How Well Do You Maintain Balance?

It's hard to believe January 2016 is almost over! I set many goals for myself (e.g. getting organized). I wanted to start a new blog (and I did), get into a new exercise routines ...

Of course there was also that piece of furniture to be moved so to clear out space. Although James got help from a friend, I was there by their side to help. I only helped a little but I hurt my back!

Living and working in the Silicon Valley could be quite stressful. There are so much to do in every area of our lives. Many of us like excitements yet sometimes we are tired and wish life would be less stressful, less hectic, and more predictable (not in a boring way), more peaceful, and in other words, more restful.

Handling Adversity: You're Stronger Than You Thought

December 22, 2015

How is it possible to experience Love, Joy, Peace and Hope when bad things are happening?

For some of us, it is by believing in Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords and King of kings. He came from Heaven to earth to save us from our sins and make "God with Us" a reality!

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Do you believe you're stronger than you thought? Have you forgotten who you are in Christ?

Overcoming Overwhelm By Coming Back To Ourselves

December 8, 2015

Not ready for Christmas and New Year? Having too much to do at home, work or church? Stressed out by all the bad news in the world?

Wait! Don't forget that Jesus is the reason for this season. Matthew 1:23 reads, "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us").

How would your life be different trusting that God loves you and is with you all the time? How about taking a new perspective and alternative?

Cultivating A Family Attitude Of Gratitude

November 24, 2015

"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." (Colossians 3:16)

Are you aware that people cannot be angry and grateful at the same time? What other benefits could an attitude of gratitude bring? Here are some new ideas for helping the whole family learn such attitude.

How Well Do You Handle Anxiety?

November 10, 2015

"Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up." (Proverbs 12:25)

One way I deal with anxiety is to talk to someone I trust about my feelings, reasoning or thinking or the conclusions I've come to. Have you experienced other effective ways to deal with anxiety?

How about you? How Well Do You Handle Anxiety?

How Well Do You Practice Empathy?

October 27, 2015

Have you ever tried telling a friend something and he responded with, "If I were you, I would not be angry"?

What was your reaction? Did you get even angrier thinking, I'm sharing my feeling and he is shutting me up. He doesn't care!

What if you are the person saying those words with good intention to help? Do you feel misunderstood, hurt and rejected when she yelled at you? Why does she always overreact? What have I done wrong? Why can't she understand?

You're not alone! Both of you have similar needs. You'd like to be heard, be understood, be accepted!

But all we can do is seek first to understand than to be understood. Someone has to practice empathy first. How about you?

R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find Out What It Means To You

October 13, 2015

You tried to listen actively and express yourself assertively. But somehow, when it comes to your family members, especially your teenager, seemingly normal conversations could become very difficult very easily.

When they roll their eyes, you feel disrespected. Whether they say it with words or just give you that look, you could tell they think you are stupid, or hear them yelling, "I don't want to do it. I won't do it. You cannot make me do it!" You feel exasperated and can no longer control your tongue...

But stop! Don't get involved in a power struggle. Remember you are the parent.

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)

What's hurting your relationships? Find out what R-E-S-P-E-C-T means to you.