Recently I was pondering about my life and I was reminded about The Great Commission that Jesus had given to his disciples. I remembered Pastor Ben often said in the past that if you were to cut a Hope member, he will bleed Great Commission. That was to show how committed Hope member is to The Great Commission. I am wondering whether this is still true now. Will I "bleed Great Commission"?
As a christian, I want to follow Christ and I want Christ to be my master and head. I want to be a disciple of Christ, someone who will obey his commandments and live out his teachings. So I am tasked to fulfil The Great Commission in my lifetime. What does that mean? I am to make disciple who has close relationship with God. I am to teach him/her everything that Christ had taught. It is not just about sharing gospel, it is about continuous sowing, teaching and nurturing.
We are living in the beginning of the end times. If tribulation were to come tomorrow, can my disciples/flock go through it? Can I go through it? The tribulation mention in the bible sounds extremely terrible. Hanhui describe it(during the last WFL) as a time where we might have to choose between our life or Jesus, our fingers or Jesus, our nails or Jesus etc.
I think it is easy for me to say that I can give up my life for Jesus but when I imagine my fingers, nails, eyes or similar kind of torture that I have to go through for Jesus. Can I really hold on to my faith and belief? Or will I give it up to preserve myself?
During the Prayer meet on last Fri, the first and second prophecy encourages me. I was getting discourage but God wants me to know that nothing is more important than to know the fact that He loves me and nothing is more important to Him than to know I love him. I can be joyful always and not to feel discourage even when I don't see fruit in ministry. And the second prophecy talks about The Great Commission. It is exactly what I have been thinking about. It inspired me to do my best to help my sheep, cg and myself to grow in our convictions about God and his teachings and also about the Great Commission. These are the last words of Jesus before he ascend to Heaven. It must be important.
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age. " Matt 28:19-20
May 18, 2009
May 13, 2009
Updates
It has been a long time since I last blog. Now for the updates. For this period of my absence online, I have went through my national service (second last one!!), first paint ball experience, sickness and my first WFL teaching experience.
My national service was a relaxing one. Most of it was preparation and conducting of ranges. There is a change to how the range is to be conducted. Now it is more war-like. Compare to the previous range, this is closer to reality if we really engage enemy. I am glad and proud of such improvement. I hope to see more of such initiative to build up our soldiers to be ready to protect our country when the button is pressed.
Thank God I got marksman (because of team effort) and silver award for my IPPT! My exercise regime works!! I wonder whether I can get Gold next year. Haha.. sounds impossible..
Probably because of the national service, I went to Danga mall with friends and we played archery and paint ball. There isn't much things in Danga mall but archery is quite cheap at RM50 for 150arrows. We had a good time of shooting. And shawn, yeu ann and myself went ahead for paint ball. My first experience there and I ate paint ball within the first 5 min of play. My opponent team was a veteran team. When they are in position, poping my head out means immediate KO. My team were unable to make much advance and we lost. After that, we have a mini game among ourselves and it was quite fun. Yeu ann earned a couple of war scar from Shawn. Next time I will ask more people to go for it. All guys outing to DANGA MALL for PAINT BALL!! haha.. Instead of DOTA, Let's do some real damage in a game of paint ball..
I had fever before I started work again after my national service. In view of the swine flu, I went to consult a doctor to be sure. Thankfully, it was nothing as serious. I was able to resume my work with 1 day of MC. I went to the polyclinic for my consultation. I was glad that the episode of SARS has helped our health care officers to be more ready to handle this new threat. Forms are handled out to be filled, temperature were taken, stickers were given, masks were given as well and a designated area for registration and consultation was given for people like me with symptom of swine flu. Because of this, I took a relatively shorter waiting time for my turn. Praise God.
I had my first teaching session in WFL. It was a humbling experience. I was nervous and appear disorganise and not confident about what I teach. My time and class management wasn't good too. I was really discouraged after that but thank God for my co instructors who were there to give me feedback on what I can do better and what I have done well. I learnt alot from them. My wife gave me alot of support and encouragement along our trip back. She did a good job in easing my heart. Frankly I did think that I am not cut out to teach and wanted to give up teaching in WFL or to large group totally. But to admit defeat isn't what a victorious christian should do and it is a privilege to serve the LORD. I wanted to continue to improve myself to teach better. If I am lacking in knowledge, I will read more. If I am weak in delivery, I will teach more in smaller settings and practice more on my own. Thank God that I have a wife who teach everyday. I can get some tips from her as well. When the privilege comes again, I want to be ready to serve my LORD better. =)
Ok that's all for the moment.
My national service was a relaxing one. Most of it was preparation and conducting of ranges. There is a change to how the range is to be conducted. Now it is more war-like. Compare to the previous range, this is closer to reality if we really engage enemy. I am glad and proud of such improvement. I hope to see more of such initiative to build up our soldiers to be ready to protect our country when the button is pressed.
Thank God I got marksman (because of team effort) and silver award for my IPPT! My exercise regime works!! I wonder whether I can get Gold next year. Haha.. sounds impossible..
Probably because of the national service, I went to Danga mall with friends and we played archery and paint ball. There isn't much things in Danga mall but archery is quite cheap at RM50 for 150arrows. We had a good time of shooting. And shawn, yeu ann and myself went ahead for paint ball. My first experience there and I ate paint ball within the first 5 min of play. My opponent team was a veteran team. When they are in position, poping my head out means immediate KO. My team were unable to make much advance and we lost. After that, we have a mini game among ourselves and it was quite fun. Yeu ann earned a couple of war scar from Shawn. Next time I will ask more people to go for it. All guys outing to DANGA MALL for PAINT BALL!! haha.. Instead of DOTA, Let's do some real damage in a game of paint ball..
I had fever before I started work again after my national service. In view of the swine flu, I went to consult a doctor to be sure. Thankfully, it was nothing as serious. I was able to resume my work with 1 day of MC. I went to the polyclinic for my consultation. I was glad that the episode of SARS has helped our health care officers to be more ready to handle this new threat. Forms are handled out to be filled, temperature were taken, stickers were given, masks were given as well and a designated area for registration and consultation was given for people like me with symptom of swine flu. Because of this, I took a relatively shorter waiting time for my turn. Praise God.
I had my first teaching session in WFL. It was a humbling experience. I was nervous and appear disorganise and not confident about what I teach. My time and class management wasn't good too. I was really discouraged after that but thank God for my co instructors who were there to give me feedback on what I can do better and what I have done well. I learnt alot from them. My wife gave me alot of support and encouragement along our trip back. She did a good job in easing my heart. Frankly I did think that I am not cut out to teach and wanted to give up teaching in WFL or to large group totally. But to admit defeat isn't what a victorious christian should do and it is a privilege to serve the LORD. I wanted to continue to improve myself to teach better. If I am lacking in knowledge, I will read more. If I am weak in delivery, I will teach more in smaller settings and practice more on my own. Thank God that I have a wife who teach everyday. I can get some tips from her as well. When the privilege comes again, I want to be ready to serve my LORD better. =)
Ok that's all for the moment.
Apr 18, 2009
The Emperor's New Suit
This is a childhood story by Hans Christian Anderson. I am sure most of us will be familiar with this story. It was about a King who was crazy about new clothes and he would always spent on new clothes. And one day two swindlers came to him and said that they can manufacture the finest cloth which only the smart people can see it. And the story went on with ministers who went with this lie in order to please the King and not be viewed as stupid. In the end, when the King went around to parade his new suit, no one dared to say that they couldn't see anything. Until a little child said that he got nothing on him.
So what can we learnt from this story? We should be honest with what we see? We shouldn't say things that make us look good? We should dare to make a stand for the truth?
This story reminds me of the advertisement that featured a boy playing tennis. Though he is lousy but the dad only hears the good words from the coach's comments about his son. And there is another one that featured a lady driving horribly but only hear good things from the instructor. Am I like them or the King? We like to hear good things, good comments, encouragement and praises. A lot of time I would really want to skip the time of evaluation which will touch on my failures and weakness.
Who do we listen to? Do we prefer to listen to someone who always say positive things about you or someone who always say negative things about you? I am sure you and me will choose the first. Not sure how many will actually choose the latter. However, we do need people to speak truth into our lives for our own good. Of course tact should be exercised.
"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Proverbs 27:6
Do we really do think so? Sometimes I think I would prefer the kisses from my enemy.
We need friends whom we can trust to say things that can help us to be a better person, to be more effective in what we do or to do the right things. Do we have such friends? Do we value such friends and their comments? Or do we justify ourselves and criticise them for their comments?
There are times when I need empathy and encouragement; there are times when I need rebuke and correction. True friends will provide all these when I need them. Likewise, I would like to be true to all my friends.
So what can we learnt from this story? We should be honest with what we see? We shouldn't say things that make us look good? We should dare to make a stand for the truth?
This story reminds me of the advertisement that featured a boy playing tennis. Though he is lousy but the dad only hears the good words from the coach's comments about his son. And there is another one that featured a lady driving horribly but only hear good things from the instructor. Am I like them or the King? We like to hear good things, good comments, encouragement and praises. A lot of time I would really want to skip the time of evaluation which will touch on my failures and weakness.
Who do we listen to? Do we prefer to listen to someone who always say positive things about you or someone who always say negative things about you? I am sure you and me will choose the first. Not sure how many will actually choose the latter. However, we do need people to speak truth into our lives for our own good. Of course tact should be exercised.
"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Proverbs 27:6
Do we really do think so? Sometimes I think I would prefer the kisses from my enemy.
We need friends whom we can trust to say things that can help us to be a better person, to be more effective in what we do or to do the right things. Do we have such friends? Do we value such friends and their comments? Or do we justify ourselves and criticise them for their comments?
There are times when I need empathy and encouragement; there are times when I need rebuke and correction. True friends will provide all these when I need them. Likewise, I would like to be true to all my friends.
Apr 15, 2009
Project Gracious
An extract from an article in TODAY by Jill Alphonso
“Her experience had me thinking that grace is really about the generosity of spirit and the understanding that we live in a world that is inclusive of other people, rather than exclusive.
Here’s the thing: If we got that (and I mean really got that beyond a theoretical level) then one would naturally act with grace. Meaning, that we would begin to act as if what we do has an impact on other people – just as what they do has an impact on us.
Now, if we really lived the concept of grace, then Singapore’s plague of dirty toilets would no longer exist. Think about it. We’d all use the space as if it mattered; how we treat that space would matter because it would have an impact on someone else down the line.
It’s the same with road etiquette – if we used the roads with grace, we would give way, use our signals. We would understand that we were sharing a space with people, as opposed to simply using the space as a means to get to a destination.
Taking it even further, there would be no war. Not just because it is simply not right to kill another human being, but because one would understand that peace is a far better thing not only for our fellow men, but also our entire planet. (Sit with that, George W. Bush.)
The question here is, do campaigns work? What they do is ask people to perform, and the rub is that performance, unfortunately, can sometimes smack of farce.
And why not? Start with three acts of grace per week. See where you can help impact another human being, even in the smallest way. Stand aside for someone coming out of a train. Let another car get ahead of you when you’re driving. Take dinner around to your neighbour who’s sick. You may not get thanks right away, but don’t do it for yourself. Do it for the good of building a community. Look, no one’s asking you to be a saint, but think about simply being a better human being to those around you, for no other reason than because you can. “
This article struck a chord in my heart. I have the same sentiment about this.
I see people rushing into the MRT cabin before the passengers can alight, I see people occupying more space than they should on public transport with their barang barang. I see people blocking the way by not moving to the back of the bus. I see people not moving into the center of the MRT cabin. I see people not giving up their seats to the elderly, pregnant and parents with baby etc. I see plates, bowls and dirty table. I see tissue papers thrown into basin and dirty toilet bowls. If we can be responsible for our actions and think for others, we can make Singapore a much better place and redeem our bad name.
I remember during my primary school days, I was taught to return the bowls and plates to the respective bins. But why is it different now? Because we do not know where is the collection point? Or the collection point is too far away? Or we think that we are paying for the food, air-con and service, so the cleaner is suppose to clear and clean the table for us? In Siemens cafeteria, we are to return our tray and stuff to the collection point whether we like it or not. There are cleaners, air con and the food aren’t cheap but yet we are expected to do it. Even with oversea guests, they will follow our example and do likewise.
I guess we can say that we know all about these and recognize that they are good. Some may say that others are also doing it. Some may say that they are already doing all of them. I considered myself among the latter group. =p However, I realize this is not always the case for me. I can recall instances when I am talking to someone and not moving inside to the center of the cabin. I can recall instances when a group of us chatting and blocking the whole pavement. I can recall instances when I will stand beside sarah and not move to the back of the bus.
I know I am not perfect, so rather than just pointing finger at others, I will first change myself and influence my friends to do likewise. As a Christian, I guess the benchmark would be higher since I advocate grace and love. Tough man!!! I really need the Holy Spirit to remind me and give me the strength to continue to do good and be a good witness for Him.
“Do for others what you would like them to do for you...” Mt7:12(NLT)
“Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.“ - Phil2:4 (NLT)
Friends, let's show more grace and love in our daily living to make this place a better home.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, let's be a good reflector of God's love and grace through our daily living. We know that all these are not just for the community but all these will be done onto Him.
"Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Mt25:34-36, 40
“Her experience had me thinking that grace is really about the generosity of spirit and the understanding that we live in a world that is inclusive of other people, rather than exclusive.
Here’s the thing: If we got that (and I mean really got that beyond a theoretical level) then one would naturally act with grace. Meaning, that we would begin to act as if what we do has an impact on other people – just as what they do has an impact on us.
Now, if we really lived the concept of grace, then Singapore’s plague of dirty toilets would no longer exist. Think about it. We’d all use the space as if it mattered; how we treat that space would matter because it would have an impact on someone else down the line.
It’s the same with road etiquette – if we used the roads with grace, we would give way, use our signals. We would understand that we were sharing a space with people, as opposed to simply using the space as a means to get to a destination.
Taking it even further, there would be no war. Not just because it is simply not right to kill another human being, but because one would understand that peace is a far better thing not only for our fellow men, but also our entire planet. (Sit with that, George W. Bush.)
The question here is, do campaigns work? What they do is ask people to perform, and the rub is that performance, unfortunately, can sometimes smack of farce.
And why not? Start with three acts of grace per week. See where you can help impact another human being, even in the smallest way. Stand aside for someone coming out of a train. Let another car get ahead of you when you’re driving. Take dinner around to your neighbour who’s sick. You may not get thanks right away, but don’t do it for yourself. Do it for the good of building a community. Look, no one’s asking you to be a saint, but think about simply being a better human being to those around you, for no other reason than because you can. “
This article struck a chord in my heart. I have the same sentiment about this.
I see people rushing into the MRT cabin before the passengers can alight, I see people occupying more space than they should on public transport with their barang barang. I see people blocking the way by not moving to the back of the bus. I see people not moving into the center of the MRT cabin. I see people not giving up their seats to the elderly, pregnant and parents with baby etc. I see plates, bowls and dirty table. I see tissue papers thrown into basin and dirty toilet bowls. If we can be responsible for our actions and think for others, we can make Singapore a much better place and redeem our bad name.
I remember during my primary school days, I was taught to return the bowls and plates to the respective bins. But why is it different now? Because we do not know where is the collection point? Or the collection point is too far away? Or we think that we are paying for the food, air-con and service, so the cleaner is suppose to clear and clean the table for us? In Siemens cafeteria, we are to return our tray and stuff to the collection point whether we like it or not. There are cleaners, air con and the food aren’t cheap but yet we are expected to do it. Even with oversea guests, they will follow our example and do likewise.
I guess we can say that we know all about these and recognize that they are good. Some may say that others are also doing it. Some may say that they are already doing all of them. I considered myself among the latter group. =p However, I realize this is not always the case for me. I can recall instances when I am talking to someone and not moving inside to the center of the cabin. I can recall instances when a group of us chatting and blocking the whole pavement. I can recall instances when I will stand beside sarah and not move to the back of the bus.
I know I am not perfect, so rather than just pointing finger at others, I will first change myself and influence my friends to do likewise. As a Christian, I guess the benchmark would be higher since I advocate grace and love. Tough man!!! I really need the Holy Spirit to remind me and give me the strength to continue to do good and be a good witness for Him.
“Do for others what you would like them to do for you...” Mt7:12(NLT)
“Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.“ - Phil2:4 (NLT)
Friends, let's show more grace and love in our daily living to make this place a better home.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, let's be a good reflector of God's love and grace through our daily living. We know that all these are not just for the community but all these will be done onto Him.
"Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Mt25:34-36, 40
Apr 13, 2009
How to be happier at work.
Found this interesting article. I think it will be very helpful especially on Monday. =)
1. Check for eyestrain by putting your hand to your forehead in a salute. If your eyes feel relieved, your work space is too bright.
I think this is really very useful.
2. Sit up straight with your shoulder down — every time I adjust my sitting position, I instantly feel more energetic and cheerier.
I tried this and it works =)
3. Get a phone headset. I resisted for a long time, because it looks so preposterous, but it’s really much more comfortable. Also, it lets me pace while I talk on the phone, which also looks preposterous, but is energizing.
Never try this.. Probably I should make better use of my bluetooth headset.
4. Don’t keep candy on your desk. Studies show that people are much more likely to snack when a treat is within easy reach, and a handful of M&Ms each day could mean a weight gain of five pounds by year’s end.
I got a drawer full of food... Haha
5. Never say “yes” on the phone; instead, say, “I’ll get back to you.” When you’re actually speaking to someone, the desire to be accommodating is very strong, and can lead you to say “yes” without enough consideration. Along the same lines…
I think this is great advice.
6. When deciding whether to say “yes,” imagine that you’re accepting a job that you’ll have to do next week. Don’t agree to something just because it seems so far off that it doesn’t seem onerous.
Think ahead is prudent
7. Don’t let yourself get too hungry, eat regularly.
This is important and I fully agree with it. This is why I got that drawer of food... haha
8. Take care of difficult calls, tasks, or emails as quickly as possible. Procrastinating makes them harder; getting them done gives a big boost of relieved energy.
I have to discipline myself in this. Procrastination happens to me regularly.
9. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, think hard about how you spend your time. Be honest. How much time do you spend surfing the internet, looking for things you’ve misplaced, or doing a task that’s really someone else’s job? Also…
This is so true. Sometimes time is spent on inappropriate stuffs.
10. Let yourself stay ignorant of things you don’t need to know.
Don't understand this... probably not to be busybody keke
11. Go outside at least once a day, and if possible, take a walk. The sunlight and activity is good for your focus, mood, and retention of information.
I usually treat myself a walk to buy my favourite drink during afternoon tea break.
12. Say “Good morning” to everyone. Social contact is cheering, and if you feel that you’re on good terms with all the people in your office, you’ll be happier each day. Also, it’s polite.
This is so not me... I think I will just stick a big smile on my face for a start.
1. Check for eyestrain by putting your hand to your forehead in a salute. If your eyes feel relieved, your work space is too bright.
I think this is really very useful.
2. Sit up straight with your shoulder down — every time I adjust my sitting position, I instantly feel more energetic and cheerier.
I tried this and it works =)
3. Get a phone headset. I resisted for a long time, because it looks so preposterous, but it’s really much more comfortable. Also, it lets me pace while I talk on the phone, which also looks preposterous, but is energizing.
Never try this.. Probably I should make better use of my bluetooth headset.
4. Don’t keep candy on your desk. Studies show that people are much more likely to snack when a treat is within easy reach, and a handful of M&Ms each day could mean a weight gain of five pounds by year’s end.
I got a drawer full of food... Haha
5. Never say “yes” on the phone; instead, say, “I’ll get back to you.” When you’re actually speaking to someone, the desire to be accommodating is very strong, and can lead you to say “yes” without enough consideration. Along the same lines…
I think this is great advice.
6. When deciding whether to say “yes,” imagine that you’re accepting a job that you’ll have to do next week. Don’t agree to something just because it seems so far off that it doesn’t seem onerous.
Think ahead is prudent
7. Don’t let yourself get too hungry, eat regularly.
This is important and I fully agree with it. This is why I got that drawer of food... haha
8. Take care of difficult calls, tasks, or emails as quickly as possible. Procrastinating makes them harder; getting them done gives a big boost of relieved energy.
I have to discipline myself in this. Procrastination happens to me regularly.
9. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, think hard about how you spend your time. Be honest. How much time do you spend surfing the internet, looking for things you’ve misplaced, or doing a task that’s really someone else’s job? Also…
This is so true. Sometimes time is spent on inappropriate stuffs.
10. Let yourself stay ignorant of things you don’t need to know.
Don't understand this... probably not to be busybody keke
11. Go outside at least once a day, and if possible, take a walk. The sunlight and activity is good for your focus, mood, and retention of information.
I usually treat myself a walk to buy my favourite drink during afternoon tea break.
12. Say “Good morning” to everyone. Social contact is cheering, and if you feel that you’re on good terms with all the people in your office, you’ll be happier each day. Also, it’s polite.
This is so not me... I think I will just stick a big smile on my face for a start.
My Job
I wanted to post this last week but I didn't find time to do it. Recently, my department had a restructuring. My boss is now fully in charge of all the products that my department is offering. And there is a GM who will be in charge of the products that we were previously selling for ASEAN region. I thought we were to report to this GM but last week I realise that my division(product) will only focus on Singapore business. That means to say, I do not need to fly and I will not be supporting Southeast asia business. And I will need to learn the other products and support technically.
When I told my wife about this, she exclaimed that I was demoted. That was right too since I was in regional support before and now it became local support. When I looked at the structure of my division, I thought the structure could be leaner. AND I found my position to be quite redundant. haha.. (from my point of view) Initially I joined this division because of it's regional portfolio. Now it had changed, I thought I was put in a crossroad again. I had to make some plans and decision. Should I stay and learn new things and hope that the business will get better and I can keep my job here? Or should I look for greener pastures out there? Should I do project? Should I upgrade my knowledge? Should I try other industries? Should I join institutions?
Shrug.. I am still thinking about it. Probably I will stay and learn the new products first. I always want to learn new things. This new knowledge could be helpful to me in future. =) However through this, I experienced the stress, fears, uncertainty and worries of losing my job. I didn't take it too hard. (since I wasn't actually out of job) But I am preparing for the changes that may come. I know God will still provide and I can still find a job. I was just wondering what is His plan for me and where is He leading me towards in my career. I want to contribute in my work and not to do it only as a livelihood.
When I told my wife about this, she exclaimed that I was demoted. That was right too since I was in regional support before and now it became local support. When I looked at the structure of my division, I thought the structure could be leaner. AND I found my position to be quite redundant. haha.. (from my point of view) Initially I joined this division because of it's regional portfolio. Now it had changed, I thought I was put in a crossroad again. I had to make some plans and decision. Should I stay and learn new things and hope that the business will get better and I can keep my job here? Or should I look for greener pastures out there? Should I do project? Should I upgrade my knowledge? Should I try other industries? Should I join institutions?
Shrug.. I am still thinking about it. Probably I will stay and learn the new products first. I always want to learn new things. This new knowledge could be helpful to me in future. =) However through this, I experienced the stress, fears, uncertainty and worries of losing my job. I didn't take it too hard. (since I wasn't actually out of job) But I am preparing for the changes that may come. I know God will still provide and I can still find a job. I was just wondering what is His plan for me and where is He leading me towards in my career. I want to contribute in my work and not to do it only as a livelihood.
Apr 3, 2009
Holy Discontent...
I am encouraged by people's concern for me when they read my last blog. Thanks for your concerns. Sorry that I was quite tied up this week. I realise For last entry and this, I seems to have changed my style of blogging. =p Think this is ok since I want this blog to be real, to reflect what I am or was thinking about.
Yesterday I was really stressed because I couldn't find good trailer clips for today's movie night. My wife was preparing for her script for the movie night but she still helped me. Thank God for a good wife. =) I also received another challenge last night. Haha.. Life is getting more and more exciting.
Anyway as I was planning this movie night, it brought back memories of the times in university group. I was in charge of event management. The tight deadline, the pressure, the coordination and the amount of things to do are similar. It took me around 1-2 years back then to get used to it and I even set up a system for events, especially those on regular basis, to avoid such intense moments.
The holy discontent in me for this area surfaced again... This isn't the best. Through my years in church, I saw alot of pastoral leaders taking up lots of roles and responsibilities and always so busy. I don't think this is good for them. There are members in the church with the right skills and with more free time. These are opportunities for them to get involved and serve in their strength!! However it isn't our culture to volunteer or to initiate. This has been the challenge. Personally, my discontent lies in the area of resource management. I have been taught to be versatile, to improvise and to find the best solution to problem. I will try to look for shortcut or a better way of doing things.
Sometimes I have this strong sentiment of "there must be a better way of doing this" and I will put on my thinking cap and ponder and try to find that "better way". Before 2004/5 I will just know it in my head but after I learnt the goodness of setting up system, I see the benefits it can have in putting all those considerations and experiences that I have in words. It will be a painful process for me ( I am not a word or structure person). I remember the resistence I put up when I was told to come up with a system for event management. Haha..
When Eugene challenge the sub district group to think of what each one of us can contribute to the group, I thought of some possible ideas. I envision members stepping out to initiate something that he/she likes or passionate about that will inspire like minded members or benefit the rest of the group in some ways. One of them was to see members who are passionate about exercise, aerobics and even nutrition to come together to champion in the health and fitness aspect. They can plan for sports day, regular exercise regime, introduce new aerobics or health seminars which will benefit the working adults who don't set aside time for this. They will be promoting what they like and I am sure they will enjoy themselves while doing it. Those of you who are frustrated about the lack of avenue for health and fitness in the group, probably you can channel those frustration into something powerful. Initiate something, plan something, gather like minded people, DO SOMETHING! =p
Ideally ministry should be done this way with all these pull and push factors. =) I guess there are pull and push factors in play when I start the couple gathering. I see the need and benefits for such gathering and Eugene is supportive and open to this and off we go, we started our first gathering. Now I am planning for the second one on 11th April. =)
Recently a brother who has passion in writing wrote a children story book for a competition with another sister. I thought it was a good start and now he gathered a group of like minded brothers and sisters to join him and they are having their first meet up soon. Praise God for his passion and initiative. I pray for blessing and anointing upon this writers' group and may God bless their works and use them to influence and impact people around them.
I pray that God will instill greater passion in my brothers and sisters and lead them to step out to initiate and champion in their areas of passion and strength. It may start out small but just like a mustard seed sized faith that can move mountains, I am sure God will honour those who use their talents and passion to glorify Him.
Yesterday I was really stressed because I couldn't find good trailer clips for today's movie night. My wife was preparing for her script for the movie night but she still helped me. Thank God for a good wife. =) I also received another challenge last night. Haha.. Life is getting more and more exciting.
Anyway as I was planning this movie night, it brought back memories of the times in university group. I was in charge of event management. The tight deadline, the pressure, the coordination and the amount of things to do are similar. It took me around 1-2 years back then to get used to it and I even set up a system for events, especially those on regular basis, to avoid such intense moments.
The holy discontent in me for this area surfaced again... This isn't the best. Through my years in church, I saw alot of pastoral leaders taking up lots of roles and responsibilities and always so busy. I don't think this is good for them. There are members in the church with the right skills and with more free time. These are opportunities for them to get involved and serve in their strength!! However it isn't our culture to volunteer or to initiate. This has been the challenge. Personally, my discontent lies in the area of resource management. I have been taught to be versatile, to improvise and to find the best solution to problem. I will try to look for shortcut or a better way of doing things.
Sometimes I have this strong sentiment of "there must be a better way of doing this" and I will put on my thinking cap and ponder and try to find that "better way". Before 2004/5 I will just know it in my head but after I learnt the goodness of setting up system, I see the benefits it can have in putting all those considerations and experiences that I have in words. It will be a painful process for me ( I am not a word or structure person). I remember the resistence I put up when I was told to come up with a system for event management. Haha..
When Eugene challenge the sub district group to think of what each one of us can contribute to the group, I thought of some possible ideas. I envision members stepping out to initiate something that he/she likes or passionate about that will inspire like minded members or benefit the rest of the group in some ways. One of them was to see members who are passionate about exercise, aerobics and even nutrition to come together to champion in the health and fitness aspect. They can plan for sports day, regular exercise regime, introduce new aerobics or health seminars which will benefit the working adults who don't set aside time for this. They will be promoting what they like and I am sure they will enjoy themselves while doing it. Those of you who are frustrated about the lack of avenue for health and fitness in the group, probably you can channel those frustration into something powerful. Initiate something, plan something, gather like minded people, DO SOMETHING! =p
Ideally ministry should be done this way with all these pull and push factors. =) I guess there are pull and push factors in play when I start the couple gathering. I see the need and benefits for such gathering and Eugene is supportive and open to this and off we go, we started our first gathering. Now I am planning for the second one on 11th April. =)
Recently a brother who has passion in writing wrote a children story book for a competition with another sister. I thought it was a good start and now he gathered a group of like minded brothers and sisters to join him and they are having their first meet up soon. Praise God for his passion and initiative. I pray for blessing and anointing upon this writers' group and may God bless their works and use them to influence and impact people around them.
I pray that God will instill greater passion in my brothers and sisters and lead them to step out to initiate and champion in their areas of passion and strength. It may start out small but just like a mustard seed sized faith that can move mountains, I am sure God will honour those who use their talents and passion to glorify Him.
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