Monday's teacher audition @ Malvern was a highly interesting experience.
My first challenge was getting everyone out of the house on time so that I could make it for the 8.13 train.
I was so stressed by anxiety that I woke at 1 am and didn't get to sleep till it was almost time for the alarm to go off.
So I started the morning looking tired and disheveled.
But I did it.
Beth was the first one in her class (and the whole of her year) to reach school, and I had the luxury of staying with her for 10 min till it was time to go.
I even had 20 min to spare after getting off at Malvern station. I stood at the corner of Station Place trying to work out which direction was Glenferrie Rd. Once I got my bearings, everything went really smoothly.
What really impressed me about Malvern was the number and variety of shops near the train station. Cafes, bakeries, shoe stores, boutiques, greengrocer, Vinnie's, recycled children's clothing, hairdresser, beauty salon...
Even the locals look different from the people I encounter where I live. For one, there didn't seem to be as many elderly. And the older ones were highly mobile and in good health. No one was in a gopher or wheelchair. The younger ones looked trim and healthy as they went by, their purchases tucked under one arm or a cup of takeaway coffee in hand.
Back to the audition.
I met Robyn (senior instructor) on my way in, and she asked me to pick up an availability form and pointed me to a room where I could rehearse before the audition.
The piano was LOUD.
It took me a while to figure out how to mute it to an acceptable volume so I wouldn't interrupt the conversations that were going on all around.
Then it was time to go in.
My interviewing panel was made up of Robyn and Rose, the regional coordinator who was also MC for this year's Annual Concert.
They took pains to be friendly and really put me at ease, but there was no getting away from performance nerves.
My prepared pieces went rather badly, and I rued not having spent more time the day before polishing them. It had been a busy weekend and I had let practice time slip away from me.
The sight singing and sight playing went quite well, except my voice was thin and soft. I was also told my personality is on the quiet side. As I explained to hubby later, that's just the way I am and I can't really help my voice or my personality being the way it is. If Yamaha considers that a minus point, then too bad. He agreed with my perspective. I think he was pleasantly surprised that I'm not stressing about how my weaknesses might be taken against me.
When I first applied for the position, I had my Plan B all worked out. Meaning that if I don't get accepted for a teaching position (Plan A), I will focus my energies on my organics business. So it's not like everything is hanging on this job application. This approach has really helped me relax and be honest with my interviewers. I told them about my night vision problems, because teachers are expected to teach from 4-7.30 pm on a week night, which can be terrible in winter when it gets dark by 5. I would have to find alternative transport since I can't drive at night.
I am now waiting to hear from Yamaha. If they say "You're in!", I will have to start organizing after-school care for my child. If they say "Sorry", I'll say "No worries, mate!" and get on with my organics business and my writing.
Life is so much easier when you are clear about what you want to do.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
The Next Step
I have now made it through the Group Interview and completed two class observations.
The next step is to book myself in for the audition, which I've just done.
It's going to be pretty interesting, just to detach myself mentally and see how far I can go with this.
As former Olympian and Masters athlete Helen Searle says, "The way I see it, that great MD in the sky gives you the genes and the gifts and it's up to you which way you use them."
The next step is to book myself in for the audition, which I've just done.
It's going to be pretty interesting, just to detach myself mentally and see how far I can go with this.
As former Olympian and Masters athlete Helen Searle says, "The way I see it, that great MD in the sky gives you the genes and the gifts and it's up to you which way you use them."
Monday, November 02, 2009
A Big Decision To Make
To teach-in-a-classroom-setting or not, that is the question.
I have now cleared the initial phone screen, the group interview and completed the two class observations for littlies and primary-school-aged children.
Now I have to decide if I want to proceed to audition stage.
If I say yes, there is much more than playing a few prepared pieces and singing my way through the 30-minute audition.
If I make it through, I have to sign an agreement, pay a training fee and attend a series of training seminars to get ready for the start of school term in 2010.
It's the seminars that make me think: this is too hard.
They're full-day, take place somewhere far from where I live, and will require efficient organization of after-school care for my kids. The very first seminar coincides with Beth's School Presentation Night and I am most reluctant to do anything that would jeopardize my attendance at this very important school function.
There's also the tricky issue of teaching on weekdays. I'll have to organize for hubby to work from home so he can pick up the girls from school and daycare. And during the three months from April-July, I'll be totally (night)blind after 5 pm and have to rely on someone (hubby, hopefully) to ferry me to and from classes.
A couple more things.
Am I comfortable being teacher/entertainer/role model to a group of kids and managing their parents?
Or would I be better sticking to private tuition?
How will I sustain teaching back-to-back classes when I can't project my voice properly and tend to go hoarse from singing from the throat?
The odds seem pretty daunting.
At the core of it, I have to ask myself whether group teaching is the best way for me to share and impart my love and knowledge of music to young children.
I have till Wed to decide.
I have now cleared the initial phone screen, the group interview and completed the two class observations for littlies and primary-school-aged children.
Now I have to decide if I want to proceed to audition stage.
If I say yes, there is much more than playing a few prepared pieces and singing my way through the 30-minute audition.
If I make it through, I have to sign an agreement, pay a training fee and attend a series of training seminars to get ready for the start of school term in 2010.
It's the seminars that make me think: this is too hard.
They're full-day, take place somewhere far from where I live, and will require efficient organization of after-school care for my kids. The very first seminar coincides with Beth's School Presentation Night and I am most reluctant to do anything that would jeopardize my attendance at this very important school function.
There's also the tricky issue of teaching on weekdays. I'll have to organize for hubby to work from home so he can pick up the girls from school and daycare. And during the three months from April-July, I'll be totally (night)blind after 5 pm and have to rely on someone (hubby, hopefully) to ferry me to and from classes.
A couple more things.
Am I comfortable being teacher/entertainer/role model to a group of kids and managing their parents?
Or would I be better sticking to private tuition?
How will I sustain teaching back-to-back classes when I can't project my voice properly and tend to go hoarse from singing from the throat?
The odds seem pretty daunting.
At the core of it, I have to ask myself whether group teaching is the best way for me to share and impart my love and knowledge of music to young children.
I have till Wed to decide.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Exploring Career Options
A most unexpected career option has popped up on my radar.
In my subconscious, I almost hoped I wouldn't get through the first stage so I could avoid having to perform at the audition (the final step).
I do so hate the stress of performance anxiety, the pressure of knowing my playing was never the best even when I was taking exams 18 years ago, and the feeling of failure and rejection that haunts me when my fingers stumble.
But the other half of me - my competitive, closet risk-taker half - wants to know if I can go all the way with the recruitment process.
The only way to satisfy this curiosity is to assume the best: imagine success, prepare like I'm going to make it, and just throw in everything I've got.
I knew there was a purpose for my constant fascination with all that visualization and affirmation self-help stuff.
After the initial phone interview, I thought I'd been written off because they were supposed to call me by 16 Oct if I'd made it through to the next stage, and the phone was silent all day.
Then the following Mon, I got a call asking me to please book in for the group interview on 29 Oct.
I was in shock, and I think I didn't sound as enthusiastic as I should have.
I scrambled to reach hubby at his office to discuss options. 29 Oct is a school day and also when J is home with me. I emailed my daughter's music teacher for ideas.
That is, instead of responding consciously, I reacted emotionally.
My sweet hubby offered to take the day off so he could accompany me to the interview location (seeing as I am so navigationally challenged) and entertain J while I go for my first job interview in, what, 8 years?
In the weeks since I first decided to apply for the job, I've shortlisted the pieces for the audition and practised desperately, trying to recapture the level of playing that enabled me to obtain my ATCL.
I tell you, it's hard work.
But it's also exhilarating because with each session, my fingers remember a bit more. It's like driving along a familiar motorway. Sometimes you go into autopilot mode, which is a nice break.
I've no idea how to prepare for the interview.
But I do know one thing: for every door that closes, a window opens.
"All things work together for them that love God, for them that are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
In my subconscious, I almost hoped I wouldn't get through the first stage so I could avoid having to perform at the audition (the final step).
I do so hate the stress of performance anxiety, the pressure of knowing my playing was never the best even when I was taking exams 18 years ago, and the feeling of failure and rejection that haunts me when my fingers stumble.
But the other half of me - my competitive, closet risk-taker half - wants to know if I can go all the way with the recruitment process.
The only way to satisfy this curiosity is to assume the best: imagine success, prepare like I'm going to make it, and just throw in everything I've got.
I knew there was a purpose for my constant fascination with all that visualization and affirmation self-help stuff.
After the initial phone interview, I thought I'd been written off because they were supposed to call me by 16 Oct if I'd made it through to the next stage, and the phone was silent all day.
Then the following Mon, I got a call asking me to please book in for the group interview on 29 Oct.
I was in shock, and I think I didn't sound as enthusiastic as I should have.
I scrambled to reach hubby at his office to discuss options. 29 Oct is a school day and also when J is home with me. I emailed my daughter's music teacher for ideas.
That is, instead of responding consciously, I reacted emotionally.
My sweet hubby offered to take the day off so he could accompany me to the interview location (seeing as I am so navigationally challenged) and entertain J while I go for my first job interview in, what, 8 years?
In the weeks since I first decided to apply for the job, I've shortlisted the pieces for the audition and practised desperately, trying to recapture the level of playing that enabled me to obtain my ATCL.
I tell you, it's hard work.
But it's also exhilarating because with each session, my fingers remember a bit more. It's like driving along a familiar motorway. Sometimes you go into autopilot mode, which is a nice break.
I've no idea how to prepare for the interview.
But I do know one thing: for every door that closes, a window opens.
"All things work together for them that love God, for them that are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Power Of Vision Boards
I am reading The Answer: Grow Any Business, Achieve Financial Freedom, and Live an Extraordinary Life
and have started putting together my own vision boards.
A vision board, also called a dream board, is a collage of powerful words and images that evoke and reflect your dreams, goals and vision for your life/business/career/relationships/anything really.
Authors John Assaraf and Murray Smith describe the vision board as "an especially powerful tool for imprinting your aspirations on your nonconscious brain", or more succinctly, "designing your future". (Love that phrase!)
You can see sample vision boards at www.johnassaraf.com, including a very cool one made up for Barack Obama when he was campaigning for the Democratic Party nomination. (Look where it got him!)
I decided to try my hand at crafting a vision board or two.
So now I've got one for my dream home (the one with the polished floorboards, views of the sea, timber slatted backyard fence and decked all-weather alfresco area).
And one for my life/work.
My 7 y.o. says she's going to create a vision board for herself too. :-)
and have started putting together my own vision boards.A vision board, also called a dream board, is a collage of powerful words and images that evoke and reflect your dreams, goals and vision for your life/business/career/relationships/anything really.
Authors John Assaraf and Murray Smith describe the vision board as "an especially powerful tool for imprinting your aspirations on your nonconscious brain", or more succinctly, "designing your future". (Love that phrase!)
You can see sample vision boards at www.johnassaraf.com, including a very cool one made up for Barack Obama when he was campaigning for the Democratic Party nomination. (Look where it got him!)
I decided to try my hand at crafting a vision board or two.
So now I've got one for my dream home (the one with the polished floorboards, views of the sea, timber slatted backyard fence and decked all-weather alfresco area).
And one for my life/work.
My 7 y.o. says she's going to create a vision board for herself too. :-)
Putting Natural Selling Principles To Work
I have been listening to Michael Oliver's audio book How To Sell Network Marketing Without Fear, Anxiety Or Losing Your Friends! in the car for the past 3 months.
I love how he teaches people in the network marketing business to listen, ask the right questions, and act from a desire to help. His approach works in any situation where you are having a conversation with someone; you don't have to be in a sales job to benefit from his excellent book.
Just this morning, I put myself out there (me, the confirmed introvert!) and invited 3 friends to a Learning Ladder home party.
Now, even though I have a network marketing business myself, I have been holding back on marketing it just because I am sales-shy and can't bring myself to talk to anyone about what I do. I just fear rejection so much and take it really hard when someone says no.
Michael Oliver says we should approach NM with the idea of helping others solve their problem. First, find out if there is a problem. If there isn't, there's nothing for me to do. Second, find out how much pain/discomfort the other person is because of the problem. If it's not bothering them enough that they are open to changing their situation, there's nothing for me to do.
Only when there is a problem and the other person is willing to take action can we look at how my solution might help.
Again, there is no guarantee. My solution might not be right for them, in which case there is nothing for me to do, and I move on.
When you look at NM like this, it really makes it more doable and less of a personal rejection risk.
My own encounter with Natural Selling began yesterday when I sounded out one of the ladies, whose son is Beth's classmate, and she said she was interested in coming along for the party. I showed her the catalogue and explained how Beth loved so many of the books and games and possibly the kids in the class would like them too. I also talked about how the quality of the products was so much better and the variety wider than what could be found in the shops.
This morning, I mentioned the home party to my reading partner. She said it sounded like a really good idea and could she bring along some nibbles so I didn't have to provide everything as I was already opening up my house!
As we were walking to the admin office, we met the other 2 ladies, one of whom is the friend I spoke with yesterday.
So there were 4 of us chatting in the playground. When the right moment came, I brought up the home party. Now 2 of them knew about it and the third was hearing it for the first time.
And they all said YES.
It was the easiest "pitch" I'd ever made, which almost makes me wish I were the LL presenter instead of just the hostess! :-)
Now to get to work on my organics biz...
I love how he teaches people in the network marketing business to listen, ask the right questions, and act from a desire to help. His approach works in any situation where you are having a conversation with someone; you don't have to be in a sales job to benefit from his excellent book.
Just this morning, I put myself out there (me, the confirmed introvert!) and invited 3 friends to a Learning Ladder home party.
Now, even though I have a network marketing business myself, I have been holding back on marketing it just because I am sales-shy and can't bring myself to talk to anyone about what I do. I just fear rejection so much and take it really hard when someone says no.
Michael Oliver says we should approach NM with the idea of helping others solve their problem. First, find out if there is a problem. If there isn't, there's nothing for me to do. Second, find out how much pain/discomfort the other person is because of the problem. If it's not bothering them enough that they are open to changing their situation, there's nothing for me to do.
Only when there is a problem and the other person is willing to take action can we look at how my solution might help.
Again, there is no guarantee. My solution might not be right for them, in which case there is nothing for me to do, and I move on.
When you look at NM like this, it really makes it more doable and less of a personal rejection risk.
My own encounter with Natural Selling began yesterday when I sounded out one of the ladies, whose son is Beth's classmate, and she said she was interested in coming along for the party. I showed her the catalogue and explained how Beth loved so many of the books and games and possibly the kids in the class would like them too. I also talked about how the quality of the products was so much better and the variety wider than what could be found in the shops.
This morning, I mentioned the home party to my reading partner. She said it sounded like a really good idea and could she bring along some nibbles so I didn't have to provide everything as I was already opening up my house!
As we were walking to the admin office, we met the other 2 ladies, one of whom is the friend I spoke with yesterday.
So there were 4 of us chatting in the playground. When the right moment came, I brought up the home party. Now 2 of them knew about it and the third was hearing it for the first time.
And they all said YES.
It was the easiest "pitch" I'd ever made, which almost makes me wish I were the LL presenter instead of just the hostess! :-)
Now to get to work on my organics biz...
I Feel Strong When...
I have been devouring Marcus Buckingham's strengths-based books and raving about them to readers of my careers website.
One of the activities he recommends in Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance
is called a Strength Statement Card.
It's a great way to capture, clarify and confirm your strengths.
For instance, one of his strength statements says: "I feel strong when...I present, but only to a large group of people, on a subject I know a lot about, when I'm completely prepared, and when I know my presentation will further a mission."
The statement may mean nothing to anyone who reads it, but it means a lot to the creator, because it tells him exactly what makes him excel at his work.
Just yesterday, I had an extraordinary moment of strength while chatting with a friend's cousin. The cousin is here on holiday from Sg, and I soon discovered we had plenty in common. That made it easy to strike up a conversation.
Legal background.
Gave up full-time work to focus on her child's education and wellbeing.
Accustomed to Sg lifestyle of ready support from extended family and domestic help.
Struggling with the Big Decision:
Should she or should she not give up her comfortable Sg lifestyle to migrate to Aus?
What if things don't work out?
What if she can't get a job in Aus?
I sensed an immediate connection and a strong sense that she was bursting to tell someone all those things. And I happened to be there at the right place and the right time.
Synchronicity.
We chatted a bit and I shared my two cents' worth. What I particularly remember is a moment when I said (and I don't even know why I said it, and it certainly wasn't a sentiment I had ever expressed before) - "Singaporeans will thrive anywhere in the world. We've got a lot of positive traits and a good work ethic" etc etc.
My conversation partner said she was glad to hear me say all that.
Today, I heard from my friend that after talking to me, her cousin (who has held Aus PR for the past 15 years but has continually put off uprooting) is now a little more receptive to the idea of migrating to Aus.
How does that make me feel?
I guess you could say it makes me smile. :-)
Not because the outcome of her cousin's decision making makes a difference to me. It is after all a huge decision that she must arrive at and persuade herself of when she has made it. But simply because it confirmed what I'd already sensed while talking with her: there is a power that shines forth when I speak my truth from my heart.
So if I can distill down that act and the feeling into a strength statement, it would look like this (in very rough form):
I feel strong when...
I talk with someone who is contemplating or seeking change in her way of living, and I offer a thought, a personal truth or my perspective in a way that powerfully moves her to make a decision and to move forward and begin to live according to her new choices.
One of the activities he recommends in Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance
is called a Strength Statement Card.It's a great way to capture, clarify and confirm your strengths.
For instance, one of his strength statements says: "I feel strong when...I present, but only to a large group of people, on a subject I know a lot about, when I'm completely prepared, and when I know my presentation will further a mission."
The statement may mean nothing to anyone who reads it, but it means a lot to the creator, because it tells him exactly what makes him excel at his work.
Just yesterday, I had an extraordinary moment of strength while chatting with a friend's cousin. The cousin is here on holiday from Sg, and I soon discovered we had plenty in common. That made it easy to strike up a conversation.
Legal background.
Gave up full-time work to focus on her child's education and wellbeing.
Accustomed to Sg lifestyle of ready support from extended family and domestic help.
Struggling with the Big Decision:
Should she or should she not give up her comfortable Sg lifestyle to migrate to Aus?
What if things don't work out?
What if she can't get a job in Aus?
I sensed an immediate connection and a strong sense that she was bursting to tell someone all those things. And I happened to be there at the right place and the right time.
Synchronicity.
We chatted a bit and I shared my two cents' worth. What I particularly remember is a moment when I said (and I don't even know why I said it, and it certainly wasn't a sentiment I had ever expressed before) - "Singaporeans will thrive anywhere in the world. We've got a lot of positive traits and a good work ethic" etc etc.
My conversation partner said she was glad to hear me say all that.
Today, I heard from my friend that after talking to me, her cousin (who has held Aus PR for the past 15 years but has continually put off uprooting) is now a little more receptive to the idea of migrating to Aus.
How does that make me feel?
I guess you could say it makes me smile. :-)
Not because the outcome of her cousin's decision making makes a difference to me. It is after all a huge decision that she must arrive at and persuade herself of when she has made it. But simply because it confirmed what I'd already sensed while talking with her: there is a power that shines forth when I speak my truth from my heart.
So if I can distill down that act and the feeling into a strength statement, it would look like this (in very rough form):
I feel strong when...
I talk with someone who is contemplating or seeking change in her way of living, and I offer a thought, a personal truth or my perspective in a way that powerfully moves her to make a decision and to move forward and begin to live according to her new choices.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Good Advice For VCE Students And All Of Us
Another fantastic insight from the school newsletter this week:
"From my experience, life often opens up opportunities and outcomes in line with your expectations.
A prayerful attitude of expectation is unstoppable.
Why don't you test this yourself? In prayer ask for the best situations you desire, expecting the best of everything leading up to the exams: a calm and peaceful home life, the best health and energy levels, the best productive study time, the best feeling of peace and confidence on exam day, the best interactions with friends.
You will be surprised with the outcomes, especially if you give your very best to others in every situation as well."
"From my experience, life often opens up opportunities and outcomes in line with your expectations.
A prayerful attitude of expectation is unstoppable.
Why don't you test this yourself? In prayer ask for the best situations you desire, expecting the best of everything leading up to the exams: a calm and peaceful home life, the best health and energy levels, the best productive study time, the best feeling of peace and confidence on exam day, the best interactions with friends.
You will be surprised with the outcomes, especially if you give your very best to others in every situation as well."
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
How To Survive In Times Of Testing
A dear sister recently shared with me the following inspirational text, which really helped her through a prolonged period of testing and grief:
TRUST in His timing
RELY on His promises
WAIT for His answers
BELIEVE in His miracles
REJOICE in His goodness
RELAX in His presence.
TRUST in His timing
RELY on His promises
WAIT for His answers
BELIEVE in His miracles
REJOICE in His goodness
RELAX in His presence.
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.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
When You Feel Demotivated
This fantastic extract came to me on a day when I was feeling a bit low in spirits and questioning my credibility as a coach...
From the Coaching Compass newsletter
Remember why you started on the path that you have chosen for yourself. Even if you are not quite to the point you want to be, enjoy your daily progress. Honor and even celebrate where you are right now. If you do not have fun with the steps you take forward, what is the point of continuing?
From the Coaching Compass newsletter
Remember why you started on the path that you have chosen for yourself. Even if you are not quite to the point you want to be, enjoy your daily progress. Honor and even celebrate where you are right now. If you do not have fun with the steps you take forward, what is the point of continuing?
You will not be 100% complete with a goal if, at one time, you did not finish the first 25% of it. Embrace the plateaus of accomplishment. These can be natural resting spots. Do not confuse your current location on the path with your intended destination. This will only cause unnecessary stress because you are not there yet.
Keep moving in the direction of goals, and enjoy the journey. You will be there before you know it!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
What Gets You Fired Up?
Was having a dialogue with someone about what fires her up and she said something really interesting.
She was talking about how she doesn't mind house chores BUT if the house is in a sad state and needing a lot of work to get it up to decent standard, she would be less motivated to clean it than if it were already in acceptable condition and all she had to do was continue maintaining it.
It takes less effort to maintain than to start again.
I guess the same principle applies to how motivated we feel about the projects we take on and the goals we set ourselves.
So the big question is...
If you are currently not in a good place in your career, how do you get to a place where you are ready, willing and able to commit to making that positive decision or critical next step that will take your career closer to your dream?
She was talking about how she doesn't mind house chores BUT if the house is in a sad state and needing a lot of work to get it up to decent standard, she would be less motivated to clean it than if it were already in acceptable condition and all she had to do was continue maintaining it.
It takes less effort to maintain than to start again.
I guess the same principle applies to how motivated we feel about the projects we take on and the goals we set ourselves.
So the big question is...
If you are currently not in a good place in your career, how do you get to a place where you are ready, willing and able to commit to making that positive decision or critical next step that will take your career closer to your dream?
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
How Valuable Is Your Breath?
Chatting with a sister in Christ, I was struck by the way she interpreted the Chinese phrase 争一口气 (literally, to seize or gain a breath). The phrase is usually used to denote someone fighting to win because of a strong sense of personal pride. They want to have the last word, to be able to say to others, "See? I did it! I won!"
The desire to win at all costs is at the core of many personal and interpersonal problems. When we refuse to acknowledge our limitations or to be gracious enough to forgive another's failings because it might make us look like losers, we are bowing to the sin of self-reliance and pride.
Where does our existence come from? Not from ourselves. We live by the grace and will of God, who breathed life into Adam and Eve and who by His will sustains us. So while we strive and worry and seek answers to life's problems, we forget that our very beings are in the hands of Another who is far greater in wisdom and power.
Even our very breaths are on loan from our Creator. Should He decide to suspend our breathing ability for just a minute, our lives would instantly be snuffed out.
When we remember from where we come and to Whom we belong, it puts things in their proper perspective and we are encouraged to cease our endless, fruitless striving for material advancement and possessions.
The desire to win at all costs is at the core of many personal and interpersonal problems. When we refuse to acknowledge our limitations or to be gracious enough to forgive another's failings because it might make us look like losers, we are bowing to the sin of self-reliance and pride.
Where does our existence come from? Not from ourselves. We live by the grace and will of God, who breathed life into Adam and Eve and who by His will sustains us. So while we strive and worry and seek answers to life's problems, we forget that our very beings are in the hands of Another who is far greater in wisdom and power.
Even our very breaths are on loan from our Creator. Should He decide to suspend our breathing ability for just a minute, our lives would instantly be snuffed out.
When we remember from where we come and to Whom we belong, it puts things in their proper perspective and we are encouraged to cease our endless, fruitless striving for material advancement and possessions.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
The Surgeon
Reflecting on his recent experience on the operating table, my pastor had this to say in his latest bulletin message:
When you get yourself to the point where you accept that you need something to be done to improve your life, it is all pretty plain sailing as long as you are prepared to trust.
When it comes to the Divine Trinity operating on us, ... we are all too reluctant and untrusting of what God might do...
Imagine what it would have been like if I had sat up and told the surgeon what to do to my leg... My job in this whole process...was to relax and receive.
Why are we so reluctant to allow God this sort of prominence and power in our lives, especially when unlike the hospital system, the Surgeon has already paid the bill through Jesus Christ?
When you get yourself to the point where you accept that you need something to be done to improve your life, it is all pretty plain sailing as long as you are prepared to trust.
When it comes to the Divine Trinity operating on us, ... we are all too reluctant and untrusting of what God might do...
Imagine what it would have been like if I had sat up and told the surgeon what to do to my leg... My job in this whole process...was to relax and receive.
Why are we so reluctant to allow God this sort of prominence and power in our lives, especially when unlike the hospital system, the Surgeon has already paid the bill through Jesus Christ?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Thought Of The Day: The Value Of Face Value
"Rightly or wrongly people assume you are qualified at what you do."
This came out of a coaching newsletter that I subscribe to.
The writer took the words right out of my mouth.
Since I changed careers 4 years ago, I have found this line particularly true.
When I declared to complete strangers that I was a writer, no one asked me where I got my writing credentials or how dare I presume to be the next JK Rowling or Stephenie Meyer.
When I said I was a career coach, no one asked if I was ICF certified.
They were more interested in how long I'd been coaching/writing and what areas I coached or wrote about.
There are 2 interesting observations I would venture to make.
First, people are primarily obsessed with themselves. They think about themselves morning, noon and night.
How do I look? What do others think of me? Is my hair alright? Is my outfit alright? Did I say something dumb when talking to the moms at school?
People want to know how your self-description is relevant to their current situation.
So if you say you are a writer, they might ask: What do you write about? Oh, you proofread essays and resumes? Do I need your service? Yes, I actually need someone to look at my resume before I send it out. Who else do I know that might need your service? The senior students at my child's school who are preparing for university entrance? My co-worker is thinking of changing jobs. Maybe he could talk to you about his resume.
If you say you are a career coach, they might say: How does coaching work? What sort of clients do you work with? People in career transitions? That's interesting. I have actually been thinking about making a career change. I have this work issue that's bothering me. What do you think of it? How might you be able to help me?
As the writer of the newsletter correctly says, people tend to take us at face value.
This is a huge advantage that we don't often recognize.
If you could say anything you liked and know you could get away with it, what would you say about yourself: who you are, what your values are, what your vision in life is?
Would you dare to go as big as your dreams?
Would you limit yourself to a job description ("I work in a bank" or "I'm just a homemaker" or "I'm a wife and mother")?
How about describing what you do in terms of how it helps someone else?
For instance: "I help people explore their career options and understand how they work best so that they are clear about what types of careers suit them."
"I help women with weight loss and body image issues to feel good about who they are, to accept that they have the power to choose how they see themselves, and to take actions that help them become the image of themselves that they secretly desire but didn't think was possible."
The next time someone asks you what you do, remember: you have their permission to say anything you like about yourself.
And make it something authentic, powerful and intriguing.
You are what you think.
This came out of a coaching newsletter that I subscribe to.
The writer took the words right out of my mouth.
Since I changed careers 4 years ago, I have found this line particularly true.
When I declared to complete strangers that I was a writer, no one asked me where I got my writing credentials or how dare I presume to be the next JK Rowling or Stephenie Meyer.
When I said I was a career coach, no one asked if I was ICF certified.
They were more interested in how long I'd been coaching/writing and what areas I coached or wrote about.
There are 2 interesting observations I would venture to make.
First, people are primarily obsessed with themselves. They think about themselves morning, noon and night.
How do I look? What do others think of me? Is my hair alright? Is my outfit alright? Did I say something dumb when talking to the moms at school?
People want to know how your self-description is relevant to their current situation.
So if you say you are a writer, they might ask: What do you write about? Oh, you proofread essays and resumes? Do I need your service? Yes, I actually need someone to look at my resume before I send it out. Who else do I know that might need your service? The senior students at my child's school who are preparing for university entrance? My co-worker is thinking of changing jobs. Maybe he could talk to you about his resume.
If you say you are a career coach, they might say: How does coaching work? What sort of clients do you work with? People in career transitions? That's interesting. I have actually been thinking about making a career change. I have this work issue that's bothering me. What do you think of it? How might you be able to help me?
As the writer of the newsletter correctly says, people tend to take us at face value.
This is a huge advantage that we don't often recognize.
If you could say anything you liked and know you could get away with it, what would you say about yourself: who you are, what your values are, what your vision in life is?
Would you dare to go as big as your dreams?
Would you limit yourself to a job description ("I work in a bank" or "I'm just a homemaker" or "I'm a wife and mother")?
How about describing what you do in terms of how it helps someone else?
For instance: "I help people explore their career options and understand how they work best so that they are clear about what types of careers suit them."
"I help women with weight loss and body image issues to feel good about who they are, to accept that they have the power to choose how they see themselves, and to take actions that help them become the image of themselves that they secretly desire but didn't think was possible."
The next time someone asks you what you do, remember: you have their permission to say anything you like about yourself.
And make it something authentic, powerful and intriguing.
You are what you think.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
As A Man Thinketh, So Is He
Watch your thoughts: They become your words.
Watch your words: They become your actions.
Watch your actions: They become your habits.
Watch your habits: They become your character.
Watch your character: It becomes your destiny.
Watch your words: They become your actions.
Watch your actions: They become your habits.
Watch your habits: They become your character.
Watch your character: It becomes your destiny.
Michael Oliver, NaturalSelling.com
Friday, April 10, 2009
The #1 Skill That Dwarfs Everything Else
"Taking real steps of any kind is what it takes, no matter where you are... But it's safer just to read some more, or do something that feels like you're doing something, but that doesn't really move you towards your NEXT important goal..."
Does this sound like you?
If the answer's yes, you need to master the #1 skill that dwarfs everything else.
Me? I'm going to take a leaf out of Ken's book and do 20 toe touches when I jump out of bed tomorrow.
PS. To log in to the forum as my guest, key in career-change-confidence.com as your ID and password. You will see yourself online as "Guest of Career-Change-Confidence.com".
Does this sound like you?
If the answer's yes, you need to master the #1 skill that dwarfs everything else.
Me? I'm going to take a leaf out of Ken's book and do 20 toe touches when I jump out of bed tomorrow.
PS. To log in to the forum as my guest, key in career-change-confidence.com as your ID and password. You will see yourself online as "Guest of Career-Change-Confidence.com".
How A Simple Charitable Idea Created Nearly 2000 Blankets For AIDS Orphans
When the soaring unemployment rate and mortgage stress are the topics that dominate our conversations and our thoughts, we all need a bit of cheering up.
Here's a story that will inspire you and help put your challenges in perspective.
Sandy started Knit A Square to attract interest to her aunt's charitable cause in Soweto, South Africa.
The resulting response from visitors to the site is simply amazing.
Read Sandy's story here.
To log in as my guest on the forum, simply key in career-change-confidence.com as your ID and password.
You will then see yourself logged in as "Guest of Career-Change-Confidence.com".
Enjoy.
Here's a story that will inspire you and help put your challenges in perspective.
Sandy started Knit A Square to attract interest to her aunt's charitable cause in Soweto, South Africa.
The resulting response from visitors to the site is simply amazing.
Read Sandy's story here.
To log in as my guest on the forum, simply key in career-change-confidence.com as your ID and password.
You will then see yourself logged in as "Guest of Career-Change-Confidence.com".
Enjoy.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
With All I Am (By Hillsong)
As Good Friday draws near, let us be reminded of how much He loved us, how He gave His only Son to die for us so that we could be restored in fellowship to Him.
Would you give your only child for someone who might not appreciate your sacrifice and might even scorn your gesture?
I know I would not.
Not unless it were made possible by the supernatural grace of God.
"You're the reason that I live, the reason that I sing, with all I am."
Would you give your only child for someone who might not appreciate your sacrifice and might even scorn your gesture?
I know I would not.
Not unless it were made possible by the supernatural grace of God.
"You're the reason that I live, the reason that I sing, with all I am."
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Death Of An Old Friend
An Obituary printed in the London Times -
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults,
not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining
their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but need not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults,
not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining
their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but need not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and
by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers:
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
by his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers:
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Do Chemical Engineers Get Chemical-Engineering Block?
I love this talk by Elizabeth Gilbert on the subject of creativity.
EG is the author of Eat, Pray, Love.
I haven't read the book but I loved listening to her speak. She's so confident, articulate, funny and real.
Watch the video here.
EG is the author of Eat, Pray, Love.
I haven't read the book but I loved listening to her speak. She's so confident, articulate, funny and real.
Watch the video here.
Monday, March 02, 2009
The Work
I was introduced to the work of Byron Katie by life coach David Wood, whose coaching resources have helped me.
Byron Katie helps people end their suffering (her phrase, not mine) by asking three piercing questions when someone says they have a problem. It might be how they feel about themselves; money anxiety; pain of rejection; loss of a loved one.
E.g. "There's something wrong with me."
BK. "Is that true?"
BK. "How do you know it's true?"
BK. "Who would you be without that thought?"
Then she gets the person to do a "turnaround" by saying to themselves the reverse of the thought that's plaguing them.
In the above example, it would be "There's something right with me."
Then she asks you to prove it with examples of how you have done things right.
Maybe you have great friends.
Maybe you ARE a great friend.
You have the perfect body for you.
You have a great laugh.
You are a great teacher.
Check out some of the videos of interviews she has done with people.
Self
Money
Pressure
Fear of the future
Byron Katie helps people end their suffering (her phrase, not mine) by asking three piercing questions when someone says they have a problem. It might be how they feel about themselves; money anxiety; pain of rejection; loss of a loved one.
E.g. "There's something wrong with me."
BK. "Is that true?"
BK. "How do you know it's true?"
BK. "Who would you be without that thought?"
Then she gets the person to do a "turnaround" by saying to themselves the reverse of the thought that's plaguing them.
In the above example, it would be "There's something right with me."
Then she asks you to prove it with examples of how you have done things right.
Maybe you have great friends.
Maybe you ARE a great friend.
You have the perfect body for you.
You have a great laugh.
You are a great teacher.
Check out some of the videos of interviews she has done with people.
Self
Money
Pressure
Fear of the future
Monday, February 23, 2009
Music Teaching - The Second Year
I have started teaching keyboard again, without actively planning for it.
I had an inquiry from a friend at church, who asked if I would coach her two boys.
I said yes, and we started on Sat after I'd assessed where they are currently in their level of musical understanding.
One is a complete beginner. The other plays the guitar, so he already knows quite a bit about chords.
I am teaching chord piano using a combination of resources by Scott "The Piano Guy" Huston and Duanne Shinn, "The Headless Piano Teacher".
It's so much more fun than learning classical piano, I tell you.
On Sunday, I had an inquiry from another family about beginner lessons for their teenage son. They're shopping for a keyboard, so once they've got that sorted, we can start lessons.
I'm so excited at being able to share my music knowledge with young people, and to be able to introduce them to the joy of playing the keyboard without the stress and hassle I endured during my time.
I had an inquiry from a friend at church, who asked if I would coach her two boys.
I said yes, and we started on Sat after I'd assessed where they are currently in their level of musical understanding.
One is a complete beginner. The other plays the guitar, so he already knows quite a bit about chords.
I am teaching chord piano using a combination of resources by Scott "The Piano Guy" Huston and Duanne Shinn, "The Headless Piano Teacher".
It's so much more fun than learning classical piano, I tell you.
On Sunday, I had an inquiry from another family about beginner lessons for their teenage son. They're shopping for a keyboard, so once they've got that sorted, we can start lessons.
I'm so excited at being able to share my music knowledge with young people, and to be able to introduce them to the joy of playing the keyboard without the stress and hassle I endured during my time.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
What's the Secret of Success?
Success is not the basis of Happiness.
Happiness is the basis of Success.
Happiness is the basis of Success.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
New Management
Hold the elevator, folks
A friend is moving on to the upper floors
Though we may see her face no more
You, World, must sit up and mind yourself
There's new management in the house.
Excerpt from Tribute: My First walk in 2009
A poem by Ali Kati
The link to this poem was posted by ShinsCancerBlog. SCB is the inspiring journal of Singapore wife and mother Shin Na, who passed away of breast cancer on 27 Jan 2009.
A friend is moving on to the upper floors
Though we may see her face no more
You, World, must sit up and mind yourself
There's new management in the house.
Excerpt from Tribute: My First walk in 2009
A poem by Ali Kati
The link to this poem was posted by ShinsCancerBlog. SCB is the inspiring journal of Singapore wife and mother Shin Na, who passed away of breast cancer on 27 Jan 2009.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Overwhelmed By Gratitude
I went to the ATM this morning to get some money for the gardener for tomorrow.
As I studied the tiny balance displayed on the screen, the feeling that came to me was one of...GRATITUDE.
Strange, isn't it? Here I am feeling blessedly provided for and taken care of even though my bank balance is missing a few zeroes at the end.
Yet why should I not feel thankful?
I have a home that is perfect for us and for our guests.
My husband has just had his contract renewed.
There are redraw funds available for school fees.
The children are healthy.
My creative right brain continues to suggest random ideas and to hear where Brass or Fantasia might fit in during band practice.
My passion for words, careers, wellbeing and growth is alive and well (sometimes a trickle, sometimes a torrent).
And I still (foolishly, perhaps) believe that each of us can make a difference in the world.
Yes, God is good - even in the midst of bushfires, floods, unsolved murders and the seeming senselessness of life.
As I studied the tiny balance displayed on the screen, the feeling that came to me was one of...GRATITUDE.
Strange, isn't it? Here I am feeling blessedly provided for and taken care of even though my bank balance is missing a few zeroes at the end.
Yet why should I not feel thankful?
I have a home that is perfect for us and for our guests.
My husband has just had his contract renewed.
There are redraw funds available for school fees.
The children are healthy.
My creative right brain continues to suggest random ideas and to hear where Brass or Fantasia might fit in during band practice.
My passion for words, careers, wellbeing and growth is alive and well (sometimes a trickle, sometimes a torrent).
And I still (foolishly, perhaps) believe that each of us can make a difference in the world.
Yes, God is good - even in the midst of bushfires, floods, unsolved murders and the seeming senselessness of life.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
I know Valentine's Day is such an overcommercialized occasion.
But let's look at how we can make it what it was meant to be: a time to remember those we love.
What do you do for those you love? What do you wish for them?
I'm guessing you would spend some time, effort and maybe money making them feel special.
And you would wish only good things for them.
Health. Peace. Abundance. Joy. Freedom.
So if your loved one could use some health-giving information, you could point her in the right direction, say to a book about nutritional medicine or a website dedicated to organic health products.
If your loved one has lost his job because of the recession or is struggling to find meaning in his work, you could show him how to create an income that doesn't depend on the economy or the benevolence of his employer.
As the oft-quoted wisdom says, the simplest and best things in life are free.
Happy Valentine's Day!
But let's look at how we can make it what it was meant to be: a time to remember those we love.
What do you do for those you love? What do you wish for them?
I'm guessing you would spend some time, effort and maybe money making them feel special.
And you would wish only good things for them.
Health. Peace. Abundance. Joy. Freedom.
So if your loved one could use some health-giving information, you could point her in the right direction, say to a book about nutritional medicine or a website dedicated to organic health products.
If your loved one has lost his job because of the recession or is struggling to find meaning in his work, you could show him how to create an income that doesn't depend on the economy or the benevolence of his employer.
As the oft-quoted wisdom says, the simplest and best things in life are free.
Happy Valentine's Day!
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?).
Worms vs Hummingbirds
I read an article today on Sir David Attenborough receiving hate mail for his views on evolution.
When asked why his programs do not give credit to God for creating the natural world, he says he cannot reconcile the notion of a divine and benevolent God with a child in Africa with a worm burrowing through his eyeball.
Sir David also professes to being horrified that creationism and evolution are presented as equal alternative view points in some schools.
Let's compare this with an alternative portrayal of God's relationship with Earth in a book I read recently, The Shack by William Paul Young.
In the novel, the main character Mack and Jesus are enjoying a conversation surrounded by the most picturesque surroundings you can imagine: lake, waterfall, orchard, forest, mountain ranges.
When Mack expresses his appreciation of God's handiwork, Jesus replies that Earth would be even more beautiful if it were not "at war, striving so hard to survive".
Pressed for a clarification, Jesus explains: "Our earth is like a child who has grown up without parents, having no one to guide and direct her. Some have attempted to help her but most have simply tried to use her.
Humans, who have been given the task to lovingly steer the world, instead plunder her with no consideration, other than their immediate needs. And they give little thought for their own children who will inherit their lack of love.
So they use her and abuse her with little consideration and then when she shudders or blows her breath, they are offended and raise their fist at God."
You can say that's just the author expressing the views of eco-warriors and climate change activists.
But that doesn't make his view any less valid or worth thinking about.
Perhaps the thought that God made a perfect world and Man ruined it bothers us because, deep down, we know it's true. Maybe we feel guilty and helpless, and our guilt makes us defensive. If someone were to point out your faults to your face, how would you respond? I know I would get pretty huffed, even if I know what the other person says is the truth.
No one likes being confronted with their own ugliness. It's easier to point the finger at someone else than to say, okay, I'm partly to blame, so what do I do next? How do I make things better?
When asked why his programs do not give credit to God for creating the natural world, he says he cannot reconcile the notion of a divine and benevolent God with a child in Africa with a worm burrowing through his eyeball.
Sir David also professes to being horrified that creationism and evolution are presented as equal alternative view points in some schools.
Let's compare this with an alternative portrayal of God's relationship with Earth in a book I read recently, The Shack by William Paul Young.
In the novel, the main character Mack and Jesus are enjoying a conversation surrounded by the most picturesque surroundings you can imagine: lake, waterfall, orchard, forest, mountain ranges.
When Mack expresses his appreciation of God's handiwork, Jesus replies that Earth would be even more beautiful if it were not "at war, striving so hard to survive".
Pressed for a clarification, Jesus explains: "Our earth is like a child who has grown up without parents, having no one to guide and direct her. Some have attempted to help her but most have simply tried to use her.
Humans, who have been given the task to lovingly steer the world, instead plunder her with no consideration, other than their immediate needs. And they give little thought for their own children who will inherit their lack of love.
So they use her and abuse her with little consideration and then when she shudders or blows her breath, they are offended and raise their fist at God."
You can say that's just the author expressing the views of eco-warriors and climate change activists.
But that doesn't make his view any less valid or worth thinking about.
Perhaps the thought that God made a perfect world and Man ruined it bothers us because, deep down, we know it's true. Maybe we feel guilty and helpless, and our guilt makes us defensive. If someone were to point out your faults to your face, how would you respond? I know I would get pretty huffed, even if I know what the other person says is the truth.
No one likes being confronted with their own ugliness. It's easier to point the finger at someone else than to say, okay, I'm partly to blame, so what do I do next? How do I make things better?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Review of "The Shack"
I am reading William Paul Young's book The Shack, the story of a grieving father's encounter with God in a run-down cabin in the wilderness.
Initially, I was very reluctant to touch the book. Stories about violence against children turn me off. I read a bit of the first chapter, skipped to the end (bad habit), and was intrigued enough to start again in the middle, from the bit where Mackenzie receives a typewritten note from "Papa" and goes to the shack to find out if God is for real.
The writing style and central idea remind me of Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet In Heaven. But it's the writer's use of characters and ideas that contradict all the stereotypes we were taught about God, religion and religious institutions, that makes the book a unique and worthwhile read. It made me uncomfortable to have so many of my assumptions challenged. That in itself is an intellectual exercise worth undertaking, for otherwise I would be stuck in my own way of thinking.
For these reasons, I encourage anyone who wants a more intimate relationship with God to read The Shack.
Initially, I was very reluctant to touch the book. Stories about violence against children turn me off. I read a bit of the first chapter, skipped to the end (bad habit), and was intrigued enough to start again in the middle, from the bit where Mackenzie receives a typewritten note from "Papa" and goes to the shack to find out if God is for real.
The writing style and central idea remind me of Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet In Heaven. But it's the writer's use of characters and ideas that contradict all the stereotypes we were taught about God, religion and religious institutions, that makes the book a unique and worthwhile read. It made me uncomfortable to have so many of my assumptions challenged. That in itself is an intellectual exercise worth undertaking, for otherwise I would be stuck in my own way of thinking.
For these reasons, I encourage anyone who wants a more intimate relationship with God to read The Shack.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Rick Warren and the Presidential Inauguration
One of the most powerful influences on my personal development has just delivered the invocation for the Presidential inauguration.
I love the way he ended his prayer.
"I pray this in the name of the One who changed my life."
This was followed by the names of Jesus in different languages.
Watch the video of Dr Rick Warren's prayer for the nation.
I love the way he ended his prayer.
"I pray this in the name of the One who changed my life."
This was followed by the names of Jesus in different languages.
Watch the video of Dr Rick Warren's prayer for the nation.
Can This Man Change The World?
I am listening to the live webcast of President Barack Obama's inauguration speech.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/5269418/barack-obama-inauguration
Did you hear that bit about America being the friend of every man, woman and child who works for peace?
What a man.
What a moment.
What an opportunity for America and the world.
May God bless his leadership and all who seek after peace.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." - Matt. 5:9
http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/5269418/barack-obama-inauguration
Did you hear that bit about America being the friend of every man, woman and child who works for peace?
What a man.
What a moment.
What an opportunity for America and the world.
May God bless his leadership and all who seek after peace.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." - Matt. 5:9
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
How Many US Presidents Do You Remember?
A friend posted this video on FB which is really thought provoking.
It's not who you are.
It's how you've made a difference in someone else's life.
Have you?
It's not who you are.
It's how you've made a difference in someone else's life.
Have you?
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Web Page of Yen the Artist
My friend and classmate Yen, a frustrated lawyer-cum-budding artist, has set up a web page dedicated to her body of artwork.
It's amazing stuff.
I don't know much about art myself, but just looking at her interpretations of the Mornington Peninsula in VIC and her explanation about why she loves to paint, I have learnt something about human creativity and how art can lift us above the mediocrity of our daily routines.
Check out her site and do pass on the link to friends who love art.
It's amazing stuff.
I don't know much about art myself, but just looking at her interpretations of the Mornington Peninsula in VIC and her explanation about why she loves to paint, I have learnt something about human creativity and how art can lift us above the mediocrity of our daily routines.
Check out her site and do pass on the link to friends who love art.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Blog Posts
Just did a quick count of my blog posts.
I've gone over the magical 1,000!
My five blogs as of today have got 1,017 posts in total.
Awesome.
I've gone over the magical 1,000!
My five blogs as of today have got 1,017 posts in total.
Awesome.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Why You Should Experiment
If you do not experiment, learn from the experiment, apply the learning, and assimilate the entire process, what else can you do except spend your life banging your head against the imaginary barriers of your own incompetence?
Robert Fritz, The Path of Least Resistance
Robert Fritz, The Path of Least Resistance
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
HXUCA AGM 2008
At the congregational meeting last Sunday, our pastor and the coordinators of HXUCA's various outreach activities tabled their reports.
The reports - especially the Minister's - made for exciting reading. I got the sense that I was caught up in something bigger, something significant, that is about to happen in HXUCA.
For instance, 2009 is going to be the year of the Big Idea. The main objective is to go deeper into the pastor's Sunday sermon during the week through various Bible study and prayer groups.
I think that is a very good idea. So many times I've walked out of Sunday Service thinking, "That was a really good sermon", and that was that. Monday came around and with it the usual busyness that overwhelms. Now there'll be opportunities to explore and ask questions and reflect in an intentional way with like-minded brothers and sisters.
Another thing we talked about was the community impact of HXUCA's various outreach projects. As someone who is not personally involved, it is wonderful to hear of how individuals in our community have been touched because of the simple availability of the Take 2 Opp Shop that not only lets people buy second-hand goods at affordable prices, but gives distressed persons a chance to talk with our pastor when they wander through the doors of the church on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
We also heard some interesting feedback from the vendors of our monthly Car Boot Sales (CBS). They told the CBS coordinators that they feel more appreciated and taken care of at our CBS than at any other craft market in the neighbourhood. Wow.
It's lovely that our CBS coordinators have gone out of their way to make the vendors (most of whom are not HXUCA attendees) feel welcome. I love going to craft markets just to see what's out there, but I've never thought about what the experience might be like for the folks behind the display tables. Next time I'll remember to make an effort to strike up meaningful conversations with the vendors.
HOSPITALITY is undoubtedly HXUCA's greatest gift to the community. The ladies and gents who help out with the Opp Shop, bookshop, CBS and monthly Working Bees do an incredible amount of unpaid work week after week without any guarantee that their efforts will be appreciated and without knowing if their projects will touch the lives of those outside the church family. Well, now we know. Their work matters very much.
On the subject of hospitality, it is interesting that our pastor is raising the bar on what he wants to see HXUCA do in the new year. His report puts it so well that I am just going to lift the relevant extracts.
"I cannot stress strongly enough that the hardest thing in growing a church is not geting people through the front doors, it is finding a way of preventing the flow of people out the back door. This is very much dependent on each of us.
If people are to stay, they will choose to because they sense they belong; that they are welcome and that there are meaningful relationships to be enjoyed here...It will be your practice of welcome and fellowship that will cause people to stick.
I want to challenge every person associated with Hoppers Crossing Uniting Church to make a real effort in this regard. From children to youth and on into the adult church we are too comfortable with ourselves and must allow our interest and friendship groups to be expanded.
...Each of us can do a very simple thing. Just by being here at the church during the times of activity on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday you can do a great and important thing.
People need to see and feel the church. They won't do this through the building, they can only do it through the body."
Amen to that.
The reports - especially the Minister's - made for exciting reading. I got the sense that I was caught up in something bigger, something significant, that is about to happen in HXUCA.
For instance, 2009 is going to be the year of the Big Idea. The main objective is to go deeper into the pastor's Sunday sermon during the week through various Bible study and prayer groups.
I think that is a very good idea. So many times I've walked out of Sunday Service thinking, "That was a really good sermon", and that was that. Monday came around and with it the usual busyness that overwhelms. Now there'll be opportunities to explore and ask questions and reflect in an intentional way with like-minded brothers and sisters.
Another thing we talked about was the community impact of HXUCA's various outreach projects. As someone who is not personally involved, it is wonderful to hear of how individuals in our community have been touched because of the simple availability of the Take 2 Opp Shop that not only lets people buy second-hand goods at affordable prices, but gives distressed persons a chance to talk with our pastor when they wander through the doors of the church on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
We also heard some interesting feedback from the vendors of our monthly Car Boot Sales (CBS). They told the CBS coordinators that they feel more appreciated and taken care of at our CBS than at any other craft market in the neighbourhood. Wow.
It's lovely that our CBS coordinators have gone out of their way to make the vendors (most of whom are not HXUCA attendees) feel welcome. I love going to craft markets just to see what's out there, but I've never thought about what the experience might be like for the folks behind the display tables. Next time I'll remember to make an effort to strike up meaningful conversations with the vendors.
HOSPITALITY is undoubtedly HXUCA's greatest gift to the community. The ladies and gents who help out with the Opp Shop, bookshop, CBS and monthly Working Bees do an incredible amount of unpaid work week after week without any guarantee that their efforts will be appreciated and without knowing if their projects will touch the lives of those outside the church family. Well, now we know. Their work matters very much.
On the subject of hospitality, it is interesting that our pastor is raising the bar on what he wants to see HXUCA do in the new year. His report puts it so well that I am just going to lift the relevant extracts.
"I cannot stress strongly enough that the hardest thing in growing a church is not geting people through the front doors, it is finding a way of preventing the flow of people out the back door. This is very much dependent on each of us.
If people are to stay, they will choose to because they sense they belong; that they are welcome and that there are meaningful relationships to be enjoyed here...It will be your practice of welcome and fellowship that will cause people to stick.
I want to challenge every person associated with Hoppers Crossing Uniting Church to make a real effort in this regard. From children to youth and on into the adult church we are too comfortable with ourselves and must allow our interest and friendship groups to be expanded.
...Each of us can do a very simple thing. Just by being here at the church during the times of activity on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday you can do a great and important thing.
People need to see and feel the church. They won't do this through the building, they can only do it through the body."
Amen to that.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Choose Something Other Than Your Default Mode
From Coaching Compass newsletter
Coaching Outside the Box
by David Krueger MD
Ben Fletcher at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom devised a study to get people to break their usual habits. Each day the subjects picked a different option from poles of contrasting behaviors -- lively/quiet, introvert/extrovert, reactive/proactive -- and behaved according to this assignment.
So an introverted person, for example, would act as an extrovert for an entire day. Additionally, twice weekly, they had to stretch to behave in a way outside their usual life pattern – eating or reading something they would never have done.
What do you think was the biggest change in the group?
The remarkable finding was that after four months, the subjects had lost an average of eleven pounds. And six months later, almost all had kept the weight off; some continued to lose weight. This was not a diet, but a study focusing on change and its impact.
The Underlying Principle
Requiring people to change routine behavior makes them actually think about decisions rather than habitually choosing a default mode without consideration. In having to actually process decisions actively, they exercised their choice and decision-making abilities, extending to other choices such as what to eat, and what not to. Once becoming aware of actively making choices, they could decide what’s in their best interest.
“The box” most of us are in is the result of programming and conditioning. And it is self-created in adulthood.
Recognizing yourself as the author, the creator of your story challenges an assumed model and leads to the deeper question, “How do I create something else instead?”
And, “What will the ‘something else’ be?”
PS. I admire the intent behind the experiment. The results are certainly worth exploring in the context of helping individuals make significant changes in their lives. However, I would not restrict myself to being the "author" and "creator" of my "story". As a God-believer, I know that ultimately, it is He who is Author and Creator. I am only author and creator to the extent that I exercise my God-given ability to make choices and decisions about how I live my life.
Coaching Outside the Box
by David Krueger MD
Ben Fletcher at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom devised a study to get people to break their usual habits. Each day the subjects picked a different option from poles of contrasting behaviors -- lively/quiet, introvert/extrovert, reactive/proactive -- and behaved according to this assignment.
So an introverted person, for example, would act as an extrovert for an entire day. Additionally, twice weekly, they had to stretch to behave in a way outside their usual life pattern – eating or reading something they would never have done.
What do you think was the biggest change in the group?
The remarkable finding was that after four months, the subjects had lost an average of eleven pounds. And six months later, almost all had kept the weight off; some continued to lose weight. This was not a diet, but a study focusing on change and its impact.
The Underlying Principle
Requiring people to change routine behavior makes them actually think about decisions rather than habitually choosing a default mode without consideration. In having to actually process decisions actively, they exercised their choice and decision-making abilities, extending to other choices such as what to eat, and what not to. Once becoming aware of actively making choices, they could decide what’s in their best interest.
“The box” most of us are in is the result of programming and conditioning. And it is self-created in adulthood.
Recognizing yourself as the author, the creator of your story challenges an assumed model and leads to the deeper question, “How do I create something else instead?”
And, “What will the ‘something else’ be?”
PS. I admire the intent behind the experiment. The results are certainly worth exploring in the context of helping individuals make significant changes in their lives. However, I would not restrict myself to being the "author" and "creator" of my "story". As a God-believer, I know that ultimately, it is He who is Author and Creator. I am only author and creator to the extent that I exercise my God-given ability to make choices and decisions about how I live my life.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Treat Every Moment As If It's Our Last
From an article in the Oct 2008 issue of the Methodist News 卫理之声：
昨天傍晚幼弟长炎来电话告知我们所亲爱的吴武玲姐妹已于昨午四时蒙主归天。
心中难过，想到昨天在电话中为她祷告时，她的声音仍然满有力量， 没想到隔天就归天，更提醒我们当趁健康时竭力多作主工， 以免空手见主。
Let's use the time when we are healthy and active to do more good works in the name of Christ, so that we will not be caught empty-handed when we are called home unexpectedly.
昨天傍晚幼弟长炎来电话告知我们所亲爱的吴武玲姐妹已于昨午四时蒙主归天。
心中难过，想到昨天在电话中为她祷告时，她的声音仍然满有力量， 没想到隔天就归天，更提醒我们当趁健康时竭力多作主工， 以免空手见主。
Let's use the time when we are healthy and active to do more good works in the name of Christ, so that we will not be caught empty-handed when we are called home unexpectedly.
The Courage of Self-Belief
Oscar-winning Australian designer Catherine Martin has some words of wisdom for people who choose the creative path.
"I feel proud of the work we've done, proud that I managed to do it, and it's up to everyone else now to judge whether it's good, bad or indifferent. Some people may like it and others might not, but you have to accept that if you're going to pursue a more risky path."
On the importance of passion:
"I'm in it for the journey, and I don't mind a few ups and downs...Success can't be the only reason you do something like this. You've got to like the process and the people and enjoy going to work each day; otherwise it's a very lonely, frustrating and unsatisfying game."
Great career advice and a good reminder to understand the "why" behind why we choose the work we do.
"I feel proud of the work we've done, proud that I managed to do it, and it's up to everyone else now to judge whether it's good, bad or indifferent. Some people may like it and others might not, but you have to accept that if you're going to pursue a more risky path."
On the importance of passion:
"I'm in it for the journey, and I don't mind a few ups and downs...Success can't be the only reason you do something like this. You've got to like the process and the people and enjoy going to work each day; otherwise it's a very lonely, frustrating and unsatisfying game."
Great career advice and a good reminder to understand the "why" behind why we choose the work we do.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Thoughts On Barack Obama
I consider myself politically uninformed and apathetic, but Barack Obama's election victory speech on 6 Nov has awakened something in me.
I am inspired by his ability to say the sorts of things that can rouse ordinary people to action. ("Yes we can")
I am impressed by the sincere and unreserved praise and acknowledgment he gave all who helped him.
I love the orderly, professional look-and-feel of his web site.
I get the sense (from things said about him by his team and those who know him) that he is much loved and respected and his supporters would follow him anywhere.
I respect his courage in making that detour to visit his ailing granny in the heat of the election.
I am amazed at how he astutely turned something we all use and take for granted - the Internet - into a platform to reach so many Americans across racial, age and status divides. There is no doubt the effectiveness of his Internet campaign helped deliver him the White House.
It reinforces my belief in the power of man to change his destiny and to rise to greatness - with the blessing of God.
"This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you."
"And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too. "
Cancer Blog
The Anatomy of a Calling
How do you find your calling in life?
This is the story of how one man found his.
"In my experience of God's calling, I have learned that more important than our commitment to our calling is our commitment to the One who calls us."
- Dr Robert Solomon, Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore (2000 to present)
This is the story of how one man found his.
"In my experience of God's calling, I have learned that more important than our commitment to our calling is our commitment to the One who calls us."
- Dr Robert Solomon, Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore (2000 to present)
On Using Our Gifts
After a 2-month break, I rejoined the musos for band practice last night.
It has been "easy" to skip Thu night practices. There's always one thing or another happening at home. Hubby gets home late, so I can't hand over and go for prac. Or J gets sick. Or the girls get clingy. Sometimes I just want to enjoy some family time.
It's good to be back.
I still wonder if my role as keyboardist isn't somewhat redundant when we already have an extremely versatile and gifted pianist who's also our de facto music director. Lately, the guitarist has taken on a bassist role using a separate keyboard as well.
While I've got the liberty to be as creative as I want with the organ and the keyboard that have been placed at my disposal, my skills aren't yet up to that level. So I tend to stick with what is safe and known - Pan Flute/Synth Strings for slow songs, Fantasia for fast songs. Sometimes I let go a little and experiment with different buttons just to hear the effects. Most of them work out well. Last night, I tried a button I'd never used before and the band leader went something like "Wow! How'd you do that? How do you know what button to press?"
To which the music director replied, "Cos we're musicians, that's why!"
I smiled. It's never that easy or obvious for me, so I would never dare to make such a bold statement.
My own interpretation is this. When God gives you a gift and you use it actively as an expression of who you are, you sometimes accomplish more than what you or someone else might have expected or imagined.
I do not know why God has given me the gift of music. I do not need an answer. I know I'm blessed to be a blessing, and that when I bless others, I will experience the deeper joy and fulfillment that come from living my God-given purpose.
The sense of inadequacy from not knowing enough and not being good enough may be what God uses to keep me in a right relationship with Him, so that I always remember who is the true Gift Giver, and who is the Steward.
It has been "easy" to skip Thu night practices. There's always one thing or another happening at home. Hubby gets home late, so I can't hand over and go for prac. Or J gets sick. Or the girls get clingy. Sometimes I just want to enjoy some family time.
It's good to be back.
I still wonder if my role as keyboardist isn't somewhat redundant when we already have an extremely versatile and gifted pianist who's also our de facto music director. Lately, the guitarist has taken on a bassist role using a separate keyboard as well.
While I've got the liberty to be as creative as I want with the organ and the keyboard that have been placed at my disposal, my skills aren't yet up to that level. So I tend to stick with what is safe and known - Pan Flute/Synth Strings for slow songs, Fantasia for fast songs. Sometimes I let go a little and experiment with different buttons just to hear the effects. Most of them work out well. Last night, I tried a button I'd never used before and the band leader went something like "Wow! How'd you do that? How do you know what button to press?"
To which the music director replied, "Cos we're musicians, that's why!"
I smiled. It's never that easy or obvious for me, so I would never dare to make such a bold statement.
My own interpretation is this. When God gives you a gift and you use it actively as an expression of who you are, you sometimes accomplish more than what you or someone else might have expected or imagined.
I do not know why God has given me the gift of music. I do not need an answer. I know I'm blessed to be a blessing, and that when I bless others, I will experience the deeper joy and fulfillment that come from living my God-given purpose.
The sense of inadequacy from not knowing enough and not being good enough may be what God uses to keep me in a right relationship with Him, so that I always remember who is the true Gift Giver, and who is the Steward.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Job Action Day 2008
QuintCareers has declared Nov. 3, 2008, Job Action Day worldwide -- a day for job-seekers and workers to confront the current economic crisis head-on and take action steps to improve their careers.
Here's what JAD is about in a nutshell - "To rally those who have lost their jobs or are facing possible job loss in the current devastated economic climate, Job Action Day 2008 aims to empower workers and job-seekers to take proactive steps to shore up their job and career outlook...
Our challenge to you...is to ask you to do at least ONE proactive thing TODAY, Job Action Day 2008, to improve your job and/or career situation.
Whether you update your resume, develop a backup plan in case of job loss, or add contacts to your network, take at least one action Today for Job Action Day."
Action Challenge
What one proactive thing can you do today to improve your career situation?
Here's what JAD is about in a nutshell - "To rally those who have lost their jobs or are facing possible job loss in the current devastated economic climate, Job Action Day 2008 aims to empower workers and job-seekers to take proactive steps to shore up their job and career outlook...
Our challenge to you...is to ask you to do at least ONE proactive thing TODAY, Job Action Day 2008, to improve your job and/or career situation.
Whether you update your resume, develop a backup plan in case of job loss, or add contacts to your network, take at least one action Today for Job Action Day."
Action Challenge
What one proactive thing can you do today to improve your career situation?
Are You A Quality Worker?
This extract from a post on the Trump University blog reiterates 2 things I passionately believe in and practise: (1) the importance of keeping our skills and knowledge current; (2) if you're unhappy with your career situation, do something about it!
Executive search firm Robert Half International, recently performed a study where they surveyed over 4000 finance and human resource managers in 20 different countries and the majority said they are having trouble finding skilled candidates to fill their high level accounting and finance positions. It also showed that when they do find one, the pressure is on them to find creative ways to retain them and keep them happy.
What this should tell people is that quality companies are needing quality people and are willing to pay them handsomely! If you are unhappy with your current job situation, do something about it. Start by bettering yourself and your skill set CONSTANTLY. Keep your education current. Take webinars and business classes in your field of expertise to keep abreast of cutting edge ideas and opportunities to impress any possible employers.
Executive search firm Robert Half International, recently performed a study where they surveyed over 4000 finance and human resource managers in 20 different countries and the majority said they are having trouble finding skilled candidates to fill their high level accounting and finance positions. It also showed that when they do find one, the pressure is on them to find creative ways to retain them and keep them happy.
What this should tell people is that quality companies are needing quality people and are willing to pay them handsomely! If you are unhappy with your current job situation, do something about it. Start by bettering yourself and your skill set CONSTANTLY. Keep your education current. Take webinars and business classes in your field of expertise to keep abreast of cutting edge ideas and opportunities to impress any possible employers.
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)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Lending To The World's Poorest
I was reading a one-of-a-kind blog post today and it gave me an idea.
How's this for a unique Christmas gift - make a microloan to a poor entrepreneur in the developing world.
The idea is not new. Think Dr Mohamed Yunus and Grameen Bank.
But Kiva.org is the first of its kind. It uses the power of the Web to connect small lenders like you and me directly to real individuals who need the money, who know what to do with it, but whom banks won't lend to.
For as little as US$25, you can change lives.
As the borrower repays the loan, you get your money back.
What a powerful and sustainable way to lift someone out of poverty.
How's that for a Christmas gift that keeps on giving?
Read on about how Kiva.org has inspired Ken Evoy.
How's this for a unique Christmas gift - make a microloan to a poor entrepreneur in the developing world.
The idea is not new. Think Dr Mohamed Yunus and Grameen Bank.
But Kiva.org is the first of its kind. It uses the power of the Web to connect small lenders like you and me directly to real individuals who need the money, who know what to do with it, but whom banks won't lend to.
For as little as US$25, you can change lives.
As the borrower repays the loan, you get your money back.
What a powerful and sustainable way to lift someone out of poverty.
How's that for a Christmas gift that keeps on giving?
Read on about how Kiva.org has inspired Ken Evoy.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
What Focus Means
I like this definition of "focus" that I picked up in Why We Want You To Be Rich: Two Men, One Message by Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump.
F = Follow
O = One
C = Course
U = Until
S = Successful
Follow One Course Until Successful.
RK shares that he applied this wisdom to his research into real estate, bonds and IPOs.
When he invested in real estate, he continued until he was successful.
When he wanted to learn about bonds, he invested in them until he was successful. Once he was successful, he decided that he did not like bonds and so he does not invest in them anymore.
He has taken two companies successfully from startups to IPOs and made millions. He succeeded, but then he decided he did not want to go through the process anymore.
Today, RK still prefers real estate.
When you think about it, it makes sense to focus. You shut out everything else that distracts and pour all your energies into doing one thing well. If that thing fails despite your best efforts and intentions, you know it's not right for you and you can move on.
But if you only put in 20% in Project X because you are also trying to manage Projects Y and Z and X fails, how will you know for sure what caused the failure?
F = Follow
O = One
C = Course
U = Until
S = Successful
Follow One Course Until Successful.
RK shares that he applied this wisdom to his research into real estate, bonds and IPOs.
When he invested in real estate, he continued until he was successful.
When he wanted to learn about bonds, he invested in them until he was successful. Once he was successful, he decided that he did not like bonds and so he does not invest in them anymore.
He has taken two companies successfully from startups to IPOs and made millions. He succeeded, but then he decided he did not want to go through the process anymore.
Today, RK still prefers real estate.
When you think about it, it makes sense to focus. You shut out everything else that distracts and pour all your energies into doing one thing well. If that thing fails despite your best efforts and intentions, you know it's not right for you and you can move on.
But if you only put in 20% in Project X because you are also trying to manage Projects Y and Z and X fails, how will you know for sure what caused the failure?
The Entitlement Mentality
In the book Why We Want You To Be Rich - Two Men, One Message, Robert Kiyosaki and Donald Trump share their concern that Americans have become complacent.
People have come to expect the government to handle their problems and fix the future. Rich and poor alike expect government handouts. Big corporations are subsidized by the government. Farms and ranches would close down but for government handouts. The President of the US and members of the House and Senate expect retirement benefits from the government.
At the time of publication (2006), Social Security was in debt $10 trillion and Medicare, $62 trillion. It was projected that in a few years' time, the first of 75 million baby boomers would retire...and expect their government pension checks.
2 years on, the subprime crisis has thrown America into even greater financial straits. In such circumstances, how can the government possibly afford to take care of 75 million retirees?
The authors point out that the cause of this problem - our lack of financial resources - lies in a lack of financial education.
We have got to stop blaming others and expecting others to save us from the consequences of our own poor choices.
We have to start taking charge of our own situations.
We need to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
To do that, we need to invest in our minds - our greatest asset.
Instead of relying on financial advisors or accepting unquestioningly the wisdom of the herd, we should take the time and effort to gain understanding.
Here are just a few suggestions from the book on the knowledge and understanding that we need to acquire:
People have come to expect the government to handle their problems and fix the future. Rich and poor alike expect government handouts. Big corporations are subsidized by the government. Farms and ranches would close down but for government handouts. The President of the US and members of the House and Senate expect retirement benefits from the government.
At the time of publication (2006), Social Security was in debt $10 trillion and Medicare, $62 trillion. It was projected that in a few years' time, the first of 75 million baby boomers would retire...and expect their government pension checks.
2 years on, the subprime crisis has thrown America into even greater financial straits. In such circumstances, how can the government possibly afford to take care of 75 million retirees?
The authors point out that the cause of this problem - our lack of financial resources - lies in a lack of financial education.
We have got to stop blaming others and expecting others to save us from the consequences of our own poor choices.
We have to start taking charge of our own situations.
We need to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
To do that, we need to invest in our minds - our greatest asset.
Instead of relying on financial advisors or accepting unquestioningly the wisdom of the herd, we should take the time and effort to gain understanding.
Here are just a few suggestions from the book on the knowledge and understanding that we need to acquire:
- why the rich get richer
- the three types of investor and which one we are
- the four CASHFLOW quadrants, the values they represent and which quadrant we really want to belong in
- the difference between a saver and an investor
- the power of leverage
- good debt vs bad debt
- the financial challenges facing the US and the rest of the world and how they came about
- the history of the world
- the role of India and China in the world economy
- why diversification is not necessarily good financial advice
- why the middle class in America is shrinking
Monday, October 27, 2008
Work-Life Balance for an Actress turned SAHM
What's it like to be a SAHM after spending most of your professional life as an actress?
Aussie actress Rachael Beck, who's 37 and has a daughter the same age as J, is very honest about her struggle.
"I definitely wanted to be home with her for the first two years. It (motherhood) has gone from wonderment to exhaustion to 'I can't cope' to 'I'm on top of the world' - the absolute gamut. I don't think any mother really copes, and anyone who says they cope is telling a fib.
It is such a life-changing thing in so many ways. It stretches and pulls you and tests you and makes you grow.
It has deepened me as a woman and as a wife."
Of taking a professional break, she confesses, "I can't lie to you and say there haven't been times of frustration, of having to say 'no' to fabulous things that have been offered to me."
On the SAHM vs career woman debate, she is remarkably realistic.
"There are some women who are absolutely fine sitting at home with their children until they go to school, or giving up work. I'd had a lot of creative time and it's something that is so inherent in me and a part of my happiness that I am a better mother when I can balance that."
Lessons for the rest of us?
- Be true to yourself. Know what makes you fulfilled and what drives you batty. Find a way to channel your passions and strengths in ways that add to you as a person.
- Don't waste time feeling guilty because you aren't, or can't be, a SAHM. Do what you can, live with the consequences, and move on. Life isn't perfect.
- Acknowledge your uniqueness. Just because everyone else thinks being a SAHM or career woman is the right thing doesn't make it right for you. You are unique. Acknowledge your right to see things differently and to find your own balance.
- Whatever you choose, choose it for the right reasons and after careful consideration of all that is important to you and your loved ones. Then stick with your choice, knowing it is the best you can do in the circumstances. Don't beat yourself up over what-ifs or let regret dominate your life. And remember there is no medal for martyrdom. If you decide to give up your career, do it because you believe it's the best thing for your family, not because you want people to know how noble or self-sacrificing you are.
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?
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Good Boss vs Bad Boss
My friend who's just migrated to NZ has written this insightful piece comparing what life is like under a good/bad boss.
What's your boss like?
And if you're a boss yourself, do you think your co-workers would label you a GB or BB?
What's your boss like?
And if you're a boss yourself, do you think your co-workers would label you a GB or BB?
If Jesus Came To Your House...
Lois Blanchard Eades
presumed public domain
presumed public domain
If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two
If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do.
Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an Honored Guest.
And all the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best.
And you would keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there-
That serving Him in your own home is joy beyond compare.
But--when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door
With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in?
Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been?
Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard?
And wish you hadn't uttered that last, loud, hasty word?
Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?
And I wonder--if the Saviour spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing the things you always do?
Would you go right on saying the things you always say?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?
Would your family conversation keep up its usual pace?
And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?
Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you read,
And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed?
Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you'd planned to go?
Or would you, maybe, change your plans for just a day or so?
Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends?
Or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends?
Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on?
Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would do
If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Aging Gracefully with Julie Andrews
To commemorate her birthday, actress/vocalist Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan 's Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP.
One of the musical numbers she performed was 'My Favourite Things' from the legendary movie 'Sound Of Music'.
Here are the lyrics she used:
(Sing It!) - If you sing it, it's especially hysterical!!!
Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favourite things.
Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favourite things.
When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favourite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favourite things.
Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favourite things.
When the joints ache,
When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores.
One of the musical numbers she performed was 'My Favourite Things' from the legendary movie 'Sound Of Music'.
Here are the lyrics she used:
(Sing It!) - If you sing it, it's especially hysterical!!!
Botox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favourite things.
Cadillacs and cataracts, hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favourite things.
When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favourite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favourite things.
Back pain, confused brains and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favourite things.
When the joints ache,
When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores.
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?
The Story of the Spider
After a particularly violent storm, the spider's half-spun web lay in tatters. The spider itself had been flung to the ground, and it now painfully inched its way up the wall towards the ruins of its home.
The spider followed the trail it knew best, crawling slowly upwards. But the wall had become wet and slippery, and once the spider reached a certain height, it would fall off. But it never gave up. Each time it fell, it would doggedly start all over again...
A passerby saw the spider's travails and sighed to himself: "Isn't my life just like this poor spider's? Always busying myself rushing here and there, and in the end, what do I achieve? Nothing."
Bowing his head in despair, he walked away, and from that day on sank into a depression.
A second passerby watched the spider and exclaimed: "What a stupid spider! Why can't he take a different route and crawl up from the section of the wall that is dry? In life too, one often encounters fools. I shall not be one of them!"
The second passerby went away with a swagger, determined to shine amongst his fellow men. In the conduct of his affairs he became clever and crafty.
The third passerby crouched down to observe the spider. Moved by what he saw, he sighed, "Ah spider! In countless battles you face countless failures, yet someday you will surely prevail! Man too should learn to be persevering like you!"
The third passerby went away, heartened and encouraged, and from that day on, he became much more resolute and resilient, and found success in all that he put his hand to.
Lesson
有什么样的心态，就会接受什么样的教育，就会领悟到什么样的道理。
Your attitude determines how teachable you are, and your teachability will determine the life lessons you learn.
《蜘蛛的故事》
The spider followed the trail it knew best, crawling slowly upwards. But the wall had become wet and slippery, and once the spider reached a certain height, it would fall off. But it never gave up. Each time it fell, it would doggedly start all over again...
A passerby saw the spider's travails and sighed to himself: "Isn't my life just like this poor spider's? Always busying myself rushing here and there, and in the end, what do I achieve? Nothing."
Bowing his head in despair, he walked away, and from that day on sank into a depression.
A second passerby watched the spider and exclaimed: "What a stupid spider! Why can't he take a different route and crawl up from the section of the wall that is dry? In life too, one often encounters fools. I shall not be one of them!"
The second passerby went away with a swagger, determined to shine amongst his fellow men. In the conduct of his affairs he became clever and crafty.
The third passerby crouched down to observe the spider. Moved by what he saw, he sighed, "Ah spider! In countless battles you face countless failures, yet someday you will surely prevail! Man too should learn to be persevering like you!"
The third passerby went away, heartened and encouraged, and from that day on, he became much more resolute and resilient, and found success in all that he put his hand to.
Lesson
有什么样的心态，就会接受什么样的教育，就会领悟到什么样的道理。
Your attitude determines how teachable you are, and your teachability will determine the life lessons you learn.
《蜘蛛的故事》
Sunday, October 12, 2008
What Does A Fulfilling Career Look Like?
Imagine waking up every day and thinking: "I'm so lucky. I look forward to going to work. I'm doing what I love."
That's the essence of what it means to have a fulfilling career.
If you put your career to this test, what would your response be?
If your career is not giving you joy, what one thing can you do today and explore your options and make a decision that would move you closer to career joy?
RESOURCES:
Find out how to align your life with universal principles so that you live a congruent life.
That's the essence of what it means to have a fulfilling career.
If you put your career to this test, what would your response be?
If your career is not giving you joy, what one thing can you do today and explore your options and make a decision that would move you closer to career joy?
RESOURCES:
Find out how to align your life with universal principles so that you live a congruent life.
How Do You Express Yourself?
I was listening to a Steve Pavlina podcast today on Creative Self-Expression.
CSE is about being yourself and accepting yourself.
If you want to create passive income, think of how to create passive value for others. What valuable thing can you give them even if you're not physically present?
If you want abundance, spend more time expressing and sharing who you really are. Give more than you are receiving. If you are experiencing scarcity, it's because you are taking more than you are giving.
Don't confuse the method of expression with your message. Your career is not defined by the medium you choose.
For example, Steve's career is all about growth. He expresses his passion for growth in a variety of ways: through writing, blogging, speaking. The message is growth, and that's what he tries to share with people.
Likewise, my career is not about writing per se. It's about helping others to overcome their personal limitations and the restrictions imposed by conventional norms. It's about exploring and charting new directions in life. It's about helping people to write a new life/career story. I get my message out through writing and blogging and email coaching of like-minded persons. Those are my outlets. My message is about creating something new and positive out of one's past mistakes and negative experiences.
CSE is about being yourself and accepting yourself.
If you want to create passive income, think of how to create passive value for others. What valuable thing can you give them even if you're not physically present?
If you want abundance, spend more time expressing and sharing who you really are. Give more than you are receiving. If you are experiencing scarcity, it's because you are taking more than you are giving.
Don't confuse the method of expression with your message. Your career is not defined by the medium you choose.
For example, Steve's career is all about growth. He expresses his passion for growth in a variety of ways: through writing, blogging, speaking. The message is growth, and that's what he tries to share with people.
Likewise, my career is not about writing per se. It's about helping others to overcome their personal limitations and the restrictions imposed by conventional norms. It's about exploring and charting new directions in life. It's about helping people to write a new life/career story. I get my message out through writing and blogging and email coaching of like-minded persons. Those are my outlets. My message is about creating something new and positive out of one's past mistakes and negative experiences.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Love Yourself, Keep Yourself Safe
Missing Melbourne backpacker Britt Lapthorne has been found - and the outcome is every parent's worst nightmare.
No one can feel anything but sympathy and pain for her parents and brother. They are left with the heartbreaking reality of the loss of a beautiful 21 y.o. girl who was enjoying herself on holiday when she vanished from a nightclub in Croatia.
A journalist penned her personal thoughts in MXNews this week.
Commenting on the Britt Lapthorne case, she confessed that she had travelled to Croatia previously and had visited the very same nightclub. She admitted that when she was there, she had gotten carried away by the atmosphere and the fact that she was on holiday. She partied too much, drank too much; she was alone in a strange place. In other words, she put herself in a vulnerable position. She was fortunate to come home unscathed.
I thought it was brave and honest of her to say what she did. Perhaps her commentary can act as a wake-up call to other young travellers, particularly solo backpackers, not to take unnecessary risks in a strange country. By all means have your adventures, but remember that there are people who love you and who are waiting for you to come home safe and well.
No one can feel anything but sympathy and pain for her parents and brother. They are left with the heartbreaking reality of the loss of a beautiful 21 y.o. girl who was enjoying herself on holiday when she vanished from a nightclub in Croatia.
A journalist penned her personal thoughts in MXNews this week.
Commenting on the Britt Lapthorne case, she confessed that she had travelled to Croatia previously and had visited the very same nightclub. She admitted that when she was there, she had gotten carried away by the atmosphere and the fact that she was on holiday. She partied too much, drank too much; she was alone in a strange place. In other words, she put herself in a vulnerable position. She was fortunate to come home unscathed.
I thought it was brave and honest of her to say what she did. Perhaps her commentary can act as a wake-up call to other young travellers, particularly solo backpackers, not to take unnecessary risks in a strange country. By all means have your adventures, but remember that there are people who love you and who are waiting for you to come home safe and well.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The 2 Best Feelings In The World Are...
- Lying in bed with my girls on either side of me
- My little girl's arms wrapped around my neck as she snuggles up close
What 2 sensations inspire you to feel joy and contentment?
Thursday, October 09, 2008
The Secret of Success
I love this reminder from the Heathdale Christian College newsletter.
The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his time when it comes.
Benjamin Disraeli
Success is developed daily, not in a day, this is the law of process. What a person does on a disciplined, consistent basis gets him ready for success, no matter what the goal.
If you want to be successful in your studies (same goes for everything else you set your heart to), the good news is that you are in control of the outcomes.
Everyone has the potential, but success isn't an event, it's a process.
SUCCESS ISN'T AN EVENT, IT'S A PROCESS.
The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his time when it comes.
Benjamin Disraeli
Success is developed daily, not in a day, this is the law of process. What a person does on a disciplined, consistent basis gets him ready for success, no matter what the goal.
If you want to be successful in your studies (same goes for everything else you set your heart to), the good news is that you are in control of the outcomes.
Everyone has the potential, but success isn't an event, it's a process.
SUCCESS ISN'T AN EVENT, IT'S A PROCESS.
The Loss Of An Icon
Why is it that people are most honoured not while they live but at their own funerals, when they can no longer see or hear or appreciate what others say about them?
The first time I heard that JBJ had passed on was today (a week after the event!), when I was surfing MrBrown.com and read PM's condolence letter. I can't believe I didn't hear the news before this.
Singapore has lost a great statesman.
I wanted to see what people were saying about the event. Googled "JBJ" and found:
The first time I heard that JBJ had passed on was today (a week after the event!), when I was surfing MrBrown.com and read PM's condolence letter. I can't believe I didn't hear the news before this.
Singapore has lost a great statesman.
I wanted to see what people were saying about the event. Googled "JBJ" and found:
- an insightful and touchingly honest tribute by Dharmendra Yadav
- video footage of the funeral
- a YouTube "Memory of JBJ" tribute with Candle In The Wind playing in the background.
I respect JBJ for his courage, his tenacity and his vision.
I think The Australian captured the essence of what JBJ stood for best. They called him "champion of democracy". In daring to walk his beliefs and ideals, he has shown the rest of us what it means to choose excellence over mediocrity and to make choices based on courage rather than fear and unthinking compliance.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
The Secret to Contentment (Part 2)
我无论在什么景况都可以知足，这是我已经学会了。我知道怎么处卑贱，也知道怎样处丰富；或饱足，或饥饿；或有余，或缺乏，随是随在，我都得了秘诀。我靠着那加给我力量的，凡事都能做。
腓立比书 4:11-13
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13
腓立比书 4:11-13
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13
Sunday, October 05, 2008
The Secret To Contentment
要使生活变得幸福，一定量的忍受力是必要的。
你忍受不了乡下的单调生活，那城市里的生活能够永远给你新鲜感吗？你对麦当劳，足球，电影也有厌倦的一天，那时候，你又镇么办呢？
伟人的生平，除了某些光彩夺目的时刻以外，也都是平凡的。
幸福的生活在很大程度上是一种平静安逸的生活，因为只有在平静的环境里，真正的快乐才能得以纯在。
《来杯幸福茶》
If you see little squares, it could be that you have not downloaded the global IME that lets you read Chinese text.
Download your Global IME here.
If you are using Windows XP, you can configure your computer to read Chinese using the Control Panel.
你忍受不了乡下的单调生活，那城市里的生活能够永远给你新鲜感吗？你对麦当劳，足球，电影也有厌倦的一天，那时候，你又镇么办呢？
伟人的生平，除了某些光彩夺目的时刻以外，也都是平凡的。
幸福的生活在很大程度上是一种平静安逸的生活，因为只有在平静的环境里，真正的快乐才能得以纯在。
《来杯幸福茶》
If you see little squares, it could be that you have not downloaded the global IME that lets you read Chinese text.
Download your Global IME here.
If you are using Windows XP, you can configure your computer to read Chinese using the Control Panel.
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