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
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Personality Testing
I have been doing a lot of personality tests for one of my assignments over the last few weeks, so thought I would share them with you. Some were helpful, others gave a list of letters and descriptions, but the one that I though was best was the one we had to compare the rest to- the RHETI- an enneagram.
Anyway, here are the websites, so if you feel like it, take a look and see how you go. The first three use the Myers Briggs score outcome, whereas the Enneagram has a different set of descriptors.
First up is the Socionics test, which is a list of questions.
The Keirsey test is one where you have to choose 60-90 words that best describe you, then best describe what you are not. An interesting one.
There is the Myers Briggs test (there is one going around on Face book at the moment)
And then there is the Enneagram! There is a short version on the website, but I have the book of the longer official version. I did try the short one, and it was fairly close. This is the one I preferred as it gives an idea of who you are, who you are at your best, and not so best, when you are angry, and gives some direction of where you can potentially go from there- it’s much more transitional and growth oriented which I found helpful. Let me know what you think:)
Enjoy!
Anyway, here are the websites, so if you feel like it, take a look and see how you go. The first three use the Myers Briggs score outcome, whereas the Enneagram has a different set of descriptors.
First up is the Socionics test, which is a list of questions.
The Keirsey test is one where you have to choose 60-90 words that best describe you, then best describe what you are not. An interesting one.
There is the Myers Briggs test (there is one going around on Face book at the moment)
And then there is the Enneagram! There is a short version on the website, but I have the book of the longer official version. I did try the short one, and it was fairly close. This is the one I preferred as it gives an idea of who you are, who you are at your best, and not so best, when you are angry, and gives some direction of where you can potentially go from there- it’s much more transitional and growth oriented which I found helpful. Let me know what you think:)
Enjoy!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
All things new
My head seems to be on overload a fair amount of the time, and right now it's on overload, because one of the random things I am doing this week... is starting a business...!!!
Well, it's a tiny seed of a business, but I have high hopes for it to last and grow (Slowly and steadily!). It's big (to me) and scary (depending on how I am thinking of it), but I have been amazed by what talking to people has done, and how this has all grown out of talking with people, random conversations, or strings of conversations as the case may be....
So, this Saturday will be the first week. I will be selling soaps and stationery from an awesome organisation based in the Philippines that do an incredible job. I love that by stepping out in this way, it will help people in another country, and while I haven't met them yet, I am getting to know each of their stories!
I am so grateful for each of the people who have supported me so far, for the conversations and people along the way, for the awesome ideas, and people's willingness to help. Amazing.
And as with all things, time will tell, God will be there, and I just have to keep excercising my trust in him!
Well, it's a tiny seed of a business, but I have high hopes for it to last and grow (Slowly and steadily!). It's big (to me) and scary (depending on how I am thinking of it), but I have been amazed by what talking to people has done, and how this has all grown out of talking with people, random conversations, or strings of conversations as the case may be....
So, this Saturday will be the first week. I will be selling soaps and stationery from an awesome organisation based in the Philippines that do an incredible job. I love that by stepping out in this way, it will help people in another country, and while I haven't met them yet, I am getting to know each of their stories!
I am so grateful for each of the people who have supported me so far, for the conversations and people along the way, for the awesome ideas, and people's willingness to help. Amazing.
And as with all things, time will tell, God will be there, and I just have to keep excercising my trust in him!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Fully Alive
Fully Alive
I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fearof falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days,
to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible,
to loosen my heartuntil it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance;
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.
- Dawna Markova
One of my lecturers shared this with the class this week, and it was so evocative of many things I have been thinking through this year. The picture of a bird soaring on the wind has been one that continues to come back to me, and this poem reminded me of that, and much more. Enjoy!
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Melbourne
I went to Melbourne for work last weekend. It was awesome, but completely exhausting, and different to the time there that I had expected. Apart from catching up with a good friend from HK, we really did see the hotel room, the convention centre, and the walk down the river in between!
It was also a lovely time of encouragement, of seeing an eclectic team of people working together- a group who see each other twice a year, as they are all based around the country as reps for the company.
One of the things that most encouraged me, was that yes, we are a mostly peopled by Christians, and, as such, were a company in a mainstream gift show. So, we were representing the company, and as Christians, being ambassadors for God. It was such an encouragement then, to meet other Christians there, and to see people’s reactions as they came onto our stand. Some asked if we were a Christian organization, so we were able to share in different cases, which was absolutely lovely. One pair of women asked, because they have a niece who is 9 and a Christian, so were wondering! In a crazy time away, it was those moments when God broke through in wonderfully life bringing ways which made it all worthwhile.
It was also a lovely time of encouragement, of seeing an eclectic team of people working together- a group who see each other twice a year, as they are all based around the country as reps for the company.
One of the things that most encouraged me, was that yes, we are a mostly peopled by Christians, and, as such, were a company in a mainstream gift show. So, we were representing the company, and as Christians, being ambassadors for God. It was such an encouragement then, to meet other Christians there, and to see people’s reactions as they came onto our stand. Some asked if we were a Christian organization, so we were able to share in different cases, which was absolutely lovely. One pair of women asked, because they have a niece who is 9 and a Christian, so were wondering! In a crazy time away, it was those moments when God broke through in wonderfully life bringing ways which made it all worthwhile.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Isaiah
I have recently started reading Isaiah, and was really stuck by chapter 3 and 4! Chapter 3 starts by describing what sounds like the main building blocks that holds Jerusalem together, from food and water, to leaders, to the average man who does his job, saying he will remove them from their positions and destroy the land, and yet, coming to chapter 4, there is a beautiful picture of love, care, and redemption!! It says…
In that day, the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded amongst the living in Jerusalem. The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and a shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. (Isaiah 4:2-6)
I love that picture, the God has a plan, that he saves, and creates beauty out of what is soiled, washing it clean, and that its’ God that is our hiding place, our refuge who we can turn to, and be protected in the storm and rain.
I have read Isaiah in bits and pieces, but so look forward to reading it again from start to end- like every book of the Bible, there is much treasure within!
In that day, the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded amongst the living in Jerusalem. The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire. Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and a shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. (Isaiah 4:2-6)
I love that picture, the God has a plan, that he saves, and creates beauty out of what is soiled, washing it clean, and that its’ God that is our hiding place, our refuge who we can turn to, and be protected in the storm and rain.
I have read Isaiah in bits and pieces, but so look forward to reading it again from start to end- like every book of the Bible, there is much treasure within!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Making things happen
Ok, this is something I have been thinking around for quite a while now, not really spending too much time thinking on specifically, but just…. On the edges!
When do we wait for God to open the doors to make things happen… and when do we have to go ahead, get stuck into life and help things along??
Abraham and Sarah, for example. God made a promise to Abram, saying that his descendants would be more than the stars in the sky, yet they took things into their own hands, pre-empting God’s plans.
Ruth was very courageous as she put herself in the way of Boaz, which in turn was blessed.
When given the talents, the servants were given the opportunity to take initiative, and were praised accordingly.
I sometimes wonder if I am trying to pre-empt God’s plans. I see where God has made promises in my life, and they haven’t come to pass yet. Do I get courageous like Ruth did in different circumstances, or wait? Or do I take hold of the gifts and talents God has given me, and use them for his Glory? Often I think I am more than a little like the servant that hid his talent, thus squandering it out of fear. Scary thought, and yet…
So, much more to think on, but am glad God’s plans can be trusted, and that we can trust that God has given us tools to use for a reason, and we can use them wisely, but confidently, trusting God at work within each of us!
When do we wait for God to open the doors to make things happen… and when do we have to go ahead, get stuck into life and help things along??
Abraham and Sarah, for example. God made a promise to Abram, saying that his descendants would be more than the stars in the sky, yet they took things into their own hands, pre-empting God’s plans.
Ruth was very courageous as she put herself in the way of Boaz, which in turn was blessed.
When given the talents, the servants were given the opportunity to take initiative, and were praised accordingly.
I sometimes wonder if I am trying to pre-empt God’s plans. I see where God has made promises in my life, and they haven’t come to pass yet. Do I get courageous like Ruth did in different circumstances, or wait? Or do I take hold of the gifts and talents God has given me, and use them for his Glory? Often I think I am more than a little like the servant that hid his talent, thus squandering it out of fear. Scary thought, and yet…
So, much more to think on, but am glad God’s plans can be trusted, and that we can trust that God has given us tools to use for a reason, and we can use them wisely, but confidently, trusting God at work within each of us!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Fear
One friend has written today that she did the thing she feared most, and yes, it's still the most feared thing. Another friend has written today, 'do the thing you fear to do and keep on doing it... that is the quickest and surest way ever yet discovered to conquer fear'. This weekend I have been thinking about things I fear, and the things that stop my from doing what I think I should be doing, or would just really enjoy doing (and on a side note- why DID I say yes to the thing I wanted to say no to, and no to the thing I wanted to say yes to? Glad I don't do that that often... and yet I wonder...., but that's an entirely different topic!).
So, in all this thinking and writing about fear... I, like my friends, I imagine, don't want to be stuck fearing whatever it is we fear... so turn once again to God's perspective.....
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18. It's such a great verse, and such a clear reminder- showing up the lies the are within fear.
Tonight at church too, we are going through Genesis, and were hearing about rainbows, and the covenant that rainbows represent- that God won't destroy us, he loves us, and has compassion. He has made promises to us and he won't break them, even though they may not look the way we want them too! Nice too that here there has been lots of rainbows recently!
God is good!
So, in all this thinking and writing about fear... I, like my friends, I imagine, don't want to be stuck fearing whatever it is we fear... so turn once again to God's perspective.....
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18. It's such a great verse, and such a clear reminder- showing up the lies the are within fear.
Tonight at church too, we are going through Genesis, and were hearing about rainbows, and the covenant that rainbows represent- that God won't destroy us, he loves us, and has compassion. He has made promises to us and he won't break them, even though they may not look the way we want them too! Nice too that here there has been lots of rainbows recently!
God is good!
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Becoming seperate
I have been thinking lately about people and relationships of their different sorts, whatever they may be, and how we impact each other, whether we think we do, or not. We don't often notice how much we influence each other, in positive or negative ways(and here, I am just talking about positive ways), and life is well, lived. It's when we are removed from them in some way, either by circumstances, changes of locations, or seasons finishing(like when you do a course together or something), that we can notice how much others have meant to you.
When I left Hong Kong, I knew I had been changed by that time there, because of the amazing people, the amount of time I had been there, and the life I had lived there, and coming back, I continue to remember that time, and hold on to the lessons learned. And as I continue to 'be here' I am seeing how people effect other people- especially living with a family with 3 little ones, and seeing the impact, both positive and negative of having someone else living in their family. I have been thinking about one friend, and looking reflecting on the good in it all, and being surprised again by how God uses people to highlight things, or bring about change. In this case it's something I never would have dreamt I might be able to do, and right now it's still not a reality, but it seems to fast becomming somethink I will indeed do... which is super scary, impossible and exciting at the same time!!
And as always, the Bible has something to say accordingly!! So, Proverbs 27: 17 says "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another", so I am left feeling so grateful for the people, past, present, future, whether friends for a reason, season or lifetime, what precious people they are!!
When I left Hong Kong, I knew I had been changed by that time there, because of the amazing people, the amount of time I had been there, and the life I had lived there, and coming back, I continue to remember that time, and hold on to the lessons learned. And as I continue to 'be here' I am seeing how people effect other people- especially living with a family with 3 little ones, and seeing the impact, both positive and negative of having someone else living in their family. I have been thinking about one friend, and looking reflecting on the good in it all, and being surprised again by how God uses people to highlight things, or bring about change. In this case it's something I never would have dreamt I might be able to do, and right now it's still not a reality, but it seems to fast becomming somethink I will indeed do... which is super scary, impossible and exciting at the same time!!
And as always, the Bible has something to say accordingly!! So, Proverbs 27: 17 says "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another", so I am left feeling so grateful for the people, past, present, future, whether friends for a reason, season or lifetime, what precious people they are!!
Thursday, July 02, 2009
BBC World Challenge
A few years ago, when I was in Hong Kong, my friend told us all about this awesome idea! The BBC runs a competion each year aimed at encouraging and promoting projects that show innovation and enterprise at a grassroots level.
They are always interesting, and from amazing places throughout the world. The 12 finalists were announced this week, and we are each invited to vote for one, so follow the link here, and see what you think!! Many are on environmental issues this year, and really innovative ideas! I am fascinated by seeing countries where caring for the environment isn't an issue (survival is slightly higher in their prioty list!), so seeing these countries find innovative ways to reuse their resources in a way that benefits them AND the environment is pretty amazing!
Enjoy!
They are always interesting, and from amazing places throughout the world. The 12 finalists were announced this week, and we are each invited to vote for one, so follow the link here, and see what you think!! Many are on environmental issues this year, and really innovative ideas! I am fascinated by seeing countries where caring for the environment isn't an issue (survival is slightly higher in their prioty list!), so seeing these countries find innovative ways to reuse their resources in a way that benefits them AND the environment is pretty amazing!
Enjoy!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Book blog
A good friend has started a blog, posting book reviews! A number of people have been invited to join in, including myself, so feel free to visit some time. I posted on Persuasion, a book I read, as I had heard that a group of friends in HK had read it recently. I love Jane Austen, but hadn't read that before, and really enjoyed it!
When I was asked to blog though, I was a bit stuck because, aside from doing lots of uni work at the time, I was also in various stages of reading 3 different books! Anyway, Persuasion was finished first, and I am now onto another one completely- but will get back to the originals. The one I had origionally planned to blog on, was by one of my favorite authors, Henri Nouwen, a lovely author, Catholic, and Canadian. He has written a book called Clowning in Rome that I have been slowly reading (it's 4 talks in a book), so will hopefully blog on that one soon!
There are quite a few awesome books and people in the world!!!!
When I was asked to blog though, I was a bit stuck because, aside from doing lots of uni work at the time, I was also in various stages of reading 3 different books! Anyway, Persuasion was finished first, and I am now onto another one completely- but will get back to the originals. The one I had origionally planned to blog on, was by one of my favorite authors, Henri Nouwen, a lovely author, Catholic, and Canadian. He has written a book called Clowning in Rome that I have been slowly reading (it's 4 talks in a book), so will hopefully blog on that one soon!
There are quite a few awesome books and people in the world!!!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Highs and Lows
The last 24 hours has been one of extreme highs and lows... A guy I have been really good friends with proved himself someone I can't be friends with anymore, work was complicated, full of miscommunication, and layered with much that I was happy to try and avoid... and my car is at the mechanics, and about to cost more than the original cost of the car... and that's not getting onto some people, whose health isn't what it should be, or terrible accidents have happened.
I am so glad these days don't happen often, in fact, they are rare days. But they aren't fun when they do. I have so very much to give thanks for....I spent a gorgeous weekend with a good friend of mine, my sister is about to have another gorgeous baby, I live in a place that's beyond amazing, with some of the best people in the world, the most amazing friends, studying subjects that I trust will help for a long time to come... and a living relationship with Jesus who loves me, each one of us more than we can possibly imagine!
Colossians 3: 16-17
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
So, after a tough, tough day, it's great to look back, and look ahead with gratitude, and hope for the future:)
I am so glad these days don't happen often, in fact, they are rare days. But they aren't fun when they do. I have so very much to give thanks for....I spent a gorgeous weekend with a good friend of mine, my sister is about to have another gorgeous baby, I live in a place that's beyond amazing, with some of the best people in the world, the most amazing friends, studying subjects that I trust will help for a long time to come... and a living relationship with Jesus who loves me, each one of us more than we can possibly imagine!
Colossians 3: 16-17
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
So, after a tough, tough day, it's great to look back, and look ahead with gratitude, and hope for the future:)
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Don't like, Do like
I don’t like….
Conflict
Destruction
Brokenness
Arguments
Disagreements
Disunity
Stony Silence
Bitterness
Waiting…… to see how things land
I do like…
Love
Peace
Restoration
Forgiveness
Redemption
Wholeness
Contentment
Conversation
Unity
New Life
Growth
Connection
Community
Beauty
The list of likes keeps growing...
Conflict
Destruction
Brokenness
Arguments
Disagreements
Disunity
Stony Silence
Bitterness
Waiting…… to see how things land
I do like…
Love
Peace
Restoration
Forgiveness
Redemption
Wholeness
Contentment
Conversation
Unity
New Life
Growth
Connection
Community
Beauty
The list of likes keeps growing...
Monday, June 01, 2009
A beautiful short story!
Some gorgeous friends of mine have just finished a year at a Bible College in the States, and one had mentioned a writing competition he was going to take part in. I was looking for some encouragement, and reminded of the website of the Church, so went to see if anything new was there, and there is!!!!
So, while it's not my friends story, it is incredibly beautiful, so here I share it with you!
Enjoy!
So, while it's not my friends story, it is incredibly beautiful, so here I share it with you!
Enjoy!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Forgiveness
Without forgiveness we can never be free to try again. Without forgiveness we can never love another person for what that person is, and loving a person for what that person is and how for what we want that person to be is the only kind of love which allows us to live freely without the demands and expectations which cripple and isolate us. Forgiveness and love and inseparable. We cannot have one without the other. We cannot live in relationships with others unless we can forgive others and forgive ourselves.
Dorothy Rowe
I read this as I was researching this assignment, and was stuck by the clarity of it, and the importance of forgiveness, once again.... She's not a Christian by the looks of it, but wow!
Dorothy Rowe
I read this as I was researching this assignment, and was stuck by the clarity of it, and the importance of forgiveness, once again.... She's not a Christian by the looks of it, but wow!
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