A Definite Don't-Read

I just read The Lighting Thief by Rick Riordan. Don't let your kids read it. It's a wanna-be Harry Potter book, but far more dangerous. For example, the main character gives burnt sacrifices to Greek gods and prays to Poseidon as "Father" (supposedly because Poseidon is his biological father, but still not good). The writing is just fine and the author is imaginative, but the storyline is dangerous for kids who are not emotionally and spiritually mature enough yet.

A Definite Must-Read

This term, I'm taking a class called "Books, Children and God." I get to read a lot of children's classics in chapter books, picture books, fairy tales, and poetry. Then, I also get to read some books that I have never heard of. Since they are children's books, I easily breeze through most of them with little thought (except when having to write about or discuss them). But, today, I read one that really struck me.

This short chapter book is called What Child Is This? by Caroline B. Cooney. It has been a long time since I've read a book that caused me to have an emotional pit in my stomach. It has been a long time since I've read a book that made me cry. It has been a long time since I've read a book that caused a paradigm shift in my perspective on life and people. But this book did all those things. I highly recommend it. It's a great book to read aloud or quietly... for children and for adults. For a little preview, here is what's on the back cover:

Katie, a foster child, wants only one thing for Christmas: a family. Who can bring such an immense gift? There are no wise men coming from the East. There are no shepherds watching in the fields. But there is Matt Morden, age sixteen, who believes he is doing a good deed. There is Liz Kitchell, also sixteen, whose family decorates and celebrates but leaves Liz wondering where the meaning of the holiday has gone. There are Mr. Knight and his son, Tack, who run an inn and put up a tree on which children's wishes will hang, waiting to be granted.

It's the season of joy, hope, and miracles. Is the Christmas spirit strong enough to bring about the impossible?

Here are some things I pondered while reading the book. (If or when you read this book, please let me know other things you pondered.)

• I have so much. How can I give more?
• Maybe it's okay that kids in the Angel Tree Project have asked for expensive things after all.
• How does my church impact the community... the world?
• What does it truly mean to know God? How should this be reflected in my life?
  
• Maybe that odd guy in high school has more to his story... maybe I should have taken the time and energy to find out.

I don't know if this book in available at your typical Borders or Chapters. I had to specially order it from Vancouver Kidsbooks.

Occasional Updates

Please note that I occasionally update my blog posts below the original entries. Therefore, if you want to, you can scroll back and sometimes find updates.

Value in Fiction

Last week at church, the speaker told a heart-wrenching 9/11 story. Some of the college students in the congregation looked up the story on the internet and found out it was actually an urban legend. Today, our pastor used this example to emphasize the importance of distinguishing truth and lies.

As he preached today, I thought about the story. It was indeed a moving story, but the "facts" were not facts at all. However, the lesson behind the story did not lose its value because the story was fiction. After all, don't we read fables, fairy tales and parables? Although they are works of fiction, they have true lessons to be applied in our real lives.

Therefore, I think it would be unwise for us to throw the baby out with the bath water anytime we realize that someone has told us something false (whether intentionally or unintentionally). Instead, we should determine whether or not there is any lesson we can learn from it. Then, we can discard the untruth, but we can still learn.

In no way am I condoning lies or the intentional retelling of urban legends, but I believe that if we completely throw away the morals/lessons along with the untruths we hear, we lose out on the opportunity God gives us to become better people.

Vote for the Cutest Baby!

This is a plea for everyone to vote for my friend's baby as Calgary's Cutest Baby. Please!!!!! I can't reveal his name (for privacy purposes), but he is soooo cute.

1. Go on this site: http://vibemorningshow.com/gallery.html?page=36#thumb
2. Vote for #1815. He is the baby with Curious George, the monkey next to him. (Please note that the number might change, though.)
   
3. You can vote once per day on each IP Address until November 20th.

Thanks!

Updated on November 23, 2008: He didn't win.

What are the Chances?!?!

Back in May 2007, I wrote an entry entitled What are the Chances?!?! It was a story about a weird coincidence. I think I will call these "WATCh" stories. You've already read WATCh #1. Here are #2 and #3.


WATCh #2

A few weeks ago I went to a local dollar store by my home to buy toothpicks for baking. I hate walking into dollar stores when I'm specifically looking for one thing. The aisles are narrow and and cluttered with loads of knick-knacks. It's hard to find anything because of all the sensory overload. It's not uncommon to walk out buying a load of things, but not what you went there to buy in the first place.

Anyway, I mentally prepared myself this time. I just kept repeating "toothpicks, toothpicks, toothpicks" in my head. When I started heading down the aisle of kitchen stuff, there was a girl standing there holding a load of things—everything from gift bags to an ice cream scooper. She looked like she had been in the store for at least an hour. So, my theory was that if she had been in there long enough to pick out so many items, she may have come across the toothpicks at some point in time.

So, I kindly asked her if she had seen the toothpicks by any chance. She started laughing and said that she had walked into the store intending to buy toothpicks too, but ended up picking up all this other stuff, and that she had not seen the toothpicks at all. (She evidently did not mentally prepare herself like I did.) We both then started looking for the toothpicks. What are the chances that we would both be looking for toothpicks?!?!

Lo, and behold, she found the toothpicks!

Unfortunately, though, there was only one container. I thought to myself, "What are the chances that there would only be one container of toothpicks when there are two of us looking for them?!?!" But then, I realized that she must not need all 200 toothpicks that were in the container, so I asked to buy just 10 of them from her. She kindly refused my money and gave me some of the toothpicks. She gave me 27 of them.


WATCh #3

I had a research paper due at noon today. The professor wanted the paper emailed to him. I woke up very early this morning to work on it. At 11:45AM, I finally conceded and decided to email it to him. I logged online and upload the document onto Gmail.

Just as I was about click on "Send," the electricity went out. What are the chances?!?! Since I use the wi-fi from my landlords, no electricity equals no internet access. Unlike most Vancouver days, there was no rain or storm outside, so I thought the electricity would be back on at anytime. I waited patiently.

Finally at 11:55AM, I realized that I could wait no longer. I quickly threw on some street clothes (which is no easy task in a dark basement). I practically ran to the nearest coffee shop, but there was no electricity there either. By this time, it was well past noon. Since I was out of the house and my paper was already late, I decided to just head to school and send it there. As I was waiting for the bus, I realized that the bakery by the bus stop had free wi-fi and it was actually working.

So, I finally emailed my paper in at 12:52PM. Now, it's just a waiting game to see if my professor deducts any point for my tardiness. I explained why it was late in an email, but if I were him, I'm not sure I would believe it. What are the chances?!?!

Added on Monday, November 18, 2008: No penalty! Praise God.

Rights, Privileges, Religion, Morality

See this article... it really struck me. As an event planner, am I allowed to refuse services for same-sex celebrations?

Gay Rights, Religious Liberties: A Three-Act Story

Now What?

After much thinking and worrisome thoughts, I decided to post a "Yes on Prop 8" video on this blog and on Facebook®. Although I did not receive any comments on this blog posting, I did receive several comments on Facebook®. Some comments affirmed my position, and some did not. There were also messages and a friend's posting on her own page that basically put down my position.

Although it was by a VERY narrow margin, Proposition 8 passed. Unless overturned by judges, California's state constitution will define marriage as only between a man and a woman. This is a bittersweet victory.

On the one hand, I am definitely glad that the majority of voters still adhere to the traditional definition of marriage. But it is sad that it is only be such a small margin—52% vs. 48% as of this posting.

The saddest thing, however, is that many Christians who pushed hardest for this proposition may now just sit back and enjoy the victory. However, it is my humble opinion that the hardest work should be taking place now. Many people, especially homosexual people, are feeling hurt and judged at this time. How do we, as Christians, express to others that they are very much loved?

How do we make church a welcoming place for them to fellowship—accepting them without endorsing their lifestyle? After all, if we limit church only to those without brokenness (especially sexual brokenness), most of us would not be allowed to step foot into a church building.

As hard as some church members pushed others to vote for Proposition 8, I pray that those same active church members will rally to strategically and lovingly show the public that Christians are not just an exclusive "holy huddle," but are people who believe in the example of Jesus Christ and will fellowship with those who are different from us. We are not better than the rest of God's created people. We just have been privileged to know Him... and don't we want others to know Him as well? If we stay within ourselves and just judge others, we're doing something very wrong.

May this loving of people who are different and think differently from us not only be an individual choice, but the choice of the entire church. May key leaders (lay and pastoral) step up in love and not cower for fear that other congregants will disagree.

Proposition 8 Made Simple

What do you think?

Minors on the Internet

I'm MSNing with a young girl right now. She is 11-years-old, and I met her while doing minstry. (Let's call her "Kerrie.") Anyway, Kerrie just told me that she got a Facebook® account recently. Obviously, she lied in the initial form to get the account since the terms of agreement require users to be at least 13-years-old. She even told me that her mom was okay with it.

As it is, I already have some young "friends" on the internet who post things they really should not post. Gals have photos of themselves in seductive poses or clothing (or lack of clothing). They write vulgar things. They have photos of themselves drinking or around others who are drinking. And they join "groups" that they should not join. This is all so unwise.

While chatting with Kerrie on MSN, I knew that I could not convince her to close her Facebook® account, so I'm warning her to be very careful about what she posts. The truth of the matter is that unwise things that she puts on the internet or allows others to put on the internet can come back to haunt her.

The best case scenario is that nothing will happen.

But what happens when Kerrie is applying for university and somehow that photo of herself dressing provocatively has gone beyond her Facebook® account and is now made public on the internet? Someone might see it and decide that Kerrie should not be accepted into the university of her choice.

Or what happens when Kerrie applying for a job and a potential employer sees something that might make him/her question Kerrie's chracter or lifestyle?

Or what if some creepy person sees something about her and decides that Kerrie is now the object of his bizarre fantasies? (And even if this creepy person saw her, but decided otherwise, it would still be creepy.)

Or what if a "Facebook® friend" tells others that Kerrie joined a group centered around hating another person (i.e. a teacher)?

It worries me that people post as much as they do on the internet... Facebook®, blogs, comments on others' pages, My Space®, etc. If you know people who are posting things that are not so good, please warn them. There are two rules I try to follow... (1) don't post anything that is or can appear to be improper, and (2) don't post anything too personal about myself or about others.

And just to let you know... your Facebook® account (or other seemingly "private" accounts) is not only accessible to your friends. They are easily hacked into by people who know how to do it. That's how employers look at what potential employees have online. Therefore, if legitimate people like that do it, imagine who else does it.

David Letterman, on President Bush

I don't normally open forwarded emails... except when they're from my mom. The one she just sent me is very interesting. The email says that they're David Letterman's words, but I can't seem to verify this. Whether this is truly said/written by Letterman or not, it's still very interesting. See what you think:

As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark. The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67% of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69% of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, "What are we so unhappy about?"

A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?

C. Could it be that 95.4% of these unhappy folks have a job?

D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state.

F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?

G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.

H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

I. Perhaps you are one of the 70% of Americans who own a home.

J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.

K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.

L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?

Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us i nto war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31% approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it... are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an "other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable" discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69% of Americans?

Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way... Insane!

Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.

With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

-David Letterman

Updated on November 23, 2008: It turns out that these words are not from David Letterman at all. It's a false attribution. However, the lessons are not any less true. We ARE a bunch of ungrateful people. We should really be more thankful for the many things we have in our lives. Follow the link for the supposed real story.

What is a Christian Marriage?

I just read this:

...a Christian conservative writes that the break-up of his marriage was a sad but "healthy new beginning for each of us in our own way." And he continues that he was called by faith like Abraham to leave the security of marriage to embark on a spiritual pilgrimage toward emotional authenticity.

Another writes, "I hope my wife will never divorce me, because I love her with all my heart. But if one day she feels I am minimizing her or making her feel inferior or in any way standing in the light that she needs to become a person God meant her to be, I hope she'll be free to throw me out even if she's one hundred. There is something more important than our staying married, and it has to do with integrity, personhood, and purpose."

Is this sort of thinking acceptable? It bothers me. What do you think?

Claiming Poverty

Tuition at Regent College is not cheap. Living in Vancouver is not cheap. Therefore, it is no wonder that I am more budget-conscious while here. But I realize that I am privileged to be able to afford to be here. I am blessed.

All around me, I frequently hear someone claiming poverty. It is not uncommon to hear someone saying, "I am so poor." Somehow, this gets others to pay (or at least partially cover) for him/her when eating out. By this claim, debts are sometimes wiped out. And this "poor person" receives sympathy.

Yet, this very same person who claims poverty seems to eat out often, almost never paying for anyone else. He/She has the latest in technology (computer, video game, GPS, cell phone, etc.). He/She shops often. He/She goes on trips. Of course, not all these are attributed to a single person, though.

So... are these people actually poor? Or are they merely claiming poverty? Is claiming poverty considered a virtue? And when they claim poverty, are they taking something away from those who truly are financially strapped?

This epidemic of claiming poverty is not isolated to Regent College or to Vancouver. It is apparent even in LA. When did it become acceptable? Does Christian society encourage this sort of behavior? What does this say about one's stewardship of money?

Any thoughts?

Dual Membership

For about a year, I have been a regular attendee at a Mennonite Brethren church here in Vancouver. Yesterday, I officially became a member of the church. It was a very difficult decision. I truly love the people at this church, I had some real reservations about the MB tradition. However, I've been serving in leadership for a while and decided that being a member of the church was the right thing to do for accountability and an official voice.

This does not mean I have transferred my membership, though. I have dual membership... allowing me to officially be part of two churches. What a privilege to have two church families!

Vancouver Poem

I found this poem today while reading children's poems for my class ("Children, Books and God"). It made me laugh. This gives a glimpse into my life here in Vancouver.

"Vancouver"

by Robert Heidbreder

In Spring it sprinkles,

In Summer too.

In Fall it pours

Buckets on you.

In Winter it rains

Cats and dogs

From heavy clouds

Through soupy fogs.
All year long
Rain drops and drops
In Vancouver
It never stops.

The Truth About Fred

I have a stuffed orange dog named Fred. I take him everywhere with me. Fred has traveled the world with me... to Asia, to Europe, to Australia, across the country, to every family vacation, to youth camp, to church retreats… to Vancouver. There was a time when I was unable to sleep unless Fred was with me.

When asked about Fred’s history, I told people about having Fred since I was 2-years-old—a gift from a family friend. I never knew who that friend was… until recently.

While back in California this past time, I had the privilege of meeting this person. As it turns out, the story I have been telling everyone is false. Apparently, this wonderful orange dog was given to my older brother when he was born. At some point in time during our childhoods, I must have taken it (or even stolen it) from him.

I’m not sure where I got the story I’ve been telling people. Did I make it up as a child and believed it to be true? It’s funny how truth is lost in a child’s imagination and mere stories appear “true” even in adulthood.

I’m sorry for inadvertently lying to people.

Asian-American Article

Dick posted this article on Facebook™ today. It prompted a lot of interesting thoughts. Tell me what you think.

Click on link:
"Dear Michael Chang: You Ruined My Tennis Career. Thanks for Nothing."

July 4th in Canada!

July 1st was Canada Day. Then, three days later, it was United States' Independence Day.

Canada Day was basically non-eventful for me... just class in the morning, studying in the afternoon, and vegging out on the couch in the evening.

But July 4th was a blast! Thanks to my really wonderful landlords, I was given permission to throw a July 4th BBQ dinner in their backyard. I invited my church small group and some school friends, as well as a few random other friends. In total, we had 32 people at the BBQ. There was a ton of food because almost everyone brought some goodies... my favorites were Clement's mac and cheese with tuna and Lucia's frozen pineapple dessert. I still salivate thinking about all the yummy food we had.

It was great seeing everyone socialize and how people did not merely stick to their own little cliques, but made the effort to get to know "new" people. And it was fun seeing how my friends from different circles actually knew each other from even other circles.

This was the first time I threw a party in Vancouver. It was not as seamless as most of my LA events due to a lack of resources, but I still had a really great time. I felt blessed by my friends' presence and their efforts in setting up, grilling and cleaning up.

But I still miss my LA friends. =)

UK Trip Updates

Detailed UK ministry trip updates are now being sent though email. If you're not already on my emailing list and would like to receive these updates, please let me know and I will put you on the list.

Thanks for your prayers!

Wen

My hair is pretty long now... over 20 inches. In regards to my hair, I get compliments on a fairly regular basis because it's long, straight and usually shiny. I'm also constantly asked what kind of products I use in my hair and how I care for it. Here is what I've been doing for at least 15 years:

Products: Head and Shoulders shampoo (for normal hair), whatever conditioner that can be purchased with a coupon from Costco. (No mousse, no hairspray, no gel, no leave-in conditioner.)

Process: Shampoo only the scalp area. Rinse thoroughly. Use about two pumps of conditioner only on the bottom half of my hair. Leave conditioner on while I soap up. Rinse off conditioner while rinsing off soap. Squeeze out as much water from my hair as possible with my hands. Pin up or tie up hair when toweling off. Do not towel dry. Wrap hair in a towel or turban. Leave hair in turban for at least 15 minutes. If in a rush, blow dry hair. If not, air dry.

Special Notes: I usually only wash my hair once every two days. I also get my hair trimmed at least every 3 months.

15+ years is a long time. But that's basically what I've been doing with my hair for years. I used to have light brown highlights but I eventually stopped because it was (1) too expensive and too time-consuming to keep maintaining, and (2) Locks of Love does not accept bleached hair.

In the last few months, I kept seeing infomercials for Wen by Chaz Dean. It's a hair cleansing product to be used in lieu of shampooing and conditioning. It's called a "hair cleansing conditioner." The infomercial features Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie) as the host, and other celebrities like Jane Seymour, Jennie Garth and Ming-Na Wen. The first few times I watched the infomercial, it seemed like a scam... washing your hair without shampoo?!?!?!? It just didn't seem right.

But then, I remembered how I always thought it was necessary to use a foaming face wash until my facialist told me to use Cetaphil, a totally non-foaming skin cleanser. My face is much clearer now—only getting the occasional acne.

So, after reading many online reviews, I decided to give Wen a try (the fig one). I even sent a bottle to Carolyn. Anyway, I've used it twice now. I'm happy to report that I actually like it a lot. Even after the first time, my hair seemed softer and easier to manage.

However, the whole washing business takes a lot longer now—thus making my shower a whole lot longer. The product needs to be massaged in for several minutes, then allowed to settle for another few minutes before rinsing. It also takes a lot of the product each time. With my hair as long as it is, I use about 40 pumps each time. And the stuff is not cheap.

Anyway, I usually don't endorse products (especially in writing), but I gotta say that I actually like Wen. I will keep using it until my current supply runs out.

Has anyone else heard of or tried Wen? I'm just curious what others think.

Whew! That was a lot just on hair. Sorry for boring the guys. =)

My Third Home

My first home is Los Angeles. Since August 2007, Vancouver has become my second home. And with flying between the two cities, the airports are now my third home.

Once again, I find myself sitting in the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Even the customs agent I had today remembered that I was from LA before I handed him my passport and customs form! He told me that he will soon remember my name! (For those of you who don't know... when flying from Canada to the States, U.S. customs is in the Canadian airport before even boarding the plane.)

Today, I have extra time in my third home. I was going to take the bus to the airport, which would have taken over an hour, but my landlord insisted on driving me. Therefore, it only took 20 minutes to get to the airport. Furthermore, I just checked my flight status and it seems that my flight is delayed by 34 minutes.

That gives me extra time to sit in the Alaska Airlines Boardroom before I have to get to the departure gate.

Someone told me recently that she has such a busy life that traveling by plane is the only time she gets to slow down (sitting in an airport waiting for a flight and sitting in a plane). I'm beginning to feel that way about my life too.

How ironic! Traveling is the one thing that can slow down life. Anyone else find this odd?

By the way, YVR is the only airport I know of that is advertisement-free. I love it. It's so beautiful... especially the aboriginal displays that you walk past when you first arrive at the airport before going through Canadian customs.

UK Trip Update

Our team had Meeting #2 on Monday night. Once again, it was a great meeting. But my favorite part was taking photos at the end. Even though this was an unofficial part of the meeting, this is when we got to goof off a little bit and get to know each other in a more non-businesslike setting. I love that this whole team is so much fun and quick to laugh.


Here are some parts of the official meeting that I enjoyed the most:

• Kenelm shared the song "Remain" (by Starfield) with us during our opening devotional and prayer time. He shared about feeling inadequate and about learning rely on God. What a lesson we all need to keep learning!
• Derek shared his personal testimony of learning about God and seeing His blessings unfold in miraculous ways. It's awesome how God touches our minds and our hearts in just the precise ways we need Him to do so.
• Our discussion of which workshop topics to tackle and lead at the youth camp was really eye-opening about each team members. I learned a little more about each of their interests, challenges and expertise in our discussion. It was absolutely delightful.

As for new prayer requests:

• We're still looking for a camp speaker for the younger track (ages 11-14). If we can't find anyone, it may be me. If it is me, it will be a scary, but wonderful, experience.
• Some of my team members have expressed worries about financial funding. I am blessed to have some very generous friends and family. I'm hoping that if I surpass the amount that I personally need, any other extra donations can go to help my team.
• Our team will be working with Calgary and UK people. Due to distance, busy schedules and unfamiliarity, we've been having problems with reaching each other. This is a bit frustrating.
  

Thanks for your prayers. Please continue to remember us as you pray each day.

There's No "I" in T-E-A-M

On July 30 - August 21, I will be leading a team of five Vancouverites to England on a short-term ministry trip. Our objective is to minister to the second-generation Chinese in the UK, while helping them develop their leadership skills and strategies. While in England, we will be helping out at a youth camp and two kids' programs. For the youth camp, we are partnering with a Calgary team as well as others from the UK.

I'm very excited... and very scared. This will be my first time leading a team overseas on a ministry project. And due to many scheduling conflicts, my team has only had one official meeting so far. However, I believe God pulled this team together. They are an awesome group of individuals. We are all from different churches, but our heart to do God's will is the same. As a team, they have displayed an emotional and spiritual maturity beyond their chronological age. In the major decisions we've had to make so far, the team has been very careful in making them. I can barely express how awestruck I am by them... and how they are seeking God's guidance.

At this early stage in planning, we are still trying to figure out roles and what they entail. We are learning about each other and how to best complement each other. We're seeking prayer and financial support for the trip. We are learning from the experience of those who previously went on such a trip. We are trying to rely on God for His guidance, and working hard to following Him.

Personally, this is a huge opportunity. I am eager to learn about how God is working in the midst of the second-generation Chinese people in the UK. And I am eager to gain experience in leadership and teaching. There are definite fears and worries. There are concerns and questions. But most of all, there is hope and assurance in God because I truly believe He led me to this opportunity.

If you would like to support my team and me through prayer or financial giving, please let me know. I will send you a support letter. Please "team up" with us!

The Sabbath

Exodus 20:8-11: Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord you God; you shall not do any work... For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.

Deuteronomy 5:12,15: Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you... Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the sabbath day.

Mark 2:27: Then [Jesus] said to them, "The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind of the sabbath; so the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."

I recently had a heated discussion with someone about the importance of observing the sabbath— to rest physically, to renew spiritually and to revive mentally. This individual accused me of being "legalistic" like the Jews in the Bible. I left that discussion very frustrated because I really do think that the sabbath is important... not because it's a day to be lazy and watch television, but because it's a day to look forward to for purposeful rest and renewal. And I do not believe this day should be eliminated for the sake of doing more work (even if it is ministry). How can I be effective if I'm burned out? Besides, God didn't need to rest, but He did it anyway. Shouldn't we?

Any thoughts out there about this topic? Am I totally off here?

I'm sorry I cannot disclose full details and context of the aforementioned discussion because I don't want anyone to figure out with whom I was talking.

The cartoon is a little irrelevant, but I thought it was funny

More Public Transportation Frustrations

Whew!

I finally made it to the airport. I waited at the bus stop this morning for nearly an hour, but the right bus never showed up. I guess the website was wrong. I am very grateful that Elaine actually answered her phone at 5:50AM, and was willing to drive me to the airport.

Assuming that my flight is not delayed too long (or canceled), I'll be at Grace and Jimmy's wedding this afternoon. I'm so excited... this is the event of the year! =D

"A Total L.A. Girl"

People at school say that I'm "a total LA girl." What does that mean? Is it because I have a dark complexion (seemingly like a perpetual tan)? Do I talk like a valley girl?

In fact, some people tell me that they forget I'm even Asian because I'm "so LA." Oddly enough, it's not the first time I've been told this. People tend to be surprised that I speak Chinese at all.

How can people forget? Don't I LOOK Asian? In fact, I think I'm more "Chinesey" than most of my Chinese friends.

What do I do that makes people forget I'm Chinese? And what makes me "a total LA girl"? Any thoughts?

Public Transportation Frustrations

Today, I waited nearly one hour after church for the #22 bus to arrive. (It's supposed to arrive every 20 minutes.) And when it finally came, it was absolutely packed... claustrophobic-like standing-room only. While riding the bus, several things came to mind.

(1) If you're a youngish person who is sitting, you should give up your seat for elderly people.

(2) If there are two seats (side-by-side) available, you should sit closer to the window so that someone else can sit next to you. If you just sit in the aisle seat, you don't allow another person to sit in a perfectly empty seat.

(3) If there are available seats next to you while others are standing, you should either take a seat or make room for others to take those seats... too many standing people makes the bus feel even more crowded.

(4) There's a small plastic and metal box near the bus door that says something like, "In case of an emergency, break box and pull handle to open door." How do you break the box? It doesn't seem obvious.

I guess those were just totally random thoughts, but that is what happens when the bus is so packed that you can't even read or pull out your iPod.

You've Got Mail

Ever since I was a kid, I loved getting personal mail. And when anyone sent a personal card, postcard or letter to me in the mail, it was always very special. That still holds true today. I definitely love getting phone calls, emails and blog comments. Facebook wall messages, text messages and e-cards are nice too. But there's something extra special about getting a hand-written piece of personal correspondence in the mail.

However, I recently had a conversation with a friend and was told that people don't really care for getting personal "snail mail" anymore because "it's an extra piece of paper that I have to figure out where to store." According to this friend, technology has taken over and electronic communication is just as good, if not better because it doesn't take up physical space.

I disagree with my friend. What are your thoughts on this? Am I just too old-fashioned?

As an aside... I've received some nice mail since I moved to Vancouver. I so much appreciate the few postcards, cards, and even letters. I especially love the care packages of Trader Joe's items, and other yummy snacks! Thanks.

Don't "Cover Your Mouth!"

With the weird weather during this time of the year, many people are suffering from colds, flus and allergies. When they sneeze/cough, most tend to cover their mouths with their hands.

As a kid, I was taught by my parents and teachers to do this as well. Covering your mouth with your hands during a sneeze/cough was considered good etiquette and good hygiene at the time.

However, when I started working in the food service industry, I learned just how disgusting it is to cover your mouth with your hands because those hands will eventually touch other things (door handles, handrails, etc.) or even other people. Thus, the contamination spreads. Instead, we were required to either sneeze/cough into the inside of our elbow or to sneeze/cough directly to the ground.

Now, when I see people around me sneezing/coughing into their hands, I just get so grossed out. So, if you're sick or suffering from allergies, please sneeze/cough directly to the ground or into the inside of your elbow.

Thank you... and bless you!

He Has Been Named

Thanks for all the input on my plant. It now has been almost two weeks since I received the primrose as a gift from my friend. As of now, he seems to be doing well. The weather has been fairly nice recently, so I've actually left him outside most of the time. He gets sunlight and rain almost on a daily basis.

Anyway, I decided that my primrose is a guy because he needs so much maintenance and thought. (Wink, wink.) Furthermore, he seems kind of snobby, so I decided to name him Thurston Howell III after the millionaire in Gilligan's Island. Now, I might need to find a wife for Thurston, and name her "Lovey", which I just found out in Wikipedia was a nickname for Eunice Wentworth Howell. How cool is that!?!?!

Thanks for the idea, Victor. And, I'm sorry your suggestion didn't make the cut, Carolyn.

I'm Not a Gardener. Are You?

Back while I was attending UCLA, my roommate received several potted plants from her friends. Unfortunately, she didn't quite have a green thumb and her roommates were no help either. But this didn't stop us from naming the plants. Sadly though, the plants died. It was all very tragic. To celebrate their short lives, my roommates and I held a memorial service for the perished plants one afternoon. We all wore black, said something nice about each named plant and sang "It Is Well with My Soul" before throwing them into a large garbage bag.

This experience immediately came to my mind when a friend recently gifted me with a potted plant. Like my roommate in college, my thumb is also greenless. (The only reason why my garden in LA thrives is because Jesse planted it and cares for it.) To make matters worse, I don't even know what kind of plant I've been given. It's all very stressful. I can't even bring myself to naming it... which is unlike me because I tend to name things all the time (i.e. my computer, my car, etc.)

Therefore, I'm attaching two pictures of my plant in hopes that someone can identify it for me and tell me how to care for it. Please help!!!!

The Beauty of a Full Circle

God has blessed me tremendously through the years. I have had some really good friends. However, as life changed and as characters were molded in different ways, many friendships gracefully dissolved or even ended in heated arguments. The latter is worse. Such relationships feel like they'll never be repaired. The callous words and actions are ingrained in our memories... the daggers still sticking out of the hearts. Nothing will ever be the same.

Or so it seems.

Yet, God is a God of the impossible.

As I was praying this morning and considering how God has brought me to where I am at this moment in time, I realized that some of my "old friendships" have grown anew. I never would have thought that this could happen. I can still remember the hurts I felt and the hurts I've caused. Such things have not been erased, but God has brought us back into each others' lives. He has brought these friendships back. We have come full circle.

And even though I've been feeling rather down in the dumps lately, this little morning reminder brought me some hope... hope for renewal. Renewal may come in the form of repaired relationships. And renewal may come in the form of remembering my first love in Christ. It may even come in the form of a good night's rest.

If you're feeling broken or rundown, I pray that you find renewal too. I pray that you find hope. It's there... you've just got to close your eyes in prayer before God and open your eyes to the beauty He desires for you.

Yikes... sorry for sounding like a Hallmark card. I'm writing from my heart.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Within the last couple of months, I have had several friends go through relationship breakups. With each story of heartache, betrayal and/or devastated expectations, my heart physically hurts for them. I'm not sure exactly what has brought me to this place, but it goes to show that God has been working in me. In the past, when I heard of people's broken relationships, I felt bad, but I didn't ache for them. Am I actually learning empathy in my old age?

Even though I cannot reveal any names nor specific situations, I ask that you pray with me for these individuals. Please pray that God heals them and fills their emptiness with His amazing love. Pray that they may find their worth in Him, and not in others nor in relationships.

And if you're feeling emptiness in your heart, please lift it up to God. I truly believe He can fill any emptiness that we may have. He is the Love of all loves. May we seek Him together. And may we find wholeness in Him.

I'm in Love!

I had the privilege of meeting my friends' 5-month-old baby boy this past weekend. To protect his identity, we'll call him Moses. He is so cute! He absolutely captured my heart. Moses has the most easy-going personality... quick to laugh and seemingly never grumpy. Whenever he was in the room, I had a hard time focusing on anything/anyone else. If that's not love, I don't know what is.


I even let Moses play with Fred (my orange dog who needs no identity protection). For those of you who know me well, you know that that's a big deal in itself.

Corn Can Kill

It is no secret that I abhor corn. People often ask me why and I tell them that I dislike the smell, the taste, and the texture. People are usually puzzled by this because corn is apparently loved by the majority of people. However, I am here to tell you that CORN CAN KILL!

I personally "witnessed" this while watching Witness (a 1985 film starring Harrison Ford) for class last week. At the end of the film, the bad guy is "drowned" and suffocated in a corn silo when tons of corn kernels bury him alive.

Therefore, I have conclusively proven that corn can kill. (Wink, wink.)

Sloshing Around

Since I came back to Vancouver earlier this month, the weather had been uncharacteristically "un-Vancouverian". It was definitely cold, but the sun was shining as well. On Monday, however, we received a bunch of snow. Since then, it has been warmer (high of low 40'sF), overcast and rainy (very "Vancouverian"). With all these weather conditions put together, there has been a lot of melted snow around. I am grateful for my waterproof Bass boots and my water-resistant REI coat, but an LA girl just doesn't like sloshing through dirty slush. I return home everyday with the bottom of my pants soaking wet and muddy. (This makes a second day of wearing the same pair of jeans impossible.)

But instead of concentrating on the slush while walking to school this morning, I looked up and saw all the people walking through the same slush as I was. These people around me were happily going about their day while I was muttering under my breath as I stepped into yet another muddy puddle.Then, I remembered that even though I don't enjoy the weather here, I ought to be grateful about where I am. God wants me here. I am thankful that He's including me in His plans, even if I'm not sure what they are. Some days, I feel like I'm just "sloshing through life", but it's awesome to know that the "messiness" is intended to teach me more about God and about faith.

So, no more complaining about Vancouver weather! Okay... I guess that's not totally possible for me. I'll try to complain less. =)

Mac vs. PC Parody

What do you think of these videos?



When I first saw them, I was a little disturbed. Obviously, the "Christian" is portrayed as rigid and boring, and the "Christ-follower" is hip and cool. From the outside, I am very much like the "Christian" because I get dressed up on Sundays and I embrace "rules." However, I believe I am like the "Christ-follower" in my heart. I enjoy and cherish my personal walk with Him, feeling little need to explain it to anyone. I don't like the way the videos mock the "Christian" and aggrandize the "Christ-follower." I think we need a balance. An outward display of your faith is not wrong, but an only outward display is wrong. A personal faith with God is good, but a personal faith that puts down others and has no regard for the community is not so good.

Just my two cents. Thanks for reading.

Common Church (Mis)Conceptions

On Sunday at church, the pastor presented "the six most common misconceptions people have about the [Christian] church." Here they are (in no particular order). Please comment on any or all of them. I'm curious whether or not these somewhat hold true in your church or any church of which you've been a part. Why do people have these (mis)conceptions? How have we contributed to these (mis)conceptions? Are they all really misconceptions? How do we, as Christ-followers, curtail them?

• The church is a religious organization with a political agenda.
• The church is male-dominated and oppresses females.
• The church is homophobic.
• The church is judgmental and negative.
• The church arrogantly claims that all other religions are wrong.
• The church is full of fundamentalists who take the Bible literally.

* The pastor did not actually address all these statements, except the one about the church being male-dominated and oppresses females. I think he chose to address this particular one because the church is planning on ordaining their first female pastor in the near future.

In Search for Peach Smints

Ever since Carolyn introduced me to peach-flavoured Smints in the UK over ten years ago, I have been hooked on them. During that time, I was unable to find them in the US. Then, after a couple of years, I saw them at Target and then by the bulk at Smart & Final. Then, mysteriously, both stores stopped stocking them a couple years ago. So, I searched the internet... no luck.

Does anyone know where I can purchase them... on the internet, in Vancouver or in Los Angeles? Or, if you have them where you live, can I coax you into buying some for me?

The End of Ethics

For my Business Ethics class, we were scheduled to submit our first research paper and take a quiz yesterday. I spent several hours studying, researching and writing this past weekend. And just as I finished editing my paper on Monday morning, I received an email from the registrar's office notifying me that the Business Ethics course was canceled due to a lack of student enrollment. Needless to say, I was rather upset. But that quickly passed into frustration; now, I have to write another paper this week (due tomorrow) for my "back-up class" on Biblical Exegesis & Interpretation. At least... with over 100 students in this class, I know it won't be canceled. ***Sigh...***

Business Ethics: What Would You Do?

I attended my first Business Ethics class last night. The professor presented a case study, which stemmed into a lot of discussion. I'm curious what others think.

You are a buyer for your company. A supplier offers his company's Superbowl (or some other really great event) box seats to you and your supervisor . Your supervisor accepts the ticket. What do you do?

• (a) You tell your supervisor that you'll meet him at the Superbowl.
• (b) You tell your supervisor that you feel uncomfortable receiving such a valuable gift from a supplier and decline the offer.
• (c) You tell the supplier that you feel uncomfortable receiving such a valuable gift from a supplier and decline the offer.
• (d) You ask your supervisor how you can reimburse the supplier for the Superbowl ticket.

Even if your answer differs from the given multiple choices, I'm curious what you think. I always thought I was pretty ethical in my business practices, but after discussing this case study with fellow classmates, I'm questioning myself.