I hope she doesn’t mind that I took one of her photos (self-portrait) and posted it here.  I usually go to her site for some photo inspiration but she has been absent lately.  Well, this explains everything.  However, her faith is very encouraging.  Please go to her site and read on.

There’s one person missing here… my oldest son!!!  He was probably shaking his booty on the dance floor to another silly song.  This was during Jaycee’s 18th birthday party – which was a really awesome and fun night!  I’m blessed to be surrounded by good (and goofy) people.  God is good!

Anyways, this is just a side note to show the world that all is well… all is well…

Here’s a video presentation I made for our annual couple’s banquet for our church.  Enjoy!

N4C Couple’s Banquet 09 Video Presentation from paul dangcil on Vimeo.

There was this huge painting of Jesus with super washboard abs at a catholic church in Virginia. I couldn’t help but take a snapshot of it to share with you. Who knew that Jesus had a sixpack? Did he do P90X? Because I swear, that exercise is too intense for me! Maybe all carpenters during that time had major abs. The wood back in the days were pretty heavy after all. It takes skill and precision to make a simple table. And they didn’t have any trucks to haul them around. Good grief man… I wish I had those!

I guess that’s why the bible tells us to imitate Christ! =)

It puts a whole new meaning to this verse…

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21

Here’s a song about Peter (from the bible). A lot of people probably don’t know this, but Lifehouse actually has a lot of Christian themes in most of their songs. These guys are amazing! And Jason Wade (the lead) is one of my favorite songwriters out there. Listen (or read) to what Jesus told Peter… “Traded your worth for these scars, for your only company…”
This is, by far, one of their best songs – and it is my favorite. I listen to it everytime I feel down and worried about something.

Read the lyrics…

Catch your breath,
Hit the wall,
Scream out loud,
As you start to crawl
Back in your cage
The only place
Where they will
Leave you alone.
‘Cause the weak will
Seek the weaker til they’ve broken them.
Could you get it back again?
Would it be the same?
Fulfillment to their lack of strength at your expense,
Left you with no defense;
They tore it down.

And I have felt the same as you,
I’ve felt the same as you,
I’ve felt the same.

Locked inside
The only place
Where you feel sheltered,
Where you feel safe.
You lost yourself
In your search to find
Something else to hide behind.

The fearful always preyed upon your confidence.
Did they see the consequence,
when they pushed you around?
The arrogant build kingdoms made of the different ones,
Breaking them ’til they’ve become just another crown.

Refuse to feel anything at all,
Refuse to slip,
Refuse to fall.
Can’t be weak,
Can’t stand still,
You watch your back ’cause no one will.
You don’t know why they had to go this far,
Traded your worth for these scars,
For your only company.
And don’t believe the lies
That they have told to you. Not one word was true
you’re alright, you’re alright, you’re alright.