Go Ahead, Hug a Tree

Christians aren't exactly known for our efforts in protecting the environment. That is a shame because we should be good stewards of what God has given us, including the planet Earth. We all can, and should, make more effort to reduce, reuse and recycle. It's a healthier, simpler, and more frugal lifestyle that preserve God's creation for future generations.

3 things you can do RIGHT NOW:

1. Switch to homemade household cleaners. You can find tons of recipes online using simple and inexpensive ingredients such as baking soda and vinegar. Try these from The Green Guide.

2. Buy used items. With summer approaching, garage sales are around every corner.

3. Get a dryer rack and air dry at least some clothing items.

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." Genesis 1:31

Know Thy Creator

I think most people have had disastrous relationships. It can be family, a friendship, or a "what-was-I-thinking" romance. However, there's one relationship that's like no other.

Since the creation of men, God intends to be in a personal relationship with His people. In the Old Testament, He walked and talked to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, He met with Moses in the Tent of Meeting and Mount Sinai, and He dwelled in the temple built by King Solomon. Then prophet Isaiah wrote about the promise of a child named Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14), which means "God with us".

In the New Testament, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." (John 1:14). Jesus, the Son of God Himself, came and walked intimately with His disciples. After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, He sent the Holy Spirit, which is the third person of the Trinity, in live in those who believe in Him.

No other relationship is more important, nor satisfying like this one, for no one is perfect, holy, and never-changing like God. By studying and meditating on His word from the Bible, by constantly going to Him with praises, by presenting our petitions, and by seeking His wisdom in everything we do, we can get to know our Creator, our Almighty God. Not only to know ABOUT Him, but to know Him intimately in our hearts and enjoy His presence in our lives.

And this is ONE relationship you'll never, never regret.

Election Questions

Let's say in a Presidential election, it is Candidate A versus Candidate B. With Candidate A, there are 5 values that I disagree, whereas with Candidate B there are 3.

If I vote for B, hoping if he/she wins at least I'll get 2 values into the White House, does that mean I endorse the 3 values that I don't agree with?

Or should I not vote at all, risking A carry all his/her 5 values (or lack of) to be the leader of this country?

Mothers' Designer

Once again, I am amazed.

The design of the relationship between mothers and their children are brilliant. I'm amazed at how God leads mothers to instantly fall in love with their newborns, and how He provides them with milk, so the babies can eat AND bond at the same time. How efficient is that! And how babies feel most secure as they navigate the world in their mothers' arms. As rewards for the sleep-deprived, God brings on those sweet baby smiles to melt our hearts.

Even after they've grown into toddlers, they remain cute to minimize our head-banging on the wall, when for the nineteenth time, they insist on pouring the milk themselves and end up pouring half a gallon of it on the floor.

On this Mother's Day (and everyday after), let's remember the creator of mothers and children, and give Him the praise and worship He so deserve.

Consequence of a Late Nap

As I laid down with my son in his bed, waiting for him to fall asleep, I had nothing else to do but to let my tired mind wander:

1. No way I'm letting him nap past 3 p.m. tomorrow.

2. Wouldn't it be great if I can somehow project a book or the Internet on the ceiling so I can read? But then I have to have special glasses so only I can read them and not distract the boy.

3. The chocolate-covered almonds downstairs are definitely calling my name. Hmmm...

4. It's be so cool for mothers to have a special power that can cause their children to fall asleep at will. Nah, maybe not. Too easy to abuse this.

5. This bed is quite comfortable. I'm so thankful that me and my family have a warm bed to sleep in, instead of sleeping on a cold hard floor in a hut, or a sleeping bag in a soldier's tent in Iraq, or a bunk bed in a prison cell. I pray someday my children would realize how blessed they are.

Outlaw Country

Imagine if you broke a law, for example, you robbed a bank. I'd think if you didn't get caught, you'd thank your lucky stars and go enjoy your loot. You wouldn't think of getting together with other bank robbers and march on the streets and demand rights.

But wait! This is America! Apparently if you gather enough people that broke the same law, and have politicians that have no backbone, not only you won't get punished for breaking the law, but actually you might get reward for that.

This is the case for illegal immigrants. How can we maintain respect for the law, when we allow them to scoff at it? Before the bar of justice, shouldn't we all be accountable for disobeying the law?

But what about compassion and mercy? After all, as Christians we are called to love our neighbors. America does have legal immigration available, even though the system is flawed. We can also have aid and missionaries sent to countries in need.

I know this issue does not have an easy solution, as the problem has never been properly dealt with and has grown into a monstrous size. But the basics, like securing the borders, discouraging companies from hiring illegals residents, and offer help to fight poverty in poor countries, can at least slow down the population growth of the illegal residents.

As a legal immigrant, I filled out all the paperwork, paid all the fees, and lined up at the crack of dawn outside the immigration office building. I say it's all worth it. I consider my US citizenship a blessing from God and I'm very thankful for it. Let's pray that we can find ways to balance justice and compassion, quickly.