tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15616662170195121402024-03-05T17:17:59.042-08:00Poetry Happens<a href="https://plus.google.com/102909452007811064052" rel="publisher">Google+</a>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-51081478559356788022015-10-11T00:00:00.001-07:002022-04-27T20:50:25.768-07:00Personal Note: Early Saturday Morning My Mom Passed<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 26px;">My mother had been hospitalized for over five weeks. A ventilator machine aided her breathing as she laid in a semi-comatose state. Throughout this time, the doctors used every mean to heal my mom but her health refused to improve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">In her advanced directive (living will), my mother insisted that she not be on long term life support. So we had no choice, but to honor her wishes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Thursday afternoon, October 8, 2015, shortly after 2:30, they gave my mom morphine to ease the pain and meds to ease her breathing, then they removed the ventilator. Her body wound down with her hand in mine and hymns playing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Saturday morning, October 10, 2015, at 4:11am, my mother, Pao Yue Chen, went home to be with the Lord. Although she was still breathing, by Friday afternoon, she was no longer gripping my hand nor responding to my voice. Around midnight, the playlist ended with the Sevenfold Amen, the last song in the album Hymns Triumphant (London Philharmonic Choir & National Philharmonic Orchestra) and I turned off the music to let her mind rest if it wasn't already. At about 4:00am, her vitals on the monitor flat-lined at which point the first doctor came in to verify that there was no sensor error. At 4:11, the second doctor confirmed my mom's passing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">My mother's interment will be next to my dad at Meadowridge Memorial Park. You are welcome to join us, in our celebration of my mom's life and in our rejoicing of her return home to our Lord Jesus the Christ, our God and Savior.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Visitation & viewing will be</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Friday, October 16, 2015 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm and from 7:00pm to 9:00pm</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Memorial service will be begin</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 1:00pm</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Meadowridge Memorial Park</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">7250 Washington Blvd</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Elkridge, MD 21075</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">410-796-8024</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 26px;">(north of Washington, D.C. and south of Baltimore, Maryland)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Direction:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">If coming down Interstate 95:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">1) Take the exit for Maryland Route 100 East.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">2) On MD Rt. 100, take the first exit, U.S. Highway 1 / Washington Blvd South.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">3) Once on U.S. 1 / Washington Blvd South, you will see Meadowridge Memorial Park on the right (west) side of the road.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">If coming down Maryland Route 295 / Baltimore-Washington Parkway:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">1) Take the exit for Maryland Route 100 West.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">2) On MD Rt. 100, take the exit for U.S. Highway 1 / Washington Blvd.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">3) At the end of the exit ramp, turn left (south), on to U.S. Highway 1 / Washington Blvd.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">3) Once on U.S. 1 / Washington Blvd South, you will see Meadowridge Memorial Park on the right (west) side of the road.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Enter Meadowridge Memorial Park via the main gate (second driveway, the driveway with brick walls).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Visitation, viewing, and memorial service will be held in the main building at the end of driveway.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Meadowridge Memorial Park</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Main Gate</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Praying Hands</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Geese in Pond</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 26px;">Tree Overlooking Pond</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 26px;">Ponds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">My mom will be laid to rest next to my dad.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">My mom and dad's plots is by the statue of Jesus welcoming us home with open arms</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 26px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 26px;">Statue of Jesus welcoming us home with open arms</span></div>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-5321651657548247002015-09-20T12:48:00.001-07:002022-04-27T20:51:34.760-07:00One Thing<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">My mom has been hospitalized for several weeks and I've been spending all my free time at the hospital. While there, at my mom's bedside, and she was, at the moment, soundly sleeping, I wrote the following poem.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">(I don't usually write in the Jack Kerouac "On the Road" "stream of consciousness" "interior monologue" narrative mode form. However, I wanted to capture my thoughts at that moment. And with my left hand holding my mom's and only my right hand free to work my phone to dictate my thoughts, using the "interior monologue" narrative mode form seem to be the obvious choice.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">One Thing</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Through my mom's</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Hospital room window,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">The city, the world, everything,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Is small and vain.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">In this moment,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">With my hand</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">In the warm grasp of hers,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">As she struggles to breath</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">And her pulse is weak,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">There is only one thing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Unlike the numerous "one things"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">That came and went,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">In which we really meant</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">One more thing,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">This "one thing",</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Pressed and distilled,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">From and by the very stuff of life,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Is life's very essence.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">The only metric</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">By which everything meaningful</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Is measured.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">In this moment</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Of retrospective, introspective,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">And prospective clarity,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">The "one thing"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">That really matters</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Is love,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Only love.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">In this moment,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">I see that "one thing"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">In my mom's hands,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">A history,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Written with the lines of her palms,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Of unrequested f</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 26px;">orgiveness given,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Of unnoticed s</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 26px;">elfless acts,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Of an abundance o</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 26px;">f grace dispensed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">In this moment</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">I see a woman</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Who clearly discerns life's "one thing"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">And pursues</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">To become</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">A master o</span></span><span style="font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 26px;">f that "one thing"...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">A master of love.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">In this moment,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">As my gaze returns</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">From the window</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">To my mom's hands,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">I recognize that "one thing"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">And it renders </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">The city, the world, everything</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size: 26px;">Small and vain.</span></span>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-13988026043383101912013-06-15T22:08:00.003-07:002022-12-12T21:26:54.160-08:00Birthday Letter to My Little Girl<!--Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics-->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My little girl just turned ten and I see her teenage years come barreling around the bend like a runaway freight train: those growing pain, testing her boundaries, rebellious years.
<br /><br />
During my time as a youth group leader, I often encountered teenage kids who were afraid to go home because they thought that they had done something so unforgivable their parents would not take them back and they would rather stay away from home than to face that painful rejection. Not knowing how desperately their parents wanted them back despite anything they may have done, they stayed away, digging themselves into a deeper hole.
<br /><br />
So, I wrote the following birthday letter to my little girl in advance of her teenage years.
<br />
<br />
<br />
Birthday Letter to My Little Girl
<br /><br />
Soon, you will reach the years of your teen<br />
When you'll test the waters in between<br />
What is right and what is wrong.<br />
<br />
Both the winds from the east and the west<br />
Will fill your sail and heart with unrest<br />
Like the call of the sirens' song.<br />
<br />
When that that time comes, I will trust in you<br />
To discern the markers in your field of view<br />
And know where to point your bow.<br />
<br />
If you take a wrong turn on a dare<br />
And a squall catches you unaware,<br />
Remember what I tell you now.<br />
<br />
Despite anything you do or say,<br />An egregious offense along the way,<br />
There'll never be a time when it's too late.<br />
<br />
Come home, no trouble can be outrun.<br />
Like the father of the prodigal son,<br />
For you, I shall daily wait at the gate.<br />
<br />
Always, I will be your harbor of grace.</span></span>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-81631749283098898202013-02-18T01:36:00.003-08:002022-12-12T21:20:48.041-08:00The Triumph of My Day<!--Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics-->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Fridays, after I pick her up from school, is the time that I reserved just for my little girl. It's the best part of my week.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Triumph of My Day
<br />
<br />
Tired and empty,</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I may be,<br />
from the day's fight<br />
to keep the world at bay,<br />
<br />
And no decisive</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">victory<br />
with which</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">to earn a hero's pay,<br />
<br />
But heaven's grace<br />
binds to me;<br />
of which I don't<br />
deserve in any way,<br />
<br />
My little girl's joy,<br />
when she sees me,<br />
that sunshine is<br />
the triumph of my day.</span></span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-25119203020127419892012-01-14T22:37:00.001-08:002022-04-27T20:54:02.990-07:00Dream House<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Before Amanda so unexpectedly passed, we were planning our future. I wrote the following for her but didn't get a chance to give it to her.
<br />
<br />
Dream House
<br />
<br />
I dream of a house where we can live<br />Where we can fall in love again;<br />Where there's no mistake we can't forgive<br />Where time has erased all our pain.<br /><br />I dream of a house where we can live<br />With no fear of an encroaching past;<br />Where our hopes are once again naive,<br />Where good times won't slip by so fast.<br /><br />We'd be brave enough to take a chance;<br />And be, forever, man and wife.<br />In this house, our little girl would dance;<br />And we'd remember the meaning of life.<br /></span></span>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-72148659244852463622010-01-04T00:25:00.001-08:002022-04-27T20:54:42.754-07:00New Year's Eve With My Mom<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">For the last several months, my mom has become more and more weak. As I sit by my mom's bed this New Year’s Eve, unlike everyone else, I was not looking forward to the new year. Instead, I was remembering the past with my mom. When my mom fell asleep I wrote the following.<br /><br /><br />Mom, I Love You<br /><br />If I can have back all those years,<br />More often would I tell you, "I love you."<br />Erase your heartaches and dry your tears,<br />Find more joy in the days we knew.<br /><br />If I can have back all those years,<br />I'd not squander the love you gave<br />Thirst for your wisdom with my ears<br />Find sweet the moments that you saved.<br /><br />If I can have back all those years,<br />I'd thank you for each sacrifice made<br />For your faith when our fortune veers<br />For when I wouldn't believe and you prayed.<br /><br />If I can have back all those years,<br />More often would I tell you, "I love you."</span></span>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-12108530279276475402009-11-08T15:47:00.000-08:002022-04-27T21:00:48.800-07:00Running Wild<!--Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics-->
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<p class="blogContent"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> The last time I saw Lori and her little daughter Grace, I took them down to Baltimore's inner harbor. Grace had a ball. Everything down there fascinated her and she ran after everything that caught her sight. I started to write this piece about Grace, but as usually it turned into a retrospective of my own life.</span>
</span></p><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">Running Wild
</span></div><span style="font-size: 130%;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><br /></span></span></div>Hey, child, running towards tomorrow,</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Looking back, are you being followed?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Mamma tend to worry about that boy.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Hey, child, somebody's calling you.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Running on, who are you listening to?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Hope you don't loose yourself on the way.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Walking up right on your own,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Within the year you were born,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Strong willed child, running wild.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Hey, child, looking for who you are,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Working hard, will you be a shining star?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Gonna have to catch your breath some day.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Hey, child, Jesus is calling you.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Turning back, who will you listen to?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Will you find your way back home?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Strong willed child, running wild.</span></span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-33239768618150434992009-11-08T15:41:00.000-08:002022-04-27T21:04:01.270-07:00The Light from Behind My Grandma's Door<!--Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics-->
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">My grandma was the godliest person I know. Every day, she would get up super early in the morning (while it's still dark) to pray and worship the Lord to begin the day. Every evening, she would stay up way late to do it again to end the day. I'm convinced that her time with the Lord were two-way conversations. In fact, I'm sure it was her prayers that caused God to hold an umbrella of protection over our family.
I remember when I was really little, I was afraid of the dark. My mom would keep the light on until I had fallen asleep. However, there would be times when I would wake up during the night. Luckily, my grandma's light would be on as she prays for the family and I would fall asleep in the comfort of her light.
God, I miss her since she'd passed away.
So, here's one for you, grandma:</span><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">The Light from Behind My Grandma's Door</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">The Light spills into the night,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">From behind my grandma's door.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Its glow scatters the shadows</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Upon the living room floor.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Her prayers climb up Jacob's stairs,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Up beyond the evening sky,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">To where the Light shines,
through the night.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Her songs take me to where I belong,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">In His sight.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Keep the Light burning in my heart.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Keep her life's yearning in my heart.</span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-66636573994242033572009-11-08T15:35:00.000-08:002022-04-27T21:09:05.077-07:00A Chest of Hope and A Chest of Burden<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<p class="blogContent"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">As a single person, I'm never comfortable about giving marriage advice to friends. But sometimes, it's hard keep silent as I watch a relationship blows apart. So I wrote the following for a very special couple.</span></span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">A Chest of Hope and A Chest of Burden</span></span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">A chest of hope and a chest of burden</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Are the same chest then and now.</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">The same package with the same contents,</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Through the years, has changed somehow.</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">A gift from God to a parcel from hell,</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">How quickly their views have turned.</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">They wanted true love and intimacy,</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">But freedom their hearts now yearn.</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">When and how did the load become heavy?</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Were more added in the night?</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Who was responsible? </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 130%;">Was it he or was it she?</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 130%;">Now, begins the final fight.</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">He lifts his end of the load higher,</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Shifting the weight towards her.</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">She lifts her end of the load higher,</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Beyond the point they once were.</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">How will the story end? </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">I don't know.</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Where do relationships land?</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Will they return the load to where it belongs,</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">In the Father's secure hand?</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">A chest of hope and a chest of burden</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Are the same chest then and now.</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">The difference is who supports the weight.</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">The question is who not how.</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">The same package with the same contents,</span></p><p class="blogContent"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">Through the years, has changed somehow.</span></p>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-21023578648094703102009-05-01T23:19:00.000-07:002022-04-27T21:12:16.624-07:00Battlestar Galactica 16GB Zune Giveaway Contest Poem<!--Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics-->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">CNET.Com is giving away one special Battlestar Galactica edition of the Microsoft 16GB Zune to a randomly selected contest entry. To enter, one only has to post a comment at:</span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10231021-1.html">http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10231021-1.html</a></span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">For my entry, I entered the following:</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Please, give me </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">the Battlestar Galactica Zune.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Oh, please, please, </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">send it to me really soon.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">On it, I'll play songs </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">in which Sinatra and Bennett croon.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">Then, beautiful women would flock to me and swoon.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">LOL!</span></span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-33624648932251388982009-04-12T23:51:00.000-07:002022-04-27T21:16:09.884-07:00The Testimony<!--Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics-->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I've been searching for the answer,</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Since my fading days of youth.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">What is wrong and what is right</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And what is the truth?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Does it really matter,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">In God's universal plan?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">If I were to disappear,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Would He miss a grain of sand?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Would He look for me?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">He's been waiting for my answer,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Since He made me in His hand.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Would I choose to follow Him</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And would I make a stand?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Would I see His love for me</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And would I really care?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Would I run into His arm,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">If I saw Him standing there?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Would I recognize Him?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">So He came down to look for me,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Shed his majesty and power.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And died on the wooden cross,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">On the appointed hour.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">When I saw the Son who died for me</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">To bear my sin and shame.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I chose to follow Him</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And bear his holy name.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">He came to look for me.</span></span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-30017782271312473262009-03-04T23:31:00.000-08:002022-04-27T21:19:15.952-07:00Back Alley Stray<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">She's a back alley stray</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Kicked too many times.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">She was fed every day</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Broken promises and rhymes.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">She no longer trusts that love would stay.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">When I reach out to her</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">She instinctively flinches.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">Afraid of what will reoccur,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Her right fist clinches.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">She's not comforted by anything I say.</span></span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-70692869551971615062008-11-19T00:37:00.000-08:002022-04-27T21:22:20.141-07:00Haiku Poetry<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">One of my on-line friends posted instructions on writing Haiku poetry. I took it as a challenge. So... here it is:</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Haiku poetry,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">That strange Japanese art form,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Confines my writing.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Verbal symmetry</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Forces my words to conform,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Substance / form fighting.</span></span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-51809891049458416022008-09-15T04:28:00.000-07:002022-04-27T21:27:46.158-07:00Distorted Vision<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">Two months ago, I went to the doctor because of a headache that wouldn't go away. After extensive testing, I was diagnosed with cataract. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">Evidently, my brain was detecting vision changes before I realized that my sight was impaired.</span><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">The doctor told me that, although cataract is usually the result of aging, occasionally, young people get it.
After doing some research on the topic, I found out that cataract is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light and other electro-magnetic waves in that frequency spectrum.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">In my case, I suspect that I've spent too much time in the sun without sunglasses and too much time working with microwave transmitters and receivers.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">They've scheduled my eye surgery in October and in November.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">In the past two weeks, the degradation of my eye sight has accelerated. Now, I can see that my vision is bad. Everything is a bit foggy and none of the colors are quite right. During the night time, I see halos around light sources (lamps, street lights, etc.).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">I'm starting to wonder if what I ever saw was ever what it really was. What are the consequences of my misperceptions? </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">How can I make the right choices </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">if I can not see the choices for what they are?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">My eyes can not be trusted to be true.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">My heart is colored by shades of grey.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">I question the beauties that I pursue</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">And question the price that I'm willing to pay.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">What must I do to discern</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">Which colors in my pallet are askew?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">How many times must the color wheel turn</span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">Before I can see the truth comes through.</span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-83139014473889774802008-07-23T03:31:00.001-07:002022-04-27T21:29:27.771-07:00Altered Vision<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Once, I dated an amazing looking girl,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">A life-size Barbie with no physical flaw.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">She stands toe to toe with the beauties of the world;</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Men and boys would stare at her with awe.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Though she may possess the perfection of woman's form,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Her heart beats the rhythm of an immature child.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Her tantrum erupts like a sudden April storm</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">With no dissuading the logic of a girl gone wild.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">She wants what she wants, with no apologies.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Even if it's something the situation doesn't allow.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"Can't it be fixed with modern technologies?"</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">She screams, "I want it and I want it, now!"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Cognizant of my distaste for her demeanor,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I took great pain to suck it up day after day.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">But failing to change the bag in the vacuum cleaner,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My peeve finally spilled over the other way.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I started to focus on two minor flaws</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">That normally would not be a deal breaker.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">She smokes cigarettes without a pause</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And curses like a whore from Hell's half acre.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The beauty, whose match was once unmet,</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is now obstructed by these two specks in my eyes.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I see only her lips holding a cigarette</span><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Between which the flow of profanity never dies.<br /></span></span>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-13775168914921083042008-06-25T01:58:00.000-07:002022-04-27T21:33:18.742-07:00Spinning Time<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Spinning plates on their poles</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Line the hours of my day.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My balancing acts take their tolls</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My sanity slowly slips away.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Racing from one wobble to another</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My life slowly disappears.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">More frequently I wonder, </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">"Why bother?"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">Quickly, my days turn into years.</span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-43775266699234740142008-05-15T22:46:00.000-07:002022-04-27T21:38:17.461-07:00Voter Rage<!--Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics-->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">As this legislative session, </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">of the U.S. Congress, drags on, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">I am, once again, disappointed by democracy. </span><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">My blood boils as I watch greed and stupidity running rampant through the bills being considered and passed by this congress.</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"> </span><div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">How can you call it free election</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">When you spend tens of millions on a single campaign?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">How can you call it unbiased legislation</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">When you sit, with the lobbyists, sipping champagne?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">How can you call it leadership qualities</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">When you make each decision by taking a poll?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">And kept that thief, in your House, with no apologies,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">When you found, in his freezer, money that he stole.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">How can you call it compassionate virtues</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">When you divvy out a pittance to those who hunger?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">How can you call it family values</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">When you cheat, on your wife, with someone younger?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">I want a veto on this political process!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-size: 130%;">I want a veto on this political process!</span></div></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-38065268571324055032008-04-13T00:13:00.000-07:002022-04-27T21:41:33.729-07:00Writer's Block<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I labor in this field of fruitless times</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Reaping only the accumulation of hollow hourly chimes.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 130%;">Though I till a rich vocabulary of my witty rhymes</span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I harvest only a bushel of sour lemons and limes.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I miss my muse and her whimsical words.</span><span style="font-family: times new roman;"></span></span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-56279307114242651402008-03-16T10:56:00.000-07:002022-04-27T21:45:24.754-07:00Come with me to fly in the face of reality.<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">One of my favorite quotes is from David Wilkerson’s "The Cross and the Switchblade". When Wilkerson encountered Nicky Cruz, the teen gang member, Cruz pulled out a switchblade. To which Wilkerson replied,
"<span style="font-style: italic;">Nicky, you can cut me into a thousand pieces and every piece will still say, 'I love you and God loves you.</span>'"</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I want to fly in the face of reality,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">While still clinging to this spinning ball,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">To find evidence of this simplicity:</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">That love can conquer all.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is there not universality</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">To this repeated truth,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Not confined to eternity,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">After God restores our youth?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I want to love angry young men.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I want to love hard hearted old.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I want to love exploited women</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And children whose lives were sold.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I, now, have no debt to pay</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Nor obligation to untie.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">So, please, don't beg me to stay.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Just fondly wish me good bye...</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Unless..</span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">You want to come with me</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">To fly</span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">In the face of reality.</span></span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-81569781258617039152008-03-07T04:58:00.000-08:002022-04-27T21:48:26.935-07:00A Prayer for the Daily Struggle<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Why am I constantly withholding from You, Lord?</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Why do I choose not to do what is right?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">What is the value of the temporal things I hoard?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Why is it so hard to see choices as black and white?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Remind me, Lord, that You're my shield and sword,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">That You provide for me day and night,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">That, in heaven, is where my treasures are stored.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Let me not be tempted by Turkish Delight.</span></span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-23019936366713609602008-02-25T04:31:00.000-08:002022-04-27T21:51:53.314-07:00Not Seeing the Whole Painting<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The beauty of miracles in everyday life,</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is spread liberally throughout my day;</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">But even with vision as sharp as knife,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Too often I'm blind to God's display.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">A spectrum of kindness from His hand,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Unrequited by my heart,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is an intricate mural of painted sand</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Whose observer must step away to see the art.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I labor in the details of the day</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Too busy to appreciate the whole,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Like seeing each brushstroke of Claude Monet</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">But never seeing the sunrise in my soul.</span>
</span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-62574277170515885142008-02-09T22:24:00.000-08:002022-04-27T21:57:12.620-07:00The Riddle of the Sphinx<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The Riddle of the Sphinx: What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in the evening?</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;">
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">James 1:5-8</span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman; font-style: italic;">If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I once was a child</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Crawling on all four;</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Fascination running wild,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Wonders to explore.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Constantly, I would ask</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Endless how's and why's;</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">You'd pour out your cask</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Of answers, good and wise.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Then, I walked up right</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">With just two on the ground,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Proud of my reasoning might</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And my own vocal sound.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I questioned Your wisdom</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And boundaries that You drew</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Only to be imprisoned</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">By my own world view.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Now, I humbly ask,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">"What, Where, and How?"</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">With faith in Your answers</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">That I had not until now.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Today, I walk on three</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">With Your staff in my hand,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">With my weight on Your wisdom,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Towards the promised land.</span>
</span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-18248757543873008202008-02-03T05:41:00.000-08:002022-04-27T22:00:47.663-07:00The Struggle to Find Joy in My Trials<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">James 1:2-4</span>
<span style="font-family: times new roman;">Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I struggle to find</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Joy in my trials</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">For envy remains my master.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Though I pray,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">That You'd take it away,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">It wouldn't depart any faster.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My faith is an eaglet</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Nudged from the nest</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Struggling to take flight.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Unable to see</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">My glorious future</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I envy the tethered kite.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Please, set my sight</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Towards Your rising sun</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">On the other side of eternity.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Then, blow Your wind</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Beneath my wings,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And let my faith defy gravity.</span>
</span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-14428641856632844392008-01-27T08:46:00.000-08:002022-04-27T22:05:40.198-07:00I Love the Way Colleen Sees the World<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Her words dance</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">With the joy</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Of childhood pleasure.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">They hold</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Every moment</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Like new-found treasure.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">For each</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Circumstance</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">They find God's blessing,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Even in times</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Of hardship</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">With trouble pressing.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I wish my words</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Could laugh</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Like Colleen's writing</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">And find</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The dullest moment</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">More than exciting.</span></span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1561666217019512140.post-79624697703786223732008-01-25T04:42:00.000-08:002022-04-27T22:08:06.448-07:00Evaluting the Past Year on a Cold Winter Night<!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->
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<span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">The winter season returns again,</span></span><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Hours of solitude to weigh my life.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Its accusing wind cuts straight to the heart</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">More precisely than a surgeon's knife.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Were my deeds of this year past</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Truly selfless and without blame?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Or were they only kindling scraps</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">To feed the hearth of my ego's flame?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I rummage through the snapshots in my mind</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Looking for things of my Lord's desire.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Will I find warmth in His approving smile?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Is there any wood for that fire?</span>
</span></div>Pin H. Chenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17822579058250865859noreply@blogger.com0