answer them. When things are getting tough, or difficult, give them to our Father. He never leaves you. It is we who turn away from Him. The world does not love His name-"the name that is above all other names". But we(you, your wife, your daughter, me, my friends...) have a firm foundation in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Cornel, He loves you. He loves your family. He knows your problems. Trust in Him, and do not be afraid.

Best wishes.