Today was a very significant day for the Tan household.
It was our first Good Friday service at SDA, our congregation's spiritual home for the next 52 weeks, and also our first Combined Good Friday Service at Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre.
Being in a tiny room with just one guitarist, one drummer and a keyboardist (me) and rows of chairs - no pews - reminded me of my MYF and VCF days. Really, what more do we need to worship God meaningfully?
At the combined service, I was overwhelmed by the number of people present. All these my brothers and sisters from churches all over Wyndham. People I might have met in the Plaza or at school or on the street but never knew were fellow believers.
I loved the seamlessness of the musos (the mark of true professionals) and the way each pastor spoke masterfully during his allotted time, then made way for the next person.
Each led in his own special way, and each exhibited the sincerity, conviction and authenticity that to me is evidence of God's grace at work in his life.
I was particularly bowled over by the pastor who reminded us that in Australia, there are only two days in the year when Coles, Woolworths and Bunnings are closed: the day Jesus died, and the day He rose again.
Amen to that eternal and unchanging truth!
May all who have yet to say yes have that opportunity to do so before Jesus returns.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Feng Shui and the Christian
This post is inspired by some material I received last night on Diamond Feng Shui, which you can read about here if you are interested.
Feng Shui (风水), which in Chinese means "wind water", is the ancient art of living in harmony with your physical environment. The Chinese believe that how you position the rooms in your house (even the facing of your doorway) and how you align your workspace affects your health, relationships, prosperity and how well you do in your career.
As a Singaporean Chinese, I grew up hearing my aunts insist that when you buy a house, you must make sure there isn't running water in front of your house (your luck will flow away).
I have a Malaysian friend who not too long ago managed to diagnose her friend's family problems - without having been told what they were - the minute she stepped through the door of the friend's house. Apparently, the master bedroom was near the entrance (as contemporary Aussie floorplans tend to be), there was a spiral staircase right in the centre of the foyer as you entered, there was an empty bedroom directly above the kitchen that had its windows permanently shut, etc etc.
I listened with fascination as my friend explained why all these living arrangements were incompatible with family harmony, finances and career progress. Her friend took her advice to heart and eventually sold up and moved out of the house.
Feng shui has become very popular in the West and is increasingly touted as a means of attaining or increasing one's health, wealth and success.
As a student of personal development and a Christian, I constantly ask myself if what I am learning is compatible with my faith. Is it wrong to observe and apply natural laws that ultimately were made by God?
If the position of my bed does in fact disrupt the energy and harmony of my marriage relationship, why wouldn't I reposition it?
If painting my wall a certain colour would encourage the inflow of money, why wouldn't I do it?
Those are all things I already desire: a loving relationship with my husband, more money so that I have the freedom to choose how I work without being tied down by I-need-money-to-pay-bills pressure.
If that's all it takes - moving things around the house - it doesn't seem too much to ask. After all, my understanding and knowledge are limited. Why not take advantage of someone else's wisdom, especially if that wisdom is thousands of years old and has proven beneficial for other people?
The tricky part comes, I think, when we give full credit to the Creation but forget to acknowledge the Creator.
And that is where most personal development practices and philosophies differ from the Christian faith.
Gurus like to talk about the laws of the universe, the Law of Attraction, natural laws etc and to persuade us to believe that the Universe wants us to succeed and is waiting to give us good things.
Well, the Universe as I know it is also a created thing. It did not come from nowhere. Its source is God. It deserves no more adulation and recognition than a beautiful flower or painting. It's like saying the Mona Lisa is one of the finest works of art of all time - and stopping there.
The Mona Lisa is the work of a person. And the Universe is the work of God.
The laws of energy or qi ( 气). The Law of Attraction. The laws of the Universe. All these are but human observations and interpretations of what God put in place at the beginning when he made the heavens and the earth.
During the time of Daniel the prophet, there were wise men and astrologers in King Nebuchadnezzar's palace. But none could equal the ability of Daniel. Not only could he interpret the king's dream, he could tell the king what that dream was. All the other wise men operated on the basis of "tell me your dream, and I will tell you what it means".
Daniel's ability did not come from himself, but from God. He was trying to save himself and the other wise men from an unfair execution. So he specifically asked God for the wisdom to know the king's dream and the meaning of it - and God honoured his request. Daniel made it very clear to the king that his special ability came from God. He gave God all the glory. He did not attribute his success to the stars or to himself.
Because it was so obvious that no one else in all the kingdom could match Daniel's supernatural ability, the king had no hesitation in accepting that Daniel's God was superior to all other gods. So in staying true to God and acknowledging His sovereignty and power, Daniel was materially rewarded.
So back to the question: can a Christian believe and practise the natural laws put in place by God?
I think the answer is yes, but the Christian has to tread very carefully.
As long as the Christian gives God the glory as Creator, He can enjoy and partake of the beauty, abundance and richness of Creation and all its amazing benefits. He can learn about the healing properties of herbs to improve his health and the health of loved ones. He can study those who are successful at what they do and who live inspired, fulfilling lives of service to others. He can study feng shui and how it affects his relationships, career and finances.
But he must never confuse the Creator with the created and fall into the delusion that he is the master of his own destiny and the author of his life script.
In a very limited sense, he is those things. Day to day, he makes choices that lead him in a certain direction and ultimately shape his life course.
But over and above all these, God is directing and shaping his course. God already knows what will happen next. If a person does not acknowledge God's role in his life and understand that he too is but part of Creation and his life is not his own, he is misguided.
This is a hard truth for the pre-Christian to accept. We would rather believe that we are the masters of our own destiny and that we can create the future we want.
Me?
Having seen the outcomes of some of my decisions and choices, I am glad - relieved - that it is not entirely up to me to determine my future. I would only make a hash of it. Either by being too much of something, or too little. My ego would get in the way. My lack of knowledge would trip me up. My fears would hold me back. In the end, I would be going forward and backward but making no real progress.
At the most, I am but a co-creator alongside God, in those situations where He graciously permits me to participate (like motherhood and childbirth).
And at the other end of the spectrum, I am one of His created. Made in His image and likeness, but a flawed representation in need of regular rescue and touch-ups.
Thank God for that.
Feng Shui (风水), which in Chinese means "wind water", is the ancient art of living in harmony with your physical environment. The Chinese believe that how you position the rooms in your house (even the facing of your doorway) and how you align your workspace affects your health, relationships, prosperity and how well you do in your career.
As a Singaporean Chinese, I grew up hearing my aunts insist that when you buy a house, you must make sure there isn't running water in front of your house (your luck will flow away).
I have a Malaysian friend who not too long ago managed to diagnose her friend's family problems - without having been told what they were - the minute she stepped through the door of the friend's house. Apparently, the master bedroom was near the entrance (as contemporary Aussie floorplans tend to be), there was a spiral staircase right in the centre of the foyer as you entered, there was an empty bedroom directly above the kitchen that had its windows permanently shut, etc etc.
I listened with fascination as my friend explained why all these living arrangements were incompatible with family harmony, finances and career progress. Her friend took her advice to heart and eventually sold up and moved out of the house.
Feng shui has become very popular in the West and is increasingly touted as a means of attaining or increasing one's health, wealth and success.
As a student of personal development and a Christian, I constantly ask myself if what I am learning is compatible with my faith. Is it wrong to observe and apply natural laws that ultimately were made by God?
If the position of my bed does in fact disrupt the energy and harmony of my marriage relationship, why wouldn't I reposition it?
If painting my wall a certain colour would encourage the inflow of money, why wouldn't I do it?
Those are all things I already desire: a loving relationship with my husband, more money so that I have the freedom to choose how I work without being tied down by I-need-money-to-pay-bills pressure.
If that's all it takes - moving things around the house - it doesn't seem too much to ask. After all, my understanding and knowledge are limited. Why not take advantage of someone else's wisdom, especially if that wisdom is thousands of years old and has proven beneficial for other people?
The tricky part comes, I think, when we give full credit to the Creation but forget to acknowledge the Creator.
And that is where most personal development practices and philosophies differ from the Christian faith.
Gurus like to talk about the laws of the universe, the Law of Attraction, natural laws etc and to persuade us to believe that the Universe wants us to succeed and is waiting to give us good things.
Well, the Universe as I know it is also a created thing. It did not come from nowhere. Its source is God. It deserves no more adulation and recognition than a beautiful flower or painting. It's like saying the Mona Lisa is one of the finest works of art of all time - and stopping there.
The Mona Lisa is the work of a person. And the Universe is the work of God.
The laws of energy or qi ( 气). The Law of Attraction. The laws of the Universe. All these are but human observations and interpretations of what God put in place at the beginning when he made the heavens and the earth.
During the time of Daniel the prophet, there were wise men and astrologers in King Nebuchadnezzar's palace. But none could equal the ability of Daniel. Not only could he interpret the king's dream, he could tell the king what that dream was. All the other wise men operated on the basis of "tell me your dream, and I will tell you what it means".
Daniel's ability did not come from himself, but from God. He was trying to save himself and the other wise men from an unfair execution. So he specifically asked God for the wisdom to know the king's dream and the meaning of it - and God honoured his request. Daniel made it very clear to the king that his special ability came from God. He gave God all the glory. He did not attribute his success to the stars or to himself.
Because it was so obvious that no one else in all the kingdom could match Daniel's supernatural ability, the king had no hesitation in accepting that Daniel's God was superior to all other gods. So in staying true to God and acknowledging His sovereignty and power, Daniel was materially rewarded.
So back to the question: can a Christian believe and practise the natural laws put in place by God?
I think the answer is yes, but the Christian has to tread very carefully.
As long as the Christian gives God the glory as Creator, He can enjoy and partake of the beauty, abundance and richness of Creation and all its amazing benefits. He can learn about the healing properties of herbs to improve his health and the health of loved ones. He can study those who are successful at what they do and who live inspired, fulfilling lives of service to others. He can study feng shui and how it affects his relationships, career and finances.
But he must never confuse the Creator with the created and fall into the delusion that he is the master of his own destiny and the author of his life script.
In a very limited sense, he is those things. Day to day, he makes choices that lead him in a certain direction and ultimately shape his life course.
But over and above all these, God is directing and shaping his course. God already knows what will happen next. If a person does not acknowledge God's role in his life and understand that he too is but part of Creation and his life is not his own, he is misguided.
This is a hard truth for the pre-Christian to accept. We would rather believe that we are the masters of our own destiny and that we can create the future we want.
Me?
Having seen the outcomes of some of my decisions and choices, I am glad - relieved - that it is not entirely up to me to determine my future. I would only make a hash of it. Either by being too much of something, or too little. My ego would get in the way. My lack of knowledge would trip me up. My fears would hold me back. In the end, I would be going forward and backward but making no real progress.
At the most, I am but a co-creator alongside God, in those situations where He graciously permits me to participate (like motherhood and childbirth).
And at the other end of the spectrum, I am one of His created. Made in His image and likeness, but a flawed representation in need of regular rescue and touch-ups.
Thank God for that.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thoughts on Ageing
Lately, I have been thinking about ageing.
It started with the shocking discovery of 5 or 6 white hairs on the top of my head. I haven't had my hair coloured since I was pregnant with my younger daughter, who just turned 2. I've no plans to dye my hair for the sake of covering up the evidence of ageing. I may change my mind though.
Today, I was thinking about something that I find profoundly difficult: my mother. What will I do as she gets older? Will I have to move back to Sg? If I don't move in with her, what kind of example will I be setting for my children? And if I do move in with her, how will I cope with all the emotional baggage from our dysfunctional relationship that I've suppressed for the past 20 years?
I read stories of people who have done well and wonder: what will it be like when my husband and I are in our 50's? Will we have the means and the options, or will our options be constrained by our means? Will we do a sea change - retirement village - aged care home, and all the way the gradual but certain descent into physical immobility?
Two things remind me of how transient and irrelevant all these anxieties are. At the same time, the words of One who was both human and divine come back to me. Life is meant to be abundant and joyful, regardless of one's personal circumstances and bank balance.
"I am come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly."
The first is The Shack, one of the most uplifting and transforming books I've read.
In the novel, Jesus tells me what I need to know but have forgotten.
It started with the shocking discovery of 5 or 6 white hairs on the top of my head. I haven't had my hair coloured since I was pregnant with my younger daughter, who just turned 2. I've no plans to dye my hair for the sake of covering up the evidence of ageing. I may change my mind though.
Today, I was thinking about something that I find profoundly difficult: my mother. What will I do as she gets older? Will I have to move back to Sg? If I don't move in with her, what kind of example will I be setting for my children? And if I do move in with her, how will I cope with all the emotional baggage from our dysfunctional relationship that I've suppressed for the past 20 years?
I read stories of people who have done well and wonder: what will it be like when my husband and I are in our 50's? Will we have the means and the options, or will our options be constrained by our means? Will we do a sea change - retirement village - aged care home, and all the way the gradual but certain descent into physical immobility?
Two things remind me of how transient and irrelevant all these anxieties are. At the same time, the words of One who was both human and divine come back to me. Life is meant to be abundant and joyful, regardless of one's personal circumstances and bank balance.
"I am come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly."
The first is The Shack, one of the most uplifting and transforming books I've read.
In the novel, Jesus tells me what I need to know but have forgotten.
- Life is about relationships, not rules.
- God is about love (a verb), not religious institutions.
- God doesn't want to make people into Christians; He wants to invite them into a relationship with Him.
- We have inherited a broken world because Adam sinned. If he had resisted the temptation to be independent, we would still be living in Eden and not arguing about climate change. Evil comes from wanting to be independent of God.
- God does not cause tragedy; tragedy is the consequence of a sinful and imperfect world that has chosen to live apart from God. But God can use tragedy to bring about a greater good.
The second reality check came from reading about the work of FoodWaterShelter, an Australian non-profit organization dedicated to buiilding villages for orphans in East Africa. The FWS team is made up completely of volunteers. One of the founding members talked of how she felt frustrated by the inability of many of her countrymen to appreciate how far they had come and how blessed they are.
This extract from the FWS website neatly sums up why they operate the way they do:
By using our creativity and forethought from the outset, we plan to impart knowledge and skills in a way that ensures we are needed less as each project develops. This not only allows us to concentrate our services where they are most required, when they are most required, but also ensures we leave the locals a legacy – and that’s what we’re all about.
In the end, life is about living well and dying well. Raging against the dying of the light is not part of the Grand Design. Life was not meant to be held on to tightly, but is just a doorway to something better and more beautiful and more lasting than our limited minds can imagine. In the meantime, there is much abundant living for me to do, and that includes thinking more about how I can make a difference in the world and less of how I can get those things I think I need to live well (like financial freedom: what does that mean anyway?).
Saturday, November 01, 2008
The Hardest Thing
The greatest challenges before us in the next two years are not getting the manse finished, not designing and rebuilding the church, but enabling all of us to become motivated in the great opportunity we have to serve God together, each of us doing our bit to achieve God's will.
The hardest thing for each of us is not the doing of the task, but deciding first of all that TODAY is the day when I will make myself available to serve.
Pastor Paul Blacker, Crossfire (26 October 2008)
The hardest thing for each of us is not the doing of the task, but deciding first of all that TODAY is the day when I will make myself available to serve.
Pastor Paul Blacker, Crossfire (26 October 2008)
Monday, October 27, 2008
Are You Part Of The Team?
Last Sunday, our pastor said something that I can still remember one week on - a rare thing for me.
Speaking about teamwork and the future direction of HXUCA, he asked, "Are you ready to go from being part of the team to being part of the Dream Team?"
Here's my interpretation of what that means.
When you're part of the Dream Team, you belong with those who
To that end, blank sheets have been put up on the noticeboard in church to encourage members to write down ideas and activities that they want to see in 2009 for the following areas:
Speaking about teamwork and the future direction of HXUCA, he asked, "Are you ready to go from being part of the team to being part of the Dream Team?"
Here's my interpretation of what that means.
When you're part of the Dream Team, you belong with those who
- make things happen
- drive positive change
- exert strong moral influence in the community
- attract support from people who share your values and love what you do.
To that end, blank sheets have been put up on the noticeboard in church to encourage members to write down ideas and activities that they want to see in 2009 for the following areas:
- Service and Outreach
- Worship
- Education
- Hospitality
- Fellowship
Action Challenge
What about you, are you part of the Dream Team in your place of work/service?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
What's The Purpose Of Your Work?
Your work is what you do, be it paid or unpaid. Volunteer work is work too, because you are giving of your time, talents and skills to create value and add value to others.
What is the purpose of your work?
Is it just to earn a living and to get by?
What is the purpose of your business or project or whatever it is you spend your time doing?
I was speaking with a friend recently and she said something that I feel we need to ask ourselves from time to time.
My friend and two other persons founded the Opportunity Shop in our church. The opp shop fulfills a great community need in our mortgage-belt suburb. It provides a low-cost place to purchase clothing, household appliances, personal accessories and all those random things we need to have a reasonably comfortable life. These items are donated by people who no longer need them, and are then cleaned, made presentable and resold at a very low cost to the community.
My friend tells me that the opp shop's income has steadily risen in the last few years, and a lot of it is due to people feeling the pinch and trying to find ways to save money. She tells me that recently, the opp shop received some feedback suggesting that they should up their prices so they can make a bigger profit.
But my friend feels that this is the wrong way to go. The purpose of the opp shop is not to make lots of money. Its primary purpose is to meet a community need. If it prices its items beyond the reach of ordinary folk who need them, it would make more money but fail in its mission of serving the poor and needy. So my friend - bless her - is standing her ground on this issue.
We too can gain a lot of clarity and energy in our lives if we go back to basics and ask ourselves some questions:
What is our life purpose?
What is our career purpose?
Why did we choose this job or this organization or this industry?
Are our spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual needs being met by what we spend most of our time and energy doing?
Are we living in harmony with our purpose?
What is the purpose of your work?
Is it just to earn a living and to get by?
What is the purpose of your business or project or whatever it is you spend your time doing?
I was speaking with a friend recently and she said something that I feel we need to ask ourselves from time to time.
My friend and two other persons founded the Opportunity Shop in our church. The opp shop fulfills a great community need in our mortgage-belt suburb. It provides a low-cost place to purchase clothing, household appliances, personal accessories and all those random things we need to have a reasonably comfortable life. These items are donated by people who no longer need them, and are then cleaned, made presentable and resold at a very low cost to the community.
My friend tells me that the opp shop's income has steadily risen in the last few years, and a lot of it is due to people feeling the pinch and trying to find ways to save money. She tells me that recently, the opp shop received some feedback suggesting that they should up their prices so they can make a bigger profit.
But my friend feels that this is the wrong way to go. The purpose of the opp shop is not to make lots of money. Its primary purpose is to meet a community need. If it prices its items beyond the reach of ordinary folk who need them, it would make more money but fail in its mission of serving the poor and needy. So my friend - bless her - is standing her ground on this issue.
We too can gain a lot of clarity and energy in our lives if we go back to basics and ask ourselves some questions:
What is our life purpose?
What is our career purpose?
Why did we choose this job or this organization or this industry?
Are our spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual needs being met by what we spend most of our time and energy doing?
Are we living in harmony with our purpose?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A Chance To Choose
During a family funeral this week, my aunt shared about her late mum and how she had come to accept Christ just before she passed away.
What persuaded her to say yes to Christ was the fear that she would otherwise not get to see her late husband again, as he had died a Christian.
My aunt thanked God that her parents had "a chance to choose" salvation, and that phrase stayed in my mind.
You and I have a chance to choose too.
This chance is presented to us every single day that we live and breathe.
Do we use it to say yes to Christ and to eternal life with Him, or do we say "no" or "later" and find out too late that we no longer have the chance to choose, because death or disability have robbed us of our abilities?
What persuaded her to say yes to Christ was the fear that she would otherwise not get to see her late husband again, as he had died a Christian.
My aunt thanked God that her parents had "a chance to choose" salvation, and that phrase stayed in my mind.
You and I have a chance to choose too.
This chance is presented to us every single day that we live and breathe.
Do we use it to say yes to Christ and to eternal life with Him, or do we say "no" or "later" and find out too late that we no longer have the chance to choose, because death or disability have robbed us of our abilities?
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Silver Lining
The past week has been harrowing for our church family, particularly the family whose daughter/sister is in hospital with blood clots in her brain.
I want to dwell, not on the medical aspects of the drama that is still unfolding, but on what it has done to our church family.
The silver lining in the cloud, if you will.
HXUCA is outstanding for its hospitality.
CA and I should know, having been warmly embraced and made to feel welcome in so many ways in the past 2 years.
But after what has recently happened, HXUCA can lay claim to another character trait that would make the Apostle Paul proud.
It is the spirit of unity and purpose that Paul wrote about in the book of Philippians, when he exhorted the believers to look out for each other.
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
(Phil.2:1-4)
What I have witnessed in the past week has been just that.
On Thu, when the news broke that S was very ill, emails and phone calls helped the rest of the church family keep informed of what was happening.
On Fri night, a prayer meeting was held.
One of the elders had a brilliant idea. She suggested we create a pink-&-purple prayer chain from rolled up pieces of craft paper joined together. Pink and purple are S's fave colours.
The idea was to fill the chain with messages of encouragement, love and blessing, so S could have something pretty that she can see and touch when she wakes up from her induced coma.
What really touched me about the prayer meeting was the attitude of the people present.
Not for HXUCA men and women the stiff, formal, "proper" prayers I'm so accustomed to.
These were earnest prayers, passionate prayers, prayers of desperation, hope, and faith.
Prayers that emanated from deep within the hearts of those that uttered them.
The requests were bold yet humble.
I tell you, I was so humbled and touched.
Had I been an outsider, I would have been immensely impressed and drawn to the Christian faith.
As a fairly recent member of the HXUCA family, I am so proud of my brothers and sisters for the way they demonstrate so clearly and unabashedly how much they love S and want her to get well.
I am so glad to be a part of this loving family of faith.
I want to dwell, not on the medical aspects of the drama that is still unfolding, but on what it has done to our church family.
The silver lining in the cloud, if you will.
HXUCA is outstanding for its hospitality.
CA and I should know, having been warmly embraced and made to feel welcome in so many ways in the past 2 years.
But after what has recently happened, HXUCA can lay claim to another character trait that would make the Apostle Paul proud.
It is the spirit of unity and purpose that Paul wrote about in the book of Philippians, when he exhorted the believers to look out for each other.
1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
(Phil.2:1-4)
What I have witnessed in the past week has been just that.
On Thu, when the news broke that S was very ill, emails and phone calls helped the rest of the church family keep informed of what was happening.
On Fri night, a prayer meeting was held.
One of the elders had a brilliant idea. She suggested we create a pink-&-purple prayer chain from rolled up pieces of craft paper joined together. Pink and purple are S's fave colours.
The idea was to fill the chain with messages of encouragement, love and blessing, so S could have something pretty that she can see and touch when she wakes up from her induced coma.
What really touched me about the prayer meeting was the attitude of the people present.
Not for HXUCA men and women the stiff, formal, "proper" prayers I'm so accustomed to.
These were earnest prayers, passionate prayers, prayers of desperation, hope, and faith.
Prayers that emanated from deep within the hearts of those that uttered them.
The requests were bold yet humble.
I tell you, I was so humbled and touched.
Had I been an outsider, I would have been immensely impressed and drawn to the Christian faith.
As a fairly recent member of the HXUCA family, I am so proud of my brothers and sisters for the way they demonstrate so clearly and unabashedly how much they love S and want her to get well.
I am so glad to be a part of this loving family of faith.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Why We Need To Learn To Defend Our Faith
Hubby sent me this piece by Catherine Deveny of The Age.
CD can have a pretty heavy, aggressive writing style sometimes, like that of someone bent on a mission to destroy.
Her antithesis would be Stephanie Dowrick, who has a column in GW Magazine.
[SD is an ordained Interfaith Minister and author who writes reflective pieces on kindness, self-awareness, goodwill to all men - you get the idea.]
In her article, Catherine talks about how she grew up in a Christian household. She now proudly declares herself an atheist.
One para in particular caught my eye.
I think she's got it right on when she says Christians can sometimes get defensive and evasive when asked questions about our faith that we cannot readily answer.
"I question some of my progressive, believing mates about if they believe in Noah's ark, the Immaculate Conception, Adam and Eve, the Resurrection, even heaven, and they squirm a little and try to change the subject.
They get vague, defensive and then start muttering something about faith and mystery and a power of love that unites us all.
Sure, it would be easy to torture them, but they're adults and it's their life.
I just can't see why it's so difficult to have a rigorous discussion about it."
I can see why an atheist (or anyone else) would question the credibility of the Christian faith when we who profess to believe cannot give a decent, reasoned defence of our faith.
After all, the apostle Peter himself tells us in 1 Peter 3:15-16:
15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Being a believer is not just a matter of faith.
It is also a matter of engaging the thinking, reasoning mind that we have been blessed with.
Our faith is rooted not in myths and legends but in historically proven and provable events.
Some accounts in the Bible - Creation, The Great Flood - may seem to be completely at odds with what scientists have been telling us for years.
This is where we need to learn to distinguish facts from interpretation.
Two people can be presented with the same set of facts and arrive at different conclusions - because they are viewing the matter through different lenses.
These lenses are the starting point of the reasoning process and represent our values, beliefs, biases and prejudices.
Nobody can claim to be truly impartial or objective.
Not even atheists, who believe there is no God.
That in itself is an assertion, a statement of belief.
(You might even say atheism is a religion in itself.)
Our life experiences, upbringing, the learning and working environments we are exposed to, the culture of our times...all these are factors that influence why we think the way we do.
If you want a reasoned, rational way of looking at the issues raised by Catherine (Noah's Ark, Adam and Eve), I would highly recommend these resources:
CD can have a pretty heavy, aggressive writing style sometimes, like that of someone bent on a mission to destroy.
Her antithesis would be Stephanie Dowrick, who has a column in GW Magazine.
[SD is an ordained Interfaith Minister and author who writes reflective pieces on kindness, self-awareness, goodwill to all men - you get the idea.]
In her article, Catherine talks about how she grew up in a Christian household. She now proudly declares herself an atheist.
One para in particular caught my eye.
I think she's got it right on when she says Christians can sometimes get defensive and evasive when asked questions about our faith that we cannot readily answer.
"I question some of my progressive, believing mates about if they believe in Noah's ark, the Immaculate Conception, Adam and Eve, the Resurrection, even heaven, and they squirm a little and try to change the subject.
They get vague, defensive and then start muttering something about faith and mystery and a power of love that unites us all.
Sure, it would be easy to torture them, but they're adults and it's their life.
I just can't see why it's so difficult to have a rigorous discussion about it."
I can see why an atheist (or anyone else) would question the credibility of the Christian faith when we who profess to believe cannot give a decent, reasoned defence of our faith.
After all, the apostle Peter himself tells us in 1 Peter 3:15-16:
15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Being a believer is not just a matter of faith.
It is also a matter of engaging the thinking, reasoning mind that we have been blessed with.
Our faith is rooted not in myths and legends but in historically proven and provable events.
Some accounts in the Bible - Creation, The Great Flood - may seem to be completely at odds with what scientists have been telling us for years.
This is where we need to learn to distinguish facts from interpretation.
Two people can be presented with the same set of facts and arrive at different conclusions - because they are viewing the matter through different lenses.
These lenses are the starting point of the reasoning process and represent our values, beliefs, biases and prejudices.
Nobody can claim to be truly impartial or objective.
Not even atheists, who believe there is no God.
That in itself is an assertion, a statement of belief.
(You might even say atheism is a religion in itself.)
Our life experiences, upbringing, the learning and working environments we are exposed to, the culture of our times...all these are factors that influence why we think the way we do.
If you want a reasoned, rational way of looking at the issues raised by Catherine (Noah's Ark, Adam and Eve), I would highly recommend these resources:
- The Answers Academy course presented by the folks at Answers In Genesis
- The resources on the Creation Ministries International site.
Whom Do We Serve?
Another marvellous message from the principal of Heathdale Christian College.
========================================================
No matter how talented or successful we become, we all need a strong dose of servanthood.
As you pursue your God-given destiny, be careful.
Don't be so focused on what you love to do that you neglect what needs to be done.
A 3 a.m. nappy change isn't exciting, nor is garage sweeping.
Visiting someone who is sick may not come naturally to you.
Yet the sick need to be cared for, garages need sweeping, and nappies need changing.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.
Mark 10:45 NIV
========================================================
No matter how talented or successful we become, we all need a strong dose of servanthood.
As you pursue your God-given destiny, be careful.
Don't be so focused on what you love to do that you neglect what needs to be done.
A 3 a.m. nappy change isn't exciting, nor is garage sweeping.
Visiting someone who is sick may not come naturally to you.
Yet the sick need to be cared for, garages need sweeping, and nappies need changing.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.
Mark 10:45 NIV
Monday, June 09, 2008
The Circle of Life and Faith
This past week, as CA was preparing to deliver his first-ever sermon, he reflected on how zealous he used to be when he was a new believer.
I think all believers face the same struggle.
Our life journey seems to mirror our faith journey.
We start off full of passion and zeal, spending hours studying the Bible and evangelizing to our peers. This is also usually when we are single and still schooling.
In midlife, we get caught up in career, family and finances. For some of us, our faith becomes more a matter of keeping up with routine rather than engaging in anything that might rock the boat.
Then at the tail end of life, when the kids have grown and left the nest and we have a bit more time - and when perhaps we encounter illness or some other major life event - we turn our attention to our own mortality and once again renew our allegiance to the One who made us and to whom we must return.
I think all believers face the same struggle.
Our life journey seems to mirror our faith journey.
We start off full of passion and zeal, spending hours studying the Bible and evangelizing to our peers. This is also usually when we are single and still schooling.
In midlife, we get caught up in career, family and finances. For some of us, our faith becomes more a matter of keeping up with routine rather than engaging in anything that might rock the boat.
Then at the tail end of life, when the kids have grown and left the nest and we have a bit more time - and when perhaps we encounter illness or some other major life event - we turn our attention to our own mortality and once again renew our allegiance to the One who made us and to whom we must return.
"Not Religious, Just Righteous"
I love this little slogan that was printed on the funeral bulletin of N, who passed away a week ago.
It summed up his attitude towards church, God, and what it meant to him to be part of the community of believers.
The slogan also gave me cause to pause and ask myself:
What is my faith really about?
Is God still in my weekly rituals of Sunday worship, Thursday night band practice and the various church-related things I get involved in?
How real is my faith?
Dare I call myself a practising Christian, or have I become like the Pharisees that Jesus condemned, more concerned with the appearance of religion and shunning the revolutionary, life-changing effects that being in a relationship with Jesus entails?
In Bryan Patterson's FaithWorks blog, he writes that Bruxy Cavey (author of The End of Religion) suggests the teachings of Jesus were actually anti-religious. What Jesus came to establish was a subversive spirituality outside the boundary markers of traditional religion and in the process He made religion itself obsolete.
It is a reminder to us that God is more than church, more than the comfortable routines and practices we blithely participate in in His name, more than committee meetings and choir practices and fundraising for new church premises.
True religion is about doing and being.
It summed up his attitude towards church, God, and what it meant to him to be part of the community of believers.
The slogan also gave me cause to pause and ask myself:
What is my faith really about?
Is God still in my weekly rituals of Sunday worship, Thursday night band practice and the various church-related things I get involved in?
How real is my faith?
Dare I call myself a practising Christian, or have I become like the Pharisees that Jesus condemned, more concerned with the appearance of religion and shunning the revolutionary, life-changing effects that being in a relationship with Jesus entails?
In Bryan Patterson's FaithWorks blog, he writes that Bruxy Cavey (author of The End of Religion) suggests the teachings of Jesus were actually anti-religious. What Jesus came to establish was a subversive spirituality outside the boundary markers of traditional religion and in the process He made religion itself obsolete.
It is a reminder to us that God is more than church, more than the comfortable routines and practices we blithely participate in in His name, more than committee meetings and choir practices and fundraising for new church premises.
True religion is about doing and being.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Which is better, to give or to receive?
The Scriptures say, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
And indeed, giving is the more comfortable thing for most of us to do. It is consistent with our family upbringing and with cultural norms. We feel good when we are the givers. Perhaps we even secretly congratulate ourselves on how noble and altruistic we are.
In this week's message, Pastor Paul Blacker points out that there is another side to the question of giving and receiving.
How do you respond, he asks, when someone - for whatever reason - wants to bless you or help you in some way in a spirit of generosity?
Are you embarrassed?
Do you make a polite protest that you should not receive the gift (as those of us who are Asians are wont to do!)?
Do you try to give it back, or refuse to accept a shout (i.e. a treat) when out for a meal?
This is a very real issue, and one we ourselves faced this week. A dear friend went home after a month's stay with our family, and surprised us with an amazing love gift.
Pastor Paul explains that just as we are sometimes challenged to give for the sake of others, so too, we may be challenged to receive a blessing from another.
There is a profound lesson to be learnt here.
It's about the circle of life, about how so much of life functions in pairs of opposites.
Yin and Yang. Black and white. The tide ebbs and flows. The moon waxes and wanes. The sun rises and sets. Death and life. Good and evil.
So too with giving and receiving.
The LORD may inspire you to bless this person at this time through an act of giving.
At another time, the LORD may inspire someone else to be the channel through which His grace and generosity can touch you.
So is it better to give or to receive?
Does it even matter?
I remember some years ago our home church PLCMC had this motto: Blessed To Be A Blessing.
It is God who blesses, in order that we might be a blessing to others.
If today we are called to receive, let us do so with glad and thankful hearts, recognizing the true Source of the blessing, and rejoicing with the giver in this opportunity to partake of His grace.
If we are called to give, let us do so with glad and thankful hearts, knowing that it is God from whom all blessings flow.
And indeed, giving is the more comfortable thing for most of us to do. It is consistent with our family upbringing and with cultural norms. We feel good when we are the givers. Perhaps we even secretly congratulate ourselves on how noble and altruistic we are.
In this week's message, Pastor Paul Blacker points out that there is another side to the question of giving and receiving.
How do you respond, he asks, when someone - for whatever reason - wants to bless you or help you in some way in a spirit of generosity?
Are you embarrassed?
Do you make a polite protest that you should not receive the gift (as those of us who are Asians are wont to do!)?
Do you try to give it back, or refuse to accept a shout (i.e. a treat) when out for a meal?
This is a very real issue, and one we ourselves faced this week. A dear friend went home after a month's stay with our family, and surprised us with an amazing love gift.
Pastor Paul explains that just as we are sometimes challenged to give for the sake of others, so too, we may be challenged to receive a blessing from another.
There is a profound lesson to be learnt here.
It's about the circle of life, about how so much of life functions in pairs of opposites.
Yin and Yang. Black and white. The tide ebbs and flows. The moon waxes and wanes. The sun rises and sets. Death and life. Good and evil.
So too with giving and receiving.
The LORD may inspire you to bless this person at this time through an act of giving.
At another time, the LORD may inspire someone else to be the channel through which His grace and generosity can touch you.
So is it better to give or to receive?
Does it even matter?
I remember some years ago our home church PLCMC had this motto: Blessed To Be A Blessing.
It is God who blesses, in order that we might be a blessing to others.
If today we are called to receive, let us do so with glad and thankful hearts, recognizing the true Source of the blessing, and rejoicing with the giver in this opportunity to partake of His grace.
If we are called to give, let us do so with glad and thankful hearts, knowing that it is God from whom all blessings flow.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
What happens to the sheep if you strike the shepherd?
Strike the Shepherd and the sheep will be scattered.
Zechariah 13:7
In a recent bulletin message, my pastor shared the following statistics based on the Fuller Institute's research of the church in America.
1500 pastors leave the ministry every month due to moral failure, burnout or conflict in the church.
80% of pastors and 84% of pastors' wives feel unqualified and discouraged.
70% of pastors feel that they have lower self esteem now compared to when they started out in ministry.
40% of pastors reported having a serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a month.
37% of pastors confessed to having been involved in inappropriate sexual behaviour with someone in the church.
Some questions to think about:
To what extent are these issues mirrored in your church and mine?
How are we as members supporting our pastors?
How should we as members be supporting our pastors?
My pastor's question is: What impact do these high levels of dysfunction in pastors have on the effective and dynamic life of congregations they are called to lead?
He writes:
"If the pastor is not on top of the game vocationally, relationally, devotionally, spiritually and personally, then, a church is going to suffer.
Sadly, the Christian church is riddled with examples of effective ministry which loses its way, and as a result the whole congregation suffers.
Moral or ethical failure is often the issue most focussed on when a ministry crashes and burns.
But usually that ministry starts to unravel a lot sooner than the time when a personal moral failure manifests.
If the key disciplines of prayer, Biblical reflection, a personal walk with God and a developed practice of regular accountable fellowship with other leaders are not in place, it usually is just a matter of time...
If the perpendicular dimension of relationship with God is not properly practised and maintained, then the horizontal aspect of ministry on the ground will inevitably come under pressure and ... fail."
He ends with this exhortation which I commend to all of us:
"Tend to the matter that matters most - the vital link between God and self. If this is right, the challenge of being an agent for God will be undertaken with vigour and joy."
Let's be joyful, energetic agents for God!
Zechariah 13:7
In a recent bulletin message, my pastor shared the following statistics based on the Fuller Institute's research of the church in America.
1500 pastors leave the ministry every month due to moral failure, burnout or conflict in the church.
94% of pastors felt under pressure to have the "ideal" family.
90% of pastors felt inadequately trained to cope with the demands of ministry.
81% of pastors suffer marital problems due to insufficient time together.
80% of pastors and 84% of pastors' wives feel unqualified and discouraged.
70% of pastors feel that they have lower self esteem now compared to when they started out in ministry.
70% of pastors do not have someone they can confide in.
63% of pastors suffer marital problems due to congregational problems.
50% of pastors would leave if they could make a living doing something else.
40% of pastors reported having a serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a month.
37% of pastors confessed to having been involved in inappropriate sexual behaviour with someone in the church.
34% of pastors' marriages end up in divorce.
33% of pastors belive that ministry was a hazard to their families.
5% of pastors felt unable to meet the needs of the job.
Some questions to think about:
To what extent are these issues mirrored in your church and mine?
How are we as members supporting our pastors?
How should we as members be supporting our pastors?
My pastor's question is: What impact do these high levels of dysfunction in pastors have on the effective and dynamic life of congregations they are called to lead?
He writes:
"If the pastor is not on top of the game vocationally, relationally, devotionally, spiritually and personally, then, a church is going to suffer.
Sadly, the Christian church is riddled with examples of effective ministry which loses its way, and as a result the whole congregation suffers.
Moral or ethical failure is often the issue most focussed on when a ministry crashes and burns.
But usually that ministry starts to unravel a lot sooner than the time when a personal moral failure manifests.
If the key disciplines of prayer, Biblical reflection, a personal walk with God and a developed practice of regular accountable fellowship with other leaders are not in place, it usually is just a matter of time...
If the perpendicular dimension of relationship with God is not properly practised and maintained, then the horizontal aspect of ministry on the ground will inevitably come under pressure and ... fail."
He ends with this exhortation which I commend to all of us:
"Tend to the matter that matters most - the vital link between God and self. If this is right, the challenge of being an agent for God will be undertaken with vigour and joy."
Let's be joyful, energetic agents for God!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The Breath Of Life
Had an interesting conversation with a friend this week.
We were talking about how ego will drive some people to do anything to hang on to their attitudes, beliefs and habits, even when these prove self-destructive or harmful to loved ones.
My friend volunteers with the Women's Prison Fellowship back home. She shared about the time she challenged the inmates on how they were wasting their time in immoral activities， 只 为了 争一口气 (to fight for a breath, meaning to win at all costs for the sake of pride and to prove a personal point).
After all, she reasoned, our lives are not ours. We are alive because God made us alive. He breathed the breath of life into Adam and Eve, and they came alive. Ditto for us. Conversely, we are all one breath away from dying. All God needs to do is to take away our ability to breathe, and that's the end of us. If our lives are on loan from God, why spend our energies fighting to prove that we are right and that things must go our way?
All flesh is like grass, and all the glory of man is as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower fades away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.
We were talking about how ego will drive some people to do anything to hang on to their attitudes, beliefs and habits, even when these prove self-destructive or harmful to loved ones.
My friend volunteers with the Women's Prison Fellowship back home. She shared about the time she challenged the inmates on how they were wasting their time in immoral activities， 只 为了 争一口气 (to fight for a breath, meaning to win at all costs for the sake of pride and to prove a personal point).
After all, she reasoned, our lives are not ours. We are alive because God made us alive. He breathed the breath of life into Adam and Eve, and they came alive. Ditto for us. Conversely, we are all one breath away from dying. All God needs to do is to take away our ability to breathe, and that's the end of us. If our lives are on loan from God, why spend our energies fighting to prove that we are right and that things must go our way?
All flesh is like grass, and all the glory of man is as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower fades away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Am I Ambitious?
Dictionary.com defines an ambitious person as "a person who wishes to rise above his or her present position or condition. The ambitious person wishes to attain worldly success, and puts forth effort toward this end".
Recently, I was reading an article about ambitious parents who overstimulate their kids with all sorts of extracurricular activities. One parent bought her son a PDA to help him keep track of his schedule. He's involved in baseball, football, basketball, swimming, etc. He is 10 years old.
Beth leaned over, saw the headline and asked, "Are you an ambitious parent?"
I paused.
How do I answer?
If I say yes, should I feel bad about it? Does being an ambitious parent make me one of those scary Asian parents who push their children academically and send them to private schools and drive up house prices in the school zone?
If I say no, does it mean I'm lazy and lackadaisical and setting up my children for underachievement?
At this point, Beth goes to jazz and tap class, Chinese class and Yamaha keyboard class. Her Saturdays are mad. We have to schedule our activities around her class times. But last I checked, she loves her ECAs. Okay, maybe not the Chinese class. Yet. We read the 南瓜青年 story (a weird tale, that one) the other day and she made me tell it in English!
She's been begging us to send her to swimming classes. We keep putting her off, telling her she's got quite enough to do now that she gets extra homework from her teacher.
Sometimes, Beth frets that she doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up.
I tell her there's plenty of time and plenty of options. Besides, Mummy's nearly 38 and still isn't quite sure she's in her dream career. Not a particularly inspiring role model, huh?
So am I ambitious as a parent?
I suppose it must be yes. I have dreams and expectations. I also have a good idea of my children's abilities. I want them to have every opportunity to explore those abilities and see where they lead. It's all about possibilities and potential and finding out how far one can go. I don't think I'd be the sort of parent who takes a "bo chap/anything also can" attitude to my children's development. I would want to have a say in how they're getting on, to help if I can, and to find help if I must.
Just because a person is inclined towards one field doesn't mean she has to become a professional in that field. There are so many ways to use a God-given gift.
What I do stress to Beth is that God gives gifts for a purpose, not just for our pleasure but also to serve others. If she's a gifted reader, there must be something God wants her to do with her gift. Perhaps she could encourage her friends to read good books, or she could read to the littlies (like J)?
So yes, I am an ambitious parent.
I hope to raise ambitious children. As opposed to children who can't be bothered to learn and to make the most of their blessings.
I am still learning all the nuances of what ambition means. As the girls go through the school years, I am certain there will be ample opportunity for our family to find out together.
Recently, I was reading an article about ambitious parents who overstimulate their kids with all sorts of extracurricular activities. One parent bought her son a PDA to help him keep track of his schedule. He's involved in baseball, football, basketball, swimming, etc. He is 10 years old.
Beth leaned over, saw the headline and asked, "Are you an ambitious parent?"
I paused.
How do I answer?
If I say yes, should I feel bad about it? Does being an ambitious parent make me one of those scary Asian parents who push their children academically and send them to private schools and drive up house prices in the school zone?
If I say no, does it mean I'm lazy and lackadaisical and setting up my children for underachievement?
At this point, Beth goes to jazz and tap class, Chinese class and Yamaha keyboard class. Her Saturdays are mad. We have to schedule our activities around her class times. But last I checked, she loves her ECAs. Okay, maybe not the Chinese class. Yet. We read the 南瓜青年 story (a weird tale, that one) the other day and she made me tell it in English!
She's been begging us to send her to swimming classes. We keep putting her off, telling her she's got quite enough to do now that she gets extra homework from her teacher.
Sometimes, Beth frets that she doesn't know what she wants to be when she grows up.
I tell her there's plenty of time and plenty of options. Besides, Mummy's nearly 38 and still isn't quite sure she's in her dream career. Not a particularly inspiring role model, huh?
So am I ambitious as a parent?
I suppose it must be yes. I have dreams and expectations. I also have a good idea of my children's abilities. I want them to have every opportunity to explore those abilities and see where they lead. It's all about possibilities and potential and finding out how far one can go. I don't think I'd be the sort of parent who takes a "bo chap/anything also can" attitude to my children's development. I would want to have a say in how they're getting on, to help if I can, and to find help if I must.
Just because a person is inclined towards one field doesn't mean she has to become a professional in that field. There are so many ways to use a God-given gift.
What I do stress to Beth is that God gives gifts for a purpose, not just for our pleasure but also to serve others. If she's a gifted reader, there must be something God wants her to do with her gift. Perhaps she could encourage her friends to read good books, or she could read to the littlies (like J)?
So yes, I am an ambitious parent.
I hope to raise ambitious children. As opposed to children who can't be bothered to learn and to make the most of their blessings.
I am still learning all the nuances of what ambition means. As the girls go through the school years, I am certain there will be ample opportunity for our family to find out together.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
What Is The Ruling Force Of Your Life?
The devotional for 2 Timothy in my Couples' Devotional Bible starts with this statement:
"God's truth - not our emotions - should be the ruling force in our lives."
What rules our lives?
What makes our unmakes our mood for the day?
Do we live our lives determined to get our way, happy only if things fall in place exactly as we intended?
Or do we leave room for God to move, to surprise us, to change us?
I am reminded of an analogy a friend shared many years ago.
She said that when we clench our fists tightly because we want to hold on to what we have, we are really preventing Him from pouring more wonderful gifts and treasures into our hands.
There just isn't enough room.
"Happiness... is usually rooted in circumstances that bring positive feelings. However, rejoicing is in the Lord, the One who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow...
Negative feelings will not be absent from our lives, but in spite of them, Christ will become the integrating force, enabling us to walk among negative feelings in a way that honors him."
May we be models of a deeper, stronger and higher truth even when life is against us.
"God's truth - not our emotions - should be the ruling force in our lives."
What rules our lives?
What makes our unmakes our mood for the day?
Do we live our lives determined to get our way, happy only if things fall in place exactly as we intended?
Or do we leave room for God to move, to surprise us, to change us?
I am reminded of an analogy a friend shared many years ago.
She said that when we clench our fists tightly because we want to hold on to what we have, we are really preventing Him from pouring more wonderful gifts and treasures into our hands.
There just isn't enough room.
"Happiness... is usually rooted in circumstances that bring positive feelings. However, rejoicing is in the Lord, the One who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow...
Negative feelings will not be absent from our lives, but in spite of them, Christ will become the integrating force, enabling us to walk among negative feelings in a way that honors him."
May we be models of a deeper, stronger and higher truth even when life is against us.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The Next Phase: Becoming A Church Elder
At last Sun's congregational meeting, CA and another member were elected elders of Hoppers Crossing Uniting Church.
When I think about how new we are in Aus and how much we have to learn about so many things here, I am like "Wow! Really?"
I remember looking up 1 Timothy in the Bible to see what the apostle Paul had to say about church leaders.
It's quite a sobering list.
A church deacon/overseer must be:
When I think about how new we are in Aus and how much we have to learn about so many things here, I am like "Wow! Really?"
I remember looking up 1 Timothy in the Bible to see what the apostle Paul had to say about church leaders.
It's quite a sobering list.
A church deacon/overseer must be:
- Husband of only one wife
- Temperate
- Self-controlled
- Respectable/Worthy of respect
- Hospitable
- Able to teach
- Not given to drunkenness
- Not violent but gentle
- Not quarrelsome
- Not a lover of money/Not pursuing dishonest gain
- Must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect
- Must not be a recent convert
- Must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience
- Must first be tested, and appointed only if there is nothing against them
- Must have a good reputation with outsiders
I reckon the bit about managing the family well is our Challenge of the Moment.
Beth has been acting up since she started school.
She actually defies us when we tell her to Go To The Corner, and says NO and has to be physically escorted there.
I can't believe how out of hand things get at home sometimes, and how inept I feel as a parent when the girls test our authority.
It makes me wonder: are we as a family up to handling CA's new position of responsibility?
Surely we ought to be role models like the ones described in Steve Green's Household of Faith song first?
On the other hand, this is our chance to serve in Hoppers Crossing, this community where we live, worship and go to school.
To - as a friend back home puts it - bloom where we are planted.
I need to trust that God knows what He's doing (even when I don't), that He has a plan for us, and that His plan is to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us hope and a future here, right here in the suburb of Hoppers Crossing in the City of Wyndham in Melbourne, Australia.
And not only to trust, but also to obey.
As the hymn goes: "Trust and obey/For there's no other way/To be happy in Jesus/But to trust and obey".
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Goals Are Gained Through Small Steps
I love this article from Beth's school newsletter.
GOALS ARE GAINED THROUGH SMALL STEPS!
Do you feel like there's a huge gap between your present position and your ultimate destination?
You say, "Yes, I'd like to be a lawyer, but that means I'd have to go to Uni and do a degree. That would take years!"
"I have so many other things I'd like to do."
"I don't think I could take the risk. It will create financial hardship."
"I don't know how to get started."
The excuses pile up like dirty dishes in a sink; it feels like it would take too long, cost too much, require too much energy, require too many sacrifices to get from point A to point B.
Whether it's making an effort at school, or starting your own business or applying the discipline required to make it happen, the temptation is to always put it off until another time.
How do you overcome the fear of starting? The simple answer is that you reach big goals by taking small steps! While it's tempting to think that the amount of time required is too long, those days and years will pass quickly - whether you're pursuing your goal or not! You need to make an early start and for students it is right now - at the beginning of the year!
You need to show up for duty and leave the provisions - to Him. The Psalmist writes: "No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly."
(Psalm 84:11)
Trust God and take the first small step, but do something! Don't just sit around hoping it will all just fall into place. If you do nothing, we will be here same time next year, asking the same questions.
Principal
Reynald Tibbens
Heathdale Christian College
Reflection:
When you consider that this article was written for the students of Heathdale, it's just amazing.
Can you imagine the ripple effect it can have on its readers - parents, siblings, friends - and its power to change the lives of those who are ready and open?
I felt so awed and inspired when I read it, and almost wished I'd written it myself.
Its simple and succinct content is at once a reminder, a clarion call to action, a nudge in the direction of self-discipline, and something I can paste on the fridge and refer to every day.
With a Christ-focused principal like RT, I know my daughter is in good hands.
GOALS ARE GAINED THROUGH SMALL STEPS!
Do you feel like there's a huge gap between your present position and your ultimate destination?
You say, "Yes, I'd like to be a lawyer, but that means I'd have to go to Uni and do a degree. That would take years!"
"I have so many other things I'd like to do."
"I don't think I could take the risk. It will create financial hardship."
"I don't know how to get started."
The excuses pile up like dirty dishes in a sink; it feels like it would take too long, cost too much, require too much energy, require too many sacrifices to get from point A to point B.
Whether it's making an effort at school, or starting your own business or applying the discipline required to make it happen, the temptation is to always put it off until another time.
How do you overcome the fear of starting? The simple answer is that you reach big goals by taking small steps! While it's tempting to think that the amount of time required is too long, those days and years will pass quickly - whether you're pursuing your goal or not! You need to make an early start and for students it is right now - at the beginning of the year!
You need to show up for duty and leave the provisions - to Him. The Psalmist writes: "No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly."
(Psalm 84:11)
Trust God and take the first small step, but do something! Don't just sit around hoping it will all just fall into place. If you do nothing, we will be here same time next year, asking the same questions.
Principal
Reynald Tibbens
Heathdale Christian College
Reflection:
When you consider that this article was written for the students of Heathdale, it's just amazing.
Can you imagine the ripple effect it can have on its readers - parents, siblings, friends - and its power to change the lives of those who are ready and open?
I felt so awed and inspired when I read it, and almost wished I'd written it myself.
Its simple and succinct content is at once a reminder, a clarion call to action, a nudge in the direction of self-discipline, and something I can paste on the fridge and refer to every day.
With a Christ-focused principal like RT, I know my daughter is in good hands.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Making Friends
I felt so proud today when Beth declared that she now has 5 friends at school: Emily, Jasmine, Madison, Connor and Joey.
She started school knowing just Joey, who was her best friend at kinder.
We're very blessed too that she has all these senior friends looking out for her, because all the kids from church are at Heathdale Christian College.
Yesterday, Georgia (Grade 3) came specially to look for Beth before school started.
When I got to band practice at church last night, the twins were disappointed that Beth wasn't with me.
But Beth's not the only one who's been busy socializing.
Dropping Beth off and picking her up everyday means I get heaps of opportunities to meet other parents.
I'm meeting new people everyday and trying hard to remember all their names and the names of their children.
A, dad to Jennifer.
L, mum to Kyle and mum of 4.
M, mum to Sarah and mum of 4 girls.
LA, mum to Jasmine and mum of 4 girls.
Sharon, mum to Riley and Alexandra.
It's a wonderful way to become part of the Heathdale community.
Just 2 days ago, one of the mums I'd struck up a conversation with, asked if I could do her a favour and take her daughter home for 2 days next week! Her husband works shifts and she hasn't got her 'P's yet. And she knows I've only just acquired my 'P's. How incredible is that?
So this afternoon, she and her daughter Sarah, who's also a Preppie, sat in our car and directed me to their home.
I assured her and her hubby I would devote some time over the weekend to memorize the route from school to their place. I know how frightening it must feel to place their daughter's safety and wellbeing in the hands of a complete stranger, especially one who's just passed her driving! They tell me they've been praying that they would meet someone they could trust to take their daughter home, and now "God has provided"!
I can think of only 2 words: Divine Appointment.
Perhaps God has planned all this so our 2 families can get acquainted and support each other.
I definitely feel like He's calling me to Higher Ground and out of my comfort zone....again.
She started school knowing just Joey, who was her best friend at kinder.
We're very blessed too that she has all these senior friends looking out for her, because all the kids from church are at Heathdale Christian College.
Yesterday, Georgia (Grade 3) came specially to look for Beth before school started.
When I got to band practice at church last night, the twins were disappointed that Beth wasn't with me.
But Beth's not the only one who's been busy socializing.
Dropping Beth off and picking her up everyday means I get heaps of opportunities to meet other parents.
I'm meeting new people everyday and trying hard to remember all their names and the names of their children.
A, dad to Jennifer.
L, mum to Kyle and mum of 4.
M, mum to Sarah and mum of 4 girls.
LA, mum to Jasmine and mum of 4 girls.
Sharon, mum to Riley and Alexandra.
It's a wonderful way to become part of the Heathdale community.
Just 2 days ago, one of the mums I'd struck up a conversation with, asked if I could do her a favour and take her daughter home for 2 days next week! Her husband works shifts and she hasn't got her 'P's yet. And she knows I've only just acquired my 'P's. How incredible is that?
So this afternoon, she and her daughter Sarah, who's also a Preppie, sat in our car and directed me to their home.
I assured her and her hubby I would devote some time over the weekend to memorize the route from school to their place. I know how frightening it must feel to place their daughter's safety and wellbeing in the hands of a complete stranger, especially one who's just passed her driving! They tell me they've been praying that they would meet someone they could trust to take their daughter home, and now "God has provided"!
I can think of only 2 words: Divine Appointment.
Perhaps God has planned all this so our 2 families can get acquainted and support each other.
I definitely feel like He's calling me to Higher Ground and out of my comfort zone....again.
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