Fireworks

On our way to our prayer meeting, we saw a lot of cars parked or being parked around the elementary school. By the time we were done praying together, both sides of the streets were filled with parked cars. Some guys were sitting on lawn chairs.

Since the place was packed, we decided to go home. There were so many cars on the streets. It seemed that everyone was out to watch the fireworks. After all, it is July 4th!

We were on a major road parallel to the 680 freeway when the fireworks started. It was so beautiful. A car in front of us pulled to the side. My husband continued driving for a few more minutes and pulled into a parking lot. We parked and were able to enjoy the fireworks from a park across the freeway.

Three years ago, my husband preached at our new church. After having dinner with a couple, we drove back to the peninsula to pick up my car which was parked near McDonald's close to 101. To our amazement, the huge parking lot for nearby businesses was packed. Nevertheless, we found a parking space and stopped to watch.

It has been three years! In both cases, we did not plan to watch the fireworks but we were at the right place at the right time. What a treat! Praise the Lord for great and little things He has done for us.

"Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" (Psalm 103:1-2)

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

When Good Man Are Tempted

I felt sad when I heard yet another marriage was destroyed by an affair. It is not uncommon for men to be tempted sexually because they are so visual. For women and men, the feeling of "falling in love" can be deceiving. Living in fantasy provides temporary relief from facing the reality of whatever pains and stresses we are going through in life. Never think you (or your spouse) are immune from temptation and don't assume there is no way out.

"These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:11-13).

The saddest part is that Christian couples do not take proper actions at the earliest signs of danger (e.g. when you are feeling unhappy in your own marriage, career, or life). Do you believe that God can help you? Do you believe Jesus understands? Do you try to play God?

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

The best time to stop something is never let it happen. "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body." (1 Corinthians 6:18)

Not understanding what to do? There is a book called "When Good Men Are Tempted" by Bill Perkins. Check it out for yourself, your husband, and your sons.

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC

The Source of Our Hope

Did I tell you that sometimes I feel discouraged, disappointed, even depressed when I heard too many terrible things in the news or in counseling sessions?

Honestly, I don't think I can continue to help people unless I have been helped in my own life. I would not be doing what I am doing unless I know there is always hope beyond our current difficulties and suffering.

Where does my hope come from? The fact that my God loves me and He is faithful. I know God reaches out to people and He is a God of second, third, and multiple chances. Thank God that every day is a new day and our hope can be renewed in the morning!

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:21-23)

Copyright © 2005-2007 Winnis Chiang, Parenting ABC