Do You Believe in Miracles?

"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:23-24)

Last night's evening news reported two "miracles":

1) After nearly three months in captivity in Iraq, American reporter Jill Carroll was set free. This is an miracle if you considered how her captors had repeatedly and openly threatened to kill her and indeed killed her Iraqi interpreter. Carroll was left in the street near an Iraqi Islamic Party offices so she could just walk in. She said she could not wait to go home and be with her family.

2) After nearly three months in recovery, Sago Mine sole survivor Randal McCloy Jr. left the hospital and returned home. An explosion in early January left 12 fellow miners dead. McCloy was in a coma after being trapped in the mine for 41 hours before his rescue. He is considered a medical miracle because he survived being exposed to carbon monoxide for so long. Doctors had expected him to spend about six months in therapy, but released him in half that time.

During Bible studies, I often heard people asked, "How come there were miracles in the Bible times but not now?" I believe there are miracles even now. Not just from stories like these, but in simple day-to-day restoration of human relationships (such as those between estranged couples, or between hopeless parents and children/teens). I know, because I have experienced God's miracleous power and I have witnessed it. Hey, may be miracles only happen for those who believe? Have you asked for help?

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

A Time for Everything

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

I am so touched by your responses to my newsletter. Sometimes I try to answer individual messages immediately and sometimes I simply cannot. The hardest ones are from old friends whom I really want to talk with. We are now scattered around the world but we still care about each other. Naturally I want to share more with such person(s), so I save the e-mail and tell myself I will get to it later, when I have more time.

You know what I am talking about. Right? Sometimes we simply get confused between what is urgent and want is important.

In parenting, be aware that if you don't talk and play with your kids when they are young, they may not want to talk with or spend time with you when you have time. Children and teenagers often spell love with four letters: T I M E.

In my early and mid thirties, I was really really busy. I looked around and everybody was busy, climbling the corporate ladder. Again and again, people told me, "Work hard and save money. Then after your retirement you can really enjoy!" Having my parents passed away so early (mom at age 48 and dad at age 60) did not help. I asked myself, "How do I know I can live pass 65?"

I'm so happy that one friend wrote me again this morning, even though I did not reply last month. Of course I have my reasons, but reasons look like excuses on the receiving end. I feel relieved when I read that letter. I am so grateful that my friend still loves me. That is the other side of love, examplified by our Lord and Savior! Are you disappointed or mad at your kids? Only love can bring them back!

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

How Do You Spell Success?

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8)

What does studying the Bible and meditating on the verses have to do with being successful? I had the same question twenty years ago when someone invited me to church.

The truth is, just going to church may not really change people. What matters is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Many of my heroes are people who let God completely take over their lives.

I started noticing successful Christians around the world after becoming a believer. One of my sport heroes is Michael Chang, the tennis champ. Chang became a Christian in 1988 and has praised God faithfully ever since that same year when he turned pro at age fifteen. He won several Grand Slam events. In interviews Michael shared that he devoted time each morning and evening to Bible study, often with the whole family, and prayed throughout the day.

Michael does not stop as a Tennis Star. He is ministering to the younger generation and he is taking classes from Talbot Seminary to continue his growth. How's that for being successful?

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Winning An Oscar

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

Ang Lee won an Oscar as Best Director. This generated mixed feelings among Chinese American Christians. On one hand, Ang Lee came from Taiwan and he showed how people from overseas could be successful in the United States, even in Hollywood. On the other hand, the movie is considered a propaganda to promote homosexuality and a very distorted view about love (e.g. romantic feeling without covenantal commitment).

In Hollywood, more discussions generate more publicity. One network news reported that the five movies nominated for Best Picture all have "issue-oriented" messages that got people talking. No doubt much damage has been done with "Brokeback Mountain" because gay lifestyle receives a lot of attention, negative or positive.

How should parents talk about this movie? It really depends on our children's age and our relationship with them. If they bring it up, congratulations (that they want to talk with you about tough subject or may be just curious), don't shut them down, try listening to what they are feeling and thinking, conversing with them to explore the truth. A teenager may say outrageous things just to shock parents, so stay calm and keep listening. It could be a teachable moment and a turning point.

"Brokeback Mountain" has generated immediate crisis. But don't forget there has been moral decay around us. Nowadays, little kids may meet school mates who have two dads or two moms. Parents need to understand what world view is being fed to our kids by the media and at school. But it is more important to teach them to seek the truth and to embrace it. Jesus is the way, the life and the truth. He loves us while we were yet sinners.

In the banking industries, tellers learn to distinguish between real and fake money by touch. Similarly, we need to show our children and teenagers God's perfect plan for salvation, marriage and family in real life. Have we taught our next generation about God's love? Have we demonstrated genuiene love, acceptance and forgiveness between husbands and wives and children and brothers and sisters in our own families?

Human beings want to love and feel loved. Children and teenagers need loving discipline and fair boundary. Genuiene love has to start within our families and churches. Do you know someone who has identity crisis, moral troubles, addiction problems, etc.? Are their parents too cold and distant? not caring? or overly conflictual?

Whatever dilemma you are facing, ask the Lord for wisdom to know what to say and how to say it.

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Parenting ABC Made the News

"... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

I told Jeanne I could lead a couple of workshops in the Children's Ministry (English) track and mentioned I could do the same in Mandarin and/or Cantonese. She informed the chairperson of the Asian American Track. And before I knew it, I was leading three workshops in Cantonese.

This is the kind of unexpected (and amazing) things I have repeatedly experienced as a believer. Before Christ, I used to view the world according to people's beliefs, standards and traditions. Buying into stereotypes, I majored in engineering, became a workaholic, and convinced myself it was normal to be alone at the top.

Secured in Christ, I learned to let go of something good to gain what is best for me in His plan. Life has been a joyous adventurous ride as our Lord closes (old) and opens (new) doors in His sufficient and abundant grace!

After my workshop, I shared my salvation and life story with the editor-in-chief from Gospel Herald and she told me hers. It is amazing how Jesus saved and redirected our lives. This morning, I entered http://www.gospelherald.com to read the on-line newspaper. To my surprise, "Parenting ABC" has already made the news. Check out the story before and after the 2006 BASS.

When I started "Parenting ABC", all I wanted to do is to integrate lessons my husband and I have learned from life, careers and ministries into something that might be of help to other Christian couples from overseas. Praise the Lord for another wonderful experience.

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Pleasant Surprises

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Today I led three workshops in Cantonese. Although I came from Hong Kong, most of my public speaking has been done in English or Mandarin so far. After the incidents yesterday, I know I have to lift my nervousness about speaking in Cantonese to Him.

We arrived BASS at 7:40 or so. When we opened the door of room N7, we were shocked! The room was not set up for workshop, it had kids stuff all over the place. We ran out to the open corridor and looked around. At that time, we saw the brother who set up the projector yesterday in D2. He was putting up signs and he told us to go to room N9. He came and set up the Power Point projector and we were ready before 8:00 a.m.

Although only one student showed up at 8:00, I was okay with it. After all, even we were not aware of the location change! My husband volunteered to go to N7 to redirect people, and one brother made a sign and posted it on the door at the old location. As people trickled in, I talked about developing EQ in Cantonese.

The rest of the day went pretty smooth. Some people who attended the 8:00 workshop also showed up at the Learning Styles workshop at 12:45 and my last workshop at 3:45 p.m. Before I got there, I thought many people would have gone home by then, since it was the absolute last workshop of the day. To my surprise, the room was full. I asked some simple questions and found out that not everyone in the room were parents. In fact, there were single people as well.

I shared my personal and professional experience about "Parenting American Born Chinese (ABC)" with gratefulness. Afterwards, I found out that the Editor-in-chief of Gospel Herald, a Global Chinese Christian Newspaper, was there in my workshop. We chatted in English and Cantonese. What a surprise!

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Practicing What We Preach

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

In January, I received a letter from BASS regarding equipments. With limited supply of Power Point projectors, some teachers might have to use overhead transparencies. I sent in my justification and prayed. Only God can control what happens!

At 11 p.m. last night, I finished my Power Point slides and the handouts. "All Done!" I prayed with my husband and went to bed, leaving the laptop on for automated backup.

I was puzzled when I found the laptop screen tilting forward this morning. I repositioned the screen and touched the curser -- Nothing. Keys -- Nothing. "Ctrl Alt Del" -- No response. Power botton -- Nothing. My heart started pounding. My limbs grew weak. This laptop has never been frozen in 14 months. Why now? Questions raced through my mind: ... No visual? ... Did he (my husband) tilt the screen? ... Was he trying to pack? If so, why didn't he finish the job?

I tried to hide my devastation when I got to the bedroom. "Wake up. Laptop frozen. I need to take shower and get ready. Please help or we'll be late!" was all I could utter before rushing into the bathroom. I needed a shower! Honestly, I was shocked, angry, afraid, and anxious ... I started reciting Philippians 4:6-7 a few times to refocus my attention.

"Lord, I don't understand this but I know you love me ... Was I too proud last night? ... I almost lost it and blamed him ... Thank you that I didn't yell ... Emotions can be so crippling ... Thank you for being here for me ... Thank you for the handouts ... This is not the end of the world ... Even if there is no computer and no power point, I can still talk. I can always trust in you."

My husband forced the laptop to reboot. I prayed out loud on our way to Castro Valley for further protection and provision. When we got to room D2, two guys were there setting things up. They hooked up our laptop to the projector -- nothing! Aware of my mounting anxiety, I walked to the back of the room to pray. By the grace of God, my first workshop on "Developing Emotional Intelligence (EQ) started promptly at 9:00. Guess what? Almost 60 people came. We were connected as fellow human beings, brothers and sisters, when I shared my personal story from this morning.

God created us with the ability to feel, to think, and to will. Emotions arise when life happens. He accepts our emotions and teaches us how to deal with them. We need to develop EQ so that we can relate better with ourselves, others and God. Although we cannot control life, we can always share our feelings, validate other people's feelings, think, and respond wisely. The fruit of the Spirit helps us to face life and choose our actions and words. Praise the Lord!

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Modeling Faithfulness in Service

"But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you." (1 Samuel 12:24)

Imagine being a workshop leader at BASS Church Workers Convention! Jeanne asked me a few times before but I never felt ready. After all, she is the one who taught me how to teach kids!

Jeanne is the Director of the Silicon Valley Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). We met in March/April 1994 at the Salvation Army building in San Jose. At that time, I was a very busy mom: raising a son with my husband, managing software development engineers and projects, and volunteering at church. As a newly appointed deaconess in charge of Children's Ministry, I was referred to attend a CEF course called "Teaching Children Effectively" (Level 1) and Jeanne was my teacher.

After taking the 30-hour course, I often visited Jeanne at her office to purchase teaching materials or asked her questions. I am encouraged by how God changed her life since she became a believer as a young mom while accompanying her kids to Good News Club many years ago. I am inspired by her passion in evangelising children and training others to do so. I took many more classes from her and her team, and attended BASS almost every year. Jeanne has become my mentor.

Jeanne examplifies what a "good and faithful servant" may be all about. In 1995, after I turned into a stay-at-home mom and weekend seminary student, I started attending her weekly teacher's training. Her classroom was always set up when I got there. Even on cold rainy mornings with only two or three of us, she taught with all her heart. Whenever I helped her clean up, I was amazed at how many boxes of materials had to be moved back into her van. She has been teaching faithfully for years!

Jeanne asked me whether I wanted to lead workshops at BASS before and my answer was always no. Even though I have been teaching kids and training teachers and parents, somehow I felt intimidated teaching at BASS. Aren't there already too many workshops to choose from? Who am I to teach people who have been Christians all their lives? What if nobody shows up? What if my class is not good enough?

Similar worries came up again when she asked me about 2006. As I prayed about it, I recalled the amazing things the Lord has done for me and my family. I remembered Jeanne and other faithful teachers I have worked with (and/or learned from) through the years ... Since I would never be where I am without Jesus, it is really not about me. It is all about Jesus.

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC