Parenting Example

Reading for this week's bible study. Psalm 123:1: I lift my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.
Our God is authoritative, sovereign and full of Charismatic! He is the King of kings, Lord of lords, enthroned in heaven. So we have to look UP onto Him. And yet he is humble and meek. How lower can He be for Christ was born to a carpenter in a manger in the little town Bethlehem? He healed the sick, ate with the sinners. He lived among them. He never give us everything we ask for. Otherwise He is just a functional god whom we can manipulate. He disciplines us when he says 'no' or 'be patient and wait', or 'let's do it another way'.
I just realize that our Lord has set a perfect parenting example for us. Good parents should be leaders of households, whom the children can look upon to for guidelines and examples. But it doesn't work if we only remain as 'authorities' to our kids, then we are only dictators. Kids also need us to be their close friends with listening hearts. We sometimes can give children freedom of choices, but in some circumstances we know it's for their sake when we say 'no'. A parent had taught me a good way when we need kids' attention: stand in front of them, and tell them 'eyes on me' --- look upon me! Isn't that what the Lord requires us to do? --- 'To lift your eyes to me'. Children do need someone whom they can look upon to, although they do always want to look eye to eye with us (annoying moms and dads). But they really need guidance when they fail and hurt, and despaired.
To praise that we have a Lord that we can always look upon to. To pray that we can be the parents our children can look upon to!

Treasure this moment

Sometimes I really wish my kids can grow up FAST, can't wait for them to become mature and completely independent. So I can be 'free'!
On Monday, I wrote a note to John-John's teacher to give him permission to attend Joshua's birthday party in another class. When I picked him up after school, Mrs. Bowman told me that he presented the note at 11am with tears in his eyes because he forgot the note early morning, and thought that he had missed the party. I pictured his 'sad Sam' face, so innocent, helpless, and huggable!
In the blink of an eye, he will be in kindergarden next year. I want to treasure these days. Do and John prepared themselves for bed last night. Great work! This morning, they got up before us, and changed into school clothes. I rewarded their good work with a small pack of Pokemon cards for each. They were so delighted! At this age, they are so easy to be satisfied. Just want to hug them, hug them and hug...

New Record

As the Olympic being the hottest topic, the athletes set their eyes at the GOLD and possible new records, I just set a new record in my gym on Monday! --- the latest arrival at the 'boot camp' class (my favorite) in record, according to my instructor. After putting John-John onto the bus at 9:45, I settled some miscellaneous house work, then headed to the gym. The class was almost over when I walked into the room. That was how I set a new record! Today, I started the car engine right after waving 'good-bye' to John-John --- I don't want to set another new record.

"Worst Day Ever"

Thunder rumbles, lightning flashing, rain pouring, BUT THAT'S NOT EVERYTHING! Do and I were spending some quiet time together, suddenly we heard noise like stones hitting our skylines and decks --- it's a hailstorm! We looked out from the window, pieces of ice cubes flew down from the sky, banging on the decks without pity. Do was cute;" What if they got bigger, and might break our windows!" she really concerned.
I feel like I have moved to the south this summer in NY. Thunderstorms have accompanied us nearly daily. It reminds me of my days in southern China. I don't remember I was ever afraid of thunder and lightning. Actually I got very excited when the sky all of a sudden grew dark as if evening fell. While grandma was back and forth the balcony and inside, tried to rescue all cloths she put out to dry earlier in the day, I just hid under the table or behind the chairs to pretend I was being attacked. Childhood is always fun!
( NOTE: Title was given by Do as well as three spelling corrections. Sincere thanks to my 7-year old English tutor)

Run, Just Run

Today is the second time taking the kids to 'Wednesday evening race' at the high school race track. They both inherited the racing gene from my dad and me (of course). John-John even names himself 'Dash' from 'Incredible'. I am very excited to see them being ahead of everybody dashing toward the finish line. Unfortunately there is no other adults wanted to run, otherwise I could be part of the fun.

Bandage Solution

When I started writing, I am back to myself again --- in the mood to think and fluff.
One of our bathtubs has been rusted through and needs to be replaced. I phoned a company called 'Re-bath' came today. The sale lady, a petite, sweet lady, showed me a very interesting product. She examined the tub and surrounding, and said: " You don't need new tiles. You tiles are beautiful. And we don't need to ripe off anything either. Our custom made liner wrapped around your existing tub. It will look just like a brand new in a matter of hours, life time warrenty." I've read about this thing called 'liner', but just wonder how reliable it is. If it is as good as it claims --- quick to install, long lasting and cost effective, why would people still want 'real tubs'?
My brain is very slow when it comes to innovative and revolutionary ideas and products, probably due to a growth environment surrounded by overaged adults. The liner product makes me think of WH's often 頂住先 （廣東話 暫時補救 之意) solutions, which means 'a temporary fix'. Then I heard the phrase 'bandage solution'. That's the word! Isn't the liner a 'bandage solution' to the problem? It really just covers up the underneath problem, not resolving it. I think I can skip this one.

John-John's Mad Face

He looks REALLY mad when he wants to be! This is a clip from his end of school year show. He did a great job!

Biofuel

Cousin Carol and family are visiting on Memorial Day weekend. Today's skyrocketed gasoline price will cost them a great deal to travel from the city to my place. One of Carol's all time favorite food is farm fresh corn (direct quote from her "I can eat that 24/7.") I bought her some to bring home this time again.
Then I realize 10 ears of corn will add quiet a few extra pounds to her car -- burning extra fuel. Not a smart sovenior ☹ Second thought: corn ---> bio fuel.☀ Oh, yeh! I have given her the most invaluable gift of the time! Carol, don't you know that you wil be reimbursed for your trip??? See how much your cousin cares about you!