0526 pictures from Mars

Did you hear about the Phoenix Mars Lander that traveled 422 million miles to the Red Planet, landed yesterday, and began transmitting pictures from the Martian surface? Cool. Can’t wait to see them.

0522 visiting old friends

I made a trip this afternoon to ADP, my former employer, where I first had some dizziness some 17 months ago that led to the stroke. I made arrangements to meet with Adrienne, my manager, to pick up some personal items they were holding in storage for me.

So after lunch, my father and I made our way there and waited in the lobby until Christine came down to get us. Adrienne was out of the building but would return shortly. I opted to shuffle through the visit with my walker, since I spend too much time sitting down.

We made it to Client Services, where not much had changed except for the faces. There were a lot of new people there but still a bunch of familiar faces. We gathered at Christine’s desk to catch up (there were about six people, coming and going). They asked me how the recovery was going so I told them.

At one point, I told them that my right leg and right arm were disabled. I explained the exercises and therapy that I was putting them through. My right leg was moving okay, but the AFO splint was necessary because the right ankle isn’t responding yet. Without the AFO, it would drag and fold under, making me trip and fall.

As for the right hand, I can get the fingers to grip but I’m putting them through daily exercises to teach them to hold a pen and write. The gathering giggled. I asked if I said something funny. One of them answered, “Well, Jim, your handwriting wasn’t great to begin with. But look on the bright side; this therapy could help to improve it so we can actually read what you write!” There was a lot of nodding and smiling.

Adrienne produced the boxes they were storing for me. There were four large boxes and one small one. I guess I collected a lot over the 10 years I was there. Fortunately, they were able to borrow a cart from Production to get it down to the car.

I didn’t realize how much I’ve forgotten until I listened to a friend assisting another rep. If I ever make it back, I have a lot to re-learn.

0521 day 24 - seeds

A few weeks ago, I gave some avocadoes to my LifeGroup. A discussion ensued about growing a tree from the pit inside. We talked about the project from our childhoods where you stick a few toothpicks in the pit, then place it over the mouth of a jar with water, so that the bottom of the pit was just touching the water.

In a few weeks, it would grow roots and could then be planted in the ground. And it would grow into an avocado tree. But it may not produce the kind of avocadoes you’d expect it to.

You see, most fruit trees today are grafted. Usually, the varieties that produce good fruit have weak root and trunk systems. As a result, the braches of good fruit-producing varieties are often grafted onto varieties that have strong roots and trunks, but usually insignificant fruits. The seeds often carry the characteristics of the rooting variety so the seed or pit is often not successful in producing the kind of fruit you see in the markets.

In “The Parable of the Sower”, in Matthew 13, Jesus tells a story of seed being sown in different areas. The “seed” is the Word of God, which is cast out so that everyone may hear it. But how it is received and acted on is the basis of the parable.

Some seed falls on rocks, so it is heard and received with joy, but without roots it is unable to last. The seed that falls among the thorns and weeds can grow, but it becomes unfruitful as it is choked out. But the seed that falls on good soil is received in joy, and grows to become fruitful and multiplies what is sown.

0521 happy anniversary

I started using this blogsite a year ago (5/21/2007) and it’s been working out just great. I like the flexibility and the format, and my friends don’t need a special login to read it. I’ve just recently discovered the ability to post-date, so I’ll be moving over some of the other blog entries on the LHH website and MySpace. It’ll be nice to read all of my notes in one place.

0518 day 21 – mulligan

Many of my friends know that I’m not a golfer. It’s not due to a lack of interest, just a lack of talent. When asked, I usually say “my best score was a 107 ...” to which most people reply “Well, that’s not bad” and then I’ll finish the sentence “ .... on a par-3 course.” Then, they get a glassy look in their eyes and say a simple “Oh.”

A long time ago, a friend found out that my dad’s golf clubs fit me very well, so he suggested that we go to a driving range and hit a few buckets. After about a couple hours of frustration, we called it a day and went out for dinner. He suggested that I should return the clubs to the back of the dark closet that I pulled them from. So I did.

Fast forward a few years to a golf tournament that my nurseryman’s group was sponsoring. I mistakenly confided in another friend about my brief golf “history” and suddenly I found myself as part of a foursome. As the then-current chapter president, it was not politically-correct for me to back out, so I didn’t.

The day of the tournament arrived. At the registration table, I was asked if I wanted to buy a “mulligan”. I asked what it was. They told me that a mulligan was a do-over for a bad shot. Cool. I told them that I would buy a couple of dozen mulligans. After causing a lot of laughter at the table and the line behind me, it was explained that each golfer was limited to one mulligan. So I bought one.

As we were at the first hole, a man came running out of the clubhouse to tell me that I needed to back up to the men’s tee, since I was standing at the women’s tee. I told him that I was taking my second shot, since I didn’t want to waste my mulligan on this. When he returned to the clubhouse, I heard more laughing coming from the building. This was going to be a long day.

God gives us a mulligan, too. He gave His son, Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins. When we accept Christ as our savior, God is giving us the ultimate do-over. Our sins are washed away and we can then live our lives the way that God wants us to.

In what areas of my life am I most likely to cut corners or put aside my values? When is it hard to keep my word? Since I was struck down by the stroke in December 2006, my word and my values are all that I have left. So far, I don’t think I’ve broken my word or forgotten my values. I really don’t know how to answer this question.

0518 sum good food

Ching picked me up in the morning and we went over to Sea Empress in Gardena for some dim sum. She was meeting some friends from MyPeopleConnection and we had a blast with a full table. Afterwards, we beat the heat by escaping to the South Bay Galleria, then ducked into the AMC Theatre to take advantage of the air conditioning and comfortable seats. We saw “Iron Man” with Robert Downey Jr., but I missed the “Sgt Fury” teaser at the end of the credits. Looks like I’ll have to rent the DVD.

0514 day 17 – gps

Are you familiar with GPS (Global Positioning System) technology? Twenty-seven (24 active; 3 backup) satellites orbit the earth so that each satellite “knows” where it is at all times. GPS devices (receivers) communicate with at least four satellites at all times so it can calculate its position on earth through trilateration. As long as you calibrate the device with a starting position, it can accurately calculate how far your destination is, how to get there, and where you are at all times.

I remember going on a one-day fishing trip with a couple of friends. We left Redondo Beach and were a few hours into the trip when one of them realized he had his GPS unit in his pocket. He forgot to calibrate it before we left but he turned it on anyways.

He looked at the display and had a puzzled expression. We asked him to tell us what he saw. He said, “Well, I’ve got two possibilities. Either we’re a few miles southwest of Catalina, or ...” We looked at the horizon and nodded for him to continue. He said, “... or we’re in Glendale.” We laughed and told him to put it away.

God also has a GPS for us to use. Except his stands for Gifts Passion Struggles. We need to identify our natural and spiritual gifts, be passionate about the way we serve the Lord, and learn from the struggles and challenges that He puts in front of us.

When was the last time I was driving and became lost? What happened? I think about a trip to Hawaii in 2005. After spending most of the day touring and hiking around Volcanoes National Park, some friends and I were looking forward to spending the night at a vacation rental.

We found the right street, but then the driving directions became hazy. As I recall, we had to “go past the 12th streetlight and turn right on the driveway next to five white rocks.” Needless to say, we lost count a couple of times and had to start over. And the rocks were softball-sized. We finally found the right house and the Lord was with us: the key unlocked the front door!

0514 flightless waterfowl

Yesterday’s post made me think more about penguins. The comic above and the video below are entertaining, too.

0513 day 16 – star power

A young prince seeks vengeance on his uncle for the murder of his father, the king. The uncle, after killing his brother, has assumed the throne and rules the kingdom, and his sister-in-law, the widow of the murdered king, is his queen. Sound familiar? If you were thinking of “The Lion King”, you’re half-right. It’s from “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare, written around 1601.

The theme is a familiar one because evil exists in the world and is prevalent around us. The young prince is visited by the ghost of his father, whose last words in Act I, Scene V, are “Adieu, adieu! Hamlet, remember me.”

Too many times we forget who we are and that God is our father and creator. Have you ever wondered, “Who am I?” Satan would have you forget where you came from and that you don’t matter. God wants you to remember that He is your father and that you were created for a purpose.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

When was the last time I wondered about my identity and place in life? About thirteen years ago, I was lost in a sea of conflicting emotions and God helped me to find out who I was and my purpose in life. Since then, I haven’t wavered from the path that God led me to. I’ve been tempted a few times to stray, but persevered with patience and prayer.

When have I experienced the Enemy trying to steal my identity? Everyday. But I survive the attempts and what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.

I can see the work of God in the world around me. As the creator, I can see His hand in everything. I can see his intelligence, His ingenuity, His creativity and His sense of humor. Yes, God has a sense of humor. Just look at penguins, birds that cannot fly.

0510 lee's sandwiches

I met some friends for lunch at Lee’s Sandwiches in Rosemead. The group goes by the name Eater’s Ink, put together by John & Akiko, which selects eateries based on loose criteria, samples the fare, then writes reviews based on the experience.

I invited my friend, Liz, along to keep me company as I figured she would be up to the challenge. I expected to see a number of others, but only Walt and Linda joined the four of us for lunch.

I had the #6, which was barbecued pork. I was going to try the house specials, but I don’t care much for headcheese. Liz was feeling daring, so she had the combination which also had pate in addition to the headcheese. To wash it all down, I had a mango smoothie with boba.

We found out that Walt never had boba before so he ordered a drink with it, just to give it a try. He found it “interesting” and Akiko shared with us that boba makes great projectiles when shot through a straw, although it dries on car windows like old rice. Hmmm.

Dessert was a box of cream manjoo pieces, which you can smell as you walk in from the parking lot. John handed out recaps of previous outings. This was only my third (see blogs on 7/21 and 11/17 for the other two), but the group has done six or seven.

We decided on breakfast being the next topic before we went our separate ways.

I wrote a review on YELP. Look for it here.

0503 my life as a babe magnet

Do you know what a babe magnet is? It’s something that single guys use to attract the attention of women (“babes”) who would not ordinarily approach them. The list usually includes babies, puppies, and little sisters.

My cousin, Art, used to take his nephew, Jeffrey, for walks in the local mall because women would approach Art while he was pushing the stroller just to see Jeffrey (Jeffrey will be a freshman in high school next year).

Jim Y came by to pick me up for our weekly walk in the park. I managed to make it the whole way at Liberty Park without the AFO. As we finished up, an attractive woman approached us and complimented me on my improvement. She had been watching us each Saturday since January.

After chatting a bit with her, Jim and I headed for lunch at Subway, where we gobbled down footlong sandwiches, chips and soda. As Jim was dropping me off at home, I wished him well on the dating scene. He responded that if it doesn’t work out, he’ll just keep walking me in the park. That’s when I realized that I’ve become a babe magnet.

So the list is now babies, puppies, little sisters, and friends going through physical therapy.

(sigh)

0502 day 5 - oxygen mask

What can you do in 18 seconds? That’s the amount of time you’d have of “useful consciousness” if depressurization happens on an airplane. Flight attendants recommend that you should put on your own oxygen mask, start the flow of oxygen, then help children and those around you.

Unless you help yourself first, you cannot help others. God wants you to take care of yourself first. Only then can others be helped by you. If you need help yourself, then who will help others?

Remember, though, to take oxygen from God. We have to replenish ourselves from God’s own resources. Our spiritual health is dependent on it. Otherwise, we can fall victim to the pressures of the society around us. We’d judge ourselves on what is “acceptable” by the world, not by God.

What the biggest physical challenge I face? I’m not overweight – I’m undertall. According to the height-weight chart at my doctor’s office, I should be 6-foot-4. Another 8 inches should do it.

How do I usually handle powerful emotions? Hmmm. I’ll tell you when I have one.

How do I want to die? Like my grandfather – quietly in his sleep. Not screaming, like the other people in the car that he was driving.

0502 don't pull that!

My father was poking around the garage yesterday when he spotted a cord hanging from the garage door opener. So he pulled it. Nothing happened. He pulled it again. Still nothing happened.

But when he tried to close the garage door with the remote, nothing happened. The motor on the opener whirred but the door remained open. Did he associate the two events? No, he called me.

I quickly figured out what happened but I couldn’t reach the mechanism to fix it. I tried three times to explain the process to my father, but he didn’t understand. So we closed the door manually.

Fortunately, my cousin, Robert, came by today and fixed it for us. He commented that “it took me longer to find the light switch.” We shared a laugh about it.

0501 day 4 - power surge

My father used to own and operate a garden center in La Palma, and I worked with him for about 15 years. One of the subjects we were asked the most about was pruning fruit trees. Most people that owned a pair of pruning shears considered themselves “experienced”, so we were only consulted when they think they might have made a mistake.

Southern California doesn’t have definitive seasons, so it’s difficult to explain the pruning of deciduous fruit trees in the “winter”. But different fruits have different requirements. Not all trees can be pruned the same way.

For example, peaches and nectarines produce fruit on one-year-old wood, so it’s not advisable to cut off anything that grew out the previous year UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. Unfortunately, many home gardeners didn’t ask before they cut so their home crops were very irregular. Apricots are the same way (and speaking of apricots, Cary thinks it’s the bottom row, eighth from the left).

John 15:1-8 reads "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

Jesus wants us to remain connected to God through Him. Only through communication and confession can we stay connected. Communication is prayer and can be informalized by just talking to God. He’s always listening. Confession doesn’t have to be formal (like Catholicism’s “forgive me Father for I have sinned ...”). Just admit to God when you’ve made a mistake and keep the lines of communication open.

What area of my life am I struggling the most to change? I think my driving could be better. It’s not really that bad. I have a friend with a bumper sticker that reads “Horn broken – Look for finger”. But I have challenges that need to be overcome.

What are some ways I’ve seen God prune areas in my life? I guess he’s helping to keep me connected to other Christians by keeping me from others in my life. I’ll let you know how that works out.