A very good summary about some essential characteristics of a strong family 
“Families that are most succesful, functional, happy, and strong are not only balanced but committed, appreciate each other, spend time together, have good communication patterns, have a a high degree of religious/spiritual orientation, and are able to deal with crisis in a positive manner.” (from Counseling A Comprehensive Profession 5th Edition – Samuel T. Gladding)
I have been away for a while, but it is time to get back on the blog again…
It was a nice change to have warm weather these days as a change from the cold weather that we had before. I was really looking forward to kissing my jacket goodbye and wearing short sleeves again.
Away from that though, Huda seems to enjoy the sunlight as well. The other day I was laying down and I put her sitting on my chest and we usually talk or play. For some reason she was leaning forward with excitement trying to catch something on my shirt. I kept looking but found nothing. I checked my t-shirt and it was plain so no colour were attracting her. So what was it? I found out that the blinds not fully shut were letting in a few rays of light. She was having fun trying to catch the sun light that was hitting on my shirt! I always wonder how babies see the world. They can’t speak yet to tell us… but I have to admit if there are people I would love to get into their minds they are babies
They say that once a pious man was travelling for Hajj and he would take someone with him on the trip and while their stay at a host to rest on their way his companion passed away… so when it was time to pray on the person the man tried to make the host lead since it is home out of manners… The humble host said “I do not know how to supplicate as you do so please go ahead an lead us”
After they were done the man went on his trip and saw a dream that the Allah forgave the deceased because of the duaa of the simple man who hosted them . So he went back to him and asked him “please tell me what you said!” The man replied “like I told you I dont know what to say but when it was time for duaa I said Oh Allah you sent me some guests and I tried to be a kind host to them and now your servant has come to you as a guest and you are the most noble and generous of Hosts so please be generous to him with your forgiveness”
So the man knew… what did the job… I remembered this story which a brother gave to us at a camp once and I think it is a nice follow up/reminder after the previous post.
salaam
We are all exposed to the concept of self tests. There are many designed to understand personality or show your possible career paths and so forth. Has anyone thought of questions and characteristics that can be a religiousness test?
A very dear brother to me who I consider like my blood brother had his dad pass away sadly a few days ago… Inah Lila Wa Ina Ilayhi Raji’oon 
What is amazing about this brother which always struck me is his very noble manners. I have rarely seen someone love a father like he did. He exemplified bir walidain through his emotions, emphasis on the ipmortance of parents, speech, excellent keeping in touch with his family especially his dad. To me some qualities he has are an excellent religiousness self test to ask ourselves:
*How many us of have the urge to stay in touch with one’s parents without it taking the practice of a routine?
*How many of us will delay their own personal goals just to help and take mutliple extra steps towards our parents or family?
*How many of us would cry when reading verses about the mother years after your mother passed away?
*How many of us who might be the most struck by somebody’s passing take the efoort to console others from the family and even freinds who didnt know the deceased to remidn others of patience and teach others about the legacy of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him in honouring the dead, honouring the family, and speaking about the bounties of Allah upon you?
Manners are the aim of our deen and emotions are the heart and soul of the human. It is feelings like these and constant good manners like these especially in hard times are the ones that are a testimony of our integrity.
My dear brother May Allah grant you patience and bless you whever you are. You are inspirational extremely well mannered person. Uncle… May Allah grant you Jannah and I ask Allah to reunite your family with you in Jannah in eternal bliss later all happy with your reighteous deeds and great family ties you had. I hope that I will be there to see you as well …
Oh Allah make our best of our deeds our last and enter us into your mercy with the pious believers.
I’m so proud…
My 4 month old daughter is applying techniques I’m so honoured to see. Today she discovered a new way that is quieter and yet more effective in waking people up.
It is called the “grab your nose until you open your eyes” technique. She did that gracefully with her mom and when I smiled to show my recognition she smiled back as if telling me with her smile, “that was a good one, wasn’t it?” I nodded “yup” and I’m encouraging her to do more similar things, but not with me 
Way to go Huda.. Takbeer!
osallam