Author: Di Tran

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Leadership Development Self-Improve

Mom and I Walked to the Dumpster – A Pivotal Moment That Shaped Who I Am Today – Di Tran

Viet Bao Louisville - Di Tran - Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS - BOOK by Di Tran
Viet Bao Louisville - Di Tran - Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS - BOOK by Di Tran

SUMMARY

In this section of Chapter one of “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS” by Di Tran, the author recounts a childhood experience that shaped his self-determination and will to protect his family. His mother insisted they retrieve a dirty mattress from a dumpster despite his initial hesitation. He learned the value of determination and the importance of family from his mother’s actions. Later, their good fortune continued when Catholic Charities offered to provide movers to help them transport any items they needed to their new location. The author reflects on the lessons he learned from his mother about the will of God and the importance of effort in achieving success.

Di Tran - Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS
Di Tran – Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS – BOOK

MOM AND I WALKED TO THE DUMPSTER – THE #1 REASON I AM WHO I AM TODAY

“Mom, it’s not like we never slept on a dirt floor before. We were dirt poor, and I used to sleep on the ground in our mud hut. How hard can it get? We can handle this and sleep on the floor without a mattress.” I tried to comfort Mom about not having a mattress for us to sleep on, but more importantly, I was trying to avoid the activity of digging through the dumpsters. I realize that poor was not the point, now that I reflect on and understand why I hesitated. I meant what I said about being poor, and it was truthful, and it would have been totally fine. However, I was uncomfortable digging through trash. As poor as we had been in the past, there was never a time that we dug through trash hunting for items. First, Vietnam was and still is a third-world country, and especially in a poor village like ours, there was no government agency that picked up trash, nor did the people pile their trash in one place. Second, poor people’s trash in Vietnam would never have generated anything worth taking. Third, the idea of digging through trash is the lowest of the low in our mindset, and it is hard to fathom. At the age of 12, I already knew how this would affect me in terms of my self-esteem and perceived status in life. There could have been nothing worse for me at that moment in time. This was the pivotal point that made me who I am today.

Firmly and carefully, Mom stated, “No, Son. At the least, my children will have what other children have, even if it is of the worst quality, “ in this case, a mattress. “I will not settle for less than this,” she responded to my hesitation. Today, as I write this book, I now have three children of my own, ages five, six, and seven. As a parent, I strongly feel what my mom meant at that moment. Her love for her children and family has always surpassed her fear of self-doubt, public criticism, and people’s thoughts of her. Most importantly, she was determined to make the best out of a bad situation, and she knew what that minimum was: a mattress.  That was her driving force, her only thought, and nothing could stop her from achieving that goal. I learned self-determination from Mom, and the level of this became explosive when her children’s interests were concerned in comparison to the norm. Not having a mattress was not an option, and so I tagged along with Mom to the dumpster.

Di Tran and His Mom – Dig the Dumpster for their first mattress in USA

The dumpster was a few blocks from our house, and Mom and I walked there in the cold weather; there was even light snow falling. We were both lightly dressed, wearing our tropical layered clothes, but we did not feel physical discomfort, only the mental heaviness of what we were about to do, dig in the dumpster. For the first time in my life, I felt like an adult man at this age of 12. I was on a mission with Mom, for something that we would hopefully only have to do only once in our lifetime. I felt a strong sense of determination that I inherited from her, and this made me happy. I also began to recognize at this exact moment who I must become, a man of the family with a strong level of determination and will to protect my family at all levels. There was no shame, no hardship, and no criticism that would interfere with the focus we had on our family, as Mom and I walked to the dumpster. “There it is, Son. Get in there and pull it out for me. I will pull it and you push from inside.” Mom directed me to the dumpster where the dirty mattress was. It was wet, heavy, dirty, and stained gray. It smelled of trash and urine. I no longer hesitated and put forth all my effort to get the mattress out from the dumpster and drag it to the temporary home, which we would soon have to exit and move into the Americana apartments. I accomplished something significant for myself, my mom and my family, and I felt quite satisfied. “We did it! Our family now has a mattress!” Mom exhaled with a smile, and seemingly lightened heart.

THE WILL OF GOD

Unexpectedly, our Vietnamese translator from Catholic Charities came over to the house where my mom and I stood after our accomplished mission. The translator looked at us and glanced at the dirty mattress and spoke, “Catholic Charities has decided that this temporary house that you are staying in now, will no longer be used for this purpose after your family leaves. Therefore, they will throw away everything in this house after you leave. You are free to take anything you need to the Americana Apartments.” “Anything and everything we can use?” Mom asked the translator. “Yes, but not only that. Catholic Charities will provide the movers with trucks to help you move them into your new location, since they would have to throw all these away anyway.” “Isn’t this the will of God, Son?” Mom asked me when retelling this story. “Son, remember God will never give you more than what you can handle.” She taught us about faith in God. “But also know that life is about giving all the effort you can by maximizing your brain and physical strength for good; then God will take on the rest.” I gain greater comprehension of Mom’s teachings as I grow and live through life’s challenges. I can only recognize God through doing, not sitting, praying, or waiting for things to happen. Only when I maximize my God-given capability, can I say: “God, now you do your magic based on what I did.” God never seems to never fail me and my family.

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Community Self-Improve

Exploring Cultural Beliefs and Sayings about Turning 40

Viet Bao Louisville, KY
Viet Bao Louisville, KY

The milestone age of 40 is a subject of cultural and societal beliefs and sayings that have evolved over time. Here are some of the most common beliefs and their meanings:

“Life begins at 40″ – This popular saying suggests that 40 is the age when life starts anew. It implies that people at 40 feel more self-aware and are better equipped to embark on new adventures. According to the author Sarah Ban Breathnach, “We have learned to listen more closely to our intuition, to follow our dreams, and to take action on things that we are passionate about.”

“Over the hill” – This phrase is used humorously to describe someone who has passed their prime. The saying implies that people at 40 are past their peak and are now on the downward slope of their lives. However, this can be disputed, as many successful people such as J.K. Rowling, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk accomplished their biggest achievements after 40.

“Midlife crisis” – This phrase suggests that around the age of 40, many individuals experience a period of introspection and questioning about their life choices and goals. This term was first coined by psychoanalyst Elliot Jaques in 1965 to describe the sudden realization of one’s mortality and the resulting changes in priorities. In fact, many books such as “The Second Half of Life” by Angeles Arrien and “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl, explore this subject in depth.

“Forty and fabulous” – This phrase celebrates reaching 40 and suggests that it can be a time when people feel confident, accomplished, and proud of what they have achieved. For many, 40 is a time of empowerment, as they’ve gained wisdom, knowledge, and experience over the years. According to the author Laura Fraser, “As I got older, I realized that what I wanted was more powerful than what I was afraid of.”

It’s important to note that while these sayings reflect common attitudes and beliefs about the age of 40, everyone’s experience of turning 40 is unique. Some may feel invigorated by this age, while others may feel anxious. Therefore, it’s important to approach the milestone with a positive outlook and embrace the opportunities it brings.

The cultural and societal beliefs and sayings about age 40 are varied and reflect a range of attitudes towards this milestone age. While some may suggest that 40 is over the hill or signals a midlife crisis, others view it as a time for new beginnings, empowerment, and self-reflection. Ultimately, the meaning of turning 40 is subjective and depends on the individual’s life experiences and attitude.

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Self-Improve

Di Tran’s 41st Birthday: Reflections on Life, Faith, and Sharing with Others

Di Tran - Turning 41st
Di Tran - Turning 41st

Di Tran’s 41st birthday marks a new chapter in his life, as he reflects on his past accomplishments and looks forward to new adventures. Having recently authored the book “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERs,” and soon releasing “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” Di Tran has gained valuable insights and wisdom that he hopes to share with others.

While there are many cultural and societal beliefs surrounding age 40, Di Tran believes that it’s a time to focus on others and let go of self-centeredness. In “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERs,” he encourages readers to shift their perspective and consider the needs and well-being of those around them. This shift in focus can lead to greater empathy, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life.

Di Tran’s upcoming book, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” further explores the idea of letting go of self-doubt and trusting in a higher power. As he approaches his 41st year, Di Tran believes that it’s essential to have faith in oneself and in the universe, even in the face of uncertainty and challenges. This attitude can lead to greater resilience, a more positive outlook, and a deeper sense of purpose.

For Di Tran, turning 41 is not about being “over the hill” or experiencing a midlife crisis. Instead, it’s a time to celebrate all that he has accomplished and to look forward to new opportunities for growth and learning. He believes that everyone’s experience of turning 40 will be different, and he hopes that his books can offer guidance and inspiration to those who are seeking a new perspective on life.

In summary, Di Tran’s 41st birthday is a time of reflection and growth, as he shares his insights and experiences with others through his writing. By focusing on others and letting go of fear, he hopes to inspire others to live a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Di Tran – Q/A for an Author’s books

When you first moved to the United States, what did the American Dream mean to you?

To me, it meant the freedom to express myself without fear of government suppression. It also meant the ability to share my knowledge and beliefs, as well as pursue economic opportunities. I was grateful for the fact that what I own belongs to me, and not to the government.

For how long have you been living in the USA?

28 years since 1995

What was the biggest challenge you faced when you first arrived in the USA?

The language barrier and the pressure of adjusting to all the new things.

What was your experience like when you first arrived?

Although we knew that the country would offer a better life, it wasn’t exactly as we had imagined in our dreams. Starting with only $400 in our pockets for a family of 5, and without being able to communicate in English with anyone, we were faced with a daunting challenge that was both worrying and challenging. Nonetheless, we remained optimistic and grateful for the opportunities that awaited us in this new country.

Can you describe your journey to the USA?

I came with my cousin who is mixed of an American military personnel. His son was coming home to the USA, and he kindly took us along since our family had helped raise him.

Have you achieved your American Dream?

Absolutely, every day since we first landed here. For example, we ate our first hotdog and burger, even if it was a new experience. We slept on our first mattress, even if it was dirty. We saw snow for the first time walking out of the airport and met people from many other nationalities in the first week. It felt like the whole world was in Louisville, KY, USA.

What challenges did you face to achieve your American Dream?

Although hard work is required everywhere, hard work in America is easier because we knew that good results would come. In Vietnam, effort given did not always lead to good results in a communist country. Therefore, hard work was not a challenge for us to achieve our American Dream.

How did you overcome the challenges you faced in pursuing your American Dream and what surprised you the most?

The key was to constantly learn and take action, always being in survival mode. We anticipated that everything would be new, so nothing was truly surprising, but of course, with every challenge and hard work, there were moments of failure. However, we learned to embrace those failures and use them as opportunities to grow and move forward in life.

What skills did you have to learn to achieve your American Dream?

Education was key to achieving our American Dream. We had to learn new skills and gain knowledge through both life education and formal education. Fortunately, we were able to take advantage of free secondary education and partially free post-secondary education (college) for low-income individuals.

What challenges did you face in becoming a professional in the USA?

Language was the biggest challenge for me, and my inherent shyness made it even more difficult.

How did you make professional connections in the USA?

I made a concerted effort to be out and about, and I worked hard to build credibility by serving others. By doing this, I was able to establish relationships and make connections with professionals.

What did you do to connect with the right professionals?

As I moved along, I learned to filter and identify the professionals who could best help me achieve my goals within the limited time I had available.

How did you achieve your American Dream?

I achieved my American Dream through hard work and continuous learning.

How did you become successful?

I became successful by never giving up on working hard and learning constantly. Making progress towards my goals gave me happiness.

In your opinion, what mindset is necessary for someone pursuing the American Dream to learn, survive, connect, grow and succeed in the USA?

The mindset of an American Dreamer is all about taking action. Instead of just thinking about things, you have to learn and apply what you learn.

What advice would you give to someone who is eager to move to the US to experience the American Dream?

I would advise them that the USA is a great country to live in, and it offers many opportunities for success. However, success comes from hard work, and if you’re not willing to put in the effort, then it doesn’t matter where you are in the world.

How would you describe the things in your life that you appreciate and feel thankful for?

To put it simply, I am grateful for life itself. The fact that I am alive is a blessing, and this holds true no matter where you are in the world. However, it is easier to appreciate this in America because basic needs such as food, education, and time are more readily available.

References to Di Tran’s Interview

Rotary Club of Louisville – Di Tran Presenter – The Debt to be Paid: Giving Back and Paying It Forward

I am supporting my good friend Selma Jacinto Dominigos with her current and future books

I am looking forward to Selma Jacinto Domingos’ second book.

Categories
Community Leadership Development Small Businesses Workforce Development

Di Tran’s Encounter with Dr. Price: A Message of Progress and Equity

Dr.Price and Di Tran
Dr.Price and Di Tran

On February 16th, 2023, Di Tran attended a weekly event hosted by the Rotary Club of Louisville where she had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Price. From the start of their conversation, Di Tran was struck by Dr. Price’s opening statement, “I pray that God talk through me, and to you today.” It was an indication of the deep connection that Dr. Price had to her faith and a sign of her sincerity in addressing the issues that affect the community.

Dr. Price introduced herself as a member of the Urban League, a non-profit organization that aims to promote economic empowerment and social justice for people of color. She described how she starts her staff meetings with a reflection on the past, present, and future of the Urban League. She spoke with conviction and confidence that the past is obsolete, the future is obsolete, and the current state of progress is where the focus should be. She emphasized that the community must work together to create a future where there is no need to talk about equity, especially for black and brown people.

Dr. Price’s message was about leaning into discomfort and feeling it for others. It was a call to action for people to step outside their comfort zones and confront the challenges facing the community. She stressed the importance of taking practical steps to address the issues that prevent people from realizing their full potential.

One practical example that Dr. Price shared was the accessibility of Kumon tutoring for underprivileged children. Di Tran was highly aligned with this idea, recognizing that education is one of the keys to breaking the cycle of poverty. Dr. Price’s emphasis on the importance of practical solutions and small steps resonated with Di Tran and many others in the room.

Dr. Price’s message was one of hope and progress. She talked about the future of the city being bright because of people like herself and Di Tran coming together to do small things that add up. It was a reminder that positive change is possible, and it starts with each individual making a difference in their own way. Di Tran left the event feeling inspired and encouraged to continue making a positive impact in the community.

In conclusion, Di Tran’s meeting with Dr. Price at the Rotary Club of Louisville’s weekly event was a reminder of the importance of focusing on others and having faith in the future. As Di Tran writes in his first book, “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERs,” the key to personal and professional growth is shifting our attention away from ourselves and towards those around us. Dr. Price’s emphasis on leaning into discomfort and feeling it for others, as well as her commitment to providing resources like Kumon tutoring for underprivileged children, are shining examples of this principle in action.

Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH by Di Tran

As Di Tran prepares to release his second book, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” we can look forward to further insights and inspiration on how to navigate the challenges of life and work with courage and conviction. With the guidance of leaders like Dr. Price and the example of Di Tran’s own journey, we can all strive to become better, more compassionate, and more effective in our personal and professional lives.

Categories
Community Self-Improve Small Businesses Workforce Development

Surrendering to God and Filling the Emptiness: A Profound Conversation with Liz Curtis Higgs

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Who is Liz Curtis Higgs

Liz Curtis Higgs is a bestselling author, speaker, and Bible teacher. She was born in Kentucky, USA, in 1953, and grew up in a Christian family. She has written more than 30 books, including non-fiction works on topics such as biblical studies, women’s issues, and Christian living, as well as novels and children’s books.

Liz Curtis Higgs

Higgs is perhaps best known for her Bad Girls of the Bible series, which explores the lives of women in the Bible who made mistakes or broke the rules, such as Eve, Delilah, and Bathsheba. Her books have sold millions of copies and have been translated into numerous languages.

In addition to her writing, Higgs is a popular speaker and Bible teacher, and has traveled extensively to speak at conferences and events. She has also appeared on numerous television and radio programs. Higgs currently lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, Bill, and their two children.

Di Tran’s Meeting with Liz Curtis Higgs

Meeting Liz Curtis Higgs was a truly wonderful experience, and it was clear that God was working through both of us during our conversation. We talked about surrendering to God and the moment when we each became aware of the presence of the divine in our lives. Liz shared a profound insight with me, that our hearts, souls, and cores are like empty vacuum spaces that are constantly seeking to be filled with something.

As humans, we often seek to fill this emptiness with material things, food, alcohol, negativity, anger, power, success, or any number of other things. But what we fill up with truly matters, and the answer to our seeking is much simpler than we might imagine.

Di Tran + Liz Curtis Higgs

The answer has always been with us, as God is within each of us. We have everything we need, including the most powerful of all things, our spirit, which is in harmony with the infinite divine universe. The challenge is that we often don’t let our spirit do its job, as we try to control everything in our lives.

What we need to do is surrender and let go of our self, so that our spirit can run its course naturally and manifest the things we desire. This is in alignment with the idea of “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” which I explore in my upcoming book, the guide to faith by understanding fear and worry, and surrendering them so that God has the space to work through us.

It’s clear that filling the emptiness with things outside in the world doesn’t fill it. We need God as the energy to fill that space, and surrendering to God allows this energy to flow freely.

I’m so grateful for my conversation with Liz, and for the wisdom she shared with me. It’s clear that God is working through her, and through each of us, in ways that we might not even realize.

References

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Leadership Development Self-Improve

The Importance of Honesty and Integrity for Small Business Success

Honesty and integrity are two crucial elements that are essential for the success of a small business. In a world where competition is fierce and customers have many options, building trust and credibility with customers and clients is essential for a business to thrive. In this article, we will explore the importance of honesty and integrity for small businesses and how these qualities can help build and maintain relationships with customers and clients.

Building Trust

One of the primary benefits of honesty and integrity is that they help build trust with customers and clients. In a business relationship, trust is critical because it creates an environment where customers and clients feel comfortable doing business with a company. When customers and clients trust a business, they are more likely to continue doing business with them and recommend them to others.

Reputation

A small business that operates with honesty and integrity can establish a positive reputation in the community, which can attract new customers and clients and increase repeat business. Customers and clients are more likely to do business with a company that has a positive reputation, and word-of-mouth referrals can help a business grow. A positive reputation can also help a business stand out from its competition, which is particularly important for small businesses competing against larger companies.

Long-term Relationships

Honesty and integrity can lead to longer-term relationships with customers and clients. When customers and clients know they can rely on a business to be honest and truthful, they are more likely to continue doing business with them in the future. This is especially important for small businesses, as repeat business can be a significant source of income and can help a business grow.

Trust is built on Honesty and Integrity

Conflict Resolution

When conflicts arise, honesty and integrity can help resolve them quickly and fairly. A business that operates with honesty and integrity is more likely to find mutually acceptable solutions to problems and maintain positive relationships with its customers and clients. By being transparent and fair in its dealings with customers and clients, a business can reduce the likelihood of disputes and build stronger relationships in the long term.

Ethical Standards

By maintaining high standards of honesty and integrity, a small business can demonstrate its commitment to ethical business practices, which can help build trust and credibility with customers and clients. Ethical business practices are particularly important for small businesses, as they can help set a business apart from its competition and establish a positive reputation in the community.

Honesty and integrity are essential elements for the success of a small business. By building trust, establishing a positive reputation, maintaining long-term relationships, resolving conflicts, and demonstrating ethical standards, a small business can differentiate itself from its competition and thrive in today’s competitive marketplace.

Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH

In conclusion, honesty and integrity are critical qualities that every small business owner should strive to embody. By focusing on these values, small businesses can build trust and credibility with customers and clients, establish a positive reputation, maintain long-term relationships, resolve conflicts effectively, and demonstrate their commitment to ethical business practices.

However, it’s not always easy to maintain these values, especially when the pressure to succeed is high. This is where the concept of “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH” comes into play. By letting go of fear and focusing on faith, small business owners can stay true to their values and make decisions that are aligned with their goals and principles.

In today’s competitive marketplace, honesty and integrity can be a powerful differentiator for small businesses. By embracing these values and focusing on their faith, small business owners can build successful and sustainable businesses that are trusted and respected by their customers and clients

Categories
Community Leadership Development

Steps to Becoming a Priest in the Catholic Church: An Overview of the Ranks and Requirements

Di Tran, CEO of Viet Bao Louisville Ky
Di Tran, CEO of Viet Bao Louisville Ky

In the Catholic Church, the priesthood is an ordained ministry that provides spiritual guidance and sacramental support to the faithful. Here is a list of the ranks in the priesthood, in ascending order:

  1. Deacon: To become a deacon, a man must first be a baptized and confirmed Catholic. He must then express a desire to serve in the diaconate, undergo formation and discernment, and be approved by his bishop. The formation process typically involves several years of academic study, spiritual development, and practical training. Once ordained, deacons serve in a variety of roles, including preaching, administering the sacrament of baptism, and performing charitable work.
  2. Priest: To become a priest, a man must first be a deacon, although some men enter directly into the seminary from lay life. Like those aspiring to the diaconate, men pursuing the priesthood must undergo formation and discernment, be approved by their bishop, and be ordained. The formation process for priests is typically more extensive than for deacons, including deeper studies in theology, philosophy, and pastoral ministry.
  3. Bishop: To become a bishop, a priest must first demonstrate a strong commitment to the Church and a high level of pastoral and theological expertise. He must also be approved by the Pope and receive the consensus of his fellow bishops. The process of becoming a bishop involves extensive consultation and evaluation, and the man selected must demonstrate exceptional leadership, spiritual depth, and a willingness to serve the Church.
  4. Archbishop: An archbishop is simply a bishop who heads an archdiocese, which is a particular church with a specific geographical jurisdiction. To become an archbishop, a bishop must first demonstrate a successful record of leadership and pastoral service in his diocese, and then be appointed by the Pope to lead the archdiocese.
  5. Cardinal: Cardinals are members of the College of Cardinals, which is a group of senior church leaders who advise the Pope and play a key role in electing a new Pope when the need arises. To become a cardinal, a bishop must be appointed by the Pope and receive the consensus of the College of Cardinals.
  6. Pope: The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. To become Pope, one must first be a bishop, although not necessarily a cardinal. When the Pope dies or resigns, the College of Cardinals meets in a process known as a conclave to elect a new Pope. The election is based on the qualities of the candidates, the needs of the Church, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The man elected Pope must then be approved by a two-thirds majority of the College of Cardinals.

It’s worth noting that not all priests become bishops, and not all bishops become cardinals. The appointment to each rank is made by the Pope and is based on a variety of factors, including experience, leadership skills, and the needs of the Church.

Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH

In conclusion, the priesthood is a noble and demanding form of community service that requires both dedication and courage. It is a calling to serve the Church and the people of God with love, compassion, and spiritual guidance. This calling is not for the faint of heart, as it requires a deep commitment to serving others and a willingness to sacrifice personal interests for the greater good. However, for those who are called to the priesthood, it can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling vocation that brings joy and meaning to their lives.

This message is in line with the teachings of Di Tran in his book “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITh.” Tran encourages readers to overcome their fears and to trust in God’s plan for their lives. He reminds us that with faith, we can overcome any obstacle and live a life of purpose and fulfillment. For those considering the priesthood, this message is particularly relevant. The priesthood can be a challenging path, but with faith and a commitment to serving others, it can also be a source of great joy and satisfaction. By focusing on the faith and letting go of fear, those called to the priesthood can confidently answer the call and make a positive impact on the world.

Categories
Self-Improve

Embracing Life with Gratitude and Positivity: A Poem for Di Tran

Di Tran - CEO of Viet Bao Louisville KY

41 years young and wise,

A heart filled with gratitude, no disguise.

Your mom taught you well, to always strive,

To add value and spread love, it’s your drive.

You’ve blessed so many with your kind words,

And through your actions, their lives you’ve stirred.

Three kids, a wife, what a beautiful life,

Wealth in love, knowledge and experiences, no strife.

You embrace the laws of attraction and vibration,

Sharing your wisdom, with great passion.

A heart overflowing with positivity and love,

Gratitude is all you have, and all you see above.

40 may be the peak of the hill,

But for you, it’s just another thrill.

You’re not slowing down, you’re just starting to soar,

With every year, your journey becomes more and more.

So here’s to you, Di Tran, on your 41st birthday,

May your life be filled with joy and positivity, each day.

And may you continue to bless and inspire,

For you truly are a light, and will always shine brighter.

Categories
Community

Celebrating 50 Years of Dedicated Service: Sister Ngoc Dung’s Golden Jubilee in Louisville, Kentucky

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Today, on February 12th, 2023, the Catholic community of Saint John Vianney in Louisville, Kentucky gathered to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Sister Ngoc Dung, a Vietnamese immigrant who has dedicated 50 years of her life to serving God as a nun in the Catholic Church. The celebration Mass, held at St Gregory Catholic Church, was presided over by Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre and was a joyous and meaningful occasion for Sister Ngoc Dung and all who have been touched by her ministry and life.

St Gregory Catholic Church

Sister Ngoc Dung, also known as Sơ Ngọc Dung in Vietnamese, has been a beloved member of the Catholic community in Louisville for many years. Her dedication and commitment to serving others has earned her the respect and admiration of all who know her. Over the past 50 years, she has touched the lives of countless individuals through her ministry and has been a source of inspiration and guidance to those around her.

The celebration Mass was attended by family and friends from the Vietnamese community of Louisville, as well as members of the Catholic Church of Saint John Vianney. The Mass was a beautiful and meaningful celebration of Sister Ngoc Dung’s 50 years of service to God, and was a testament to the impact that her life has had on so many others.

During the Mass, Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre offered a homily in which he spoke about the significance of Sister Ngoc Dung’s Golden Jubilee and the importance of dedicating one’s life to serving God and others. He praised Sister Ngoc Dung for her unwavering faith and her commitment to her vocation, and he thanked her for all that she has done for the Catholic community in Louisville.

After the Mass, a reception was held in honor of Sister Ngoc Dung, where friends, family, and members of the community gathered to offer their congratulations and well wishes. The atmosphere was one of joy and celebration, as everyone came together to honor this remarkable woman and to celebrate the impact that her life has had on so many others.

The Golden Jubilee celebration of Sister Ngoc Dung was a truly special and meaningful occasion. Her 50 years of dedicated service to God and her commitment to her vocation have earned her the respect and admiration of all who know her, and today’s celebration was a fitting tribute to her life and her ministry. The Catholic community of Louisville is grateful to have Sister Ngoc Dung as a part of their lives, and they wish her many more years of happiness, health, and blessings.

Drop the FEAR and Focus on FAITH

In conclusion, Sister Ngoc Dung’s Golden Jubilee celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that one person’s unwavering faith and commitment can have on the lives of so many others. Her 50 years of dedicated service to God and her community is a testament to the transformative power of dropping fear and focusing on faith. Sister Ngoc Dung’s story is an inspiration to all of us, reminding us that by embracing faith and living with purpose, we too can make a difference in the world.

Her journey, as reflected in Di Tran’s book “Drop the FEAR and Focus on FAITH,” shows us that by letting go of fear and embracing faith, we can overcome life’s challenges and fulfill our calling. Sister Ngoc Dung’s life serves as a shining example of how to live a life filled with meaning and purpose, and her Golden Jubilee is a time for us all to celebrate her achievements and to be inspired by her unwavering faith and dedication.

As Sister Ngoc Dung continues to live out her faith and serve her community, may we all be inspired by her example and find the courage to drop our fears and focus on our own faith, so that we too can make a positive impact on the world around us.

Categories
Information Technology Self-Improve Workforce Development

Visiting His Mentee: A Senior Citizen’s Concerns Over AI Usage

In today’s fast-paced world of technology, it’s not uncommon to see people of all ages embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies. However, for some individuals, such as 60+ years old man, the idea of relying on AI can be somewhat unsettling. This was the case for John, a retired writer who recently visited his mentee, a successful author in his 30s, and was taken aback by his use of AI as an editor for his second book.

John had mentored his protege for several years and was proud of his progress and success in the writing world. However, when he saw that his mentee was using AI to edit his book, he was hesitant and upset. He had long-standing relationships with many experienced editors, and the thought of someone else, even if it was a machine, editing his work was difficult for him to accept.

John’s concerns stem from the fact that he believes that the human touch is essential in the editing process. He felt that a machine could never fully understand the nuances and subtleties of language, and as a result, could never do as good a job as a seasoned editor. Additionally, John was worried that the use of AI could lead to a loss of creativity and individuality in the writing process.

Despite his reservations, John was determined to have an open mind and listen to his mentee’s perspective. His mentee explained that using AI as an editor allowed him to save time and money, and that the machine was able to catch errors and inconsistencies that he may have missed. He also mentioned that the AI editor was able to suggest improvements and alternatives to his writing, which he found extremely helpful.

After much discussion, John came to understand the advantages of using AI in the editing process, but he still felt uneasy about it. He suggested that his mentee consider using his long-time editor friend, who was experienced and reliable. However, his mentee was hesitant to do so because the editor had demanded to charge double for the second book, which was something he could not afford.

In the end, John and his mentee reached a compromise. They agreed to try using the AI editor for a few chapters, and if they were not satisfied with the results, they would go back to using John’s friend. This solution satisfied both parties, and John felt that he had done his best to impart his wisdom and experience to his mentee.

The use of AI in the editing process can be a contentious issue for some, especially for those who are older and more set in their ways. However, it’s important to keep an open mind and consider the benefits of using technology, while also taking into account the importance of the human touch. In the end, the decision to use AI or a human editor is a personal one and should be based on individual needs and preferences.

Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH

Di Tran’s new book “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH” encourages us to believe in ourselves and move forward with faith, as change is a constant and inevitable part of life. By embracing this philosophy, we can be mindful of ourselves and find peace in the midst of change. When we focus on our faith, rather than our fear, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences that allow us to grow and evolve. Di Tran’s book reminds us that the journey of life is not always easy, but by having faith in ourselves and our abilities, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals. So, let us drop the fear and focus on the faith, and experience the growth and fulfillment that comes with it.