May 15 2012
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after thought, religion, society

Necrophilia

This term “Necropholia” looks too much like those SAT exam I need to go through so many years ago. It means sexual attraction to corpses, way too Tim Burton this idea. I cannot believe there is such thing on earth and there are places in this planet  which are trying to legalize this act. Muslims in Egypt are attempting to legalize this idea and allow husbands to have sex with their dead wives within 6 hours after they die. This is by demand as the “farewell Intercourse” law, and the country is also seeing the minimum age of marriage lowered to 14 for girls. I have no concept about Muslim at all, and I started to wonder what other laws or principles do they live on? Where is the basic human rights and values their God propose? I feel completely bad for some women in elsewhere of this world where they are helpless and in despair. God has made man all the same but the happening to all of us are just so different, what can we do?
Daily Quote
But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
1 Timothy 2:15
I pray to God that one day all people are really equal with the same rights and respect!

Postscript Quote 
You don’t have to be anti-man to be pro-woman. 
Jane Galvin Lewis
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May 14 2012
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family

Mama Day

I happened to have a very happy Mother’s Day because I took the morning off (I skipped Church!!! I m bad!) and went to a wet market to find some easy stuff to cook for mom. I guess my mom did not expect me to do this at all, and the outcome is great – not that the food is yum but mom is jolly. I cannot recall for how many years already I have not done something like this, I mean really do something for mom instead of just getting her a gift or pocket money. And I realize when I can get the person I love to be happy, that is very rewarding and delightful! Most of the time, we are willing to spend the effort for friends, partners etc but not so much for family! But they are actually the people who need it the most. My colleague said sometimes his mom would get into his room and pat on him, and he would move away coz he felt uneasy about the gesture. I told him coz his mom want to be close to him, and I recall there was once I hear from the radio in HK that a lot of mothers here in the city actually long for a kiss on the face and a hug from their children. I think my colleague’s mom must agree with the survey. Something I learn from my studio here is that we we always hug people as most of our clients or acquaintances are westerners and they always hug! This is actually oh so welcoming and before I am not so used to this but now I think it’s a great thing to do, and everyone in the city is so distant, and sometimes what we need is just a big hug and not just a firm shake. I kiss my mom and hug her all the time, and I hope you would do the same. It’s such an easy way to be Godly, coz warm embrace is encouraging and motivating, that is what the Bible teaches us.
Daily Quote
But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
Job 16:5
I pray to God that I will not forget to motivate my family and keep them happy.

Postscript Quote 
A hug is like a boomerang, you get it back right away.
Bil Keane
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May 11 2012
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after thought, business, concept, environment

B1G1

The place we live in is full of acronyms, there is another one which I am sure is not new to you, but it’s relatively new in the retail scene. B1G1 meaning Buy 1 Give 1. It’s been studied that people nowadays tend to purchase or even switch brands which would support a good social cause. TOMS shoes are well known for its policy that for every pair of shoes being bought, one pair will be given to the need child in the under-developed countries. It’s indeed encouraging to know that the society has become more conscious about everything they do, especially bringing philanthropy into their daily life action. I recall something similar I saw is the Red Rope program when I visited the Philippines earlier this monty. Red Rope is a certified co-op for women who have escaped prostitution and provides a great opportunity for these women to harness their life skills for a better life with their hands! There are many ways we could help the society besides giving money – but also by giving a second chance. God encourages us to give – give water to the thirsty ones is as helpful as saving lives because that is encouraging and that gives hope to the others.
Daily Quote
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
Proverbs 25:21
I pray to God that we would always be conscious to help in every way we could.

Postscript Quote 
Don’t say that you want to give, but go ahead and give! You’ll never catch up with a mere hope. 
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 
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May 10 2012
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after thought, Christianity, concept, politics, society

Another first about Obama

Obama is the 1st president of the United States to publicly announce the support of gay marriage. And this brings even further the thoughts and discussions that almost the States are now divided into half on this topic. The latest Gallup poll reflects that “fifty percent of Americans believe same-sex marriages should be recognized by law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages — down slightly from 53% last year, but marking only the second time in Gallup’s history of tracking this question that at least half of Americans have supported legal same-sex marriage.” This is indeed a sensitive topic as the Bible is very clear and strong that homosexual relationship is against God’s will. I personally know many gay people and many are great close friends. As time evolves, there are a lot of things that people do could go against the teachings of the Bible, and sticking to them might be interpreted as following the rules literally. I am glad that I am not an American and do not have to be torn between this tough choice of electing Obama or Romney. But deep down, this does not excuse me from thinking further about this issue – it’s really hard, if we are loving everyone – what’s wrong with the gay? Why does God not allow this to happen if some men really feel this tendency in their bodies? I know this is about fundamental value and something about the basic should never change disregard where you are and when it is, thus I believe a lot of homosexual Christian would be under the pressure. I pray to God that He would bless this group of people with His love and grace and let them hear His voice.
Daily Quote
If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable.
Leviticus 20:13
I pray to God that the society will evolve around the values that God has been teaching, but we don’t set up our own set of rules and concepts. Let Him rule.

Postscript Quote 
Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands? 
Ernest Gaines 
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May 09 2012
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after thought, concept, religion

seriously religious for a month

Monk for A Month is a cultural exchange program founded by Ben Bowler to give people a chance to understand a religion or something spiritual in a more in-depth way. Besides Monk for A Month, there is Muslim for A Month, and Sufi for A Month, Christian For A Month is under planning in progress. This is hugely interesting to me as I believe there are more people who now travel beyond just visiting the place to do sight-seeing only. They are looking for more in a trip, they want to know the history, the lifestyle of local and something further. And learning something spiritual and with a chance on application is quite amazing. I consider it as an advanced level kind of retreat. And Bowler is offering an opportunity to enable people to experience with their own eyes and bodies. It’s commented by some people “Who wants to become one of them?” responding to the establishment of the Muslim for A Month. I am not surprised to see how negative one gets about certain religion in view some of the large scale terrorist activities are backed by people who claim to be holy with a mission. But that could always be a twisted interpretation of something better. I just think it’s a great thing to try things out, and God is good that He gives us free will and choice – to choose Him or not, it’s up to us. And no matter how late we become aware that we need to turn to Him, God still accepts us, and that is the true great love.
Daily Quote
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6
I pray to God that I will embrace all chance to experience life and pray to have God’s grace and love on the way.

Postscript Quote 
A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.
Oliver Wendell Holmes 
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May 08 2012
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after thought, charity, society

Goodbye Chuck

I have not heard from Chuck Colson for a while as I subscribe to his commentary at Prison Fellowship and the Worldview a long time ago. Only on Sunday night at a radio channel I was tuning in to I heard the host giving her tribute to Chuck Colson hence I realize Chuck has passed away. Chuck is well known for being the hatchet of the President Nixon back in the 70s. I was drawn by his dedication for the people in the prison and soon after once I paid a visit to the people in prison here in HK, I don’t know how I stumbled upon Chuck’s website and sign up for his update thereafter. Getting close to prisoners is not easy not to mention physically there are a whole lot of barriers that prevent us from being physically accessible to this bunch of people, but more importantly these people have done things wrong and some have done super wrong things which a lot of people would not forgive and forget. I could recall during those time when I was sitting in front of these guys, they appear to be exactly the same as you and I, but their freedom is taken away. The most precious thing is taken away from them and it tells me that there is always a price for things we do. When situations seem bleak, God will be there for you, imagine when being locked inside a prison cell, how hopeful could one get? But it’s only God that can safe the desperate ones. When the prison mates were listening to how we preach about the Bible, when they listen attentively, you know there is a second chance given to these weak souls. I understand that because of this, Chuck has persisted and although now returned to the heavenly Father, He will continue to bless those guys behind bars.
Daily Quote
You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.
Hebrews 10:34
I pray to God that we could pray for everyone, and not just those we know and love, but all those who need help.

Postscript Quote 
Only free men can negotiate; prisoners cannot enter into contract. Your freedom and mine cannot be separated. 
Nelson Mandela 
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May 07 2012
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after thought, concept

it’s not mine

I was watching Charles Stanley’s TV show yesterday, and his topic is about our body. It’s quite obvious he would be preaching that each of us be taking good care of our body so that we could focus on what we need to do, such as staying Godly and focused in Him. But one thing he brought up strikes me quite bit is that he emphasizes that our body is not ours. God created us and our body and hoping (coz He gives us free will of choice to choose) that we would treat it with good care, but we don’t own it. It’s like that our body is on lease for us for this life, and we can’t do things that is not good or beneficial to ourselves. Our body is like the Holy Temple, and we usually behave better when we are in a church building, right? But have you treated your body with the kind of respect and care you think it deserves? This perspective is quite ‘different’ coz I have always considered ‘my body’ is mine, I can do whatever I want! And I suddenly think that maybe that is why suicide is illegal!? Charles quoted one powerful analogy, he said if one is seen to be tearing down a Bible, we would say that person is committing an act of desecration, but when we do not put our body to good use or treat it with respect such as over-eating, over-working, not sleeping / resting, taking drugs, smoking, drinking or abusing with improper sexual relationships, that is also desecration. If a Bible is destroyed, we can buy another one anytime, but if our body is not well, we can’t turn it back, we have only on body for this life and once only. Have we treated it the best way we could? I am going to sleep more now!
Daily Quote
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
1 Corinthians 6:19
I pray to God that I will in every single way be good to myself as I am just something God created and own. He is my master.

Postscript Quote 
To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.
Buddha
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May 04 2012
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music, religion, society

I saw Gaga

I went to Lady Gaga’s concert last night but interesting enough my good Christian friend sent me a youTube clips about the need to pray for people in HK as some places like Korea is strongly objecting to this artist’s direction and performances for she constantly brings up Jesus, His story such as the betrayal by Judas and saying Jesus is the new black. Her poise is just all about sex and swearing. Gaga said no matter if you are straight, gay, bi, transvestite – she loves them all. Last night, whenever she mentioned the four letter f word, that drove the audiences crazy and they screamed from the top of their lungs – the atmosphere is exceptional and beyond words. To me, I was kinda looked at it from a spectator’s point of view. Gaga is just trying to be rebellious – trying to do things which the norm disapproves and gets press value. It used to be Madonna, Prince, Grace Jones and now it’s Gaga. There is nothing new to me. I don’t see the need of getting too serious about this wave, later on – we have someone else who would be on the stage nearly naked with a huge crucifix by the side and that person would swear and might even splash red liquid all over. It’s nothing new at all. I understand all these are considered to be blasphemy, but I just think all these are superficial. These artists are just trying to be different and our younger generations those who do not faith strong enough to resist these, might be influenced. But how much could we stop these phenomenon? It’s almost like how can you stop cockroach from breeding? I don’t even think Jesus would be bothered that Gaga does not pay respect to Him, but Jesus is so popular and well loved all over the world and that is why He is being mentioned all the time. Do we hear Gaga’s song as Buddha is the new Black? I probably will hear a lot of different opinions about this artist and my thinking – share your views please. But I know God is a big God, He wouldn’t be bothered about small things like a song’s lyrics, or a concert hall stage set up (There were numerous crosses in the stage last night!). It’s all about us and if we love Him in our heart.
Daily Quote
All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols— worship him, all you gods!
Psalm 97:7
I pray to God that people will feel His love, and not only on icons.

Postscript Quote 
Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are
Lady Gaga 
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May 03 2012
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after thought, charity, culture, environment, social-economic, travel, volunteering

post-trip post

I am back from my Bacolod mission trip! Mixed feelings surface: the moment when ifc is in front of me, Causeway Bay hustle in the day time, concrete building, suits and high heels bustling, caring mom trying to prepare me food, massive work and persona emails, my lovely bed and macbook etc…I am back to the ‘real world’, the world which is real in my context. But I just can’t get my mind off the trip, the people and the land. The intensive 4-day trip is like a crash course telling you so much about the other side of the world where poverty means life; where scarcity equates normal; where heat is nothing; where you exchange things with labor; where smiles is natural. I’ve been to some other similar trips before, but never a place with so much smiles. Bacolod is also known as the City of Smiles, it’s nothing like those you see in the ad for airlines or tourism board, it’s not a city branding campaign, it’s REAL. I get to know so many new friends now – both kids and adults, I get to know where God is at work in another context, I get to know it’s really a matter of choice on how you want to live your life. My mom although could not find the destination of my trip agreeable, when I showed her the photos of the trip, she shows interest! During this trip, the Key Performance Index is our progress in building a Comfort Room (aka Toilet) for 3 families at a slum area. So many things are intertwined in this process, team spirit with a bunch of people you don’t really know, your tolerance of the harsh weather and un-hygience location, your trust and belief in God.  Take a look at my photos, click here to browse them and read through my captions, hope that can inspire you a bit. If you want to know how you can experience something similar, let me know – bring your gang and try something larger!
Daily Quote
If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,’
Job 9:27
I pray to God that I wouldn’t just stop at this trip but pray that this is just the beginning.

Postscript Quote 
Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
Finly Peter Dunne
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Apr 27 2012
6 Comments
after thought, travel

forget it

I only told my mom about my mission trip last night as I have to fly out today. The moment she knew I am heading to the Philippines, she was super unhappy and kept on asking me why, why and why?! She dislikes the Philippines a lot…sorry to say, especially after the hostage tragedy that happened to some Hong Kong tourists in 2010 where 8 people were killed. It’s interesting how some people captured the negative things in their minds way much easier than the good things – there would be a thousand good things happening and just one negative thing, and they would focus on that very single not so good thing. I meet these type of people aaaa lot and always have no idea where their negativity comes from? Negativity breeds hatred and that just drags everyone down. The only thing I hope that would happen to them is that these people would be more forgetful, when they forget, they could forgive. I hope my mom would learn to be less tense and don’t let the negative thoughts rule over her life, and my life!
Daily Quote
Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”
Genesis 41:51
I pray to God that He would bless my mom and bring her worries away!

Postscript Quote 
You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.
C. Joybell C. 
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