We spent our Labor Day today at Ontario Mills. We walked around for about 3 hours window shopping at various stores. The window shopping ended at The Gap. Looking at the quality of their clothes and their prices, I turned to my lovely wife and said "I think I am a gap man". Turning to me with a smile on her face and humor in her mind, she said that I am funny. Funny? Maybe. Stylin'? For sure!
Needless to say, we opened up a Gap card. Normally, I oppose obtaining store cards but they gave us 15% off, and discounts to Banana Republic (a great store but a little more pricey) and Old Navy (a bargain store but lower quality). How cool is this?
Ichowdown has turned into a Gap man. I bought a nice vest for work, 2 sweaters, and a pair of jeans for less than $70.
A close 2nd place is H&M.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Steven Curtis Chapman
Steven Curtis Chapman is my new role model. His passion, his heart, and his character is unbelievable! On the radio show, Focus on the Family, he explains how God has shaped his family's life after his daughter's tragic death. One of his 3 adopted children, Maria, was accidentally struck by his biological son when he was driving into their home. Maria was just 5 years old. She was adopted as a waiting child having a hole in her heart, but it did not stop him from adopting her. With love and warmth, he opened his home. Now that the Lord has taken her home, he is now more focused on eternal matters. What a man after God's own heart!
His campaign continues to be for the plight of the orphaned. Not everyone is called to adopt. But, this miracle of adoption should be considered by more people. And, not just as a last resort due to infertility or any other reason, but as a first option to extend their love to the needy.
On a slightly different note, here is an interview with his wife on Good Morning America.
His campaign continues to be for the plight of the orphaned. Not everyone is called to adopt. But, this miracle of adoption should be considered by more people. And, not just as a last resort due to infertility or any other reason, but as a first option to extend their love to the needy.
On a slightly different note, here is an interview with his wife on Good Morning America.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Cinderella
In view of the tragedy that occured to Maria Sue Chapman, Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter, this song is both touching and inspirational. I have new-found respect for Mr. Chapman. He has done so much for the worthy cause of assisting with the plight of the orphans who number about 150 million worldwide.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Wall Builders
Pastor Rick Green was a guest speaker 2 Sunday's ago. He is from Wall Builders, an organization that presents the Christian roots of America. Did you know that the majority of our founding fathers were Christians? Many had seminary degrees, others were even pastors. Before the first session of Congress, they even took the opportunity to pray and have a Bible study.
Look where the U.S. is today compared to those days. The definition of marriage is about to be redefined. Abortions take place everyday. Movies/TV/magazines are getting more explicit and vulgar. Prayer is not allowed in public school. The display of the 10 Commandments, the cross, the phrase "in God we trust", the word "Christmas", and anything else religious has been removed from the public sector. Our world is turning into Sodom and Gomorrah.
One of Wall Builders' chief objectives is to inform Christians and get them to vote. Pastor Green delivered this message clearly mixed in with a little humor. He's speaking again at Calvary Chapel La Habra on 9-14-08. Lets rock the vote!
Look where the U.S. is today compared to those days. The definition of marriage is about to be redefined. Abortions take place everyday. Movies/TV/magazines are getting more explicit and vulgar. Prayer is not allowed in public school. The display of the 10 Commandments, the cross, the phrase "in God we trust", the word "Christmas", and anything else religious has been removed from the public sector. Our world is turning into Sodom and Gomorrah.
One of Wall Builders' chief objectives is to inform Christians and get them to vote. Pastor Green delivered this message clearly mixed in with a little humor. He's speaking again at Calvary Chapel La Habra on 9-14-08. Lets rock the vote!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Take This Poll
Check out this poll to see which major presidential candidate do you feel evangelicals can more closely identify with at this time?
Whatever you decide, please don't forget to vote in November.
Whatever you decide, please don't forget to vote in November.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
A Twist in Our Adoption Plans
God has thrown a curve ball for us to adopt a healthy Thai toddler. All of the agencies that facilitate Thailand adoptions are either closed or require us to be infertile.
So, now it's time for plan B. We still want to adopt, but from where? We'd like a child that at least somewhat looks like us so here's a list of Asian countries:
Just pray that there isn't a plan C. And, if there is a plan C, may we both trust in the Lord that He will ultimately provide.
Just think: father = Chinese American, mother = Filippina, son = Filippino, daughter = Chinese.
So, now it's time for plan B. We still want to adopt, but from where? We'd like a child that at least somewhat looks like us so here's a list of Asian countries:
- China: takes about 28 months!
- Vietnam: closed
- South Korea: very costly
- Kahzakstan: length of stay at the country is like 2 months!
- Philippines: this is plan B
Just pray that there isn't a plan C. And, if there is a plan C, may we both trust in the Lord that He will ultimately provide.
Just think: father = Chinese American, mother = Filippina, son = Filippino, daughter = Chinese.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
James 1:27 & Myanmar
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
-James 1:27
Can you imagine what this world would be like if everyone helped out orphans and widows, and walked in accordance to the Word of God? It is so far-fetched from the truth today, that I cannot.
My heart reaches out to the civilians in Myanmar afflicted by the typhoon and its aftermath, especially those who have lost a loved one or their entire family. Their militia government, the "pollutants", must repent for their neglect of human life. To not allow foreign aid in is just ruthless. Only Jesus has the great, perfect love to show absolute forgiveness to these cruel authority figures. Our Redeemer lives!
I am troubled by all of the Burmese children left orphaned and the government's lack of responsibility to care for them. It makes me want to adopt one. After the earthquake in China, over 200 people in the U.S. contacted the Chinese government to adopt. I am 99.99% positive that Myanmar will not be open to adoptions, but God can work miracles.
On another note, what does this say about the value of human life in this world? We don't value a fetus as a human. And, we certainly don't value humans as humans.
Sad.
-James 1:27
Can you imagine what this world would be like if everyone helped out orphans and widows, and walked in accordance to the Word of God? It is so far-fetched from the truth today, that I cannot.
My heart reaches out to the civilians in Myanmar afflicted by the typhoon and its aftermath, especially those who have lost a loved one or their entire family. Their militia government, the "pollutants", must repent for their neglect of human life. To not allow foreign aid in is just ruthless. Only Jesus has the great, perfect love to show absolute forgiveness to these cruel authority figures. Our Redeemer lives!
I am troubled by all of the Burmese children left orphaned and the government's lack of responsibility to care for them. It makes me want to adopt one. After the earthquake in China, over 200 people in the U.S. contacted the Chinese government to adopt. I am 99.99% positive that Myanmar will not be open to adoptions, but God can work miracles.
On another note, what does this say about the value of human life in this world? We don't value a fetus as a human. And, we certainly don't value humans as humans.
Sad.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Can I Go?
So, this is how the conversation went last Friday between me and one of our preschool-aged AWANA girls:
Girl: Guess what? I'm going to a birthday party tomorrow.
Me: Wow, whose birthday?
Girl: My friend. She's turning 5.
Me: [with glee] Can I go?
Girl: [pure silence]
Me: [with a saddened look and pouting] Why not? [fake tears start to roll down my eyes]
Girl: [glaring at me] BUT YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HER!
Me: [trying to hide my chuckling]
Girl: Hey, you're not sad! You're laughing! You're laughing!
I find my conversations with her hysterical sometimes. Nevertheless, she is one of the most intelligent kids that we have. And with her big ears, one of the cutest. But, I love them all and so does my wife. So, this is why we are returning to AWANA at CEFC next year. Hopefully, you will consider AWANA too.
Girl: Guess what? I'm going to a birthday party tomorrow.
Me: Wow, whose birthday?
Girl: My friend. She's turning 5.
Me: [with glee] Can I go?
Girl: [pure silence]
Me: [with a saddened look and pouting] Why not? [fake tears start to roll down my eyes]
Girl: [glaring at me] BUT YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HER!
Me: [trying to hide my chuckling]
Girl: Hey, you're not sad! You're laughing! You're laughing!
I find my conversations with her hysterical sometimes. Nevertheless, she is one of the most intelligent kids that we have. And with her big ears, one of the cutest. But, I love them all and so does my wife. So, this is why we are returning to AWANA at CEFC next year. Hopefully, you will consider AWANA too.
You know you're Chinese when....
This is a snip of a funny email that I received from my aunt. Those with a * apply or have applied to me.
Subject: You know you're Chinese when....
> You unwrap Christmas gifts very carefully, so you can save and reuse the wrapping (and especially those bows) next year.*
> You only buy Christmas cards after Christmas, when they are 50% off.*
> You use grocery bags to hold garbage.*
> You say "aiya!" and "wah!" frequently.*
> You beat eggs with chopsticks.
> You have a vinyl table cloth on your kitchen table.
> Your stove is covered with aluminum foil.
> You like to eat chicken feet.
> You use the dishwasher as a dish rack.*
> You keep a Thermos of hot water available at all times.
> You eat all meals in the kitchen.
> You save grocery bags, tin foil, and tin containers.
> You always leave your shoes at the door.*
> You have a piano in your living room. *
> You twirl your pen around your fingers.
> You also use the jam jars as drinking glasses.
> You've eaten a red bean Popsicle.*
> You bring oranges (or other produce) with you as a gift when you visit people's homes.
> You have a collection of shampoo bottles that you take every time you stay in a hotel.
> You never order room service.
> Your dad thinks he can fix everything himself.
> You majored in something practical like engineering, medicine or law.
> You have a teacup with a cover on it.
> You reuse teabags.
> Your mom drives her Mercedes to the Price Club.
> You're a wok user.*
> You prefer your shrimp with the heads and legs still attached -- it means they're fresh.
> Your parents tell you to boil herbs and stay inside when you get sick.*
> Your parents use a clothes line.
> You starve yourself before going to an all you can eat sushi.*
> You've been on the Love Boat or know someone who has.*
> You never order sweet-n-sour pork, egg foo young, or chop suey at a Chinese restaurant.
> You hate to spend more than $5 for lunch.*
> You look like you are eighteen.
> Your unassisted vision is worse than 20/500.
> You drive around looking for the cheapest gas.
> You never made the school football or basketball team.*
> You have two middle initials instead of one.
> You grow your own bean sprouts in the kitchen.
> Your mother made you peel water chestnuts and snowpeas.
> You cut your own hair... or had someone in your family do it.*
> You keep fresh garlic and ginger in the kitchen at all times.
> You know at least three people named Alan Wong.
Subject: You know you're Chinese when....
> You unwrap Christmas gifts very carefully, so you can save and reuse the wrapping (and especially those bows) next year.*
> You only buy Christmas cards after Christmas, when they are 50% off.*
> You use grocery bags to hold garbage.*
> You say "aiya!" and "wah!" frequently.*
> You beat eggs with chopsticks.
> You have a vinyl table cloth on your kitchen table.
> Your stove is covered with aluminum foil.
> You like to eat chicken feet.
> You use the dishwasher as a dish rack.*
> You keep a Thermos of hot water available at all times.
> You eat all meals in the kitchen.
> You save grocery bags, tin foil, and tin containers.
> You always leave your shoes at the door.*
> You have a piano in your living room. *
> You twirl your pen around your fingers.
> You also use the jam jars as drinking glasses.
> You've eaten a red bean Popsicle.*
> You bring oranges (or other produce) with you as a gift when you visit people's homes.
> You have a collection of shampoo bottles that you take every time you stay in a hotel.
> You never order room service.
> Your dad thinks he can fix everything himself.
> You majored in something practical like engineering, medicine or law.
> You have a teacup with a cover on it.
> You reuse teabags.
> Your mom drives her Mercedes to the Price Club.
> You're a wok user.*
> You prefer your shrimp with the heads and legs still attached -- it means they're fresh.
> Your parents tell you to boil herbs and stay inside when you get sick.*
> Your parents use a clothes line.
> You starve yourself before going to an all you can eat sushi.*
> You've been on the Love Boat or know someone who has.*
> You never order sweet-n-sour pork, egg foo young, or chop suey at a Chinese restaurant.
> You hate to spend more than $5 for lunch.*
> You look like you are eighteen.
> Your unassisted vision is worse than 20/500.
> You drive around looking for the cheapest gas.
> You never made the school football or basketball team.*
> You have two middle initials instead of one.
> You grow your own bean sprouts in the kitchen.
> Your mother made you peel water chestnuts and snowpeas.
> You cut your own hair... or had someone in your family do it.*
> You keep fresh garlic and ginger in the kitchen at all times.
> You know at least three people named Alan Wong.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Thoughts About Adoption and Other Stuff
So, I was reading the news today and I found out that the country of Vietnam is no longer accepting applications to adopt. Although we are not adopting from Vietnam, the fact is that many needy, abandoned children will now be denied a loving home. Not only is Vietnam prohibiting adoptions, but other countries (i.e. China) have now made it increasingly more difficult for couples to adopt.
Adoption, in my opinion, ideally should be an easy, affordable, quick process. It is a process by which both the child and the parents both benefit.
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On a side note, also in the news are those "racey" photos of Miley Cyrus. The pictures are NO BIG DEAL. A little bit of her back is exposed and the media blows it waaaaay out of proportion. I'm not a Miley fan but I do care about her reputation and influence.
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Another side note: Reverend Jeremiah Wright. The words he speaks definitely is not right. After what he said today, how can anybody vote for Obama?
Adoption, in my opinion, ideally should be an easy, affordable, quick process. It is a process by which both the child and the parents both benefit.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On a side note, also in the news are those "racey" photos of Miley Cyrus. The pictures are NO BIG DEAL. A little bit of her back is exposed and the media blows it waaaaay out of proportion. I'm not a Miley fan but I do care about her reputation and influence.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another side note: Reverend Jeremiah Wright. The words he speaks definitely is not right. After what he said today, how can anybody vote for Obama?
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