Jay had been attracted to Mary for a long time but it was a one-sided affair. Mary took her studies at Biola University seriously and she wasn’t even in the radar for an eligible bachelor. Mary was shocked when Jay revealed his feelings and said that he would pray and wait for her. Eventually his romantic overtones softened a stubborn heart and Mary’s affection finally matched Jay’s. And last Saturday they exchanged vows. Throughout the ceremony, Jay was all smiles. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so happy. It was as if he won the Lottery for indeed, Mary’s beauty, humble spirit and radiant smile had broken many hearts. It was a beautiful Christian wedding.

I had an interesting lunch with a Millennial last week. Not surprising that her values were diametrically opposed to mine. I also had lunch with a college professor who shared my same moral values even though he votes for a different political party. Finally, I had lunch with churchmates whose priorities were different from mine.

I have a confession to make. Each time I plan a meal, I have a secret mission: to make the world a healthier place, one garlic clove and ginger knob at a time. My kitchen is a shrine to these superfoods, and I’m the high priest of pungent cuisine. Hamburgers? Sizzling with minced garlic and grated ginger. All my soups simmer with them. Sausages, Pork chops, Chuck roast, spare ribs? You bet they’re slathered in my signature G&G sauce, a concoction so potent it could ward off vampires and colds in one whiff.

Deep in the heart of Tennessee, Ed, a relatively unknown Bible study teacher, succumbed to an incurable disease. Ed was more of an easy-going, compassionate John the apostle --- more of a jester among the disciples. This ex-fireman wrote, laid out, and self-published several gorgeous Christian books (available in Amazon)

Is it a beautiful day in the neighborhood? So many problems in the world today --- more than enough to drive anyone crazy --- so I thought we should focus on our countless blessings instead.

In the dusty town of San Isidro, where the sun baked the cobblestones and the sea’s salty breath clung to the air, lived a boy named Pepito. Barefoot and clad in a patched shirt, he roamed the market, selling fish from a rickety cart. His voice, sharp and hopeful, called out, “Fresh fish! Caught this morning!” But his pockets stayed empty, his meals meager, and his dreams small—except for one: every Holy Week, the grand church at the town’s heart held a retreat, a sacred gathering where God’s word echoed through candlelit halls. Pepito longed to attend, but the entrance fee was a fortune he could never scrape together.

If you are familiar with the Matrix movie, there are two worlds that co-exist – the blue pill world and the red pill world. Our world (where we exist) is supposed to be the blue pill world --- a façade – a fake but more palatable world. On the other hand, the red pill world is the dark reality of the evil around us. Given a choice, what pill would you take?

I think I'm out of shape. The other day, I had to squat (to work on a painting) and I got dizzy and I had to hold on to the door knobs to get back up. This isn't normal. I guess it's official: the countdown to my expiry date has begun. Unless, of course, I get serious and exercise my way back to my former glory --- when I had the body of a Greek god (isn't Hepatitis B a Greek god?). Back in High School, I was swift as a deer and lean as a noodle. Now I'm more of a pregnant noodle with bobbing man boobs. Last Sunday two young guys at church invited me to mountain climb. An incongruous picture popped up in my head --- moan-time climbing would be more accurate.

This week I volunteered to do caricatures for our church Summer Bible Studies. Kids from all over the neighborhood flocked in for a fun time. I was stationed where the parents waited for their kids and I got to meet and draw new faces. Oh, the things you learn about people.

Big brother Thomas and little brother Charlie are a year apart. Thomas is gifted with natural intellectual and physical abilities. He could pick up concepts easily and is naturally coordinated. He is over-confident at times and for good reason --- it’s easy for him. On the other hand, Charlie is not as agile and it takes longer for him to figure things out. But what he lacks in physique and talent, he makes up with determination.