All creatures great and small

I am venting too much.
This morning Frodo came and laid on my shoulder plate, he weighs 6 pounds. It feels so warm and cuddly, i think he was trying to wake me up, but i was soooo sleepy, his warmth actually put me back to slumper. What a lovely creature i have....So thankful God gave us so much gifts....creation is beautiful and life is a miracle.

Emotionally maturity is a quality and a must when you are a leader in church

Back in 2017 at  T's wedding i was sitting in the same table with a old aquiantance in church. His name is E.
He yelled at me in the group gathering maybe in year 2009? or 2010?
The reason: some new visiter needs a ride and i tried to help her to get one with him,  since he lives in the same direction with this new person.

I didn't get upset nor was i in tears. I am more of in shock for the words he said about me. The image thing again. He was really looking down at me all these time. For no reason.?

Saw him again at the wedding. I already forgave him, he tried to not make eye contact with me. Why...? he felt guilty? or does he still look down at me. I asked him  a few question about T's engagement and wedding preparation. He acted like he didn't hear me. I really hope you have grown up ..E. You disappointed me with your childishness and immaturity. Yet you claim to be a church leader... how ironic and hypocritical when you can't even be nice.

COUSIN MELISSA

A few years ago, i went to a wedding of my cousin "Melissa" is what she called herself; we had a fall out.
When we were young, she is always a very competitive person, she is also a very "Image Driven" person. She is afraid of showing me around when i first moved to the US, afraid that her friends in high school would make fun of her. She also thinks religions are for people who are emotionally weak. She said religion  is an emotional crouch. She probably didn't know i took those things in heart.
At her wedding, I was feeling very emotionally unstable, after my father's passing, in between jobs, and just feeling very out of touch with the world. Something snapped when they asked my grandfather to make a speech, he looks uneasy and he declined to make a speech. Suddenly i got upset and decided to walk out during the wedding, so i got up and walked out, my mother and grandpa followed, we got in the car, Melissa's brother tried to convince me to go back, but i would not return to the banquet hall. I decided we are leaving. so we left.
After that, i heard that Melissa felt really humiliated, and would not speak to me. I tried to apologize, but i guess i really didn't feel like reconnecting with her again, i felt quite relieved that she is mad at me, i was tired of her fake smiles and the image driven personality.
We finally meet again at Grandpa's funeral, she acted like nothing happened, even said something like "Come visit us..blah blah blah..", i tried not to sit next to her during the dinner after memorial service, i sat next to my other cousin, so Melissa's husband asked me why wouldn't i sit next to her? I was thinking..."why should i sit next to her? So she can keep up a fake relationship with me"?
Anyway, i heard that she still have not forgiven me, but i am not surprised, she is an atheist, doesn't really understands the word of forgiveness. I don't like her but i don't hate her, plus all the other put downs she bestowed on me. I wish she can look at herself and know how prideful she is. As for me, i am relieved at this point i don't have to see her on any major holidays.

The election in 2016

The presidential election in USA 2016 was a disaster - No, i am not trashing any candidate or president in this article. Its been on my mind for a while.
Because of this election, i see Christian divided...i see my sister/brother in Christ call other believers "fake" and "Racists" just because they admitted that they voted for the candidate some do not agree with.
Why so much hate and disagreement. I hear both sides and know there are legit reasons to agree  and disagree... with the political agenda of both candidate. At this point we are choosing the lesser evil. We are all in the same boat!! Pls do not forget we live in a secular end time era. If you fall into the trap of slandering your family of Christ just because of a 4 year presidency, you have a serious character flaws then. Its beyond just the disagreement of different political point of view. You are using your political point view to lash out all your discontent, ok, i get it,  this is a rather "safe" way to unload your frustration about your life,  Please, go see a therapist or read emotionally healthy spirituality before you put any comments on facebook.
I have lost a few friends who lashed out on me, and i distance  myself from people who are super vocal abt their political point of view (They like to argue, posting fake news, putting other down on social media..etc)Those are NOT loving action a believer do to your fellow brothers and sisters.

Some thoughts on being a Church attending Christian:


1.I am not sure why certain people prefers to call themselves "Pastor" or "Reverend", or even "Rabbi" So and so..etc.  These people did not pastor a church nor has a solid ministry in hand, they didn't even go to a formal seminary. They got ordained by another pastor who doesn't really have a solid ministry as well. Is the title that important that they really want to be called Pastor  rather than a "brother"??  Very puzzling.

2.So here in the church i am attending, they love to give credential of the speaker. Like one of them graduated from "Yale divinity" school....i don't really know why that is important. Yale is so liberal, their seminary is not a place where i would think one can get proper training. And honestly i don't care....

3.A church leader saying he is getting his Phd. I am not sure why he needs this degree, so i asked him why does he need this degree, and he seems surprised that i asked.

4. When i asked about communion abt the church i am currently attending, the wife of the pastor insisted that the mother church does not do communion on a monthly basis (Even though i said " i think they do once a month"? She said" Impossible, i went there and they definitely do not do it every month" However, i called the mother church and found out it does have a monthly communion.

Conclusion for attending church:
There are not enough humility? i don't know what is the problem. Sometimes feels really uncomfortable listening to these preachers. I gave them so much time listening and sometimes (maybe also i am not being obedient) that i find them quite arrogant? or is it me who is being arrogant?

Same place, same ladies ...one year later!

Its Been a year since i meet Eva.

Its very nice to hang out with this special lady~ we had a two hours lunch and some updates of each other's life.

I have to say, Eva is a good listener and really good in verbalize her thoughts. 

Really glad we meet up in her short stay in NYC. Looking forward to hang out again~

wedding and money-

There are a lot tradition we follow as we do "weddings". Some tradition are pagan and some are biblical. 
Did you know that The Bride maids tradition is actually a pagan tradition-The role of the bridesmaid dates back to pagan times, when evil spirits were thought to attend wedding ceremonies. By surrounding the bride with “look‐a‐likes” it was thought the bad spirits wouldn’t be able to single out the bride. Some are tradition made up by people, for example, its an American tradition that the Bride pays for the wedding, however, i found that un biblical. In Genesis, when Rebekah was being chosen to be the bride for Isaac, they put on
gold rings on her nose and gold bracelets on her arms, and they gave her camel to ride on ...
its about honoring the bride.
I feel bad for the person who did not feel honored in her own wedding 50 years ago, she is trying to pass it down to the next generation by holding her belt tight and not giving the bride a dime nor any gift. She is wrapped in her own little world and its sad.  I am glad she doesn't have a daughter, or else her daughter should feel really neglected and unloved.

^{Genesis 6:47} “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’

“She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milkah bore to him.’

“Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms, ⁴⁸ and I bowed down and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son. ⁴⁹ Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn.”

Which bride wouldn't want to be to honored, the point is not the gold bracelets, or the nose ring, its about knowing that the Lord chosen this special bride for one's beloved son, the giving of the gold jewelries are a symbol of acceptance and honoring Rebekah, for she has proven to be the rightful and Godly wife for Isaac.

also, i have been thinking about the gift we received from the wedding
and i believe this is what i suppose to do. based the scripture.
I was a bit hesitant to give 20% but now i think its something we must do to be a good testimony. and it releases me from being controlled by the money.


Proverb11

²⁴ One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
    another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

²⁵ A generous person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

²⁶ People curse the one who hoards grain,
    but they pray God’s blessing on the one who is willing to sell.

MIssion and Money

James Hudson Taylor Quotes

“God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply.”

 

I thought this is a question i would like to explore a little....

 

One lady whom i know labeled herself a mature believer, however, when i raised the topic on mission or being a missionary, her first concern is "it cost alot money".
The statement she made puzzles me, it does cost a lot but not all mission trip cost alot. It depends on whom, or when or where you are going to. Also, the question one should ask should not be about "lack of money", the first question one should ask is "Did God call me to go and reach this specific people group?"

I like what Hudson Taylor said regarding God's provision, and i have to daily remind myself that when God calls He will supply.

 

Matthew 6

New International Version (NIV)

Giving to the Needy

6 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
² “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

I really dislike cake with columns...

Officiating the marriage license...finally...

 COVE PARK, STAMFORD, CT
10/28/13
Vows, communion, officiate the marriage license, family only.
Receptions is in the hatching stage...

Pastor Glen from Kentucky -

GINGER the flower dog?

Father's day at the ONG's

Happy Father's Day!

Jon's father cooks his own father's day burger...

Thank you! Heavenly Father~

HAWAII day 6

Just An Amazing Day~  Jon used my underwater panasonic Lumix to get these awesome photos!
My goal is to get the scuba diving certified.

Day 5 Road to Hana

Hawaii islands are....surf haven.

All below photos were shot by Jon. I want to learn how to surf oneday. 

The blonde surfer

Surfer turning

Hookipa Park. Maui, HI

:-)

Add caption

Our photos were taken by fellow traveller. We took photo for them, so they counter offer us to take ours.
This is by Keanae Lookout The black rocks are all razer sharp...they are lava rocks.

This shot was taken by Mom. She took a  tour won by raffling by Jon...to Hana HWY.  This is one of the most amazing state park we have ever been too. A must see! Waianapanapa State Park. BLACK SAND and Surreal Alice wonderland feel of the whole place. There are trails you can hike around to the the amazing coast line. We arrived later than her, so we missed the blue sky. It was drizzling by the time we arrived so picture didn't 'turn out as nice.

Day 4- MAUI

 Day 4
Driving around...and we meet Sgt. in the dive shop. He is a fan for spongebob's buddy-the starfish Patrick.

Jon went for a dive at Wailea beach. This beach is connected to the 4 season hotels. All beaches are open to public.  Since i still have fever, no snorkling for me yet. the Best are yet to come.

Sunset

Hawaii island day 3

1/15 was such a fine day, perfect weather~
We took a hike on the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail. Photos turn out really great today.
Later we took Island Air to Maui. Its about 30 Minute flying time.  They charge $15 per luggage. they allow one carrying on luggage under 16 lbs. Pretty strict rules.
we Arrived at Aston at Papakea and stayed 5 nights there. This place is a vacation rental condo. With full kitchen and oceanview. So we hear the sound of crashing wave 24 hours. We can also see the whales when we stand by the shore just outside of our condo.

Hawaiian blue

Hawaii Islands day 2

Day 2- Still have a fever of 102F degree. We decided to just ride around the island. no major activities.

First thing in the morning-a walk to the Waikiki beach~
We live 2 minute walk to the beach.
There are all taken by me using the Nikon D80. i have photoshoped all my photo to enhance the clarity and colors. That's why its taking me so long to write any journal. Hope these photos would bring some fresh air to your eyes~~
BTW, how did i end up in Hawaii....? I frankly don't know. All i know is we had $400 vocher each  from Delta. We end up paying(jon and me each paid approx $150) for airfare. I took my mom as well (her tkt was approx $550). Before this trip i was working long hours and i had little sleep.. my head was spinning everyday....NYC was drilling me and i lost my health, God had mercy on me so He pluck me out and drop me off in Hawaii....this is all i can say. And we didn't spend alot..i guess about $1200-$1500 each person? Including lodging and rental car for 10 days 9 nights. I thought we did very well. We even hop to Maui.
So please do not think we have splurge on our trip. We didn't eat in any fancy place (since my allergy I was not suppose to eat seafood-though i still ate some sashimi  and rash broke out....*sigh*). Jon and Mom did
alot cooking and we had some of their locally grown ginger, papaya, purple yam, spam riceball..etc. All were
delicious. Maybe many people thought about Hawaii is just for Honeymooners, or golfers...and Japanese loves to come here and shop. However, I think we went  because we love nature...especially the ocean and all the creatures in it. I didnt' hit any shopping plaze while i was there...and i do not miss it at all.

Genesis 8:21
New International Version (NIV)
²¹ The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though^[a] every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroyall living creatures, as I have done.

Then we head to Makapuu point.

Crystal waves

Misty view of Makapuu light house

Fan shaped mountain...very unique

Chinaman's hat

What kind birds? I call it little red riding hood.

Very windy and a bit drizzling. Good news for the surfers but not for us non-surfers.

Hawaii Islands day1

Since i was sick while in Hawaii, my brain was sort of not working properly ....with 104F degree when i landed in Oahu. Thanks to God that i was ok but my body developed rashes and I was not able to eat much raw fish/seafood....so that is one regret - which Oahu is known for its fresh Japanese sushi...
However, since i never get a chance to organize my photos on any of my trip, i will try to divided by days. lots details were lost since i had a high fever. Sorry~

Day 1 -went to church called NEW HOPE CHURCH in OAHU in the morning. Check out their website. A very upbeat, friendly and Christ centered church.

Took a leisure walk by the North shore. (don't remember the name though...too many beaches there).
The relaxing atmosphere of Oahu is Magical....I felt much better after the walk...and seeing everyone smiling and playing....

Photos by Jon Using Nikon D80

Girl and her pug paddle boarding

Photos by Jon

This little boy  is so cute

Photos by Jon

Trying to create Bubble

                                                                     Photos by Jon

Bubble floating all around the beach~

Photos by Tina (using the the Lumix)

Sunset in Waikiki beach.

Review of the years from August-Dec.

Happy New Year~~~
Today is the last day of the year. I have a cold...still coughing yukcy stuff out.
However, i just want to recap the whole year....

in August, Sue visited me and we went to Rhode island, and we had feasted in CIA in Hyde park.
Their goat cheese Macaron is such a treat, and i remember it was only $1.95 at the

Apple Pie Bakery Café 

Goat cheese macaron

Lemon Merinque

Passion fruit cream puff

Black cherry dark chocolate ??

CIA

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------During the autum, we visited D-Acres in New Hempshere.
D-Acres click for info.
This place is near Rumney, where the world class climbing cliff is located. When we were there, it was raining so we just visited the place, but didn't climb.
D-acres is an organic educational farm stay. No tax added we rented the dorm room for $65 per night-sleeps 4. They are not in for the money. Staffs are very down to earth.
They do not like Walmart and Wall street though..... go here for a nice retreat and learn how to live a sustainable life style. I changed my shampoo/soap to biodegradable products after this trip. God gave us beautiful and bountiful of produces, lets take care of them and not to abuse it further more. It may sound very aloof and hard to achieve, but little by little...i believe the earth and the creature would benefit from this knowledge...such as bring your own utensil to work, don't use plastic cups but use your own glass/mug...
wash your own dishes with biodegradable detergents instead of dish washer..etc. We are so use to paper/plastic plates/cups, it is so horrible for the environment!

Anti-money making coporate monsters!

Living room of the guest house

Country style high ceiling! I love the design.

Piglets-3 days old

Antique shop watch dog

D-acres Ox

D-Acres log cabin(for staff only)

Outdoor kitchen

Jon hiking

Gideon took this for us.