Just completed my first coaching session since I started the Dip in Life Coaching with TCI. The student support people are very pleased for me that I've gained a client even before the Intake Weekend next month.
I've set myself a starting goal of 100 hours to prepare for a full-time career in coaching the best out of people.
My thoughts after last night?
I feel awesome! THIS is what I am meant to do.
Here's how I prepared myself.
Listened to Extraordinary Living and Coaching Starter Kit CDs.
Watched Sharon Pearson's video clips on the Dip Life Coaching page on TCI website and took lots of notes.
Just before the session (8.30 pm SIN time/10.30 pm MEL time), I started feeling sleepy. That was a bit of a worry.
So I did some stretching, listened to Paul Scheele's Paraliminal CD on Focus and Concentration.
And fell asleep.
When I awoke, I felt a bit guilty, but guess what? I felt so refreshed as well. Wasn't expecting that actually.
As I type this close to midnight, I am still feeling alert and awake.
One more thing I did: I actively implemented Sharon's advice.
Ex: when you're thinking about what question to ask next or stress that you may ask a wrong question, it becomes about you, not your client. You're letting your ego, your fear, your need for control, get in the way. Your client is not paying you for these things. They want change, solutions, to feel better than before your session with them.
Here's what my client said when I asked for feedback at the end of our Skype session together:
I feel fantastic! Thank you very much! :)
To wrap up, I left her a gift beyond what my coach training has advocated, but which I feel strongly about because of my Christian faith. I reminded her that her true identity is based on what God thinks of her, and that He loved her enough to send His Son to die for her.
Her response?
WOW Awesome!! Thank you v much Serena.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Invitation to see Dr John Demartini
What hubby is going for that I'd like to go for if it wasn't on a week night in the city!
====================================================
Dr Demartini had a vision to connect with ‘A-List’ celebrities whose work he admired.
Many would be daunted by the idea of meeting personally with these mega-stars. After all, you can’t just call them up for coffee.And they’re highly guarded by ‘gatekeepers’.But, Dr Demartini wasn’t daunted.
He created a list of the ‘A-Listers’ he wanted to meet. Then he applied his ‘Influence Secrets’ and was able to meet…not one of them… not two of them….or even three of them.
But he personally met every single one of the celebrities on his list.
Some of them even became clients. And these were not ‘B grade stars’. These were people like Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone. He even appeared in a movie with Hugh Jackman.
This is the highest level of influence - to set an intention and make it happen fast.*******************************************
Click here to join Dr John Demartini at the Secrets of Influence event - FREE
*******************************************
Imagine if you could master this skill. You could meet who you want…when you want…and then influence them ethically for ‘win-win’ results…in your health, wealth and relationships.
This sort of skill is rarely taught. And those that have this ‘gift’ often don’t know how to explain how they do it! They just do it.
The good news is Dr John Demartini is going to teach exactly you how to master the magic of influence - step-by-step at the Influence and Leadership Masterclass in your city.*******************************************
Click here to join Dr John Demartini at the Secrets of Influence event - FREE
*******************************************
See you there,
Greg
P.S. Last time Dr John Demartini came to Australia nearly 2000 people flocked to see him. This time could be even bigger as news of his genius spreads.
Grab your FREE Ticket now while there’s still time
Click here to join Dr John Demartini at the Secrets of Influence event - FREE
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
What is Money? (extract from Business Lyceum e-Letter by (J.F.) Jim Straw
What is MONEY?
Until you finally learn and accept the fact that ANYTHING (and I do mean anything) you can exchange for SOMETHING ELSE is money, you will be doomed to a life-long futile search for something you already have.
Now ... let me tell you a true story about George. He "borrowed" a whole factory.
George is a real person, but, since his company is still in business and I'm sure he wouldn't want a bunch of crazy telephone calls interrupting his business days, I have not given you his last name or where his company is located. I've also used "generic" terms to describe his business; rather than the specific product lines, just in case you're in the same kind of business and might recognize him from clues in his story.
When I first met George, he was a successful manufacturer of an industrial product. -- That's a product that is sold to other manufacturers who use it to manufacture other products.
One day, in my office, over a cup of coffee, we were swapping war stories about our various business activities. After telling George how I had started my business, he told me how he had "borrowed" a whole factory to start his business.
Before he was a manufacturer, George was a salesman; selling the same industrial product he later started manufacturing. He was a pretty good salesman and made enough to support his wife and 7 children comfortably but not lavishly.
George had always dreamed of owning his own factory. He had approached a number of lenders, but had always been turned-down. The money he thought he needed was just too much for his provable limits.
By the way, one of the reasons George was a successful salesman was because he was (and is) a meticulous record keeper. He made it his personal responsibility to take exceptional care of his customers. And, his customers knew they could depend on him because he had proven it over and over again in their dealings.
When George celebrated his 40th birthday, he started considering where he had been, where he was, and where he wanted to be. If he was going to make his dream come true and own a factory of his own, he had better get moving, or he would be too old to enjoy it later.
Taking a look over all of the packages and proposals he had prepared for various lenders over the years, George made a list of all the things he thought he needed to get his factory going. After he had that list, he went through it again and again. Each time, he eliminated more and more of the nice-to-have items, until he had a bare-bones list of only the most necessary items. That list included:
1) Incorporation of the business.
2) A building to work from.
3) Office equipment & supplies.
4) Manufacturing machinery.
5) Employees.
6) Raw materials & supplies.
7) Operating cash.
Everything on his list could be had with "cash," but George didn't have, and couldn't get, that kind of cash. So, he "borrowed" all of it, one piece at a time, until he had all of it.
To get started, George felt he had to, first, incorporate a business.
Since George didn't have cash for the attorney fees, filing fees, etc., he talked to a friend of his who was an attorney. After George explained that he was going to manufacture the same product he had been selling for about 20 years, the attorney prepared the corporate charter, paid the filing fees himself, and agreed to act as Secretary of the corporation for ten thousand shares of the company stock (out of 1,000,000 authorized shares). After all, he knew George could sell the product and make a profit, if he could manufacture it.
George's proven skill of selling the product had gotten him one item on his list. -- Only 6 more to go.
Down the road from George's home, there was an old run-down mill building. It had a railroad siding, loading docks, and even a set of old truck scales, but it was really in a sorry state of disrepair.
George had driven past that old building thousands of times. He really hadn't noticed it until he started looking for a building for his factory. The only real reason he noticed it even then was because, after pricing buildings for rent or purchase, he had all but given up on finding a building he could afford.
The owner of the building lived in a house on the other end of the property. The old building had been there when he bought the property, about 10 years before. He had meant to do something with the building, or tear it down, but he just never got around to it.
After a number of conversations, the owner agreed to let George use the building for a period of 2 years, rent-free. During that time, George would repair the building, make it usable & presentable, and clean up all the debris that had accumulated around the building. At the end of 2 years, George would either vacate the building leaving all of the improvements, or he would enter into a rental agreement with the owner at $1,500 per month for the next 3 years.
George had his building -- but -- it was far from being serviceable.
Working nights and weekends, with help from his wife & children, George managed to get the building cleaned-up; inside & out. At work, during the day, he enlisted the help of other salesmen. At church, on Sundays, he enlisted the help of his friends.
As time went by, more and more of his friends helped-out with the painting, wiring, plumbing, and general fix-up of the building. And, a friend of a friend, who worked for the telephone company, even put in an extension of George's house telephone; since it was less than a half mile from George's home. -- The old building took on a new life; to the amazement of the property owner.
While George and his friends were working on the building, his brother-in-law closed a small branch office of his Insurance Brokerage. Since his brother-in-law didn't have a place to "store" the excess office furnishings, George told him about the factory. -- George borrowed the office furnishings, including an almost-new typewriter.
George was well on his way. He had his business structure, building and office, but an empty factory doesn't produce much products.
Because George had worked in the industry for a good many years, he knew most of the manufacturers. So he knew that two of the manufacturers had replaced some older, out-dated equipment with brand-new equipment over the past two years. -- Maybe one of them would have some used equipment he could get.
Talking to the two manufacturers, George discovered that between the two, they had enough old equipment to set-up one full production line. Although neither of them would agree to let George just "use" the equipment, they both agreed to allow him a one-year option to purchase. -- George would move the equipment to his location and at anytime during the year, he could pay for the equipment or arrange financing. If George did not buy the equipment within one-year, he would be required to reimburse the companies for the use of the equipment at a set rate per month on each piece of machinery, and pay all cost involved in returning the machinery (if he didn't have someone else to buy it).
Actually, the manufacturers were so glad to get the machinery out of their buildings, they used their own labor and trucks to deliver the machinery to George at his building.
It's one thing to have machinery, but yet another to operate it. Especially when you don't have any cash money to cover payrolls for employees.
Talking to some of the machine operators at the other factories, George made a deal with 3 of them to run his machines for him in the evenings and on weekends. And, since he didn't have any cash money to pay them salaries, he made an agreement with them to pay them a percentage of each order produced and shipped. This way, they would get their pay as soon as George was paid for the products they produced.
After he had his machinery installed and ready to operate, and had his signed agreements with his part-time employees, George went after the Raw Materials and supplies he would need to manufacture his product.
By showing the suppliers of the Raw Materials and Supplies through his factory, George was able to get them to agree to ship their materials and supplies on a 90-day billing. That meant he would have 90-days to pay for those materials after the materials were delivered. But, George could only get the materials he would need to fill each order. Therefore, he would have to show the suppliers confirmable Purchase Orders before they would ship the goods.
George quit his job and went on the road selling the same products he had been selling for years -- but -- this time, he was selling for his own company.
As George got Purchase Orders from the buyers, he took them to the Raw Materials Suppliers so they could be confirmed. -- The raw materials and supplies were shipped on the agreed-upon 90-day billings.
When the raw materials and supplies were delivered, George notified his part-time employees. They produced the product and shipped it to the buyers.
Even though George invoiced his customers on a net 30-days basis, there was a time lag between billing the customer and receiving payment. During that time lag, some things that George couldn't borrow had to be paid for with cash money. Such things as electricity and gas were increasing in direct relation to the amount of manufacturing being done. And, the freight lines that delivered the product to George's customers required cash payment or George's product wouldn't be delivered.
To get the cash money he needed to cover operating costs, George ran a classified ad in his local newspaper; something like this:
Although the response to the ad wasn't very big, George showed each of those who responded his new factory, the purchase orders he had in hand, and delivery slips & invoices on the product already manufactured and shipped. George sold enough of them some of his stock at $1 per share to cover his cash operating cost until the cash started coming in from the billings already made.
George had "borrowed" a whole factory.
When you finally accept the fact that money is ANYTHING you can exchange for SOMETHING ELSE, you may be able to do even greater things than George did. All you have to do is break your desires down into their basic component parts. Then acquire each of those component parts using someone else's money in whatever form it may take.
Of course, you should ONLY use someone else's money for things you really need. Beyond that, you must always remember that when you do use someone else's money, you take on a responsibility far beyond any you would bear using your own money. If you mis-use someone else's money, you will pay penalties that could be disastrous to your financial position for many years to come. And, it doesn't matter whether the money you use is "cash" or something else of a tradable value.
Believe it or not, I have just revealed to you some of the most powerful tricks, techniques and methods used in the world of business and finance. - Tricks I have used over and over myself to build my own fortune. - The beauty of those methods is that anyone can begin using them immediately to achieve financial independence. But, I'm not going to itemize and annotate them for you.
If I were to itemize and annotate the various and many tricks, techniques and methods, you would simply nod your head and never use the information. But, if you really want that knowledge, you'll read and re-read this report until the knowledge you seek strikes you like a bolt of summer lightning.
Anyone can get all of the money they need; someone else's money, when they finally learn what money really is.
Am watching a DVD presentation: How To Open A Coaching Session by Sharon Pearson.
Am learning so much about...
Am learning so much about...
- why not to worry if I don't know what to say
- how to sidestep the trap of 1-2-3 questions from the client
- why you should speak up in moments of uncertainty
- when is the right time to point out a truth
- why a question I can't answer may not be a bad question
- the goal of coaching is to ask the unexpected
- the value of having inner certainty before I coach
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Am saturating myself in the TCI materials.
There's so much! The Starter Kit that came in the post last week, the members' resources on the website (videos, mp3 recordings, schedule of webinars), Free Yourself From Fears With NLP by Joseph O' Connor.
Today, I had my Personal Success Goal Setting chat with Coach Lisa.
I heard myself say the most incredible things...
3 months from my Intake weekend, I want to have set up my coaching practice.
6 months from my Intake weekend, I want to have recouped my Diploma investment.
When you're in a safe and supportive environment, the fear factor is greatly reduced and conversely, you rediscover the courage to be extraordinary.
Just need to remember to ACT on everything I'm learning.
There's so much! The Starter Kit that came in the post last week, the members' resources on the website (videos, mp3 recordings, schedule of webinars), Free Yourself From Fears With NLP by Joseph O' Connor.
Today, I had my Personal Success Goal Setting chat with Coach Lisa.
I heard myself say the most incredible things...
3 months from my Intake weekend, I want to have set up my coaching practice.
6 months from my Intake weekend, I want to have recouped my Diploma investment.
When you're in a safe and supportive environment, the fear factor is greatly reduced and conversely, you rediscover the courage to be extraordinary.
Just need to remember to ACT on everything I'm learning.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
A Success Formula For The Ethical Individual
I full realize that no wealth or position can long endure, unless built upon truth and justice; therefore, I will engage in no transaction which does not benefit all whom it affects.
I will succeed by attracting to myself the forces I wish to use, the cooperation of other people.
I will induce others to serve me, necause of my willingness to serve others.
I will eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness, and cynicism, by developing love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude toward others can never bring me success.
I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself.
From Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
I will succeed by attracting to myself the forces I wish to use, the cooperation of other people.
I will induce others to serve me, necause of my willingness to serve others.
I will eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness, and cynicism, by developing love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude toward others can never bring me success.
I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself.
From Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
Monday, May 02, 2011
Towards Serena, Life Coach
Just had my first conversation with Coach B from The Coaching Institute.
Am impressed with her listening and affirmation skills and inspired by stories of Dip students who started taking paying clients immediately after the Intake weekend.
We're going to have another conversation on Wed. In the meantime, I've committed to enrolling in the Dip of Life Coaching and to discussing with hubby how I will attend the 17 or so face-to-face training days that are part of the curriculum.
Am impressed with her listening and affirmation skills and inspired by stories of Dip students who started taking paying clients immediately after the Intake weekend.
We're going to have another conversation on Wed. In the meantime, I've committed to enrolling in the Dip of Life Coaching and to discussing with hubby how I will attend the 17 or so face-to-face training days that are part of the curriculum.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Expanded version of Psalm 121
This is an experiment.
I have a vision of someday creating a ministry aimed at women who are depressed and discouraged. Music will feature hugely in this ministry because it is one of God's gifts to me and I want to use it to sow hope and encouragement.
In the footsteps of the Preacher in Blue Jeans who advocates that we should discover, develop and deliver our talents, I am now at the delivery stage, trying to find ways to get my music out to those who will hear.
Hence this video.
To the techies: I'm not sure if I should adopt a talk-to-the-camera approach like what the pros do on Youtube, as the focus is meant to be on the message and the music. Your thoughts please. :-)
Be Blessed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d1MNHNS-gc
I have a vision of someday creating a ministry aimed at women who are depressed and discouraged. Music will feature hugely in this ministry because it is one of God's gifts to me and I want to use it to sow hope and encouragement.
In the footsteps of the Preacher in Blue Jeans who advocates that we should discover, develop and deliver our talents, I am now at the delivery stage, trying to find ways to get my music out to those who will hear.
Hence this video.
To the techies: I'm not sure if I should adopt a talk-to-the-camera approach like what the pros do on Youtube, as the focus is meant to be on the message and the music. Your thoughts please. :-)
Be Blessed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d1MNHNS-gc
Friday, April 29, 2011
Losses and Gains
A long time ago, I could pray aloud in a group setting.
I could pray fluently, articulately, with the words pouring out of me by divine inspiration.
Words of power, conviction and passion.
Now when I pray in a group setting, my words are stilted, uncertain and sound trite and repetitive to me.
I may have endeavoured to keep up my personal development, but there has grown a huge yawning gap between what I know and what I communicate when I open my mouth.
I wonder if being a SAHM for 5+ years has not somehow robbed me of the ability to think and articulate clearly. I certainly felt sharper as a working person than I do now.
I feel saddened by my regression, and yet I know all is not lost. He still speaks through me and uses me, but in different ways.
In song for instance.
I am (still) thinking about how I can get my music out to people in church and to friends who believe. I am thinking particularly of women who are desperately seeking encouragement, who are finding life hard, and who want to know that God has not forgotten them.
I could pray fluently, articulately, with the words pouring out of me by divine inspiration.
Words of power, conviction and passion.
Now when I pray in a group setting, my words are stilted, uncertain and sound trite and repetitive to me.
I may have endeavoured to keep up my personal development, but there has grown a huge yawning gap between what I know and what I communicate when I open my mouth.
I wonder if being a SAHM for 5+ years has not somehow robbed me of the ability to think and articulate clearly. I certainly felt sharper as a working person than I do now.
I feel saddened by my regression, and yet I know all is not lost. He still speaks through me and uses me, but in different ways.
In song for instance.
I am (still) thinking about how I can get my music out to people in church and to friends who believe. I am thinking particularly of women who are desperately seeking encouragement, who are finding life hard, and who want to know that God has not forgotten them.
The Most Common Regret
'Those who work with the elderly report that at the end of life, the most common regret is not over what we did, but what we failed to do: the chance not taken, the business not started, the invention not patented, the dream not followed, the talent not nourished, the novel not written, the product not tested, the trip not taken, the apology not offered - so much music that died, bottled up inside us, because we were too timid to let it out!'
From an email by Sharon Pearson, founder of The Coaching Institute
From an email by Sharon Pearson, founder of The Coaching Institute
Friday, April 22, 2011
Dreams and Visions
Some gentle nudgings over the past two days...
I would love to use my musical gift to start a healing and encouraging ministry for people who are feeling disheartened, disconnected and alone.
The songs God gave me in Oct 2010 and Feb this year could serve as a starting point. They are intentionally Scripture-based. What better way to nourish and uplift a brother or sister's soul and spirit?
Think of how David ministered to a troubled King Saul with the harp, and how as humans we are naturally wired to respond to music's soothing and healing qualities.
I would love to use my musical gift to start a healing and encouraging ministry for people who are feeling disheartened, disconnected and alone.
The songs God gave me in Oct 2010 and Feb this year could serve as a starting point. They are intentionally Scripture-based. What better way to nourish and uplift a brother or sister's soul and spirit?
Think of how David ministered to a troubled King Saul with the harp, and how as humans we are naturally wired to respond to music's soothing and healing qualities.
The Reason We Rejoice
Today was a very significant day for the Tan household.
It was our first Good Friday service at SDA, our congregation's spiritual home for the next 52 weeks, and also our first Combined Good Friday Service at Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre.
Being in a tiny room with just one guitarist, one drummer and a keyboardist (me) and rows of chairs - no pews - reminded me of my MYF and VCF days. Really, what more do we need to worship God meaningfully?
At the combined service, I was overwhelmed by the number of people present. All these my brothers and sisters from churches all over Wyndham. People I might have met in the Plaza or at school or on the street but never knew were fellow believers.
I loved the seamlessness of the musos (the mark of true professionals) and the way each pastor spoke masterfully during his allotted time, then made way for the next person.
Each led in his own special way, and each exhibited the sincerity, conviction and authenticity that to me is evidence of God's grace at work in his life.
I was particularly bowled over by the pastor who reminded us that in Australia, there are only two days in the year when Coles, Woolworths and Bunnings are closed: the day Jesus died, and the day He rose again.
Amen to that eternal and unchanging truth!
May all who have yet to say yes have that opportunity to do so before Jesus returns.
It was our first Good Friday service at SDA, our congregation's spiritual home for the next 52 weeks, and also our first Combined Good Friday Service at Wyndham Leisure and Events Centre.
Being in a tiny room with just one guitarist, one drummer and a keyboardist (me) and rows of chairs - no pews - reminded me of my MYF and VCF days. Really, what more do we need to worship God meaningfully?
At the combined service, I was overwhelmed by the number of people present. All these my brothers and sisters from churches all over Wyndham. People I might have met in the Plaza or at school or on the street but never knew were fellow believers.
I loved the seamlessness of the musos (the mark of true professionals) and the way each pastor spoke masterfully during his allotted time, then made way for the next person.
Each led in his own special way, and each exhibited the sincerity, conviction and authenticity that to me is evidence of God's grace at work in his life.
I was particularly bowled over by the pastor who reminded us that in Australia, there are only two days in the year when Coles, Woolworths and Bunnings are closed: the day Jesus died, and the day He rose again.
Amen to that eternal and unchanging truth!
May all who have yet to say yes have that opportunity to do so before Jesus returns.
Friday, April 01, 2011
According to some reading I did some time ago, the Australian Quality Training Framework requires that all life coaches must be certified by 2012.
So I am focussing on life coaching courses that are nationally and internationally accredited.
Found these providers online:
The Life Coaching Academy
The Coaching Institute
Professional Christian Coaching & Counseling Academy
Life Coaching Institute of Australia
The Life Coaching Academy offers a Cert IV in Life Coaching for $5990. You also have the option of a 3-, 6- or 12-month payment plan.
However, LCA has now decided to run its courses exclusively in Gold Coast.
One down.
The Coaching Institute has an impressive website that's easy on the eye, informative and intuitive.
The Cert IV in Life Coaching costs $4995 (Express) or $5491 (deposit $1495, $77 weekly in 12 months).
The PCCCA, which is founded by US-based Dr. Leelo Dianne Bush, offers a Certified Christian Life Coach course for 2900USD, with a 5- or 10-payment plan.
LCIA offers a Cert IV and Diploma in Life Coaching by correspondence. What I like is that you also get to do electives called Specialty Streams: Executive, Business, Workplace, Health and Wellness, Career and Life Cycle Coaching.
The Cert IV is $2950 upfront or $285 x 12 (months).
Additional costs depend on the number of Specialty Streams you do. Cert IV + 3 streams = $4435 or $285 x 19.
Decisions, decisions...
So I am focussing on life coaching courses that are nationally and internationally accredited.
Found these providers online:
The Life Coaching Academy
The Coaching Institute
Professional Christian Coaching & Counseling Academy
Life Coaching Institute of Australia
The Life Coaching Academy offers a Cert IV in Life Coaching for $5990. You also have the option of a 3-, 6- or 12-month payment plan.
However, LCA has now decided to run its courses exclusively in Gold Coast.
One down.
The Coaching Institute has an impressive website that's easy on the eye, informative and intuitive.
The Cert IV in Life Coaching costs $4995 (Express) or $5491 (deposit $1495, $77 weekly in 12 months).
The PCCCA, which is founded by US-based Dr. Leelo Dianne Bush, offers a Certified Christian Life Coach course for 2900USD, with a 5- or 10-payment plan.
LCIA offers a Cert IV and Diploma in Life Coaching by correspondence. What I like is that you also get to do electives called Specialty Streams: Executive, Business, Workplace, Health and Wellness, Career and Life Cycle Coaching.
The Cert IV is $2950 upfront or $285 x 12 (months).
Additional costs depend on the number of Specialty Streams you do. Cert IV + 3 streams = $4435 or $285 x 19.
Decisions, decisions...
Saturday, March 26, 2011
This morning, I had my usual dilemma: should I or should I not go to dance class.
All because hubby had a working bee at church. Which meant I would have to take Miss J to music class with me. And make sure she was quiet and meaningfully occupied throughout the 1.5 hour class.
Which also meant I wouldn't be able to do my own thing...Read. Uninterrupted.
It worked out ok in the end. Miss J behaved perfectly. The teacher seemed a bit testy today though. Barked at students who played out of turn. Barked at students who played the wrong notes.
He gave Beth a (well deserved) lecture on the state of her Minuet in G, which she has steadfastly refused to practise. Her effort made me cringe.
Her excuse? "I was practising Intrada."
To which the teacher responded: "Perhaps the Minuet is too difficult for you? Perhaps I should find you an easier piece...like Grade One?!"
Afterwards, I gave Beth a mini-lecture of my own. She grinned (!!!) and agreed that she had indeed deserved the rebuke from her teacher.
Her bo-chap attitude made me wonder how much pride she really has in doing her best.
But back to dance class.
The group was smaller than usual, and it was the nice instructor, not the strict one. Which was great cos it meant beginners like moi got more attention and encouragement than otherwise.
I actually managed to keep up with the teens, which felt great! And I finally figured out the "leap" and "turn" components of corner work. The only thing I still struggle with is the "spin", where you have to spin across the room really fast with your eyes on a fixed object. That one made me so dizzy I had to crouch down to regain my balance.
We also learned a new move today - the pirouette. Shall have fun practising it at home.
Near the end of our Janet Jackson Black Cat routine, the instructor said to me, "Well done. You nailed it."
High praise indeed.
All because hubby had a working bee at church. Which meant I would have to take Miss J to music class with me. And make sure she was quiet and meaningfully occupied throughout the 1.5 hour class.
Which also meant I wouldn't be able to do my own thing...Read. Uninterrupted.
It worked out ok in the end. Miss J behaved perfectly. The teacher seemed a bit testy today though. Barked at students who played out of turn. Barked at students who played the wrong notes.
He gave Beth a (well deserved) lecture on the state of her Minuet in G, which she has steadfastly refused to practise. Her effort made me cringe.
Her excuse? "I was practising Intrada."
To which the teacher responded: "Perhaps the Minuet is too difficult for you? Perhaps I should find you an easier piece...like Grade One?!"
Afterwards, I gave Beth a mini-lecture of my own. She grinned (!!!) and agreed that she had indeed deserved the rebuke from her teacher.
Her bo-chap attitude made me wonder how much pride she really has in doing her best.
But back to dance class.
The group was smaller than usual, and it was the nice instructor, not the strict one. Which was great cos it meant beginners like moi got more attention and encouragement than otherwise.
I actually managed to keep up with the teens, which felt great! And I finally figured out the "leap" and "turn" components of corner work. The only thing I still struggle with is the "spin", where you have to spin across the room really fast with your eyes on a fixed object. That one made me so dizzy I had to crouch down to regain my balance.
We also learned a new move today - the pirouette. Shall have fun practising it at home.
Near the end of our Janet Jackson Black Cat routine, the instructor said to me, "Well done. You nailed it."
High praise indeed.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Answered Prayer
After days of to-ing and fro-ing over the missing OTP, with both Auspost and Speedpost seemingly unable to assist, I finally received the news we had been hoping for from our agent in SG.
"I have just called speedpost, they managed to receive the item today afternoon!!.... So I should receive it either tonite or tomorrow
I will inform the buyer's agent now and will do the necessary."
This came 5 mins after I'd replied to her earlier email to let the buyers know we intended to honour our original agreement. They were apparently worried that we might change our minds, which would portend having to go through the househunting process all over again, when they had already sold their own flat.
Hubby and I had discussed and suggested to our agent that perhaps the buyers could wait for us to arrive in SG to re-sign the OTP if it really remained missing.
We must commend the customer service officer that I spoke with this morning - Michael.
Of the 3 officers I spoke with in the last two days, he has been the most helpful and compassionate. He took down my details and our agent's, promised he would initiate an investigation as our promised delivery time clearly exceeded the 2-4 business days guideline, allocated us a case number that we can use to track the progress of the investigation, and promised to contact Speedpost to find out what had happened.
We are guessing that it is his enquiry and contact with Speedpost that enabled them to suddenly retrieve our documents from their system.
Most importantly, this officer was the one who enlightened us as to how the EMS courier system works. Apparently, our documents left Melbourne and arrived in SG on the same day (a fact not mentioned by the other 2 officers) because flights between Melb and SG are direct.
So the delay has all this while been on the part of the SG side i.e. Speedpost. Without this clarification, we were unable to point the finger of blame at anyone.
While all this drama was going on, I remember thinking that perhaps God had other plans for our flat, and I prayed that we would remain within His will whatever happened.
Thanks be to God for His grace and provision. He really does take care of all our needs.
"I have just called speedpost, they managed to receive the item today afternoon!!.... So I should receive it either tonite or tomorrow
I will inform the buyer's agent now and will do the necessary."
This came 5 mins after I'd replied to her earlier email to let the buyers know we intended to honour our original agreement. They were apparently worried that we might change our minds, which would portend having to go through the househunting process all over again, when they had already sold their own flat.
Hubby and I had discussed and suggested to our agent that perhaps the buyers could wait for us to arrive in SG to re-sign the OTP if it really remained missing.
We must commend the customer service officer that I spoke with this morning - Michael.
Of the 3 officers I spoke with in the last two days, he has been the most helpful and compassionate. He took down my details and our agent's, promised he would initiate an investigation as our promised delivery time clearly exceeded the 2-4 business days guideline, allocated us a case number that we can use to track the progress of the investigation, and promised to contact Speedpost to find out what had happened.
We are guessing that it is his enquiry and contact with Speedpost that enabled them to suddenly retrieve our documents from their system.
Most importantly, this officer was the one who enlightened us as to how the EMS courier system works. Apparently, our documents left Melbourne and arrived in SG on the same day (a fact not mentioned by the other 2 officers) because flights between Melb and SG are direct.
So the delay has all this while been on the part of the SG side i.e. Speedpost. Without this clarification, we were unable to point the finger of blame at anyone.
While all this drama was going on, I remember thinking that perhaps God had other plans for our flat, and I prayed that we would remain within His will whatever happened.
Thanks be to God for His grace and provision. He really does take care of all our needs.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
When the best courier service fails
On 15 March, I went to Auspost to courier the Option to Purchase on our HDB flat to our real estate agent in SG.
Auspost recommended, and I accepted, the fastest and most expensive option: Express Courier International aka EMS.
Cost: about AU$38.
Expected delivery time was 2-4 business days.
By 21 March, the agent was emailing to ask why the documents had still not arrived. The intended purchasers were getting anxious.
So began my attempts to track said documents online and to contact EMS to follow up.
The tracking screen shows the following -
Auspost recommended, and I accepted, the fastest and most expensive option: Express Courier International aka EMS.
Cost: about AU$38.
Expected delivery time was 2-4 business days.
By 21 March, the agent was emailing to ask why the documents had still not arrived. The intended purchasers were getting anxious.
So began my attempts to track said documents online and to contact EMS to follow up.
The tracking screen shows the following -
Tracking summary
Friday, March 18, 2011
Declaring your faith on FB
Unwittingly created a mini-furore on FB when I innocently reposted a friend's comment.
Here's what the original post said:
I liked the forthrightness of it, so I took up the challenge.
Within 5 minutes, one friend had commented:
Otherwise known as emotional blackmail.
And another jumped in:
i agree with Thomas... not putting it in fb does not constitute denial.
it's no different to, say, jihadist saying that if you love allah, go blow yourself up...
As you can see, this is one of those emotional topics that can divide friends and create enemies.
But I have a clear conscience. I reposted with only the intention of declaring my personal faith. Not of deriding anyone else's views or of being a scaremonger.
So I am resting in God's supreme power and grace and ability to turn bad into good.
The word that He sends out will not return to Him void.
Here's what the original post said:
I liked the forthrightness of it, so I took up the challenge.
Within 5 minutes, one friend had commented:
Otherwise known as emotional blackmail.
And another jumped in:
i agree with Thomas... not putting it in fb does not constitute denial.
it's no different to, say, jihadist saying that if you love allah, go blow yourself up...
As you can see, this is one of those emotional topics that can divide friends and create enemies.
But I have a clear conscience. I reposted with only the intention of declaring my personal faith. Not of deriding anyone else's views or of being a scaremonger.
So I am resting in God's supreme power and grace and ability to turn bad into good.
The word that He sends out will not return to Him void.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
How to make yourself more valuable to your employer
How to make yourself more valuable to your employer
Check out this fascinating article by Pete Bissonette on the Learning Strategies blog.
Almost makes me wish I were an employee right now, so I can try out his ideas.
Check out this fascinating article by Pete Bissonette on the Learning Strategies blog.
Almost makes me wish I were an employee right now, so I can try out his ideas.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Mum and Me
It's been an interesting 2 weeks with Mum visiting.
I still remember 4 years ago when she came to visit after Miss J was born. How stressful it had been having her share my physical space. How cramped, resentful and insecure I felt. How mortified I was when she barged into and dominated conversations and social situations involving church friends whom she had only just met.
What irked me most was that because of my upbringing and natural timidity, I hadn't the courage to speak up about how I really felt, and to say no to things I wasn't comfortable about.
My mum, you see, lacks a sensibility about boundaries.
As a result, she frequently intrudes on others' privacy without even knowing it. And if confronted, she responds with a hurt and bewildered air. She does this to members of the extended family and as a consequence, she is the marginalized one in the clan.
I have this theory, rightly or wrongly, that in every large family, there is invariably one older relative, usually single, usually female, who irritates everyone else and whom no one particularly warms to. But because they're family, they can't be completely ignored either.
In my family, that's Mum.
But I can't bring myself to explain to her why others feel offended and manipulated by her.
It would mean disclosing that I am privy to these sensitive conversations with the rest of the relations, and she would feel betrayed.
When Mum first announced that she was coming to stay, I kept hoping she would put off the trip or even change her mind about coming.
But here she is for 3 weeks.
And I've survived intact so far.
I would even be so positive as to say that 90% of the time, I am able to get along with her without feeling resentful or irritable like I normally do when we're under the same roof.
Perhaps God has been hard at work on the both of us, bringing us towards the middle ground, enabling us to focus on what we agree on rather than what divides us.
The girls have been a great connector and a lens through which I am able to see Mum in a different light.
Mind you, I am still not proud of how Mum manipulates people into doing things her way.
I wince when she makes remarks that reveal her racial, cultural and socio-economic prejudices about people she is meeting for the first time.
And I roll my eyes when she declaims to friends and acquaintances how she has helped us with household chores and babysitting Miss J when I'm out running errands.
When all's said and done, perhaps it's not about me vs. her but about making peace where possible and standing up for what's right where necessary.
I still remember 4 years ago when she came to visit after Miss J was born. How stressful it had been having her share my physical space. How cramped, resentful and insecure I felt. How mortified I was when she barged into and dominated conversations and social situations involving church friends whom she had only just met.
What irked me most was that because of my upbringing and natural timidity, I hadn't the courage to speak up about how I really felt, and to say no to things I wasn't comfortable about.
My mum, you see, lacks a sensibility about boundaries.
As a result, she frequently intrudes on others' privacy without even knowing it. And if confronted, she responds with a hurt and bewildered air. She does this to members of the extended family and as a consequence, she is the marginalized one in the clan.
I have this theory, rightly or wrongly, that in every large family, there is invariably one older relative, usually single, usually female, who irritates everyone else and whom no one particularly warms to. But because they're family, they can't be completely ignored either.
In my family, that's Mum.
But I can't bring myself to explain to her why others feel offended and manipulated by her.
It would mean disclosing that I am privy to these sensitive conversations with the rest of the relations, and she would feel betrayed.
When Mum first announced that she was coming to stay, I kept hoping she would put off the trip or even change her mind about coming.
But here she is for 3 weeks.
And I've survived intact so far.
I would even be so positive as to say that 90% of the time, I am able to get along with her without feeling resentful or irritable like I normally do when we're under the same roof.
Perhaps God has been hard at work on the both of us, bringing us towards the middle ground, enabling us to focus on what we agree on rather than what divides us.
The girls have been a great connector and a lens through which I am able to see Mum in a different light.
Mind you, I am still not proud of how Mum manipulates people into doing things her way.
I wince when she makes remarks that reveal her racial, cultural and socio-economic prejudices about people she is meeting for the first time.
And I roll my eyes when she declaims to friends and acquaintances how she has helped us with household chores and babysitting Miss J when I'm out running errands.
When all's said and done, perhaps it's not about me vs. her but about making peace where possible and standing up for what's right where necessary.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Just when I stopped looking...
Last Oct, the Lord rekindled my songwriting ability.
Together, we wrote 2 songs - Do Not Be Anxious and The Song of Peter and John.
Then I got caught up in the dramatic possibilities of Paul's speech to the Athenians in Acts 17.
For days I kept going back to the words:
I see that you're religious
For as I walked around
I even found an altar
To an unknown God
Now what you worship as unknown
I will proclaim to you
The God who made the world and everything in it
is the Lord of heaven and earth
He does not live in temples
He is not served by human hands
For he gives all men life and breath and everything
But I just kept getting stuck. It wouldn't come.
So that's a draft I'll have to get back to at some point.
But here's the great news...
Yesterday (18 Feb 2011), I wrote my 3rd song!
The first draft was done in about 3 hours and is inspired by Psalm 121 and Lionel Richie's Hello.
I've titled it I Lift Up My Eyes.
I got started on it because I was trying to write something meaningful and encouraging for a recently bereaved dear friend.
The first person to hear it live was hubby. His comment: "Ah, the chords are very intricate, very hard for the congregation to sing. This is more of a solo performance."
Point noted.
He also suggested I add a longer intro, so that's what I've done. The vocals are a bit soft though, something to work on. (I never did get the hang of singing from my diaphragm!)
Verse 1:
I lift up my eyes to the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth
Verse 2:
He will not let your foot slip
He who watches over you will not slumber
He who watches Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep
Chorus:
The Lord watches over you
He's your shade at your right hand
The sun will not harm you by day
Nor the moon by night
The Lord will keep you from harm
He will watch over your life
He will watch over your coming and going
From now and forevermore
Back to verses 1 and 2 => Chorus => Repeat chorus
Together, we wrote 2 songs - Do Not Be Anxious and The Song of Peter and John.
Then I got caught up in the dramatic possibilities of Paul's speech to the Athenians in Acts 17.
For days I kept going back to the words:
I see that you're religious
For as I walked around
I even found an altar
To an unknown God
Now what you worship as unknown
I will proclaim to you
The God who made the world and everything in it
is the Lord of heaven and earth
He does not live in temples
He is not served by human hands
For he gives all men life and breath and everything
But I just kept getting stuck. It wouldn't come.
So that's a draft I'll have to get back to at some point.
But here's the great news...
Yesterday (18 Feb 2011), I wrote my 3rd song!
The first draft was done in about 3 hours and is inspired by Psalm 121 and Lionel Richie's Hello.
I've titled it I Lift Up My Eyes.
I got started on it because I was trying to write something meaningful and encouraging for a recently bereaved dear friend.
The first person to hear it live was hubby. His comment: "Ah, the chords are very intricate, very hard for the congregation to sing. This is more of a solo performance."
Point noted.
He also suggested I add a longer intro, so that's what I've done. The vocals are a bit soft though, something to work on. (I never did get the hang of singing from my diaphragm!)
Verse 1:
I lift up my eyes to the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The maker of heaven and earth
Verse 2:
He will not let your foot slip
He who watches over you will not slumber
He who watches Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep
Chorus:
The Lord watches over you
He's your shade at your right hand
The sun will not harm you by day
Nor the moon by night
The Lord will keep you from harm
He will watch over your life
He will watch over your coming and going
From now and forevermore
Back to verses 1 and 2 => Chorus => Repeat chorus
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
How to talk to children about things that matter to them
I offer no answers.
This post is just my way of putting out my thoughts on the subject, particularly in the context of Sunday School, which I am involved in.
How do we engage our SS children on topics that affect them personally?
And they need the Word of God that brings light, truth and wisdom.
SS teachers like me need training on how to respond sensitively, lovingly, wisely and in a way that builds the children's character and life skills.
Today, I met an SS child at school who told me very gravely that her pet rabbit is dying. Afterwards, I saw an FB post by her big sister confirming that the rabbit is going to be put down today.
How do we deal with this at SS?
I guess one way is to get all the kids to pray for the child/children and show sympathy and encouragement.
I read an article on SelfGrowth.com about talking to a child about the death of a pet, and one of the things recommended was commemorating the pet's life in creative and comforting ways.
There's even a YouTube video that sets out the steps a parent can take:
This post is just my way of putting out my thoughts on the subject, particularly in the context of Sunday School, which I am involved in.
How do we engage our SS children on topics that affect them personally?
- Death of a loved one.
- A parent's job loss.
- Family breakup.
- Bullying.
- Change of school.
- Their BFF is moving away.
And they need the Word of God that brings light, truth and wisdom.
SS teachers like me need training on how to respond sensitively, lovingly, wisely and in a way that builds the children's character and life skills.
Today, I met an SS child at school who told me very gravely that her pet rabbit is dying. Afterwards, I saw an FB post by her big sister confirming that the rabbit is going to be put down today.
How do we deal with this at SS?
I guess one way is to get all the kids to pray for the child/children and show sympathy and encouragement.
I read an article on SelfGrowth.com about talking to a child about the death of a pet, and one of the things recommended was commemorating the pet's life in creative and comforting ways.
There's even a YouTube video that sets out the steps a parent can take:
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Call
On 28 Jan, I received a phone call.
The kind you read about in newspaper articles in relation to a tragedy.
The kind of phone call you hope never to receive.
How the caller is feeling now I cannot begin to imagine.
Even praying for the caller and her family doesn't feel like doing much.
It's too unreal.
Like something that happens only to 'others'. (I know how selfish that sounds.)
Loss has come too close this time. It has broken through into my inner circle of relationships, and it feels like life will never be the same again.
To those closest to the maelstrom, I imagine life will assume a different hue from now on: 'before 28 Jan' and 'after 28 Jan'.
It is not a good feeling, and I pray this never happens to you.
"God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform."
May His love, grace and peace be sufficient in this sad time.
The kind you read about in newspaper articles in relation to a tragedy.
The kind of phone call you hope never to receive.
How the caller is feeling now I cannot begin to imagine.
Even praying for the caller and her family doesn't feel like doing much.
It's too unreal.
Like something that happens only to 'others'. (I know how selfish that sounds.)
Loss has come too close this time. It has broken through into my inner circle of relationships, and it feels like life will never be the same again.
To those closest to the maelstrom, I imagine life will assume a different hue from now on: 'before 28 Jan' and 'after 28 Jan'.
It is not a good feeling, and I pray this never happens to you.
"God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform."
May His love, grace and peace be sufficient in this sad time.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Party pooper
Have just been invited to a friend's surprise birthday party.
If only party just meant bring a plate and a present.
This one, because it's organized by said friend's creative and party-loving partner, is a Fancy Dress Party.
I dislike parties.
Intensely.
Maybe it's because I was never allowed to go to any when I was in school.
And also because I was singularly drab - like Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films.
No sense of fashion.
No talent for beautifying myself.
No access to gorgeous accessories and cosmetics.
No self-confidence.
So I've developed a self-defence mechanism called Avoid Parties At All Cost.
And I've found I can live quite happily without them.
Unfortunately, this particular party invite is inescapable because we're friends with this couple, and I don't want to offend.
She has given strict instructions for ALL guests to turn up in fancy dress. Anyone who doesn't will not be allowed into the house (what a great excuse to escape the party!).
So, I'll have to dig through my very meagre wardrobe and find something that can pass as fancy dress.
I am not terribly optimistic...
If only party just meant bring a plate and a present.
This one, because it's organized by said friend's creative and party-loving partner, is a Fancy Dress Party.
I dislike parties.
Intensely.
Maybe it's because I was never allowed to go to any when I was in school.
And also because I was singularly drab - like Moaning Myrtle in the Harry Potter films.
No sense of fashion.
No talent for beautifying myself.
No access to gorgeous accessories and cosmetics.
No self-confidence.
So I've developed a self-defence mechanism called Avoid Parties At All Cost.
And I've found I can live quite happily without them.
Unfortunately, this particular party invite is inescapable because we're friends with this couple, and I don't want to offend.
She has given strict instructions for ALL guests to turn up in fancy dress. Anyone who doesn't will not be allowed into the house (what a great excuse to escape the party!).
So, I'll have to dig through my very meagre wardrobe and find something that can pass as fancy dress.
I am not terribly optimistic...
What have I stored up in my heart?
No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.
Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.
People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.
For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:43-45
Was reflecting on this passage and several thoughts struck me.
Each tree is recognized by its own fruit.
People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart.
For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:43-45
Was reflecting on this passage and several thoughts struck me.
- The quality of fruit is consistent with its source/parent. Good tree = Good fruit. Good fruit = Good tree. My actions will either bless or betray me. And others.
- Good and evil are stored up in the heart. They don't leak or deplete. They keep filling up till the container is full and overflows. For good or bad. Imagine a full petrol tank, a bank account will lots of zeroes (in the right places), a water tank after a rainy spell.
- Our speech reflects what's been quietly building up in our hearts. Sometimes, one remark is all it takes to reveal what's really important to us. Thoughtless words that hurt and demean could be traced back to negative thinking, wrong attitudes, a self-centred lifestyle, stimulation that entertains us but does not improve us. Trashy books, movies and TV shows. Acquaintances who pursue materialism, instant gratification of the senses and the attitude that you have only one life and you may as well enjoy it to the full, who cares about others and what they think. In contrast, words that help and heal and point someone to the straight and narrow path may well be the fruit of years of right thinking, right action, wholesome sources of stimulation, time spent reflecting on what is good and pure, a desire to be holy, a consistent walk with God.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
I'm finally getting something right...I think!
This is my third attempt at teaching someone music and I feel like I've finally met a student who "gets" my style and whom I can actually help.
K is our local missionary who works with AIDS orphans in S Africa. She's back for a few months before returning to SA to further her work with the kids she has come to adore. She also happens to be a gifted worship singer and lyricist. Her dream is to be able to accompany herself on the keyboard when she leads worship, and to write songs (not just words).
While she was still in SA, we corresponded by email and she asked if I could give her lessons when she came back.
And that's how we got started.
I was pretty apprehensive about saying yes because I feel as if I ought to have a teaching qualification or be a professional pianist to be good enough to teach someone else.
Plus, I've had a couple of teaching experiences that feel like failures.
A couple of years ago, I was referred to a lady at church who wanted some piano lessons and had a set budget. I went to her place once a week, 45 min each time, for ten sessions.
But I never felt like we communicated very well (my fault I'm sure), and from her responses, I could never tell if she was really enjoying herself or if she was just being polite while privately cursing this waste of her time and money. Even now when we pass the peace at church, I daren't ask how she's going with her practising.
Then another church friend asked me to give her two young sons lessons, and I did.
By then I had learned that the market practice was 30 min for a lesson, so I reduced my lesson time accordingly.
The boys had so much going on in their lives: schoolwork, sport, social activities, and probably didn't have much motivation or time for music practice.
So their progress was probably not as quick or visible as they would have liked.
After a while, their mum tactfully suggested that we take a break until her boys were willing to be serious about their music.
My current student is my third, and so far, most ideal match in terms of motivation, commitment and willingness to learn. She knows why she's here and what she wants to get out of it.
It also helps that I'm letting God lead rather than trying to find all the answers myself. I am more willing to let the serious info take a back seat to gentle nudges and unusual suggestions from above.
And perhaps that has made all the difference.
It's beautiful to see her get excited as she works out chords and scales and begins work this week on her very first Chord Song.
In fact, the phrase Chord Song came to me only hours before our lesson, and I didn't even know what it meant or what I was supposed to do with it.
Then at some point in the lesson, my student asked: "So what's my homework this week?"
And it grew from there. I suggested she play around with the primary chords (I, IV, V) with a root of C, and see what came out of it. I even improvised to show her what she might possibly achieve, and what she could do with her LH to get a fuller sound.
Next week, she'll show me what she's come up with.
And that's the story behind the FB post.
Thank you Jesus.
Definitely.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
The Grapevine Story
Reproduced from the latest newsletter sent out to subscribers of my website:
Vines have been on my mind a lot lately.
Just outside my kitchen window is a sprawling grapevine planted by the people that used to live in our house.
The grapevine has spread all across the underside of the pergola, forming a lovely cool canopy in summer. Tendrils twirl around the washing line. When random vines intertwine, they form a bond so strong it can only be severed by a pair of secateurs.
The funny thing about the vines is: the more I prune them, the faster they seem to grow. They practically beg to be trimmed, leaning down into my face so that I walk right into them and have to notice their presence.
Nature has a lesson for us here.
As we go through life, there are times of reaping and harvest, when everything goes smoothly and it feels like life can't get more wonderful than this.
Then there are times of setbacks and challenges, the valley times, when every step is pain and struggle and loneliness.
When bad things happen, some people react as if they have been punished.
"Why is this happening?"
"Why me?"
"What have I done to deserve this?"
How Pruning Leads To New Growth
I prefer to think of hard times as a time of Pruning.
According to How To Grow Grapes: Choosing Varieties, Vines, Pruning, Trellis
by Linette Gerlach, there are two very good reasons for regularly pruning your grapevine.
One: Pruning allows maximum airflow and sunshine to reach the fruit. If you do not prune, you will have less fruit, and the fruit you do get will be smaller in size.
Two: If you do not prune, your grapevine will become unruly and harvest time will be tough.
I believe the same applies to how we live our lives. You and I are the vine, and our families, relationships, careers - all the things to which we daily apply our energy and creativity - are the fruits.
If we do not regularly perform a self-check to weed out the things that impede our personal growth - bad habits, false beliefs, an unhealthy lifestyle, poor relationships - we will find at the end of the journey that the fruits we produce are less powerful, less lasting, less sweet, and fewer than they might have been.
Every day is a good day to pause and check what needs to be pruned from our lives, so that we can grow Stronger, Bigger, Better.
Why not make a start today?
See you next month.
THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without,
the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be.
Horace Bushnell
Seeds of faith are always within us;
sometimes it takes a crisis to nourish and encourage their growth.
Susan Taylor
Lessons from the Vine
Have received some interesting responses to my grapevine story, which was the main article in my Jan 2011 newsletter.
Here's one:
Thank you so much today. I left feeling refreshed and filled. Your grapevine story was so uplifting.
And another:
As always, I look forward to read "The Happy Worker' articles:)
Here's one:
Thank you so much today. I left feeling refreshed and filled. Your grapevine story was so uplifting.
And another:
As always, I look forward to read "The Happy Worker' articles:)
Yes, I will check on what needs to be pruned and grow stronger, bigger, better.
I can't wait to fulfil God's purpose. I pray that HE will help me discover the gifts HE placed within me so that I can use them for HIS glory.
I am still thinking about your grapevine story. It motivates me :)
When did we last listen intently?
One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennasaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen who were washing their nets.
Luke 5:1
The part that captured my attention straight away was the phrase "the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God".
It suggests eagerness.
The people who were listening to Jesus couldn't get enough of his teaching.
They wanted more.
They wanted to know what was going on.
They wanted to know all about it.
Today, if there are crowds of people around an individual, listening avidly to what he/she is saying, my first thought would be that he/she is:
On the macro level, the things that captivate us: are they of the world or of God?
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
1 John 2:16
On the micro level, when we discuss the things of God, do we give a fair go to all who come bearing the good news?
Or do we reserve our deepest adulation and financial offerings for those who present well, speak the words we want to hear (e.g. similar doctrinal beliefs, same religious denomination), and look like how we aspire to look (e.g. fit, healthy, prosperous, attractive)...and give the rest one-ear-in, one-ear-out attention?
If Jesus came to earth today, would I be one of the crowd pressing in eagerly to hear what the Son of God has to say?
Or would I be someplace else busy with my own interests?
Luke 5:1
The part that captured my attention straight away was the phrase "the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God".
It suggests eagerness.
The people who were listening to Jesus couldn't get enough of his teaching.
They wanted more.
They wanted to know what was going on.
They wanted to know all about it.
Today, if there are crowds of people around an individual, listening avidly to what he/she is saying, my first thought would be that he/she is:
- a popular political leader
- a popular religious leader
- a celebrity
On the macro level, the things that captivate us: are they of the world or of God?
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
1 John 2:16
On the micro level, when we discuss the things of God, do we give a fair go to all who come bearing the good news?
Or do we reserve our deepest adulation and financial offerings for those who present well, speak the words we want to hear (e.g. similar doctrinal beliefs, same religious denomination), and look like how we aspire to look (e.g. fit, healthy, prosperous, attractive)...and give the rest one-ear-in, one-ear-out attention?
If Jesus came to earth today, would I be one of the crowd pressing in eagerly to hear what the Son of God has to say?
Or would I be someplace else busy with my own interests?
Saturday, January 01, 2011
The 41st year
This year's motto is to be Stronger, Faster, More Flexible.
Or maybe it should just be Strong, Fast, Flexible, since I'm really lousy in all areas of physical achievement.
My private ambition - frequently nonplussed by a reluctance to get sweaty or look foolish - is to be one of those cool angmoh mums who run, do yoga, and most important of all, can play sporty games with the kids without looking like a dufus (running out of breath, not knowing the rules of the game...).
Already, a double-storey house is out of the question because the stairs...the stairs!...are a huge no-no. Thank goodness we've already enjoyed 9 years of the maisonette lifestyle in SG. Coming down the stairs, I find myself walking like my 70+ yo uncle: not straight down but at an angle - one step at a time.
Mortification.
As if it's not bad enough that I don't (know how to) swim or cycle.
I think I need private tutoring so I can "face" society (esp here in sporty Aus) and really be one of the locals.
Or maybe it should just be Strong, Fast, Flexible, since I'm really lousy in all areas of physical achievement.
My private ambition - frequently nonplussed by a reluctance to get sweaty or look foolish - is to be one of those cool angmoh mums who run, do yoga, and most important of all, can play sporty games with the kids without looking like a dufus (running out of breath, not knowing the rules of the game...).
Already, a double-storey house is out of the question because the stairs...the stairs!...are a huge no-no. Thank goodness we've already enjoyed 9 years of the maisonette lifestyle in SG. Coming down the stairs, I find myself walking like my 70+ yo uncle: not straight down but at an angle - one step at a time.
Mortification.
As if it's not bad enough that I don't (know how to) swim or cycle.
I think I need private tutoring so I can "face" society (esp here in sporty Aus) and really be one of the locals.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Shortlisting careers
A moment of startling clarity just struck.
Was - once again - looking up the requirements for gaining a VIC practice cert.
Was it because of C's email informing that his boutique law firm has been acquired by WP and that he will henceforth be with WP?
Was it because G suggested yesterday that I might not like law but I might be good at it?
Anyway, after looking up the Law in Vic website and comparing College of Law vs. Leo Cussens Institute vs. ANU, I came back to a suggestion hubby has made before - becoming a Migration Agent/Lawyer.
In AUS, one does not need to have a legal background to become a registered migration agent.
However, you do need to have a Grad Cert in Migration Law and Practice, which at the moment is offered by only two institutions: ANU and VU.
At ANU, the course is offered full-time (20 weeks) and/or part-time (40 weeks) and costs $9600.
The VU course costs $9226 and is offered off-campus and face-to-face. You can do the course full-time (4 subjects in one semester) or part-time (1 or 2 subjects per semester).
ANU also offers a Grad Dip in Legal Practice, which allows direct admission to the bar. The Grad Dip has three parts:
Becoming a Practitioner
Professional Practice Core
Elective Stream A/B
It's like re-doing the PLC. Not exactly an exciting prospect. :(
The course fee for the Grad Dip in Legal Practice is $6525.
I am inclined towards the Migration Law route because it's more focussed, which removes my anxiety about studying more than one subject at a time.
From a humanitarian point of view, it also gives me a way to do my bit about an issue of great relevance to AUS as a nation: how to deal in a humane and sustainable manner with refugees and asylum seekers such as the Christmas Island boat people.
The Grad Dip in Migration Law leads to two possible career options: becoming a migration agent or a Migration Lawyer.
The requirements for registration as a migration agent have been tightened though, so getting the Dip is not all there is.
There is a knowledge component (you have to be an Aus lawyer or Grad Dip in Migration Law diplomate) and a language component (IELTS/internet-based TOEFL/evidence of successful completion of 'A' levels AND Bachelor or higher degree).
What a lot of hoops just to forge a new legal-related career.
Still...it's exciting - after all this dithering - to finally be seeing some (possible) light!
PS. Since writing this post, I discovered through the VU website that there are other short courses I may want to explore:
Was - once again - looking up the requirements for gaining a VIC practice cert.
Was it because of C's email informing that his boutique law firm has been acquired by WP and that he will henceforth be with WP?
Was it because G suggested yesterday that I might not like law but I might be good at it?
Anyway, after looking up the Law in Vic website and comparing College of Law vs. Leo Cussens Institute vs. ANU, I came back to a suggestion hubby has made before - becoming a Migration Agent/Lawyer.
In AUS, one does not need to have a legal background to become a registered migration agent.
However, you do need to have a Grad Cert in Migration Law and Practice, which at the moment is offered by only two institutions: ANU and VU.
At ANU, the course is offered full-time (20 weeks) and/or part-time (40 weeks) and costs $9600.
The VU course costs $9226 and is offered off-campus and face-to-face. You can do the course full-time (4 subjects in one semester) or part-time (1 or 2 subjects per semester).
ANU also offers a Grad Dip in Legal Practice, which allows direct admission to the bar. The Grad Dip has three parts:
Becoming a Practitioner
Professional Practice Core
Elective Stream A/B
It's like re-doing the PLC. Not exactly an exciting prospect. :(
The course fee for the Grad Dip in Legal Practice is $6525.
I am inclined towards the Migration Law route because it's more focussed, which removes my anxiety about studying more than one subject at a time.
From a humanitarian point of view, it also gives me a way to do my bit about an issue of great relevance to AUS as a nation: how to deal in a humane and sustainable manner with refugees and asylum seekers such as the Christmas Island boat people.
The Grad Dip in Migration Law leads to two possible career options: becoming a migration agent or a Migration Lawyer.
The requirements for registration as a migration agent have been tightened though, so getting the Dip is not all there is.
There is a knowledge component (you have to be an Aus lawyer or Grad Dip in Migration Law diplomate) and a language component (IELTS/internet-based TOEFL/evidence of successful completion of 'A' levels AND Bachelor or higher degree).
What a lot of hoops just to forge a new legal-related career.
Still...it's exciting - after all this dithering - to finally be seeing some (possible) light!
PS. Since writing this post, I discovered through the VU website that there are other short courses I may want to explore:
- Cert IV in Training and Assessment (Justice and Legal Sector)
- Cert IV in Govt (Court Services)
- Grad Dip in Notarial Practice
Teaching music to an adult learner
Just finished third keyboard lesson with my student.
Am feeling...relieved? thankful?...that the lessons have gone well so far and that she's enjoying them.
Today, we worked on chord structure and inversions, and she played four simple pieces on her own for the first time: Twinkle Twinkle, Jingle Bells, Are You Sleeping, Row Row Row Your Boat.
Wow.
At the start of the lesson, my student mentioned that she'd had a massive migraine the day before.
So we prayed together, offering up her migraine as well as the day's lesson.
That's what I love about working with fellow believers: we're on the same page and share similar values, which expands our options and solutions.
Time flew by really quickly (always one of my worries: what if the lesson drags and we finish earlier than planned?) and when we next looked, 45 min had gone by and she had to go. The lesson was meant to be 30 min long.
Better that than the reverse situation any time!
Am feeling...relieved? thankful?...that the lessons have gone well so far and that she's enjoying them.
Today, we worked on chord structure and inversions, and she played four simple pieces on her own for the first time: Twinkle Twinkle, Jingle Bells, Are You Sleeping, Row Row Row Your Boat.
Wow.
At the start of the lesson, my student mentioned that she'd had a massive migraine the day before.
So we prayed together, offering up her migraine as well as the day's lesson.
That's what I love about working with fellow believers: we're on the same page and share similar values, which expands our options and solutions.
Time flew by really quickly (always one of my worries: what if the lesson drags and we finish earlier than planned?) and when we next looked, 45 min had gone by and she had to go. The lesson was meant to be 30 min long.
Better that than the reverse situation any time!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
This Christmas madness
I have a confession to make: I don't like Christmas.
Even though I am a believer in Jesus Christ.
Or maybe because.
There's something about Dec 25 that makes everyone just a little crazy. What's with the long queues in the mall, not enough parking places, songs about winter and snowmen and reindeer that have no relevance to us in the Southern hemisphere, decorating trees and having a houseful of people over for Christmas lunch/dinner, and buying presents not just for one's own family but relatives and friends' children?
We're not living on the edge of poverty, but if we have to keep up with the way Christmas is done here, we certainly will be in danger of it.
I thought we were pretty bad in SG, the way we used to stress over what to get our CG members' kids. Each family would buy for the kids of all the other families, and we're not talking simple things like a box of chocolates. Kris Kringle didn't exist.
Here, I thought we'd finally escaped the consumer trap of buying presents and giving for the sake of giving.
But my girls have been the recipients of so many gifts from unexpected quarters that even though we have no intention of buying into the Christmas frenzy, we are now looking at their rapidly growing pile of presents under our little tree and wondering, how did we get to this? Is it right to have so much when others are struggling? Would anything change if we gave away some of our gifts? (Indeed, I made this suggestion to Beth and she was surprisingly receptive.)
Even though I am a believer in Jesus Christ.
Or maybe because.
There's something about Dec 25 that makes everyone just a little crazy. What's with the long queues in the mall, not enough parking places, songs about winter and snowmen and reindeer that have no relevance to us in the Southern hemisphere, decorating trees and having a houseful of people over for Christmas lunch/dinner, and buying presents not just for one's own family but relatives and friends' children?
We're not living on the edge of poverty, but if we have to keep up with the way Christmas is done here, we certainly will be in danger of it.
I thought we were pretty bad in SG, the way we used to stress over what to get our CG members' kids. Each family would buy for the kids of all the other families, and we're not talking simple things like a box of chocolates. Kris Kringle didn't exist.
Here, I thought we'd finally escaped the consumer trap of buying presents and giving for the sake of giving.
But my girls have been the recipients of so many gifts from unexpected quarters that even though we have no intention of buying into the Christmas frenzy, we are now looking at their rapidly growing pile of presents under our little tree and wondering, how did we get to this? Is it right to have so much when others are struggling? Would anything change if we gave away some of our gifts? (Indeed, I made this suggestion to Beth and she was surprisingly receptive.)
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
When Mum gets mad
Find myself getting angry over little things and big things.
When my kids interrupt me while I'm online/reading/enjoying some quiet time...
When my kids refuse to get out of bed/get dressed/brush their teeth, which makes us late getting to church/class...
When the kids give me a hard time and hubby isn't around to help (cos he's out helping someone else, which makes me feel resentful but also guilty that I'm so xiao3 qi4)...
When hubby comes home and I want to update him on what's happened during the day, but find myself getting annoyed because of the extra effort it takes to explain who's so-and-so or why something has happened...
Being the sole breadwinner, he's never around to take the kids to school or pick them up. He doesn't know their teachers except when he meets them at the parent-teacher interview. He doesn't know about their friendships and social interactions, or who the mum/dad of our child's friend is, except at birthday parties.
That gives me mixed feelings.
I am happy and proud that I have a good, close relationship with my girls. I love knowing their friends and their friends' parents.
But being a SAHM with no steady source of income also makes me frustrated, resentful and underachieving.
Yes, I fell into this path, and allowed it to continue for five years.
In this time, I have tried my hand at affiliate marketing, internet marketing, freelance writing, proofreading and copy editing, career coaching.
They have resulted in the acquisition of new life skills and an insight into how others do it, but not much in extra income. The "I did it, and so can you" promises of many a marketing ad have not brought similar results in my bank balance.
I am still lacking the critical elements: a sound business plan, a good marketing strategy and a team of experts to advise me.
It sounds all too hard, or maybe I'm too soft for the entrepreneurial path.
Perhaps I am made to work at a steady job in an organization and be happy with it, not hanker after what is not mine.
Which is a pretty depressing way of saying I have come Full Circle, and discovered that I was on the 'right' path all along, and should have just stuck with it.
When my kids interrupt me while I'm online/reading/enjoying some quiet time...
When my kids refuse to get out of bed/get dressed/brush their teeth, which makes us late getting to church/class...
When the kids give me a hard time and hubby isn't around to help (cos he's out helping someone else, which makes me feel resentful but also guilty that I'm so xiao3 qi4)...
When hubby comes home and I want to update him on what's happened during the day, but find myself getting annoyed because of the extra effort it takes to explain who's so-and-so or why something has happened...
Being the sole breadwinner, he's never around to take the kids to school or pick them up. He doesn't know their teachers except when he meets them at the parent-teacher interview. He doesn't know about their friendships and social interactions, or who the mum/dad of our child's friend is, except at birthday parties.
That gives me mixed feelings.
I am happy and proud that I have a good, close relationship with my girls. I love knowing their friends and their friends' parents.
But being a SAHM with no steady source of income also makes me frustrated, resentful and underachieving.
Yes, I fell into this path, and allowed it to continue for five years.
In this time, I have tried my hand at affiliate marketing, internet marketing, freelance writing, proofreading and copy editing, career coaching.
They have resulted in the acquisition of new life skills and an insight into how others do it, but not much in extra income. The "I did it, and so can you" promises of many a marketing ad have not brought similar results in my bank balance.
I am still lacking the critical elements: a sound business plan, a good marketing strategy and a team of experts to advise me.
It sounds all too hard, or maybe I'm too soft for the entrepreneurial path.
Perhaps I am made to work at a steady job in an organization and be happy with it, not hanker after what is not mine.
Which is a pretty depressing way of saying I have come Full Circle, and discovered that I was on the 'right' path all along, and should have just stuck with it.
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