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
Saturday, February 19, 2011
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.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
When God leads worship
Sunday's worship was amazing, and I know I wasn't the only one who felt that way.
A couple of the Team 3 ladies (we haven't settled on a name for our team yet) who led the singing were in tears, and we agreed that God had been present in a very powerful way.
One of the ladies remarked that this is the reason why our team came together. I said jokingly to her that it was a good thing I didn't look at her or her fellow singers while I was playing, or I might have cried too!
The drummer told me I had played really well. And I know just what he meant. I thank God for His anointing, because I can feel the difference when He's there guiding my fingers.
Towards the end of the service, as the Holy Spirit took over, I had this strong urge to just let go and let my fingers do their thing without me consciously watching out for changing keys and sus chords. There was such an incredible sense of release and joy, of oneness and gratitude, of being in the moment and flowing along with the rest of the team and the singing of the congregation.
Wow.
A couple of the Team 3 ladies (we haven't settled on a name for our team yet) who led the singing were in tears, and we agreed that God had been present in a very powerful way.
One of the ladies remarked that this is the reason why our team came together. I said jokingly to her that it was a good thing I didn't look at her or her fellow singers while I was playing, or I might have cried too!
The drummer told me I had played really well. And I know just what he meant. I thank God for His anointing, because I can feel the difference when He's there guiding my fingers.
Towards the end of the service, as the Holy Spirit took over, I had this strong urge to just let go and let my fingers do their thing without me consciously watching out for changing keys and sus chords. There was such an incredible sense of release and joy, of oneness and gratitude, of being in the moment and flowing along with the rest of the team and the singing of the congregation.
Wow.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Putting in the hours
Two sessions of playgroup aren't a lot.
But I reckon over the past two Mondays, I've honed up my communication skills, organization skills and social skills more than would have been possible if I'd said no to relieving the regular playgroup coordinator.
And I've confronted my fears (what if I can't unlock the church? what if I don't lock up properly? what if I can't manage on my own? I don't know how to talk to kids), overcome them and experienced God's providence.
As Filipino preacher/missionary Bo Sanchez says, you have to put in the hours (10,000 is Malcolm Gladwell's recommendation) if you want to get better at anything. And the best way to do it is to say yes to every opportunity that comes along.
But I reckon over the past two Mondays, I've honed up my communication skills, organization skills and social skills more than would have been possible if I'd said no to relieving the regular playgroup coordinator.
And I've confronted my fears (what if I can't unlock the church? what if I don't lock up properly? what if I can't manage on my own? I don't know how to talk to kids), overcome them and experienced God's providence.
As Filipino preacher/missionary Bo Sanchez says, you have to put in the hours (10,000 is Malcolm Gladwell's recommendation) if you want to get better at anything. And the best way to do it is to say yes to every opportunity that comes along.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The fine print I missed
Hubby and I are on a $29 Cap plan with '3' for our mobile phones.
My conversation with iPrimus customer service yesterday inspired me to take a closer look at our latest bill.
I'm trying to see if there's any way to cut down the monthly cost.
And here's what I discovered: the plan requires a minimum spend of $29 per person per month. If you spend more than that, they credit you the difference (you get rewarded). If you spend less than that, you get charged (penalized!).
Not only that, our plan actually has a $150 cap limit that includes $100 of international calls.
Which we've never used.
We've always just bought a $10 ICC and used it up till it expired, if we didn't remember to recharge it before.
Hubby spent only $10 last month and was charged $18 for breaching the minimum cap requirement.
I spent $34 and received a $5 credit that brought me back down to $29, so I actually benefitted.
Two options going forward - either use hubby's mobile to make international calls to SG to get up to the $29 cap, or ask '3' how we can downgrade hubby's plan.
We've had the plan for more than a year and this is the FIRST time I've actually bothered to scrutinize the plan.
All we've ever focused on is paying the bill on time (and this goes for all our other bills).
Until now.
My conversation with iPrimus customer service yesterday inspired me to take a closer look at our latest bill.
I'm trying to see if there's any way to cut down the monthly cost.
And here's what I discovered: the plan requires a minimum spend of $29 per person per month. If you spend more than that, they credit you the difference (you get rewarded). If you spend less than that, you get charged (penalized!).
Not only that, our plan actually has a $150 cap limit that includes $100 of international calls.
Which we've never used.
We've always just bought a $10 ICC and used it up till it expired, if we didn't remember to recharge it before.
Hubby spent only $10 last month and was charged $18 for breaching the minimum cap requirement.
I spent $34 and received a $5 credit that brought me back down to $29, so I actually benefitted.
Two options going forward - either use hubby's mobile to make international calls to SG to get up to the $29 cap, or ask '3' how we can downgrade hubby's plan.
We've had the plan for more than a year and this is the FIRST time I've actually bothered to scrutinize the plan.
All we've ever focused on is paying the bill on time (and this goes for all our other bills).
Until now.
Simple Savings
Yesterday was one of those productive days where I got down to ticking off things I'd been putting off for ages.
First thing in the morning, I rang the lady who runs the Kumon Centre in HX. I had left her a message on Monday but hadn't heard from her. I normally don't follow up on calls; I hate talking to answering machines and I try not to call someone if I can because I just can't handle the interaction. But for some reason, I thought I'd try and see if I could get through to her.
And she picked up!
The result was we had a very friendly and informative (for me) chat and I had most of my questions answered. We are booked in for a parent info session on Monday and Beth will sit a diagnostic test to see where she's at with her math. [Math ability is generally poor in Aus and I'm hoping Kumon can help Beth get an edge as she gets older.]
The next thing I did was to compare energy supply rates using GoSwitch and SwitchWise. I finally went with the supplier and plan that will save us $269 a year on a Loyalty Saver plan (the same retailer has an Easy Saver plan that would save us $270, but requires us to lock in a contract for 2 years, and I wasn't sure I wanted to do that).
The retailer is supposed to call me to confirm details.
Finally, I filled out an inquiry form on iPrimus, our broadband and home phone service provider (another way of avoiding direct contact!). I wanted to ask about their VOIP Lingo service.
The customer service officer called me back within the day, talked me through the options, answered all my questions, and after analyzing our monthly spend, actually advised me to downgrade to a cheaper plan so we could save money.
Instead of the $87+ we currently pay, we are switching to a plan that costs $59.95 with no change to our home phone or broadband usage, and with line rental included. So we get to enjoy a savings of $27+ every month. And it cost us nothing, just a couple of minutes on the phone.
Wow.
That's not all. The same guy suggested we look at the SIM Saver mobile phone plan that would allow us to retain our numbers while spending less on phone calls and texts.
It was a bit of info overload at that point, so I said I would look into it at a later time.
In all, we're looking at saving potentially $593 pa. Awesome.
The only thing that tops that is going through my insurance policies and writing up a table for my financial planner so he could review them and advise on the best strategy for the future.
I ended up writing three letters to my respective insurers asking questions and informing them (in some cases) that I wanted to surrender the policies. That should free up some cashflow to be redirected to where they are most needed.
Taking charge of where our money is going is so empowering!
First thing in the morning, I rang the lady who runs the Kumon Centre in HX. I had left her a message on Monday but hadn't heard from her. I normally don't follow up on calls; I hate talking to answering machines and I try not to call someone if I can because I just can't handle the interaction. But for some reason, I thought I'd try and see if I could get through to her.
And she picked up!
The result was we had a very friendly and informative (for me) chat and I had most of my questions answered. We are booked in for a parent info session on Monday and Beth will sit a diagnostic test to see where she's at with her math. [Math ability is generally poor in Aus and I'm hoping Kumon can help Beth get an edge as she gets older.]
The next thing I did was to compare energy supply rates using GoSwitch and SwitchWise. I finally went with the supplier and plan that will save us $269 a year on a Loyalty Saver plan (the same retailer has an Easy Saver plan that would save us $270, but requires us to lock in a contract for 2 years, and I wasn't sure I wanted to do that).
The retailer is supposed to call me to confirm details.
Finally, I filled out an inquiry form on iPrimus, our broadband and home phone service provider (another way of avoiding direct contact!). I wanted to ask about their VOIP Lingo service.
The customer service officer called me back within the day, talked me through the options, answered all my questions, and after analyzing our monthly spend, actually advised me to downgrade to a cheaper plan so we could save money.
Instead of the $87+ we currently pay, we are switching to a plan that costs $59.95 with no change to our home phone or broadband usage, and with line rental included. So we get to enjoy a savings of $27+ every month. And it cost us nothing, just a couple of minutes on the phone.
Wow.
That's not all. The same guy suggested we look at the SIM Saver mobile phone plan that would allow us to retain our numbers while spending less on phone calls and texts.
It was a bit of info overload at that point, so I said I would look into it at a later time.
In all, we're looking at saving potentially $593 pa. Awesome.
The only thing that tops that is going through my insurance policies and writing up a table for my financial planner so he could review them and advise on the best strategy for the future.
I ended up writing three letters to my respective insurers asking questions and informing them (in some cases) that I wanted to surrender the policies. That should free up some cashflow to be redirected to where they are most needed.
Taking charge of where our money is going is so empowering!
Faith in action
A follow up on earlier post about Faith vs. Action.
Have emailed Good News Lutheran to request a school tour. Received an acknowledgement email yesterday and hope to hear from them soon. After that we'll have a chat with the principal and hopefully get all our questions answered so we can submit the enrolment form.
Have been dropping hints to Beth that she may be transferring out of Heathdale in two years' time so it won't be such a massive shock when it happens. I know she'll grieve over the separation from her friends and her comfort zone, but kids are resilient, and we've tried to highlight the positives: the $ saved could go towards holidays (RACV Royal Pines is still high on her list of favourites).
Other ways I can think of to cushion the blow: regular play dates with her Heathdale friends, Good News Gang on Wed (which is attended by GNL and Heathdale kids).
Last night, I finally got round to reading up on the ASG terms and conditions to get a grip on what we signed up to when we enrolled the girls in '07. More importantly, I needed to know how we would benefit and when.
The good news: when Beth turns 13 (Year 7), ASG will send us the amount of projected benefit ($4k+). The amount goes up every year until Year 12. Then when she starts uni, she is entitled to a scholarship benefit of $1k - 2k for 3 years. Same for Jordanne, except her benefits are more because she enrolled at a younger age.
It's good to know we'll get some help with school fees (esp if Beth's still in a private school and not at Suzanne Cory or on a scholarship to Westbourne Grammar, which is our best-case scenario) five years from now. Which means the years of financial stretch are actually just Years 4, 5 and 6 (2012 - 2014).
Still, at $6k pa for 3 years ($18k), that's still a huge outlay compared to GNL's $2700 x 3 years ($8100).
Imagine how much more good we could do and how much more we could give for God's kingdom with the savings.
Why should a good Christian education have to be prohibitively expensive?
Have emailed Good News Lutheran to request a school tour. Received an acknowledgement email yesterday and hope to hear from them soon. After that we'll have a chat with the principal and hopefully get all our questions answered so we can submit the enrolment form.
Have been dropping hints to Beth that she may be transferring out of Heathdale in two years' time so it won't be such a massive shock when it happens. I know she'll grieve over the separation from her friends and her comfort zone, but kids are resilient, and we've tried to highlight the positives: the $ saved could go towards holidays (RACV Royal Pines is still high on her list of favourites).
Other ways I can think of to cushion the blow: regular play dates with her Heathdale friends, Good News Gang on Wed (which is attended by GNL and Heathdale kids).
Last night, I finally got round to reading up on the ASG terms and conditions to get a grip on what we signed up to when we enrolled the girls in '07. More importantly, I needed to know how we would benefit and when.
The good news: when Beth turns 13 (Year 7), ASG will send us the amount of projected benefit ($4k+). The amount goes up every year until Year 12. Then when she starts uni, she is entitled to a scholarship benefit of $1k - 2k for 3 years. Same for Jordanne, except her benefits are more because she enrolled at a younger age.
It's good to know we'll get some help with school fees (esp if Beth's still in a private school and not at Suzanne Cory or on a scholarship to Westbourne Grammar, which is our best-case scenario) five years from now. Which means the years of financial stretch are actually just Years 4, 5 and 6 (2012 - 2014).
Still, at $6k pa for 3 years ($18k), that's still a huge outlay compared to GNL's $2700 x 3 years ($8100).
Imagine how much more good we could do and how much more we could give for God's kingdom with the savings.
Why should a good Christian education have to be prohibitively expensive?
Friday, November 05, 2010
My God is a big God!
Just received the 2011 school fees list.
Suddenly, Good News Lutheran is looking very attractive. At $2700 for Prep to Year 6, it's half of what we're paying. Imagine how much we could save. Even at Year 7 and 8, the fees ($4500) are still less than what we're paying.
I like how GNL charges the same rate for all years of primary school. Heathdale's adopting a similar system for next year - fees are the same for Prep to Year 4, Year 5-6, Year 7-8, and Year 9-12, respectively.
Woke up extra early today and sat down at the computer thinking of alternatives and solutions to the Heathdale problem.
Was reminded of a Bo Sanchez article I read yesterday. Bo says when our fears are big, it means our God is small. But if our fears are small, then it means our God is a BIG God.
Which when you think of it is so obvious.
Our God is above all gods. He is the God of the universe and every created thing. He made the world and everything in it. Nature shouts His glory. He made people with diverse talents, personalities and abilities. He made the human brain smarter than any computer. He heals, transforms, creates miracles, blesses, forgives and loves. In Him we live and move and have our being.
If He wants us to remain at Heathdale, He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He will provide the funds, the ideas, the job opportunities, the passive income streams.
And if He wants us to transfer to Good News Lutheran, He will take care of our fears and guilt, and Beth's sense of sadness and loss.
My part, as I continue to pray and wait on Him, is to ACT. Faith does not mean just sitting back passively waiting for things to happen. Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:17) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (2 Tim. 1:7)
God has given me a sound mind, attention to detail, legal knowledge and creativity. All these things I offer up to Him as hubby and I navigate this new challenge in our lives.
Suddenly, Good News Lutheran is looking very attractive. At $2700 for Prep to Year 6, it's half of what we're paying. Imagine how much we could save. Even at Year 7 and 8, the fees ($4500) are still less than what we're paying.
I like how GNL charges the same rate for all years of primary school. Heathdale's adopting a similar system for next year - fees are the same for Prep to Year 4, Year 5-6, Year 7-8, and Year 9-12, respectively.
Woke up extra early today and sat down at the computer thinking of alternatives and solutions to the Heathdale problem.
Was reminded of a Bo Sanchez article I read yesterday. Bo says when our fears are big, it means our God is small. But if our fears are small, then it means our God is a BIG God.
Which when you think of it is so obvious.
Our God is above all gods. He is the God of the universe and every created thing. He made the world and everything in it. Nature shouts His glory. He made people with diverse talents, personalities and abilities. He made the human brain smarter than any computer. He heals, transforms, creates miracles, blesses, forgives and loves. In Him we live and move and have our being.
If He wants us to remain at Heathdale, He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He will provide the funds, the ideas, the job opportunities, the passive income streams.
And if He wants us to transfer to Good News Lutheran, He will take care of our fears and guilt, and Beth's sense of sadness and loss.
My part, as I continue to pray and wait on Him, is to ACT. Faith does not mean just sitting back passively waiting for things to happen. Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (James 2:17) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (2 Tim. 1:7)
God has given me a sound mind, attention to detail, legal knowledge and creativity. All these things I offer up to Him as hubby and I navigate this new challenge in our lives.
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