February 24, 2015
How did you celebrate Chinese New Year—the Year of the Ram?
With one Chinese character, there have been different English translations, such as the Year of the Goat, and the Year of the Sheep. But I have not seen this one: the Year of the Lamb. This new year, rather than feasting with family and friends, I spent time reflecting on goat, sheep and lamb.
Life is short. Since January 18, 2015, I have attended three memorial services. These men passed away in their 50s, 70s, and 90s, respectively as devoted husbands and fathers who were found by Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior. So, each of the memorial services turned out to be a real celebration of life!
Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' ..." (Luke 15:3-6, NIV)
I will let you read the parable of the sheep and the goats from Matthew 25:31-46. May the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29) be worshiped all over the world.
Who we are and how we live on this Earth will make a difference in eternity. How would you like to be remembered by your loved ones? What are some fears that ruin relationships in your life?
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Top 10 Actions That Say "I Love You"
February 10, 2015
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to say "I love you." Even if you haven't said it for awhile, please do so on this special day!
When you send that message, don't forget that, from the receiver's perspective, your words, tone of voice, body language and actions all have to work together. The saying, "Words are cheap, action speaks," is never more true than when applied to "I love you." How about making it a habit to take some small steps with someone you care about now?
The saying, "Words are cheap, action speaks," is never more true than when applied to "I love you." Whether spoken to a romantic partner, your children or other family members, if the actions aren't there to back up the loving words, it all means nothing. Below are 10 of the best ways to say "I love you" in your actions. But there are thousands more. See how creative you can get in coming up with your own ideas.
Valentine's Day is the perfect time to say "I love you." Even if you haven't said it for awhile, please do so on this special day!
When you send that message, don't forget that, from the receiver's perspective, your words, tone of voice, body language and actions all have to work together. The saying, "Words are cheap, action speaks," is never more true than when applied to "I love you." How about making it a habit to take some small steps with someone you care about now?The saying, "Words are cheap, action speaks," is never more true than when applied to "I love you." Whether spoken to a romantic partner, your children or other family members, if the actions aren't there to back up the loving words, it all means nothing. Below are 10 of the best ways to say "I love you" in your actions. But there are thousands more. See how creative you can get in coming up with your own ideas.
Rewriting The Myth Of Perfect Togetherness
January 27, 2015
Did you spend time with family and friends over the holidays?
For many of us, reunions with relatives can stir up mixed feelings, depending on our expectations of togetherness. A mother recently told me she was very happy when her son returned from college. But after a few days, she started feeling lonely when he was spending most of his time with friends. On the other hand, a grandmother admitted that she felt exhausted when her house was filled with children and grandchildren. So she looked forward to getting back to the routine of peace and quiet of an empty nest.
I certainly had more ups and downs when my grandchildren are in town. That's normal when living under the same roof with someone you care about. It's a very common experience among couples!
The story goes like this: Two people fall in love and from that moment on, they go everywhere and do everything together. They are, of course, a perfect match, and their interests and values coincide in every respect. In fact, if they spend much time apart or socialize separately, people might wonder if there is trouble in the relationship.
This is the myth of togetherness: two lives merge into one melded front.
Did you spend time with family and friends over the holidays?
For many of us, reunions with relatives can stir up mixed feelings, depending on our expectations of togetherness. A mother recently told me she was very happy when her son returned from college. But after a few days, she started feeling lonely when he was spending most of his time with friends. On the other hand, a grandmother admitted that she felt exhausted when her house was filled with children and grandchildren. So she looked forward to getting back to the routine of peace and quiet of an empty nest.
I certainly had more ups and downs when my grandchildren are in town. That's normal when living under the same roof with someone you care about. It's a very common experience among couples!
The story goes like this: Two people fall in love and from that moment on, they go everywhere and do everything together. They are, of course, a perfect match, and their interests and values coincide in every respect. In fact, if they spend much time apart or socialize separately, people might wonder if there is trouble in the relationship.This is the myth of togetherness: two lives merge into one melded front.
Top Ten Ways To Start (And Maintain) A Good New Year
January 13, 2015
The New Year does not seem that happy when we heard sad news such as the crashing of AirAsia QZ8501 into the Java Sea, the terror attack in Paris, the killing in Nigeria by a bomb strapped to a girl who might be 10-years-old, and the passing of a brother in Christ due to leukemia.
No wonder someone confidently "predicted" that there would be ups and downs in the New Year. If uncertainty is the only certain thing in life, how then can we keep our hope and live life to the fullness, one day at a time?
The best way to have a good year is by living life on a daily basis, letting the good days accumulate, one by one. And it doesn't have to be New Year's to resolve to have a good year. Start anytime. Today, for instance.
1. Take time, slow down. Be present in your life and mindful of the present.
The New Year does not seem that happy when we heard sad news such as the crashing of AirAsia QZ8501 into the Java Sea, the terror attack in Paris, the killing in Nigeria by a bomb strapped to a girl who might be 10-years-old, and the passing of a brother in Christ due to leukemia.
No wonder someone confidently "predicted" that there would be ups and downs in the New Year. If uncertainty is the only certain thing in life, how then can we keep our hope and live life to the fullness, one day at a time?The best way to have a good year is by living life on a daily basis, letting the good days accumulate, one by one. And it doesn't have to be New Year's to resolve to have a good year. Start anytime. Today, for instance.
1. Take time, slow down. Be present in your life and mindful of the present.
Life Goes Better With Friends
December 23, 2014
Growing up in Hong Kong, I watched my older cousins decorating and partying with friends at Christmas, and I couldn't wait to be old enough to join the fun.
But I did not pay attention to the true meaning of Christmas until December 1988 when two friends invited me to their church. At that time, even after achieving my American Dream, I often felt lonely and asked myself, "Is this what life is all about?"
Years later, living and working in the Silicon Valley, I learned that ...
"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; ... And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
I hope this feature article Life Goes Better With Friends and my real life story What A Friend We Have In Jesus will help you find the true meaning of Christmas and reassurance of your real belonging.
Growing up in Hong Kong, I watched my older cousins decorating and partying with friends at Christmas, and I couldn't wait to be old enough to join the fun.
But I did not pay attention to the true meaning of Christmas until December 1988 when two friends invited me to their church. At that time, even after achieving my American Dream, I often felt lonely and asked myself, "Is this what life is all about?"
Years later, living and working in the Silicon Valley, I learned that ...
"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; ... And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
I hope this feature article Life Goes Better With Friends and my real life story What A Friend We Have In Jesus will help you find the true meaning of Christmas and reassurance of your real belonging.
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
December 23, 2014
You've heard how James and I got married after only three months of dating. We thought we were best friends who would live happily ever after... but life is not that simple!
By 1988, there were times that I thought it was inevitable that we would either go our separate ways or remain miserable living under the same roof. How could we start all over?
Before Christmas, we accepted the invitation from two friends to their church's Christmas celebration. The drama that night compared and contrasted the lives of two women, one with and one without Jesus Christ. Somehow that gave me a glimpse of hope.
You've heard how James and I got married after only three months of dating. We thought we were best friends who would live happily ever after... but life is not that simple!
By 1988, there were times that I thought it was inevitable that we would either go our separate ways or remain miserable living under the same roof. How could we start all over?
Before Christmas, we accepted the invitation from two friends to their church's Christmas celebration. The drama that night compared and contrasted the lives of two women, one with and one without Jesus Christ. Somehow that gave me a glimpse of hope.
How Well Do You Communicate?
December 9, 2014
If you want to improve your relationship with your children, your spouse, your coworkers, or anyone else, learn to acknowledge their feelings before you seek to fix their problem.
Have you ever speaking too soon, saying, "You should..." or "What I would do is..."?
We all do. In our eagerness to help, we jump right over the most important thing; acknowledging how they feel. At best, people are only partially ready to hear your ideas at this point. Worst-case scenario, they feel like you've shut them down. To open their ears to your suggestions, take just a moment and ask yourself, "How is this person feeling right now?" Then articulate it. "You sound frustrated," or "you seem sad about that," are simple yet powerful observations.
The reason it works on everyone, from children to CEOs, is that our human nature yearns to feel understood. Try it, and watch your communications flourish.
If you want to improve your relationship with your children, your spouse, your coworkers, or anyone else, learn to acknowledge their feelings before you seek to fix their problem.
Have you ever speaking too soon, saying, "You should..." or "What I would do is..."?
We all do. In our eagerness to help, we jump right over the most important thing; acknowledging how they feel. At best, people are only partially ready to hear your ideas at this point. Worst-case scenario, they feel like you've shut them down. To open their ears to your suggestions, take just a moment and ask yourself, "How is this person feeling right now?" Then articulate it. "You sound frustrated," or "you seem sad about that," are simple yet powerful observations.
The reason it works on everyone, from children to CEOs, is that our human nature yearns to feel understood. Try it, and watch your communications flourish.
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