Loma Prieta Earthquake Anniversary

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." (Psalm 46:1-3)

The Loma Prieta earthquake occurred on October 17, 1989 at 5:04 p.m. It had a moment magnitude of 6.9 and a surface wave magnitude of 7.1. The duration was 15 to 20 seconds but the effects last many a life time.

Where were you during the earthquake? I was still working in my office, my husband was on a bus from downtown SF to the train station, and our little boy was with a baby sitter in our house. It wasn't until almost midnight that our family reunited under one roof.

Disaster can strike any time without notice. Someone in the Santa Cruz downtown shared her feeling on TV. When the earth shook under her feet, she realized nothing could be trusted. "I cannot trust anything, not even the earth I am standing on!"

If you feel insecure, examine your fears and anxiety. Are you trusting in something that is temporal and material, yet hoping that it will last forever? Who do you trust?

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10)

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

Three Brothers Heading for Iraq

"Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:7-8)

Have you heard about the three brothers, Michael, Allen and Reginald Mouton from Texas? They are Army sergeants who are heading for the same army base in Iraq. Although they could request different bases, they never asked because they wanted to take care of each others! They would die for one another!

You see, the Mouton brothers have learned to love one another from their mom. They love their mom and consider her their role model knowing all the sacrifices she has made. Their mom knows the danger and risks involved. She is very proud of her sons. She wishes she could go in their place but she will not ask them not to serve their country.

I remember the movie, "Saving Private Ryan" where soldiers were trying to save the last brother of a family from the war. Do you believe there is someone who loves you so much that He died for you on the cross?

Copyright © 2006 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC