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. =)