Saturday, May 03, 2025
Cash secured put options
I am glad I ran across this video on trading cash secured put options. I know how to make money trading equities in a mostly bull market. Now I can also make money trading options in a mostly bear market. It's definitely worth a few minutes watching.
Tuesday, April 08, 2025
Got my blog working again
The old hosting company migrated or upgraded their software and broke my subdomain blog.
Their support was terrible. I could never got anyone to work with me to figure out how to fix it.
Finally I had connectivity issue with email. That was the final straw.
I switched to a new hosting company and a few clicks later, everything is working again.
Looking forward to more regular blogging.
Their support was terrible. I could never got anyone to work with me to figure out how to fix it.
Finally I had connectivity issue with email. That was the final straw.
I switched to a new hosting company and a few clicks later, everything is working again.
Looking forward to more regular blogging.
Saturday, August 21, 2021
First Facebook Restriction
I posted this picture as my Facebook cover photo with the caption of: "The newly graduated units of the Taliban 313 Badri Batallion. Uniforms, weapons, and gears are courtesy of Joe Biden."
And immediate got my first restriction on Facebook.
And immediate got my first restriction on Facebook.
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Buddies
Says you and your two hard drinking buddies went to the doctor for annual checkup. Doctor told all three of you to stop drinking or one or more of you may not make it to the next checkup. You all are getting up there, especially Cain and Abel.
Cain, the eldest among the three, who always knows the right things to say and often says he is the adult in the group, told you and Abel that he's going to stop drinking altogether and that you two should stop also. In fact, he said if you don't, don't bother to come over to his house anymore. Now, you three had put in plenty of time and even money to help each other maintain and improve each other's property over the years. You know, fixing the garage, building a new barn, digging a pond, etc. So you kind of want to be able to continue to come over. But Cain is the kind of guy that if you break the law and get locked up, he's going to throw away the key.
But Abel said he's been drinking all his life and he's not about to stop now.
You can't decide.
Half the time you want to hang with Cain. He's the ultimate proper gentleman. But then when you three are at the bar, sometimes Cain just buy everyone at the bar a round even though he knows at the end of the night, the tab will be split equally one-third each.
Half the time you want to hang with Abel. He always speaks his mind. There's never any not-knowing-where-Abel-stands. Sometimes he brags and sometimes he says things that are embarrassing. But he's the most well off in the group and is very generous, quietly so. If you are down on your luck, you can always count on him to help you out. If you get locked up, he's the kind of guy that will bail you out.
Somewhere along the way, Cain's kids were able to shame Abel into stop drinking in public altogether.
And then yesterday there was a picture of Cain drinking in the paper.
Cain, the eldest among the three, who always knows the right things to say and often says he is the adult in the group, told you and Abel that he's going to stop drinking altogether and that you two should stop also. In fact, he said if you don't, don't bother to come over to his house anymore. Now, you three had put in plenty of time and even money to help each other maintain and improve each other's property over the years. You know, fixing the garage, building a new barn, digging a pond, etc. So you kind of want to be able to continue to come over. But Cain is the kind of guy that if you break the law and get locked up, he's going to throw away the key.
But Abel said he's been drinking all his life and he's not about to stop now.
You can't decide.
Half the time you want to hang with Cain. He's the ultimate proper gentleman. But then when you three are at the bar, sometimes Cain just buy everyone at the bar a round even though he knows at the end of the night, the tab will be split equally one-third each.
Half the time you want to hang with Abel. He always speaks his mind. There's never any not-knowing-where-Abel-stands. Sometimes he brags and sometimes he says things that are embarrassing. But he's the most well off in the group and is very generous, quietly so. If you are down on your luck, you can always count on him to help you out. If you get locked up, he's the kind of guy that will bail you out.
Somewhere along the way, Cain's kids were able to shame Abel into stop drinking in public altogether.
And then yesterday there was a picture of Cain drinking in the paper.
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Res ipsa loquitur
Res ipsa loquitur, Latin for the thing speaks for itself, quoting the second paragraph of the recent letter from GSA Administrator to Joe Biden: "I have dedicated much of my adult life to public service, and I have always strived to do what is right. Please know that I came to my decision independently, based on the law and available facts. I was never directly or indirectly pressured by any Executive Branch official—including those who work at the White House or GSA—with regard to the substance or timing of my decision. To be clear, I did not receive any direction to delay my determination. I did, however, receive threats online, by phone, and by mail directed at my safety, my family, my staff, and even my pets in an effort to coerce me into making this determination prematurely. Even in the face of thousands of threats, I always remained committed to upholding the law."
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Law enforcement
The FBI needs a new director. Or at the very least, those authorized the filing of the lawsuit to compel Apple to provide a means to defeat its own iOS security, need to resign. Because they have shown a lack of considered judgment, a lack of long term vision for what law enforcement requires, and a lack of understanding of our form of government and the constitutional guarantees it affords.
First, these folks lack considered judgment because the same tool they require Apple to produce, can and will be used by criminals, terrorists, foreign intelligent agents, not just by the FBI. And that risk is greater many times over compare to the benefits.
Second, these folks lack the long term vision for what law enforcement in the 21st century requires. Law enforcement does not require lock makers like Schlage or Kwikset to produce a master key for every lock they have ever produced. Even with a warrant, law enforcement still has to either pick the lock or use a battering ram. Law enforcement does not lobby Congress to pass legislation to outlaw battering ram proof doors. The same should be for digital property and privacy as it is for physical property and privacy.
Finally, these folks lack the understanding of our form of government and the constitutional guarantees it affords. Our government governs by the consent of the governed. Our constitution guarantees that the right of the people to be secured in their papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. The government acts within those powers the people consented to give the government for the people's common defense and security. We do not expect absolute security from the state. We do not consent to the government violating our civil liberties to protect us. After all, the founding fathers sacrificed their lives, properties, and sacred honors, to secure freedom. It is give me liberty or give me death. It's not security at all cost.
The president, the champion of civil liberties, should appoint folks who have the necessary considered judgment, the long term vision for what law enforcement requires, and the clear understanding of our form of government and constitutional guarantees.
First, these folks lack considered judgment because the same tool they require Apple to produce, can and will be used by criminals, terrorists, foreign intelligent agents, not just by the FBI. And that risk is greater many times over compare to the benefits.
Second, these folks lack the long term vision for what law enforcement in the 21st century requires. Law enforcement does not require lock makers like Schlage or Kwikset to produce a master key for every lock they have ever produced. Even with a warrant, law enforcement still has to either pick the lock or use a battering ram. Law enforcement does not lobby Congress to pass legislation to outlaw battering ram proof doors. The same should be for digital property and privacy as it is for physical property and privacy.
Finally, these folks lack the understanding of our form of government and the constitutional guarantees it affords. Our government governs by the consent of the governed. Our constitution guarantees that the right of the people to be secured in their papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated. The government acts within those powers the people consented to give the government for the people's common defense and security. We do not expect absolute security from the state. We do not consent to the government violating our civil liberties to protect us. After all, the founding fathers sacrificed their lives, properties, and sacred honors, to secure freedom. It is give me liberty or give me death. It's not security at all cost.
The president, the champion of civil liberties, should appoint folks who have the necessary considered judgment, the long term vision for what law enforcement requires, and the clear understanding of our form of government and constitutional guarantees.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
The 2016 Republican Primary
I am so glad to finally see some sanity prevail in the latest poll numbers.
Despite the fact that Donald Trump has widen his lead from 5 points to 13 points since December, and in a three-way match up, he would get 40% to 31% for Ted Cruz and 26% for Marco Rubio, when goes head to head against Ted Cruz, he loses 43% to 51%. Trump would beat Rubio 52% to 45% in a head to head. Most of Marco Rubio supporters would support Ted Cruz when Rubio drops out. On top of that, 71% of Republican primary voters can see themselves supporting Cruz while it's 65% for Trump. So it's great for Ted Cruz over all.
Trump, who is 69, has the highest net worth overall among the three at 4.5 billion, despite the four bankruptcies in the last 25 years. I was really turned off at the four bankruptcies. But on closer look, they were not personal bankruptcies, and were all chapter 11, not chapter 7. Still, he is a little too bombastic and too much of a showman for me to take seriously. But I could vote for him if he were the nominee, though I hope he won't be.
I had very favorable view of Marco Rubio when I first heard about him from governor Jeb Bush over ten years ago. He was a first generation American of Cuban descent who was speaker of the Florida House at the time. But his at best mixed feelings about gay marriage leaves me much to desire. And most of all, his financial mismanagement is well documented. At 44, his net worth is at $100,000. Among all the twenty 2016 presidential candidates from both parties, he is second from bottom. Only Martin O'Malley is doing worse, at zero, because the former Maryland governor took on debts to send all his four kids to college. I would vote for him if he were the nominee, though I hope he won't be.
Ted Cruz, at 45, has a net worth of 3.5 million, is pretty decent. His lack of disclosure of the Goldman Sachs loan at the time of his Senate run isn't much of a big deal to me. Because I have seen it much worse what candidates will do when it's crunched time and they cannot match their opponent's spending. It's been disclosed plenty of time since then, specifically in his personal financial disclosure. The loan was backed by his assets. And they have been paid back in full. He did not get a break.
Despite the fact that Donald Trump has widen his lead from 5 points to 13 points since December, and in a three-way match up, he would get 40% to 31% for Ted Cruz and 26% for Marco Rubio, when goes head to head against Ted Cruz, he loses 43% to 51%. Trump would beat Rubio 52% to 45% in a head to head. Most of Marco Rubio supporters would support Ted Cruz when Rubio drops out. On top of that, 71% of Republican primary voters can see themselves supporting Cruz while it's 65% for Trump. So it's great for Ted Cruz over all.
Trump, who is 69, has the highest net worth overall among the three at 4.5 billion, despite the four bankruptcies in the last 25 years. I was really turned off at the four bankruptcies. But on closer look, they were not personal bankruptcies, and were all chapter 11, not chapter 7. Still, he is a little too bombastic and too much of a showman for me to take seriously. But I could vote for him if he were the nominee, though I hope he won't be.
I had very favorable view of Marco Rubio when I first heard about him from governor Jeb Bush over ten years ago. He was a first generation American of Cuban descent who was speaker of the Florida House at the time. But his at best mixed feelings about gay marriage leaves me much to desire. And most of all, his financial mismanagement is well documented. At 44, his net worth is at $100,000. Among all the twenty 2016 presidential candidates from both parties, he is second from bottom. Only Martin O'Malley is doing worse, at zero, because the former Maryland governor took on debts to send all his four kids to college. I would vote for him if he were the nominee, though I hope he won't be.
Ted Cruz, at 45, has a net worth of 3.5 million, is pretty decent. His lack of disclosure of the Goldman Sachs loan at the time of his Senate run isn't much of a big deal to me. Because I have seen it much worse what candidates will do when it's crunched time and they cannot match their opponent's spending. It's been disclosed plenty of time since then, specifically in his personal financial disclosure. The loan was backed by his assets. And they have been paid back in full. He did not get a break.
Sunday, November 01, 2015
What I've gleaned
When I was first redeemed, I've often wondered: should a believer do everything that the Bible permits or everything that the Bible does not forbid? I've gradually gravitated closer toward doing only those that the Bible permits, with the ever applicable principle of "everything in moderation." But there is a verse to tell us beyond any doubts that a believer should do only what is permitted. I Kings 14:8: "... my servant David, who kept my commands and followed me with all his heart, doing only what was right in my eyes." Now, one can split hair and say, what was right in G-d's eyes could be all those things that are not forbidden. But then wouldn't the L-ord have said: "doing all that was not wrong in my eyes."
The second observation I've gleaned is regarding Biblically kosher diet. Everyone loves to quote Acts 10:10-16 as the abolition of the commands to observe a Biblically kosher diet. But why don't we examine it a little closer. First, let Peter speak for himself what is it that he was commanded to do. Second, let the Scripture explain Scripture. And third, let's examine things in context.
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him: "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." Acts 10:19. That did not say: "Simon, the pork, cat fish, and lobster have been cooked for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to eat the pork, cat fish, and lobster, for I have sent them."
Next, Peter himself told Cornelius, "G-d has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean." Acts 10:28. That did not say that "G-d has shown me that I should not call any food impure or unclean."
Subsequently, "when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, 'You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.'" Acts 11:2-3. Shouldn't they criticized Peter for eating unclean food instead of going into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them. Peter retold his dream, mentioning nothing about eating pork, cat fish or lobster, but instead defended himself by saying, "so if G-d gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the L-rd Yeshua the Messiah, who was I to think that I could oppose G-d." Acts 11:17. That did not say that G-d told me to eat pork, cat fish and lobster, who was I to think that I could oppose G-d.
Scripture never once said that Peter ate unclean food. And if he did and somehow Scripture did not record it, we should expect the circumcised believers to criticize him next for violating dietary laws after they had criticized him for going into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them. But the circumcised believers did not. "They had no further objections and praised G-d, saying, 'So then, G-d has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.'" Acts 11:18. That did not say, "So then, G-d has granted even unclean food for us to eat."
The second observation I've gleaned is regarding Biblically kosher diet. Everyone loves to quote Acts 10:10-16 as the abolition of the commands to observe a Biblically kosher diet. But why don't we examine it a little closer. First, let Peter speak for himself what is it that he was commanded to do. Second, let the Scripture explain Scripture. And third, let's examine things in context.
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him: "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." Acts 10:19. That did not say: "Simon, the pork, cat fish, and lobster have been cooked for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to eat the pork, cat fish, and lobster, for I have sent them."
Next, Peter himself told Cornelius, "G-d has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean." Acts 10:28. That did not say that "G-d has shown me that I should not call any food impure or unclean."
Subsequently, "when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, 'You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.'" Acts 11:2-3. Shouldn't they criticized Peter for eating unclean food instead of going into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them. Peter retold his dream, mentioning nothing about eating pork, cat fish or lobster, but instead defended himself by saying, "so if G-d gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the L-rd Yeshua the Messiah, who was I to think that I could oppose G-d." Acts 11:17. That did not say that G-d told me to eat pork, cat fish and lobster, who was I to think that I could oppose G-d.
Scripture never once said that Peter ate unclean food. And if he did and somehow Scripture did not record it, we should expect the circumcised believers to criticize him next for violating dietary laws after they had criticized him for going into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them. But the circumcised believers did not. "They had no further objections and praised G-d, saying, 'So then, G-d has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.'" Acts 11:18. That did not say, "So then, G-d has granted even unclean food for us to eat."
Wednesday, October 07, 2015
22 years
I celebrate 22 years being in the US today. I wasn't born in Texas but I got here as fast as I could. I have a lot to be thankful for looking back over the 22 years. I didn't think I would ever learn to speak English before I got here. I am now an attorney licensed to practice in Texas and the District of Columbia. My hope is one day to speak Spanish and Hebrew fluently.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Another good devotional. And here it is in Vietnamese, thanks in part to Google Translate.
Cảm thương đi chậm bước
bởi Charles R. Swindoll
Ê-sai 30:1-26
Thời điểm cũng tối quan trọng như sự can thiệp. Bạn không thể cứ tự can vào theo ý mình. Ngay cả khi bạn có những điều đang cần . . . thậm chí nếu bạn nắm trong tay một mảnh hình lắp ráp toàn hảo phù hợp với phần người khác đang thiếu trong hình của họ . . . bạn không thể đẩy nó vào đúng vị trí. Bạn không nên thử.
Bạn phải làm điều khó khăn nhất lòng cảm thương phải làm.
Bạn phải chờ đợi.
Ngay cả khi có cuộc nổi loạn? Ngay cả khi có cuộc nổi loạn.
Ngay cả khi tội lỗi đang xảy ra? Phải, thường thậm chí ngay cả khi đó.
Ngay cả khi những người khác đang đau khổ và vỡ mộng và trải qua những đau khổ của sự hiểu lầm, đau lòng, và những đêm không ngủ? Tin hay không, đúng.
Có những lúc (không phải lúc nào cũng vậy, nhưng thường khi) phần tốt hơn của sự khôn ngoan ngăn cản chúng ta xông vào và cố gắng để làm cho ai đó chấp nhận sự giúp đỡ của chúng ta. Thời điểm không đúng, vì vậy chúng ta chờ đợi.
Ngay cả Chúa chờ đợi, như khi Ê-sai báo cáo với quốc gia mà Chúa gọi là "con trẻ nổi loạn" (Ê-sai 30:1). Những người này đầy dẫy những sự xấu hổ, sỉ nhục, liên minh không chung thủy, đàn áp, và một sự chối bỏ tàn nhẫn Lời thánh của Chúa. Sự không muốn ăn năn của họ thêm vào sự xúc phạm đến thương tích.
Nhưng câu trả lời của Đức Giê hô va là gì? Giấu trong phần đầu tiên của câu 18 là tuyên bố đáng kinh ngạc: "Dầu vậy, Ðức Giê-hô-va còn chờ đợi để làm ơn cho các ngươi; Ngài sẽ trỗi dậy mà thương xót các ngươi;"
Thay vì xông vào các con hẻm tối tăm của Giu-đa, la hét "Hãy ăn năn!" và chiếu đèn sáng để làm lộ rác rưới bẩn thỉu của sự bất tuân của họ, Chúa nhịp chân của Ngài, khoanh tay của Ngài, . . . và chờ đợi. Ngay cả Chúa cũng không đẩy vào theo ý Chúa. Chúa chờ đợi cho đến khi đúng lúc.
Chúa chúng ta muốn hàn gắn các mảnh vỡ của cuộc sống của bạn. Nhưng Ngài đang chờ đợi . . . ân cần chờ đợi cho đến khi đúng thời điểm.
Cho đến khi bạn mệt mỏi với cuộc sống mà bạn đang sống . . . cho đến khi bạn nhìn thấy nó cho những gì nó thực sự là.
Cho đến khi bạn mệt mỏi đối phó . . . cầm quyền trên cuộc sống của riêng bạn . . . cho đến khi bạn nhận biết sự rối ren mà bạn đang làm nên.
Cho đến khi bạn nhận ra nhu cầu của bạn cần Ngài.
Ngài đang đợi . . .
Thời điểm của Chúa luôn luôn là đúng.
bởi Charles R. Swindoll
Ê-sai 30:1-26
Thời điểm cũng tối quan trọng như sự can thiệp. Bạn không thể cứ tự can vào theo ý mình. Ngay cả khi bạn có những điều đang cần . . . thậm chí nếu bạn nắm trong tay một mảnh hình lắp ráp toàn hảo phù hợp với phần người khác đang thiếu trong hình của họ . . . bạn không thể đẩy nó vào đúng vị trí. Bạn không nên thử.
Bạn phải làm điều khó khăn nhất lòng cảm thương phải làm.
Bạn phải chờ đợi.
Ngay cả khi có cuộc nổi loạn? Ngay cả khi có cuộc nổi loạn.
Ngay cả khi tội lỗi đang xảy ra? Phải, thường thậm chí ngay cả khi đó.
Ngay cả khi những người khác đang đau khổ và vỡ mộng và trải qua những đau khổ của sự hiểu lầm, đau lòng, và những đêm không ngủ? Tin hay không, đúng.
Có những lúc (không phải lúc nào cũng vậy, nhưng thường khi) phần tốt hơn của sự khôn ngoan ngăn cản chúng ta xông vào và cố gắng để làm cho ai đó chấp nhận sự giúp đỡ của chúng ta. Thời điểm không đúng, vì vậy chúng ta chờ đợi.
Ngay cả Chúa chờ đợi, như khi Ê-sai báo cáo với quốc gia mà Chúa gọi là "con trẻ nổi loạn" (Ê-sai 30:1). Những người này đầy dẫy những sự xấu hổ, sỉ nhục, liên minh không chung thủy, đàn áp, và một sự chối bỏ tàn nhẫn Lời thánh của Chúa. Sự không muốn ăn năn của họ thêm vào sự xúc phạm đến thương tích.
Nhưng câu trả lời của Đức Giê hô va là gì? Giấu trong phần đầu tiên của câu 18 là tuyên bố đáng kinh ngạc: "Dầu vậy, Ðức Giê-hô-va còn chờ đợi để làm ơn cho các ngươi; Ngài sẽ trỗi dậy mà thương xót các ngươi;"
Thay vì xông vào các con hẻm tối tăm của Giu-đa, la hét "Hãy ăn năn!" và chiếu đèn sáng để làm lộ rác rưới bẩn thỉu của sự bất tuân của họ, Chúa nhịp chân của Ngài, khoanh tay của Ngài, . . . và chờ đợi. Ngay cả Chúa cũng không đẩy vào theo ý Chúa. Chúa chờ đợi cho đến khi đúng lúc.
Chúa chúng ta muốn hàn gắn các mảnh vỡ của cuộc sống của bạn. Nhưng Ngài đang chờ đợi . . . ân cần chờ đợi cho đến khi đúng thời điểm.
Cho đến khi bạn mệt mỏi với cuộc sống mà bạn đang sống . . . cho đến khi bạn nhìn thấy nó cho những gì nó thực sự là.
Cho đến khi bạn mệt mỏi đối phó . . . cầm quyền trên cuộc sống của riêng bạn . . . cho đến khi bạn nhận biết sự rối ren mà bạn đang làm nên.
Cho đến khi bạn nhận ra nhu cầu của bạn cần Ngài.
Ngài đang đợi . . .
Thời điểm của Chúa luôn luôn là đúng.
Friday, March 27, 2015
This devotional makes for a good short read so I translated (with help from Googles Translate) to Vietnamese to share.
Suy nghĩ qua
bởi Charles R. Swindoll
Mác 6: 33-44
Nhiều thế kỷ trước, một cậu bé tìm thấy mình ở giữa một đám lớn đông người --- lớn hơn bất kỳ nhóm nào cậu từng nhìn thấy. Cậu đã đến vì tò mò, sau khi nghe nói rằng có một ông tên là Giê-su đang ở gần đó.
Không biết bao xa hay bao lâu cậu sẽ phải đi, cậu bé đã gói theo một bữa ăn trưa nhỏ cho mình, một vài con cá nhỏ và một ít bánh mì.
Đột nhiên, một người đàn ông vỗ nhẹ vào vai chàng trai và hỏi những gì cậu có trong tay. Và điều tiếp theo cậu biết, bữa trưa của mình đã cho hơn năm ngàn người ăn!
Một khi Chúa Giê-su nắm lấy bữa ăn đơn giản của cậu bé thật không có giới hạn cho những gì Ngài có thể làm từ nó.
Cảm thấy một chút áp đảo? Bắt đầu có những ý tưởng là bạn bị bao quanh bởi những người làm được những điều to lớn trong khi đó tất cả bạn có thể làm là ráng cho qua tuần? Có lẽ bạn đã rơi xuống một cái giếng của so sánh, và bạn đang chìm đắm trong sự chán nản vì "so với ______" bạn không làm được gần như những khác biệt người đó làm.
Để tất cả những ai cảm thấy quá tải hoặc người bị cám dỗ để có một cái nhìn quá bi quan trong cuộc sống của họ và cảm thấy không đáng kể. . . lấy ấm lòng! Hãy làm những gì bạn có thể!
bởi Charles R. Swindoll
Mác 6: 33-44
Không biết bao xa hay bao lâu cậu sẽ phải đi, cậu bé đã gói theo một bữa ăn trưa nhỏ cho mình, một vài con cá nhỏ và một ít bánh mì.
Đột nhiên, một người đàn ông vỗ nhẹ vào vai chàng trai và hỏi những gì cậu có trong tay. Và điều tiếp theo cậu biết, bữa trưa của mình đã cho hơn năm ngàn người ăn!
Một khi Chúa Giê-su nắm lấy bữa ăn đơn giản của cậu bé thật không có giới hạn cho những gì Ngài có thể làm từ nó.
Cảm thấy một chút áp đảo? Bắt đầu có những ý tưởng là bạn bị bao quanh bởi những người làm được những điều to lớn trong khi đó tất cả bạn có thể làm là ráng cho qua tuần? Có lẽ bạn đã rơi xuống một cái giếng của so sánh, và bạn đang chìm đắm trong sự chán nản vì "so với ______" bạn không làm được gần như những khác biệt người đó làm.
Để tất cả những ai cảm thấy quá tải hoặc người bị cám dỗ để có một cái nhìn quá bi quan trong cuộc sống của họ và cảm thấy không đáng kể. . . lấy ấm lòng! Hãy làm những gì bạn có thể!
Thursday, March 19, 2015
I really like this daily devotional so I translated it to Vietnamese, with the help of Google Translate, to share with my dad. I figured there might be someone out there who could use it too. The only word I am not happy in the translation is "overwhelming." If you have a better translation, let me know.
Thi Thiên 46
Hãy để tôi cung cấp cho bạn ba suy nghĩ rất thực tế về vấn đề này của sức mạnh của Chúa qua sự căng thẳng, như được tìm thấy trong Thi Thiên 46.
Thứ nhất, sức mạnh của Ngài là có sẵn ngay lập tức. Các thử thách của chúng ta là không hời hợt hoặc không liên quan. Nó là xe của ân điển mà Chúa dùng để đem cho chúng ta sự tăng trưởng. Vấn đề hời hợt kêu gọi cho các giải pháp hời hợt. Nhưng thực tế cuộc sống không phải là như thế; đau đầu và căng thẳng của nó đi sâu hơn, phải xuống đến tận xương. Nó chạm vào vùng thần kinh của an ninh của chúng ta. Nhưng Chúa nói Ngài là một sự giúp đỡ trong cơn gian truân. Ngài có sẵn ngay lập tức. Bạn có nhận thấy rằng bất cứ nơi nào bạn đi, bất cứ lúc nào trong ngày, bạn có thể gọi và Ngài sẽ trả lời? Ngài là một sự giúp đỡ rất hiện thời và lập tức.
Điều thứ hai tôi quan sát về sức mạnh của Chúa trong Thi Thiên này là nó được áp đảo! Đó là một cái lều mà có thể căng dãn hơn bất kỳ căng thẳng nào --- trong thực tế, nó được làm nên cho sự căng thẳng. Hơn nữa, sức mạnh của Chúa không phụ thuộc vào sự giúp đỡ của chúng ta. Bạn là yếu đuối, nhớ không? Bạn cảm thấy yếu đuối trong thời gian gần đây? Có lẽ đó là thời gian để nói, "Lạy Chúa, con yêu mến Ngài. Thông qua sức mạnh của Chúa, con sẽ không bị di chuyển. Con sẽ ngừng chạy, ngừng phấn đấu. Con sẽ không lo sợ. Con sẽ nắm lấy Chúa. Con sẽ dựa vào Chúa để Ngài xây dựng lều xung quanh con và bảo vệ con khỏi các vụ nổ.
Chúa nói, "Ngừng phấn đấu, và biết rằng ta là Đức Chúa Trời."
Hãy để tôi cung cấp cho bạn ba suy nghĩ rất thực tế về vấn đề này của sức mạnh của Chúa qua sự căng thẳng, như được tìm thấy trong Thi Thiên 46.
Thứ nhất, sức mạnh của Ngài là có sẵn ngay lập tức. Các thử thách của chúng ta là không hời hợt hoặc không liên quan. Nó là xe của ân điển mà Chúa dùng để đem cho chúng ta sự tăng trưởng. Vấn đề hời hợt kêu gọi cho các giải pháp hời hợt. Nhưng thực tế cuộc sống không phải là như thế; đau đầu và căng thẳng của nó đi sâu hơn, phải xuống đến tận xương. Nó chạm vào vùng thần kinh của an ninh của chúng ta. Nhưng Chúa nói Ngài là một sự giúp đỡ trong cơn gian truân. Ngài có sẵn ngay lập tức. Bạn có nhận thấy rằng bất cứ nơi nào bạn đi, bất cứ lúc nào trong ngày, bạn có thể gọi và Ngài sẽ trả lời? Ngài là một sự giúp đỡ rất hiện thời và lập tức.
Điều thứ hai tôi quan sát về sức mạnh của Chúa trong Thi Thiên này là nó được áp đảo! Đó là một cái lều mà có thể căng dãn hơn bất kỳ căng thẳng nào --- trong thực tế, nó được làm nên cho sự căng thẳng. Hơn nữa, sức mạnh của Chúa không phụ thuộc vào sự giúp đỡ của chúng ta. Bạn là yếu đuối, nhớ không? Bạn cảm thấy yếu đuối trong thời gian gần đây? Có lẽ đó là thời gian để nói, "Lạy Chúa, con yêu mến Ngài. Thông qua sức mạnh của Chúa, con sẽ không bị di chuyển. Con sẽ ngừng chạy, ngừng phấn đấu. Con sẽ không lo sợ. Con sẽ nắm lấy Chúa. Con sẽ dựa vào Chúa để Ngài xây dựng lều xung quanh con và bảo vệ con khỏi các vụ nổ.
Chúa nói, "Ngừng phấn đấu, và biết rằng ta là Đức Chúa Trời."
Saturday, January 04, 2014
I didn't have a single post all of 2013 so here is a year in review.
I graduated SMU law school in December 2012; took leave of absence from my full time job at Arrow S3; and Barbri was my job every day from end of December 2012 to end of February 2013. Once I took the February 2013 Texas Bar Exam, even though the Patent Bar Exam was the next thing to do, I got rather relax. I needed a break after 4 years of working full time and studying law nights and weekends and the bar exam. I also was learning the practice of law from a local 2-lawyer firm. Learned that I passed the Texas Bar Exam on May 2, 2013 and became licensed to practice law in Texas on May 3, 2013. Got admission to practice before the Northern District Court and the Eastern District Court shortly thereafter. In September 2013, Arrow S3 and I negotiated a voluntary separation agreement. I took the package and left to join McLane Company. I have always wanted to work in supply chain and so here I am.
Now that it's 2014, the Patent Bar Exam is priority number one.
Priority number two is to get my pilot license. I just need a review and then check ride. The Waco airport was my favorite destination for all my solo flights.
2014 also marks the seventh year I will be going through my One Year Bible. One of my goals this year is to make one of my websites, karlninh.com, to serve up the daily portion so that one could read through the entire bible in one year. So far I have English and Vietnamese. Eventually I will be adding Spanish and Hebrew, when I get proficient in those languages.
I also learned plenty about trees in 2013 and so far we've planted
I graduated SMU law school in December 2012; took leave of absence from my full time job at Arrow S3; and Barbri was my job every day from end of December 2012 to end of February 2013. Once I took the February 2013 Texas Bar Exam, even though the Patent Bar Exam was the next thing to do, I got rather relax. I needed a break after 4 years of working full time and studying law nights and weekends and the bar exam. I also was learning the practice of law from a local 2-lawyer firm. Learned that I passed the Texas Bar Exam on May 2, 2013 and became licensed to practice law in Texas on May 3, 2013. Got admission to practice before the Northern District Court and the Eastern District Court shortly thereafter. In September 2013, Arrow S3 and I negotiated a voluntary separation agreement. I took the package and left to join McLane Company. I have always wanted to work in supply chain and so here I am.
Now that it's 2014, the Patent Bar Exam is priority number one.
Priority number two is to get my pilot license. I just need a review and then check ride. The Waco airport was my favorite destination for all my solo flights.
2014 also marks the seventh year I will be going through my One Year Bible. One of my goals this year is to make one of my websites, karlninh.com, to serve up the daily portion so that one could read through the entire bible in one year. So far I have English and Vietnamese. Eventually I will be adding Spanish and Hebrew, when I get proficient in those languages.
I also learned plenty about trees in 2013 and so far we've planted
- two live oak,
- two shumard oak,
- two southern magnolia,
- two sky pencil japanese holly,
- two Italian cypress,
- ten eastern red cedar,
- two red maple,
- two thornless honeylocust,
- two hybrid poplar,
- two mexican white oak,
- one quaking aspen,
- one weeping willow,
- at least four nectarine,
- plenty of date.
Friday, July 06, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Since I started flight training, talking to friends has involved the subject of JFK Jr. plane crash on July 16, 1999. Here is the technical report until I find the official version on the NTSB website. As to the non-technical details and more of celebrity gossips, check this out. I remembered the news coverage and has always wondered why didn't he pursue instrument rating when money was no objection for him. Apparently he was, just didn't have it at the time of the fatal accident.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Flying has been my dream and getting my private pilot license has been an item on my new year resolution for a few years. I finally took the plunge and started my training with Lone Star Flyers based out of Addison airport. My instructor Torrey Zook and I regularly fly in a 2008 Cessna 172S N6137Q and sometimes a 2007 Cessna 172S N286SA, both rented from Landmark Aviation, a Fixed Based Operator (FBO) out of Addision. I have either bought and downloaded so far:
For $95, I obtained my third class airmen medical certificate from one of the Aviation Medical Examiners (AME).
I also obtained aircraft renters liability insurance because the insurance that came with the rental airplane only covers damages to that airplane, not damages to hangar, other airplanes or property while I am piloting the rental airplane.
I used both a hard copy logbook which Jeppesen gave me for free and the free online version from ZuluLog.
I am planning on getting me the Ground School Workbook for Private Pilots and the Flight Training Workbook for Private Pilots, both recommended by my instructor.
Among the flight schools, I narrowed it down to ATP Flight School, American Flyers, Lone Star Flyers and Monarch Air. I picked Lone Star Flyers, one that I felt most comfortable with after contacting each.
I would say the biggest difference so far between learning to fly an airplane and learning to drive a car is weather. I used not to pay much attention to the weather, no matter how ominous the clouds. Not anymore, having to read weather forecast to determine Visual Flight Rule (VFR) conditions before taking off each time.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
- Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
- Cessna 172S Pilot Operating Handbook (POH)
- A David Clark H10-13S headset, a knee board, a CX-2 Pathfinder Flight Computer, a rotating plotter, all from Addison Pilot Shop.
- Sporty's Learn To Fly Course (Online)
For $95, I obtained my third class airmen medical certificate from one of the Aviation Medical Examiners (AME).
I also obtained aircraft renters liability insurance because the insurance that came with the rental airplane only covers damages to that airplane, not damages to hangar, other airplanes or property while I am piloting the rental airplane.
I used both a hard copy logbook which Jeppesen gave me for free and the free online version from ZuluLog.
I am planning on getting me the Ground School Workbook for Private Pilots and the Flight Training Workbook for Private Pilots, both recommended by my instructor.
Among the flight schools, I narrowed it down to ATP Flight School, American Flyers, Lone Star Flyers and Monarch Air. I picked Lone Star Flyers, one that I felt most comfortable with after contacting each.
I would say the biggest difference so far between learning to fly an airplane and learning to drive a car is weather. I used not to pay much attention to the weather, no matter how ominous the clouds. Not anymore, having to read weather forecast to determine Visual Flight Rule (VFR) conditions before taking off each time.
Monday, April 30, 2012
I will always be tremendously grateful that I will never have to experience what my parents had to on this day 37 years ago. Imagine as a young woman who just got married last August, last December the army told you your husband, an army medic, has gone missing-in-action when communist forces overran a town. Your boss told you last month to pack up what's needed in the office and burn everything else in preparation to leave the country. You decided not to leave the country because your parents didn't want you to, crying because they didn't think they would ever see you again. And you also wanted to stay to find out your husband's fate. So you spent all day yesterday and all last night going through your stuffs, burning any and every letter, photograph, anything that could possibly link you to any American or the current government, hoping to avoid being summarily shot by the communist forces that will take over anytime now. Imagine as a young man, you have been marching through the jungle everyday for the last four months. You lost a couple of teeth hurriedly chewing on that sugar cane because your body so desperately wanted some sugar. Today could be your last day being alive with all these snakes crawling everywhere around you. At any moment you could get blown up by one of the mines that littered the jungles. Or you could fall into one of thousand of booby traps that had been set all over places during the last twenty years and be pierced through. Worst of all, neither of my parents had known Messiah and the hope he offers.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
I love today's portion of my one-year bible. I take note of Deuteronomy 4:29: "... you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." Seeking G-d with all your heart and soul, not with all your mind and certainly not in your strength. The second gem is in Deuteronomy 4:35 and repeated in 4:39: "[y]ou were shown these things so that you might know that the L-rd is G-d; besides him there is no other" and "[a]knowledge and take to heart this day that the L-rd is G-d in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other." The Psalm portion, 68:5, contains my favorite promise that I pray and claim everyday for the families of our men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, that G-d himself is "[a] father to the fatherless, a defender of widows." And finally, I am reminded that "[w]hoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." Proverbs 11:28.
Monday, January 30, 2012
We as believers in Yeshua are required to walk by faith and not by sight, for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. II Corinthians 5:7, 4:18. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. I Timothy 6:7. Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD. Job 1:21. The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. I Samuel 2:7. You may say in your heart, 'My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.' Deuteronomy 8:17. But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth. Deuteronomy 8:18. We would do well to remember that the command "do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it." Proverbs 23:4. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies toward the heavens. Proverbs 23:5.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Reading daily devotional Drawing Near by John MacArthur and he cited this passage: "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me." John 6:37. So every single one that the Father gives to Jesus will come to Jesus. Then I continue to read: "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him." John 6:44. Not a single one can come unless the Father draws him to Jesus. Together only those the Father draws can come and everyone who the Father gives to Jesus will come. Are there two sets of people whom the Father gives to and draws to Jesus? Again, I am fully aware of II Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."
Monday, January 23, 2012
Reading my One-Year bible daily portion today and believe that Matthew 15:11 should be read in narrow context of Matthew 15:20 regarding human traditions or rituals instead of dietary law. Jesus came to fulfill the law and not to abolish it. Matthew 5:17.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
I wonder what's the counsel to balance out Psalm 46:10? The Bible seems to be littered with one example after another of people not waiting on G-d and making hasty decisions. Moses out of righteous anger took matter into his own hand without waiting on G-d. Exodus 2:12. King Saul lacked faith in the prophet Samuel, and thus indirectly G-d, did thing that seemed urgently needed at the time but was in fact being disobedient to G-d. I Samuel 13:9. Peter thought he was doing his Savior a service. John 18:10.
On the other hand, Joseph from the moment he became second-in-command in Egypt, through the seven years of plentiful, the Bible had no record of him inquiring about his aged father, whom he loved and knew loved him very much. It could be that the Bible just not had it recorded. But he was never chastised for it. In fact, it was not until the second year of famine that he disclosed himself to his brothers. Genesis 45:6. Jesus, before the age of 12, basically Bar Mitzvah age, being himself fully G-d at all times, submitted to his earthly parents' authority and waited until he was an adult himself. Luke 2:43.
Patiently waiting on G-d and doing the right thing at the right time is necessary in the life of a true believer who seeks to live in obedience!
On the other hand, Joseph from the moment he became second-in-command in Egypt, through the seven years of plentiful, the Bible had no record of him inquiring about his aged father, whom he loved and knew loved him very much. It could be that the Bible just not had it recorded. But he was never chastised for it. In fact, it was not until the second year of famine that he disclosed himself to his brothers. Genesis 45:6. Jesus, before the age of 12, basically Bar Mitzvah age, being himself fully G-d at all times, submitted to his earthly parents' authority and waited until he was an adult himself. Luke 2:43.
Patiently waiting on G-d and doing the right thing at the right time is necessary in the life of a true believer who seeks to live in obedience!
Monday, January 16, 2012
I read from my One-Year bible daily portion this morning: "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Matthew 11:27. Only those to whom the Son chooses to reveal the Father would know Him. Can we ask G-d why He didn't choose one and choose the other? Who are we to question G-d? Will the clay say to the potter, "What are you doing?" Isaiah 45:9. Aren't we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of G-d? Romans 3:23. And the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23. Granted that "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." II Peter 3:9. But isn't G-d Himself said "as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:9. So taken together the whole counsel of G-d's Words, we have to acknowledge that G-d gave us free will to choose but also there are things that He predetermines according to His will that we lack the capacity to understand why or the ability to ask Him why.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
It just now dawns on me 14 days into this year that I will have quite a few things to celebrate this year, G-d willing.
1. I will complete Biblical Hebrew III, the last class in the Biblical Hebrew language program at Baruch HaShem. After which there is no more class but only Torah reading practice sessions before each Shabbat service.
2. I will graduate from law school.
3. I will have been with my current employer Arrow S3 for 5 years.
4. I will also have been a homeowner for 5 years.
5. I will have been a Kiva lender for 5 years.
I can never thank G-d enough. Great is His faithfulness. His mercies are new every morning. His lovingkindness is everlasting through all generations.
1. I will complete Biblical Hebrew III, the last class in the Biblical Hebrew language program at Baruch HaShem. After which there is no more class but only Torah reading practice sessions before each Shabbat service.
2. I will graduate from law school.
3. I will have been with my current employer Arrow S3 for 5 years.
4. I will also have been a homeowner for 5 years.
5. I will have been a Kiva lender for 5 years.
I can never thank G-d enough. Great is His faithfulness. His mercies are new every morning. His lovingkindness is everlasting through all generations.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Read through my daily portion of my One-Year Bible this morning and came across Genesis 18:8 where it appeared that Abraham set before G-d a meal that had some curds, milk and the calf (meat). Wonders if Exodus 23:19 should be interpreted more strictly as it is literally written, taking in the whole counsel of G-d's words, rather than the blanket prohibition of mixing dairy and meat altogether. And run the risk of adding into G-d's words what G-d Himself did not command in violation of Deuteronomy 4:2.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Ever wonder why Easter falls on a different date every year according to the Gregorian calendar but Christmas is always on December 25th? We do not know the date of Messiah's birth but I am pretty sure if we did, it would have been according to Jewish calendar, which tracks the moon and not the sun. So, I celebrate with all my might the fact that "the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14. But I can no longer stay true to historical evidence and assert that Christ was born on December 25th.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
If you own a La Crosse Technology WS-8117U-IT Atomic Wall Clock and after you change the batteries, the outside sensor seems to be no longer working, take the batteries out of both, put them in the outside sensor first, then put the batteries in the clock, then don't mess with either for 10 minutes. I have had mine over a year when it happened. I almost bought a new sensor but reading one of the product reviews on Costco and found the solution.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
If you ever want to know more about the four Geneva Conventions, the International Committee of the Red Cross has a great overview. And if you need citations: (1) GC I: wounded and sick, 6 U.S.T. 3114; (2) GC II: shipwreck, 6 U.S.T. 3217; (3) GC III: POW, 6 U.S.T. 3316; (4) GC IV: civilians, 6 U.S.T. 3616.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
For my friends who are wondering, here is the governor's official position: "Jon Huntsman is a passionate supporter of stem cell research which is leading to new discoveries that will improve and lengthen the lives of many Americans. He supports federal funding for lines that have a demonstrated history of success -- adult stem cells, non-embryonic stem-cells and certain types of embryonic stem cell research. Gov. Huntsman opposes federal funding for new lines that would do harm to embryos."
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