tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32709272024-03-27T16:54:20.781-07:00...Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.comBlogger1558125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-75950008469418151912024-03-27T16:45:00.000-07:002024-03-27T16:45:21.039-07:00I Wrote This Song in '94<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/30amRba13SY" width="320" youtube-src-id="30amRba13SY"></iframe></div><br />There are three huge concert tours taking place this year: Green Day's <i>The Saviors Tour</i> celebrating Dookie's 30 year anniversary and American Idiot's 20 year anniversary, Weezer's <i>The Voyage to the Blue Planet Tour</i> playing their Blue Album in full, and Oasis' <i>Definitely Maybe</i> <i>Tour </i>for their 30 year anniversary of their debut album. My brother early birthday gifted me tickets to the first concert, which will also redeem two missed opportunities to see The Smashing Pumpkins live. All of these tours are nonsense if you did not listen to alternative rock music in the 90s. As my wife put it, "I didn't grow up in Burlingame." But that's okay cause you can still sit next to me while I enjoy Oasis' famous Knebworth concert on Youtube.<p></p><p>Anyway, 2024 seems to be all about anniversaries commemorating albums from decades ago. The fact that I am right around the corner of turning four decades old shows why these concerts are so meaningful to me. Here we go, midlife!</p><p>Thought of the Day: Kaiser</p><p>Song of the Day: The Linda Lindas-Oh!</p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-39642016955885745072023-10-24T13:27:00.001-07:002023-10-24T13:27:04.643-07:00Chronic<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggW8tsPaKd_ryaN02b6emtpPwKm5V8s6difQnwxp3OMcTMtZugpYuXp6twHA3WJnZhfprVWRYmJPy_BqPSDjkdCt0l0_vqqG0hSUwTq58ny8hhtuOGSTjLNeSCzqwPpwxKnSq-NUV6JFKMDl2_Bo44b53rWDbjp8hRisjbAZ4qwXqUPVMwrg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="359" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggW8tsPaKd_ryaN02b6emtpPwKm5V8s6difQnwxp3OMcTMtZugpYuXp6twHA3WJnZhfprVWRYmJPy_BqPSDjkdCt0l0_vqqG0hSUwTq58ny8hhtuOGSTjLNeSCzqwPpwxKnSq-NUV6JFKMDl2_Bo44b53rWDbjp8hRisjbAZ4qwXqUPVMwrg" width="310" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Urticaria. You learn all these obscure medical terms when you do desperate Google searches for causes and treatments for health-related
issues. My health-related issue has not been hives; it’s been CHRONIC hives. Hives
may last for hours or even days. Chronic hives will last for months! To be
fair, I will hit three weeks tomorrow, but I have confidently self-diagnosed myself
after a little detective work that unveiled a delayed reaction to a Covid
booster, this year and last. If my condition is anything like the previous year,
I still have about four more months to go!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Through my Google searches, I learned that the itchy welts
are produced by a chemical called histamines. While our instinct may be to rub
or scratch at the itch, this only spreads more histamines that appear in other
areas of the body. When you don’t realize that you are simply energizing a
histamine factory, especially on Day 1, you look like someone splashed a bucket
of red on you. Who knew that even your palms could get so itchy!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I couldn’t help but notice that having hives has a lot of parallels
to our sinful state. Sin promises a false hope and joy that only leads to
death. Scratching at my hives also has its promises of relief but only for a
moment! I hate how I know both to be deeply true yet still forget and pursue death.
I don’t know if church or spiritual disciplines are like antihistamines, but I
do know that I certainly would not like to live without them, however imperfect
they may be. But in these particularly uncomfortable days, I can’t wait till I am off the meds, feeling closer to a state of
glory!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Stay away from Moderna if you want to avoid risking having my experience.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Thought of the Day: NBA</p><p class="MsoNormal">Song of the Day: Oasis-Columbia</p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-3286977343310536782023-07-31T11:06:00.000-07:002023-07-31T11:06:19.410-07:00Pinkerton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/ca/Pinkerton_cover.jpg/220px-Pinkerton_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="220" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/ca/Pinkerton_cover.jpg/220px-Pinkerton_cover.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><p>I think I can confidently tell people now that Weezer is, and has been, my favorite band for years now. Last week, I revisited their lesser known second album considered to sound very dark and different from their successful blue and green albums. I listened to <i>Pinkerton</i> on repeat on my discman when I was in high school and immediately had adolescent nostalgia going through it again on Spotify. I never thought it was a bad album back then either, but it made me curious to Wikipedia its history and here is what I learned.</p><p>Comments on the album from the lead singer, Rivers Cuomo,...</p><p>in 1997: "<i>This has been a tough year. It's not just that the world has said Pinkerton isn't worth a shit, but that the Blue album wasn't either. It was a fluke. It was the ["Buddy Holly"] video. I'm a shitty songwriter.</i>"</p><p>in 2001: "<i>The most painful thing in my life these days is the cult around Pinkerton. It's just a sick album, sick in a diseased sort of way.</i>"</p><p>"<i>It's a hideous record... It was such a hugely painful mistake that happened in front of hundreds of thousands of people and continues to happen on a grander and grander scale and just won't go away. It's like getting really drunk at a party and spilling your guts in front of everyone and feeling incredibly great and cathartic about it, and then waking up the next morning and realizing what a complete fool you made of yourself.</i>"</p><p>in 2008: "<i>Pinkerton's great. It's super-deep, brave, and authentic. Listening to it, I can tell that I was really going for it when I wrote and recorded a lot of those songs.</i>"</p><p>in 2010: "<i>Pinkerton has definitely taken on a life of its own and became more successful and more accepted … As an artist, you just have to do what you believe in at the time, whether it’s accepted or not. You just have to keep going with it.</i>"</p><p>"<i>The last time we played all of those [Pinkerton] songs, they went over like a lead balloon. And I just remember that feeling of just total rejection. And then to see 5,500 people singing along to every last word through every song on the album, even the really difficult ones, was incredibly validating for me.</i>"</p><p>If you made it to the last quote, he is referring to the Memories Tour where they played <i>Blue</i> and <i>Pinkerton</i> in their entirety. I'd give my right arm to jump into a DeLorean and see that show!</p><p><br /></p><p>Besides finding another level of appreciation for a forgotten album, parenting feels a bit like <i>Pinkerton</i> to me these days. The daughter is 2.6 years old and really embracing the TERRIBLE Twos, which really brings out a lot of my terrible intolerance. It feels like everything prior to this was the smooth and fun <i>Blue</i> album and now I'm just looking forward to reaching the "squeaky-clean" <i>Green</i> album. I keep telling people how depraved she is, but it's really me who is the sinner of all sinners. </p><p>As I am in thick of it right now, I will take Cuomo's advice and "just have to do what you believe in at the time, whether it's accepted or not. You just have to keep going with it."</p><p><br /></p><p>Thought of the Day: Listen</p><p>Song of the Day: Weezer-Tired of Sex (Tracking Rough)</p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-29927198913866851982023-06-08T14:10:00.002-07:002023-06-08T14:10:16.607-07:00I Like to Move It Move It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.etsystatic.com/8542346/r/il/7de834/2665395602/il_340x270.2665395602_ga7n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="340" height="318" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/8542346/r/il/7de834/2665395602/il_340x270.2665395602_ga7n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>It's amazing to realize that I have lived in my current apartment for more than three years. That is the longest I have lived anywhere in my adult life...and now, I am moving once again. My neighboring teacher told me that she used to move every single year but has not moved since 2013! I was so impressed with the longevity of finding a place that has no maintenance, tenant, or street issues. I mean those things are a way of life in my unit. How does one find such a place in the city of Los Angeles?</p><p>With the few posts that I write each year now, I saw that one of my "recent" ones focused on applying to jobs and awaiting decisions. This will be my second year of rejections as I am starting to believe that I was destined to live and die teaching in LA. We already have two preschools to visit in a couple of weeks as a lot of changes are coming this summer to prepare for even bigger changes in the fall. Maybe we just need to embrace the city instead of brainstorming annual escape plans.</p><p>All I know is that we are locked in for the next two years. Lots of time to win that lottery!</p><p>Who am I kidding? I've already hit the jackpot.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thought of the Day: Cheaters</p><p>Song of the Day: The Smashing Pumpkins-Today</p><p><br /></p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-22179595412820873192023-01-03T10:03:00.002-08:002023-01-03T10:03:10.849-08:00No Joke<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://scotchwhisky.com/images/media/b3da82323ccda6b588608c78a65cf9b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="679" height="487" src="https://scotchwhisky.com/images/media/b3da82323ccda6b588608c78a65cf9b3.jpg" width="679" /></a></div><p>The running joke on my Cambodia Team was that the age of 35 is the prime of your life. I tried to convince everyone that I had never been healthier and happier that year, which was actually true to some extent. Fast-forward about three years where I have gone into Urgent Care more times the past three months than I have in three decades. From hives to hands, foot, and mouth disease, I have grown more empathy for Job when he was going through his own physical suffering. I'm not used to taking prescription medicine or any medication for that matter; it's like I'm not 35 anymore...like I'm aging or something.</p><p>It's an interesting time to be in your mid-years. I see my parents who are essentially savoring their remaining years while my little one is exploring her new world each day. Being the middleman when everyone is together is a tricky situation because you cannot fully commit or engage with one side without sacrificing the other. It has become that much more apparent when I see how happy Naomi is to see her aunts and uncle because they give her so much more attention than I usually do. I want to be able to work, cook, and clean but still sing nursery rhymes with the Cocomelon toys too. I've heard it gets easier, but I've also heard it gets harder...and sometimes another one is on the way!</p><p>*not us, not yet anyway!</p><p>These thoughts are a bit jumbled because I just got back from my closed school where I learned that someone had jumped from one of the buildings. Similar to funerals, it's a sobering reminder to reflect on your own life and to see it for what it is and what it should be. We are all getting older and eventually moving further and further away from 35. But Paul reminds the Corinthian church that "we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."</p><p><br /></p><p>Thought of the Day: School Closed</p><p>Song of the Day: Ms. Rachel-I'm So Happy</p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-15897214218487523032022-07-18T11:32:00.002-07:002022-07-18T11:32:20.693-07:00Pensive, Doubting, Fearful Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://99percentinvisible.org/app/uploads/2019/09/Windows-Hourglass-Mac-Wrist-Watch-600x431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="600" height="431" src="https://99percentinvisible.org/app/uploads/2019/09/Windows-Hourglass-Mac-Wrist-Watch-600x431.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><p>I recently applied for a job on a whim and went into the whole process very open and at ease. But after going through the interview and not having any updates for over a week, my heart and mind have been in a torturous state. I have lost count the number of times I have replayed the interview in my head and how I could have improved my responses. The only certainty I do have from the past week is how stupid and impatient my heart is. I have all of the reassurances and reminders that my real Boss has made His perfect decision and that I should not worry; and yet...</p><p>the title of this post speaks for itself. If you are unfamiliar with the title, it's actually a hymn from a John Newton poem. Here is the last verse that brought me to tears the first time I sang the words:</p><p>Though afflicted, tempest-tossed,</p><p>Comfortless awhile thou art,</p><p>Do not think thou canst be lost,</p><p>Thou art graven on my heart.</p><p>All thy walls I will repair,</p><p>Thou shalt be rebuilt anew,</p><p>And in thee it shall appear,</p><p>What a God of love can do.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thought of the Day: HR</p><p>Song of the Day; Indelible Grace Music feat. Emily Deloach-Pensive, Doubting, Fearful Heart</p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-922334152705881862022-06-22T11:40:00.002-07:002022-06-22T11:40:30.758-07:00Summer Solstice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BMXsO1kCYAAPkh_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="515" height="765" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BMXsO1kCYAAPkh_.jpg" width="515" /></a></div><br /><p>Yesterday was the Summer Solstice and my first real free day of summer break. My tradition for every break has been to make a list of goals I would like to accomplish before the start of the next school year. One thing different about this year's list is that I have very few goals. Another thing that is different is that I included clearing out my fridge. </p><p>I took care of tossing things that have occupied the freezer for more than a year, but the real challenge is figuring out how and when I am supposed to eat things before they expire. A pet peeve I have learned about myself is buying things that do not get used. I would say that food gone bad takes priority in that category because it is clearly something that could have met other people's immediate needs. Plus, who likes the duty of disposing the rot and gag? I can tell you now that my wife does not.</p><p>I think sharing our living space with a baby has taught me to appreciate and pursue minimalism. I have always enjoyed living with the essentials and spending the rest of my energy on God's greatest creation: food. But now that I am outnumbered by females in my life, I have been forced to reconsider my definition of essentials. My continual rationale has been to invest in good quality for the sake of greater quantity...in terms of lifespan and use. If the lifespan is shorter than expected, all I gotta say is OfferUp is a godsend.</p><p>So in conclusion, I don't have any interesting summer goals unless you consider fridge liberation a thing. I did buy <i>Where the Crawdads Sing</i> this morning, so maybe I'll also read in between chewing. Have a cool summer!</p><p><br /></p><p>Thought of the Day: The Wiltern</p><p>Song of the Day: Weezer-Records</p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-81807462408970859372021-12-17T09:01:00.003-08:002021-12-17T09:02:21.767-08:00Pining<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/11351387_121721-wls-tiktok-school-threat-maher430a-vid.jpg?w=800&r=16%3A9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="330" src="https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/11351387_121721-wls-tiktok-school-threat-maher430a-vid.jpg?w=800&r=16%3A9" width="587" /></a></div><p></p><p>What better time to catch up on your reading than Finals week? While reading through <i>Pachinko</i> and going over the book of Judges, the theme of oppression echoes throughout their stories of poverty, violence, and death. It's a sobering reminder for me that I have it pretty good even though things are still very imperfect.</p><p>Yesterday, schools across the nation received a potential threat for shootings that may occur today. One teacher heard from a student about a specific time and place of something happening on our campus. It's hard to know what's real or fake these days, but I have felt a heavier burden ever since I became a father. I now understand why people plea for their life by informing their assailant that they have children.</p><p>When will school shootings, Covid, and all the other brokenness of this world ever end? Be reminded by those beautiful lyrics in O Holy Night:</p><p><i>Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother; And in His name <b>all oppression shall cease</b>.</i></p><p>In the Bible there was rest in the land for x amount of years after each judge. What does that tell us about how long our rest will be when the final judge comes?</p><p><br /></p><p>Thought of the Day: Ophthalmology</p><p>Song of the Day: Frank Sinatra-Jingle Bells</p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-54234789103227663842021-08-06T20:47:00.002-07:002021-08-06T20:47:33.877-07:00Number 5<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XG4iuhRt3E4/YQ3-Y029beI/AAAAAAAAIiw/KGv6C5vvr9YPK4aS4JJakYayUpYpeM0NACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="126" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XG4iuhRt3E4/YQ3-Y029beI/AAAAAAAAIiw/KGv6C5vvr9YPK4aS4JJakYayUpYpeM0NACNcBGAsYHQ/w242-h126/image.png" width="242" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fioKwpI1_8/YQ3-jHP0L4I/AAAAAAAAIi0/AZdiRW23qFkNMeJgLARrkb1KQsW62IcMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/1628288552312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="959" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fioKwpI1_8/YQ3-jHP0L4I/AAAAAAAAIi0/AZdiRW23qFkNMeJgLARrkb1KQsW62IcMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/1628288552312.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Apparently, I have a real-life Peanuts character living in our home. She doesn't dance like him (yet), but boy does she make us laugh and smile. <p></p><p><br /></p><p>Thought of the Day: Last Hurrah</p><p>Song of the Day: Jinusean-Celebrate</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-48403503842025903272021-06-02T16:44:00.004-07:002021-06-02T16:44:45.865-07:00Summer is Coming<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVndJb7LHFg/YLgXkKDb5cI/AAAAAAAAH3I/Uj1AiFRbGU8nqT9bMQdEMChzxDxAlweRwCNcBGAsYHQ/s657/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="657" height="486" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVndJb7LHFg/YLgXkKDb5cI/AAAAAAAAH3I/Uj1AiFRbGU8nqT9bMQdEMChzxDxAlweRwCNcBGAsYHQ/w640-h486/Capture.PNG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Thought of the Day: Daycare<p></p><p>Song of the Day: Imagine Dragons-Thunder</p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-65032602958224803512020-12-25T15:55:00.000-08:002020-12-25T15:55:02.635-08:00Kaisermas<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lD-Wzm2-EUM/X-Zwvq6RvOI/AAAAAAAAHsA/gAyTUv2MQxwJ_plMhz5rUPYeKfD-z_KzACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201224_194219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lD-Wzm2-EUM/X-Zwvq6RvOI/AAAAAAAAHsA/gAyTUv2MQxwJ_plMhz5rUPYeKfD-z_KzACNcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20201224_194219.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>That is a picture of my "grilled" ham and cheese sandwich that I had in the hospital room on Christmas Eve. You might think that airplane food is bad, but hospital food shows you a different attitude towards free food. The last thing I have yet to experience is prison food though I wonder where the three would rank.<p></p><p>Thankfully, we are not at the hospital because of Covid; on the contrary, we are here to bring about a new life! Although it would have been kind of cool to have a Christmas baby, it looks like we might have to settle for a Boxing Day baby instead. In the end, we're just glad we can get some of those tax breaks for 2020.</p><p>It's been an interesting experience witnessing all the care and attention that goes into providing a safe delivery for the child and mother. There is not a single moment of silence due to all kinds of machines and staff monitoring everyone but the father throughout the day. I have a new level of respect for these medical professionals who undoubtedly deserve to be first in line for the vaccine. It is truly amazing all that they do (and even risk)!</p><p>From the start of the pregnancy to even the final stages of labor, we have realized that the baby is completely oblivious to her world outside of the womb. There is, literally, a new world she is about to enter into, and she has no idea what is to come. I see things at a slightly different angle now when Jesus says we "must be born again" in order to see the kingdom of God. What are all of the unfathomable things we have yet to experience in the world to come?<br /></p><p>Surely, no more Kaiser grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.</p><p><br /></p><p>My baby mama's a champ!</p><p><br /></p><p>Thought of the Day: Induction</p><p>Song of the Day: Music Soundscapes, Holiday Mood-Silent Night</p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-7285760882961616082020-10-28T11:24:00.007-07:002020-10-28T11:26:51.845-07:00Worst/Best Year Ever<p> How many times have you told yourself that this has been the worst year ever because of...</p><p>Covid?</p><p>Protests?</p><p>Fires?</p><p>Trump?</p><p>Lakers/Dodgers?</p><p><br /></p><p>Wanna guess how many times I have told myself that this has been the best year ever?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9x36CWmX2XE/X5m0vuJYt4I/AAAAAAAAHqc/bde3PZnO4ik1G_Q1Wq9D4d8pLfheNlW6gCNcBGAsYHQ/s960/1603908390253-0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="578" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9x36CWmX2XE/X5m0vuJYt4I/AAAAAAAAHqc/bde3PZnO4ik1G_Q1Wq9D4d8pLfheNlW6gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/1603908390253-0.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>If you'd like to help us get ready for 2021...</p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="babylist.com/baby-esther-chung" target="_blank">Babylist</a><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="tgt.gifts/estherphilnaomi" target="_blank">Target</a><br /></div><p><br /></p><p>Thought of the Day: Average</p><p>Song of the Day: The Sugarhill Gang-Apache (Jump On It)</p>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-34327655450745900652020-05-06T12:17:00.002-07:002020-05-06T12:17:37.276-07:00Acceptable Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4X4CZnUZOvI/XrMNPjs_stI/AAAAAAAAHj0/qPf_v-5AyU0dpx6U_7QqNXpDy9G2AcGKACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="334" height="134" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4X4CZnUZOvI/XrMNPjs_stI/AAAAAAAAHj0/qPf_v-5AyU0dpx6U_7QqNXpDy9G2AcGKACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Capture.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Psalm 69:13<br />
<i>my prayer is to you, O LORD.</i><br />
<i>At an <b>acceptable time</b>, O God,</i><br />
<i>in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in </i><br />
<i>your steadfast faithfulness.</i><br />
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We placed an online order from IKEA on March 28 and received our order today, May 6. This is one of several things that did not go as planned in 2020, but I am reminded that prayers are answered at an acceptable time in acceptable ways.<br />
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The psalmist reminds us that we can rely on steadfast faithfulness. And I am here to remind you to not rely on anything else.<br />
<br />
Like IKEA.<br />
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Thought of the Day: Kaiser<br />
Song of the Day: Vince Guaraldi & Bola Sete-ChoroPhilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-9481121770046854012020-04-04T23:11:00.000-07:002020-04-04T23:11:09.185-07:00Wedding Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZILQngFi6g/Xol2EqKrrkI/AAAAAAAAHik/Tx4qBICh7VoJUzjBZk1a8a4sOFPIh13fgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/20200312_161101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZILQngFi6g/Xol2EqKrrkI/AAAAAAAAHik/Tx4qBICh7VoJUzjBZk1a8a4sOFPIh13fgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200312_161101.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
actually happened nearly three weeks ago. Thanks, Corona.<br />
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Thought of the Day: Masks<br />
Song of the Day: Marvin Berry & Harry Waters Jr.-Earth AngelPhilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-49202564423386166782020-01-28T07:14:00.001-08:002020-01-28T07:14:05.811-08:00Move,<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #24272a; font-family: "Sabon Next W01 Regular"; font-size: 18px;">I pray thee, upon my disordered heart.</span><br />
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Thought of the Day: Packing<br />
Song of the Day: the Mamas & the Papas-You BabyPhilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-55230659220243740452019-11-27T05:50:00.000-08:002019-11-27T05:51:27.792-08:00Thanksgiving EveWhether I succeed or fail,<br />
Nought matters but thee alone.<br />
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Thought of the Day: Four Months<br />
Song of the Day: Bill Withers-Lovely DayPhilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-82878243752507826212019-10-25T08:59:00.000-07:002019-10-25T08:59:14.693-07:00Thy Will vs. My Will<span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #24272a; font-family: "Sabon Next W01 Regular"; font-size: 18px;">Let me know that the work of prayer is to bring</span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; color: #24272a; font-family: "Sabon Next W01 Regular"; font-size: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #24272a; font-family: "Sabon Next W01 Regular"; font-size: 18px;"> my will to thine,</span><br style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; color: #24272a; font-family: "Sabon Next W01 Regular"; font-size: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #24272a; font-family: "Sabon Next W01 Regular"; font-size: 18px;"> and that without this it is folly to pray</span><br />
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Tim Keller once said that we don't get to 'Give us this day our daily bread' before 'Thy will be done'. I have to stop reversing that order.<br />
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Thought of the Day: Joshua Tree<br />
Song of the Day: America-A Horse With No NamePhilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-34655954399260748862019-10-05T21:38:00.001-07:002019-10-05T21:38:22.820-07:00A Forgotten QuoteOur past sins do not paralyze God.<br />
-Sinclair Ferguson<br />
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Thought of the Day: Stuffed Animal<br />
Song of the Day: Mariah Carey-FantasyPhilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-34757443138266001392019-09-24T20:09:00.002-07:002019-09-24T20:09:42.706-07:00In Love<div>
<i>Being in love is a good thing, but it is not the best thing. There are many things below it, but there are also things above it. You cannot make it the basis of a whole life. It is a noble feeling, but it is still a feeling. Now no feeling can be relied on to last in its full intensity, or even to last at all. Knowledge can last, principles can last, habits can last but feelings come and go. And in fact, whatever people say, the state called ‘being in love’ usually does not last. If the old fairy-tale ending ‘They lived happily ever after’ is taken to mean ‘They felt for the next fifty years exactly as they felt the day before they were married,’ then it says what probably never was nor ever would be true, and would be highly undesirable if it were. Who could bear to live in that excitement for even five years? What would become of your work, your appetite, your sleep, your friendships? But, of course, ceasing to be ‘in love’ need not mean ceasing to love. Love in this second sense — love as distinct from ‘being in love’ — is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by (in Christian marriages) the grace which both partners ask, and receive, from God. They can have this love for each other even at those moments when they do not like each other; as you love yourself even when you do not like yourself. They can retain this love even when each would easily, if they allowed themselves, be ‘in love’ with someone else. ‘Being in love’ first moved them to promise fidelity: this quieter love enables them to keep the promise. it is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it.</i></div>
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-C.S. Lewis</div>
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Thought of the Day: Earl Grey</div>
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Song of the Day: Striking Matches-When The Right One Comes Along</div>
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Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-34784367909604570202019-09-16T21:49:00.000-07:002019-09-16T21:50:08.442-07:00Phyko.Missions has been very good to you.<br />
-Dinko<br />
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Thought of the Day: Esther<br />
Song of the Day: Sade-By Your SidePhilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-32480064499477134292019-08-25T09:55:00.004-07:002019-08-25T09:56:26.226-07:00People Make Mistakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ad/cc/c0/adccc0ee18d05adac6389cbb36f91414.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="480" height="166" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ad/cc/c0/adccc0ee18d05adac6389cbb36f91414.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
It's why they put rubbers on the ends of pencils.<br />
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-Fleabag</div>
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Thought of the Day: Spotify</div>
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Song of the Day: CityAlight-There Is Mercy</div>
Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-8467265035720545302019-08-24T11:55:00.002-07:002019-08-24T11:55:42.633-07:00The 'Nevers' of the Gospel<div style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; clear: left; color: #24272a; font-family: "Sabon Next W01 Regular"; font-size: 22px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-right: 51.5px; margin-top: 2em; max-width: 600px; position: relative; top: 5px;">
O LORD,</div>
<div style="background-color: #f9f9f9; box-sizing: border-box; color: #24272a; font-family: "Sabon Next W01 Regular"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-right: 51.5px; margin-top: 2em; max-width: 600px; position: relative; top: 5px;">
May I never fail to come to the knowledge<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> of the truth,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> never rest in a system of doctrine, however<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> scriptural, that does not bring or further<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> salvation,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> or teach me to deny ungodliness and<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> worldly lusts,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> or help me to live soberly, righteously, godly;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> never rely on my own convictions and resolutions,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> but be strong in thee and in thy might;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> never cease to find thy grace sufficient<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> in all my duties, trials, and conflicts;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> never forget to repair to thee<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> in all my spiritual distresses and outward<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> troubles,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> in all the dissatisfactions experienced in<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> creature comforts;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> never fail to retreat to him who is full of grace<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> and truth, the friend that loveth at all times,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> who is touched with feelings of my infirmities,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> and can do exceeding abundantly for me;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> never confine my religion to extraordinary<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> occasions, but acknowledge thee in all my ways;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> never limit my devotions to particular seasons<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> but be in thy fear all the day long;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> never be godly only on the sabbath<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> or in thy house, but on every day abroad<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> and at home;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> never make piety a dress but a habit,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> not only a habit but a nature,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> not only a nature but a life.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Do good to me by all thy dispensations,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> by all means of grace,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> by worship, prayers, praises,<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And at last let me enter that world where is<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> no temple, but only thy glory<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /> and the Lamb’s.</div>
Thought of the Day: Seating Charts<br />
Song of the Day: Mazzy Star-In The KingdomPhilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-35249218448796957122019-08-22T22:13:00.002-07:002019-08-24T11:56:23.774-07:00Teaching Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Z5iIdUT%2BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="519" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Z5iIdUT%2BL.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
One of my students told me she would be missing class tomorrow to attend the court trial for the man who recently murdered her father. It saddens me to think how much trauma many of my students carry with them every day, trauma that has probably not been addressed or processed in a healthy way. She is in my largest class of 47 enrolled students and I often wonder what I can do to best support them when there's only one of me and...so many of <i>them</i>.<br />
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I just finished reading <i>Teaching Hope</i>, a book that I had borrowed from a good teacher friend of mine. Years ago, I had read the <i>Freedom Writers</i>, stories written by high school students who were taught by Erin Gruwell in Long Beach. This book is a collection of stories written by teachers who show the perspective of working in many challenging situations and environments; hence, its title. My biggest takeaway is that teaching will always be hard, but students need good teachers in their lives.<br />
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How do I become the good teacher that my students need?<br />
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Thought of the Day: Instant Pot<br />
Song of the Day: Vince Guaraldi-A Taste of HoneyPhilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-7202398316447728342019-08-19T18:39:00.001-07:002019-08-20T20:46:55.192-07:00Seasons Finale<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaxCwhLlrKs/XVtPNo5uJTI/AAAAAAAAHbA/u8exOFOcuOIG2jQKRmd34mTWIZ87Gg3tQCLcBGAs/s1600/c8FUy3z.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="899" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaxCwhLlrKs/XVtPNo5uJTI/AAAAAAAAHbA/u8exOFOcuOIG2jQKRmd34mTWIZ87Gg3tQCLcBGAs/s640/c8FUy3z.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I think for the first time in my adult life, I do not have a show I am excited to watch. I tried to start one new show and four different seasons of different shows in the past month. Everything feels repetitive. Nothing original is engaging. With the hundreds of shows available at the click of a button, I have finally run out of things I want to watch.<br />
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And it feels liberating!<br />
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Thought of the Day: Day 1<br />
Song of the Day: Green Day feat. Miranda Lambert-Ordinary WorldPhilhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3270927.post-51721744361161248382019-08-13T16:13:00.001-07:002019-08-13T16:13:34.737-07:00Serenity Prayer<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">O God, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">give us the serenity to accept what cannot be changed, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">the courage to change what can be changed, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">and the wisdom to know the one from the other.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">-</span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinhold_Niebuhr" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Reinhold Niebuhr">Reinhold Niebuhr</a>, 1932<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Thought of the Day: Testimony</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Song of the Day: Vince Guaraldi - Star Song</span></span>Philhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17048390933882847653noreply@blogger.com0