I have been thinking about stories over the last few days, different stories, in different contexts. We all have our own story, and are part of each others. I heard the story again of the work in Hong Kong, and realised that, like so many others, I am a part of that story- even though I haven’t been there in a while now. At work, there is a story, and I often wonder at whose story it is. Is it ‘mine’- belonging to one person’s, or ours, or our’s but actually ‘mine’- belonging to just one.
I drove home this evening along a route where I pass many friends houses and as I thought of them, it was with thanks, and a wave (not that anyone sees!:)) but it was also with sadness as some have dropped off the radar a little and I wonder how much I should say, or push, or if it is just a phase, and they are just busy. They are a part of my story, and vice versa, and I love that- I think of them with gratitude, and love time spent with them- for the beautiful tapestry that has been crated by their place in my life, and hopefully vice versa..! I was thinking of the ‘story lines’ that feel like they are fading slightly, and sad, but grateful for the time spent too, but came across a friend’s blog tonight, and was blessed to see some of me in it- part of her story, and was wonderfully filled with a renewed sense of how we are part of each others story- we all have our own too, that is beautiful and unique- and realized that as we share ourselves, we don’t give that part away completely so there is less of us- it is more like the loaves and fishes! As we share ourselves, our lives, and our stories, we multiply. We grow, bear fruit, share, and there is enough, and more for everyone, in abundance!
Today, I was reading about narrative therapy- of each of us being able to tell our story- not just the extremely negative bit (as can often happen), but the positive too- and am encouraged by the new stories that are unfolding, with people known and unknown, acquaintances that may become friends, or others met in different ways… and who knows what God has in store for each of us! What an exciting adventure!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Worship Central on Vision to Action
I listened to an awesome talk a couple of weeks ago on the Worship Central podcast- which, yes, is on worship! Anyway, there was an interview with Tricia Neill who overseas everything on the Alpha International team about taking Vision to Action- and in this case, it was the huge vision of taking the Alpha course worldwide. Amazing! I have just listened to it again to take notes as I wanted to share it with work, so thought I would post it here just cos I can!
Key tips
Vision without implementation is a waste of time. Leaders who have the vision- need a person to implement and put the systems in place to make the vision a reality. If you have a big vision- you need people to make it a reality.
Surround yourself with people who compliment your skills. If you see a gap- find somebody who can fill it. It is important to be able to see what you can and can’t do, and find people who can supplement it.
Remember to communicate your vision- depending on the people involved in your vision- more to the people who are closely involved in the vision, and slightly less with the people who are further away. The key people you need to keep involved in the vision and also the key team.
It is more difficult to share vision with email- relationship is the key! Phone, in person, spending time with people. Meet with your team regularly. Ensure they have ownership of the area they are responsible for.
Team- meet up with them individually every 2-3 weeks. They look to the leader for direction, vision, and encouragement.
Clear lines of communication, and people to report to, and receive support.
Regular one on one and team meetings are important. When there are regular meetings in place that cover the various areas- everyone can work in freedom because they know that a time has been set aside to meet together and all get on the same page.
Take people to see the vision lived out in other places (Eg- for HTB church- Sandy Miller would take people to see John Wimber in the US to see what was happening there) and have a taste of what’s going to happen. Bring them to something to see where they could get to. Involve the people in getting from where they are to where they want to be so they have ownership.
Difficult people and situations- open discussion. If you have a relationship and its ongoing it’s easier to be encouraging. Be encouraging! Highlight the things they are good at. Ask them how they think they went, or are going? Regular honest, encouraging feedback that encourages people to grow, diffuses any issues, and dispels any disconnect.
Key tips
Vision without implementation is a waste of time. Leaders who have the vision- need a person to implement and put the systems in place to make the vision a reality. If you have a big vision- you need people to make it a reality.
Surround yourself with people who compliment your skills. If you see a gap- find somebody who can fill it. It is important to be able to see what you can and can’t do, and find people who can supplement it.
Remember to communicate your vision- depending on the people involved in your vision- more to the people who are closely involved in the vision, and slightly less with the people who are further away. The key people you need to keep involved in the vision and also the key team.
It is more difficult to share vision with email- relationship is the key! Phone, in person, spending time with people. Meet with your team regularly. Ensure they have ownership of the area they are responsible for.
Team- meet up with them individually every 2-3 weeks. They look to the leader for direction, vision, and encouragement.
Clear lines of communication, and people to report to, and receive support.
Regular one on one and team meetings are important. When there are regular meetings in place that cover the various areas- everyone can work in freedom because they know that a time has been set aside to meet together and all get on the same page.
Take people to see the vision lived out in other places (Eg- for HTB church- Sandy Miller would take people to see John Wimber in the US to see what was happening there) and have a taste of what’s going to happen. Bring them to something to see where they could get to. Involve the people in getting from where they are to where they want to be so they have ownership.
Difficult people and situations- open discussion. If you have a relationship and its ongoing it’s easier to be encouraging. Be encouraging! Highlight the things they are good at. Ask them how they think they went, or are going? Regular honest, encouraging feedback that encourages people to grow, diffuses any issues, and dispels any disconnect.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Focus
Someone paid me a lovely compliment this evening- that I am very focussed on God, and people. It was a surprse, and special, but is opposite to something I have been thinking about- lately I have been thinking about how much I feel I get blown about on the wind, by people, stronger voices, other people's priorities, so my life is filled up with... stuff, and I am not always sure, in the end what it is I want in the short term. Long terms, I think I am on the right track...
It's got me thinking again about what's important- of those boundaries that get talked about so often, of filling our lives with what's truly meaningful, or just passing, of storing up treasure in heaven... all big pic vs little pic stuff, I imagine... but whatever way it is- as our lecturer said to us this afternoon, we can each see ourselves as our Heavenly Father sees each of us- as the one Jesus loves!
It's got me thinking again about what's important- of those boundaries that get talked about so often, of filling our lives with what's truly meaningful, or just passing, of storing up treasure in heaven... all big pic vs little pic stuff, I imagine... but whatever way it is- as our lecturer said to us this afternoon, we can each see ourselves as our Heavenly Father sees each of us- as the one Jesus loves!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Do you want to be well?
I have been pondering this question over the last few weeks in the context of college and a course I did recently. I have a sneaking suspicion that it is a much bigger question than I can fathom. It encompasses every choice I make- as I choose the healing and new life, rather than the whole way of doing things, of where I live, go to church, what I do for my birthday this year. It covers how I see myself, my fears, and how I perceive others and life around me- not to mention what I choose to feel, say, and act.
I want so much more of God’s presence in my life and get little tastes of it every so often, that leaves me wanting more, and yet, my life is what it is, here now. It leaves me wondering if it is just a season, and eventually the doors will open up for new things soon, and for now I just need to be faithful with what I have and savor them as a gift given till new doors open… or I just go ahead and take a great leap?!:)
Anyway, I have been reading and thinking through the question “do you want to get well?” that Jesus asked the man at the Pool of Bethesda. It’s an amazing passage on so many levels. But the question of being well- of course anyone would choose that, right? But the old way is known and familiar, safe in its expectations, and roles in society. To be well is an incredible gift, and yet holds so many connotations, expectations, new identity and tasks- no small thing- especially for someone who had been an invalid for 38 years! And yet- do we want to be well? When it has been given to us, how do we walk it out? I find it’s easy when it isn’t challenged, and when I am feeling fine and have the emotional resources to rise up to challenges, but it’s when unexpected turns occur, and things happen that challenge our healing and new found identity, when we are removed from the situation where it first happened… that’s where we have to choose healing, choose life, choose God’s perspective. Jesus says he has come that we might have life, and have it to the full, so once again, I choose life!
I want so much more of God’s presence in my life and get little tastes of it every so often, that leaves me wanting more, and yet, my life is what it is, here now. It leaves me wondering if it is just a season, and eventually the doors will open up for new things soon, and for now I just need to be faithful with what I have and savor them as a gift given till new doors open… or I just go ahead and take a great leap?!:)
Anyway, I have been reading and thinking through the question “do you want to get well?” that Jesus asked the man at the Pool of Bethesda. It’s an amazing passage on so many levels. But the question of being well- of course anyone would choose that, right? But the old way is known and familiar, safe in its expectations, and roles in society. To be well is an incredible gift, and yet holds so many connotations, expectations, new identity and tasks- no small thing- especially for someone who had been an invalid for 38 years! And yet- do we want to be well? When it has been given to us, how do we walk it out? I find it’s easy when it isn’t challenged, and when I am feeling fine and have the emotional resources to rise up to challenges, but it’s when unexpected turns occur, and things happen that challenge our healing and new found identity, when we are removed from the situation where it first happened… that’s where we have to choose healing, choose life, choose God’s perspective. Jesus says he has come that we might have life, and have it to the full, so once again, I choose life!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Thinking about counseling practice...
I have been hunting for a while now, for a brave person to practice on, for college. Studying counseling is great fun and I am learning so much- and it just keeps going! I am amazed at how much I have learned and then, looking forward- seeing how much more there is yet to learn, and just how much I need to practice!
Anyway, it has been quite a process getting the guts up to find a way to ask friends to be brave enough to agree to be ‘practiced upon’. Even braver have been the people who have eventually been amazing and said that they would indeed! Fortunately (probably!:) for them, I have found someone who has agreed to well, be listened to, which is great. I have been thinking about the other people though who put their hands up though. It’s such a funny thing- going to talk to someone who is trustworthy, outside the context of whatever is happening, and doing what counselors/psychologists do can be enormously helpful, and yet… like going to the Dr, we don’t want to, and choose not to till a situation gets really, really bad! It’s got me thinking about that middle ground, between talking to friends and getting up the courage to actually go and see someone. The funny thing is that the idea is usually harder than the reality, and once we have talked over whatever it is we need to talk over, often we feel better, and have the benefit of clearer perspective. I wonder if it would be easier to find some middle ground, or do we need to raise awareness of the role of a counselor- that they are indeed on your side, and won’t think the worse of you for any reason. They might not be impressed at the way other people are/have treated you, but that’s an entirely different story.
Thinking about that middle ground too… visions of a fast food restaurant come to mind!! But in actual fact, think it might be more akin to eating your fruit and veg every day before you have to make some major life changing decisions because you suddenly find you need to have heart surgery!
For now though, I am so grateful for these amazing people for their courage and bravery, and for the amazing way people stand in the gap for others!
Anyway, it has been quite a process getting the guts up to find a way to ask friends to be brave enough to agree to be ‘practiced upon’. Even braver have been the people who have eventually been amazing and said that they would indeed! Fortunately (probably!:) for them, I have found someone who has agreed to well, be listened to, which is great. I have been thinking about the other people though who put their hands up though. It’s such a funny thing- going to talk to someone who is trustworthy, outside the context of whatever is happening, and doing what counselors/psychologists do can be enormously helpful, and yet… like going to the Dr, we don’t want to, and choose not to till a situation gets really, really bad! It’s got me thinking about that middle ground, between talking to friends and getting up the courage to actually go and see someone. The funny thing is that the idea is usually harder than the reality, and once we have talked over whatever it is we need to talk over, often we feel better, and have the benefit of clearer perspective. I wonder if it would be easier to find some middle ground, or do we need to raise awareness of the role of a counselor- that they are indeed on your side, and won’t think the worse of you for any reason. They might not be impressed at the way other people are/have treated you, but that’s an entirely different story.
Thinking about that middle ground too… visions of a fast food restaurant come to mind!! But in actual fact, think it might be more akin to eating your fruit and veg every day before you have to make some major life changing decisions because you suddenly find you need to have heart surgery!
For now though, I am so grateful for these amazing people for their courage and bravery, and for the amazing way people stand in the gap for others!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Awesome quote
A friend sent this to me, so thought I would share!
“We often think that service is doing things for others. That sometimes needs to be. But service takes on its true character when we do things with others. This is never an easy road to travel. It is the slow road requiring much patience and care. It gives credit to what another may contribute. It takes on the pace of another. We find it easier to do things for others. We can then be our quick and efficient selves. We can then set the terms and conditions. We can then be available or withdraw when it suits us. Such service may make us feel good, but it frequently disempowers the other person.
Service with others does not have a quick end result in view. It has a process in view. It sees service as a joining with the other. It sees service as a companionship and walking a common road.”
Charles Ringma
“We often think that service is doing things for others. That sometimes needs to be. But service takes on its true character when we do things with others. This is never an easy road to travel. It is the slow road requiring much patience and care. It gives credit to what another may contribute. It takes on the pace of another. We find it easier to do things for others. We can then be our quick and efficient selves. We can then set the terms and conditions. We can then be available or withdraw when it suits us. Such service may make us feel good, but it frequently disempowers the other person.
Service with others does not have a quick end result in view. It has a process in view. It sees service as a joining with the other. It sees service as a companionship and walking a common road.”
Charles Ringma
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