If you do not experiment, learn from the experiment, apply the learning, and assimilate the entire process, what else can you do except spend your life banging your head against the imaginary barriers of your own incompetence?
Robert Fritz, The Path of Least Resistance
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
HXUCA AGM 2008
At the congregational meeting last Sunday, our pastor and the coordinators of HXUCA's various outreach activities tabled their reports.
The reports - especially the Minister's - made for exciting reading. I got the sense that I was caught up in something bigger, something significant, that is about to happen in HXUCA.
For instance, 2009 is going to be the year of the Big Idea. The main objective is to go deeper into the pastor's Sunday sermon during the week through various Bible study and prayer groups.
I think that is a very good idea. So many times I've walked out of Sunday Service thinking, "That was a really good sermon", and that was that. Monday came around and with it the usual busyness that overwhelms. Now there'll be opportunities to explore and ask questions and reflect in an intentional way with like-minded brothers and sisters.
Another thing we talked about was the community impact of HXUCA's various outreach projects. As someone who is not personally involved, it is wonderful to hear of how individuals in our community have been touched because of the simple availability of the Take 2 Opp Shop that not only lets people buy second-hand goods at affordable prices, but gives distressed persons a chance to talk with our pastor when they wander through the doors of the church on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
We also heard some interesting feedback from the vendors of our monthly Car Boot Sales (CBS). They told the CBS coordinators that they feel more appreciated and taken care of at our CBS than at any other craft market in the neighbourhood. Wow.
It's lovely that our CBS coordinators have gone out of their way to make the vendors (most of whom are not HXUCA attendees) feel welcome. I love going to craft markets just to see what's out there, but I've never thought about what the experience might be like for the folks behind the display tables. Next time I'll remember to make an effort to strike up meaningful conversations with the vendors.
HOSPITALITY is undoubtedly HXUCA's greatest gift to the community. The ladies and gents who help out with the Opp Shop, bookshop, CBS and monthly Working Bees do an incredible amount of unpaid work week after week without any guarantee that their efforts will be appreciated and without knowing if their projects will touch the lives of those outside the church family. Well, now we know. Their work matters very much.
On the subject of hospitality, it is interesting that our pastor is raising the bar on what he wants to see HXUCA do in the new year. His report puts it so well that I am just going to lift the relevant extracts.
"I cannot stress strongly enough that the hardest thing in growing a church is not geting people through the front doors, it is finding a way of preventing the flow of people out the back door. This is very much dependent on each of us.
If people are to stay, they will choose to because they sense they belong; that they are welcome and that there are meaningful relationships to be enjoyed here...It will be your practice of welcome and fellowship that will cause people to stick.
I want to challenge every person associated with Hoppers Crossing Uniting Church to make a real effort in this regard. From children to youth and on into the adult church we are too comfortable with ourselves and must allow our interest and friendship groups to be expanded.
...Each of us can do a very simple thing. Just by being here at the church during the times of activity on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday you can do a great and important thing.
People need to see and feel the church. They won't do this through the building, they can only do it through the body."
Amen to that.
The reports - especially the Minister's - made for exciting reading. I got the sense that I was caught up in something bigger, something significant, that is about to happen in HXUCA.
For instance, 2009 is going to be the year of the Big Idea. The main objective is to go deeper into the pastor's Sunday sermon during the week through various Bible study and prayer groups.
I think that is a very good idea. So many times I've walked out of Sunday Service thinking, "That was a really good sermon", and that was that. Monday came around and with it the usual busyness that overwhelms. Now there'll be opportunities to explore and ask questions and reflect in an intentional way with like-minded brothers and sisters.
Another thing we talked about was the community impact of HXUCA's various outreach projects. As someone who is not personally involved, it is wonderful to hear of how individuals in our community have been touched because of the simple availability of the Take 2 Opp Shop that not only lets people buy second-hand goods at affordable prices, but gives distressed persons a chance to talk with our pastor when they wander through the doors of the church on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
We also heard some interesting feedback from the vendors of our monthly Car Boot Sales (CBS). They told the CBS coordinators that they feel more appreciated and taken care of at our CBS than at any other craft market in the neighbourhood. Wow.
It's lovely that our CBS coordinators have gone out of their way to make the vendors (most of whom are not HXUCA attendees) feel welcome. I love going to craft markets just to see what's out there, but I've never thought about what the experience might be like for the folks behind the display tables. Next time I'll remember to make an effort to strike up meaningful conversations with the vendors.
HOSPITALITY is undoubtedly HXUCA's greatest gift to the community. The ladies and gents who help out with the Opp Shop, bookshop, CBS and monthly Working Bees do an incredible amount of unpaid work week after week without any guarantee that their efforts will be appreciated and without knowing if their projects will touch the lives of those outside the church family. Well, now we know. Their work matters very much.
On the subject of hospitality, it is interesting that our pastor is raising the bar on what he wants to see HXUCA do in the new year. His report puts it so well that I am just going to lift the relevant extracts.
"I cannot stress strongly enough that the hardest thing in growing a church is not geting people through the front doors, it is finding a way of preventing the flow of people out the back door. This is very much dependent on each of us.
If people are to stay, they will choose to because they sense they belong; that they are welcome and that there are meaningful relationships to be enjoyed here...It will be your practice of welcome and fellowship that will cause people to stick.
I want to challenge every person associated with Hoppers Crossing Uniting Church to make a real effort in this regard. From children to youth and on into the adult church we are too comfortable with ourselves and must allow our interest and friendship groups to be expanded.
...Each of us can do a very simple thing. Just by being here at the church during the times of activity on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday you can do a great and important thing.
People need to see and feel the church. They won't do this through the building, they can only do it through the body."
Amen to that.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Choose Something Other Than Your Default Mode
From Coaching Compass newsletter
Coaching Outside the Box
by David Krueger MD
Ben Fletcher at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom devised a study to get people to break their usual habits. Each day the subjects picked a different option from poles of contrasting behaviors -- lively/quiet, introvert/extrovert, reactive/proactive -- and behaved according to this assignment.
So an introverted person, for example, would act as an extrovert for an entire day. Additionally, twice weekly, they had to stretch to behave in a way outside their usual life pattern – eating or reading something they would never have done.
What do you think was the biggest change in the group?
The remarkable finding was that after four months, the subjects had lost an average of eleven pounds. And six months later, almost all had kept the weight off; some continued to lose weight. This was not a diet, but a study focusing on change and its impact.
The Underlying Principle
Requiring people to change routine behavior makes them actually think about decisions rather than habitually choosing a default mode without consideration. In having to actually process decisions actively, they exercised their choice and decision-making abilities, extending to other choices such as what to eat, and what not to. Once becoming aware of actively making choices, they could decide what’s in their best interest.
“The box” most of us are in is the result of programming and conditioning. And it is self-created in adulthood.
Recognizing yourself as the author, the creator of your story challenges an assumed model and leads to the deeper question, “How do I create something else instead?”
And, “What will the ‘something else’ be?”
PS. I admire the intent behind the experiment. The results are certainly worth exploring in the context of helping individuals make significant changes in their lives. However, I would not restrict myself to being the "author" and "creator" of my "story". As a God-believer, I know that ultimately, it is He who is Author and Creator. I am only author and creator to the extent that I exercise my God-given ability to make choices and decisions about how I live my life.
Coaching Outside the Box
by David Krueger MD
Ben Fletcher at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom devised a study to get people to break their usual habits. Each day the subjects picked a different option from poles of contrasting behaviors -- lively/quiet, introvert/extrovert, reactive/proactive -- and behaved according to this assignment.
So an introverted person, for example, would act as an extrovert for an entire day. Additionally, twice weekly, they had to stretch to behave in a way outside their usual life pattern – eating or reading something they would never have done.
What do you think was the biggest change in the group?
The remarkable finding was that after four months, the subjects had lost an average of eleven pounds. And six months later, almost all had kept the weight off; some continued to lose weight. This was not a diet, but a study focusing on change and its impact.
The Underlying Principle
Requiring people to change routine behavior makes them actually think about decisions rather than habitually choosing a default mode without consideration. In having to actually process decisions actively, they exercised their choice and decision-making abilities, extending to other choices such as what to eat, and what not to. Once becoming aware of actively making choices, they could decide what’s in their best interest.
“The box” most of us are in is the result of programming and conditioning. And it is self-created in adulthood.
Recognizing yourself as the author, the creator of your story challenges an assumed model and leads to the deeper question, “How do I create something else instead?”
And, “What will the ‘something else’ be?”
PS. I admire the intent behind the experiment. The results are certainly worth exploring in the context of helping individuals make significant changes in their lives. However, I would not restrict myself to being the "author" and "creator" of my "story". As a God-believer, I know that ultimately, it is He who is Author and Creator. I am only author and creator to the extent that I exercise my God-given ability to make choices and decisions about how I live my life.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Treat Every Moment As If It's Our Last
From an article in the Oct 2008 issue of the Methodist News 卫理之声：
昨天傍晚幼弟长炎来电话告知我们所亲爱的吴武玲姐妹已于昨午四时蒙主归天。
心中难过，想到昨天在电话中为她祷告时，她的声音仍然满有力量， 没想到隔天就归天，更提醒我们当趁健康时竭力多作主工， 以免空手见主。
Let's use the time when we are healthy and active to do more good works in the name of Christ, so that we will not be caught empty-handed when we are called home unexpectedly.
昨天傍晚幼弟长炎来电话告知我们所亲爱的吴武玲姐妹已于昨午四时蒙主归天。
心中难过，想到昨天在电话中为她祷告时，她的声音仍然满有力量， 没想到隔天就归天，更提醒我们当趁健康时竭力多作主工， 以免空手见主。
Let's use the time when we are healthy and active to do more good works in the name of Christ, so that we will not be caught empty-handed when we are called home unexpectedly.
The Courage of Self-Belief
Oscar-winning Australian designer Catherine Martin has some words of wisdom for people who choose the creative path.
"I feel proud of the work we've done, proud that I managed to do it, and it's up to everyone else now to judge whether it's good, bad or indifferent. Some people may like it and others might not, but you have to accept that if you're going to pursue a more risky path."
On the importance of passion:
"I'm in it for the journey, and I don't mind a few ups and downs...Success can't be the only reason you do something like this. You've got to like the process and the people and enjoy going to work each day; otherwise it's a very lonely, frustrating and unsatisfying game."
Great career advice and a good reminder to understand the "why" behind why we choose the work we do.
"I feel proud of the work we've done, proud that I managed to do it, and it's up to everyone else now to judge whether it's good, bad or indifferent. Some people may like it and others might not, but you have to accept that if you're going to pursue a more risky path."
On the importance of passion:
"I'm in it for the journey, and I don't mind a few ups and downs...Success can't be the only reason you do something like this. You've got to like the process and the people and enjoy going to work each day; otherwise it's a very lonely, frustrating and unsatisfying game."
Great career advice and a good reminder to understand the "why" behind why we choose the work we do.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Thoughts On Barack Obama
I consider myself politically uninformed and apathetic, but Barack Obama's election victory speech on 6 Nov has awakened something in me.
I am inspired by his ability to say the sorts of things that can rouse ordinary people to action. ("Yes we can")
I am impressed by the sincere and unreserved praise and acknowledgment he gave all who helped him.
I love the orderly, professional look-and-feel of his web site.
I get the sense (from things said about him by his team and those who know him) that he is much loved and respected and his supporters would follow him anywhere.
I respect his courage in making that detour to visit his ailing granny in the heat of the election.
I am amazed at how he astutely turned something we all use and take for granted - the Internet - into a platform to reach so many Americans across racial, age and status divides. There is no doubt the effectiveness of his Internet campaign helped deliver him the White House.
It reinforces my belief in the power of man to change his destiny and to rise to greatness - with the blessing of God.
"This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you."
"And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too. "
Cancer Blog
The Anatomy of a Calling
How do you find your calling in life?
This is the story of how one man found his.
"In my experience of God's calling, I have learned that more important than our commitment to our calling is our commitment to the One who calls us."
- Dr Robert Solomon, Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore (2000 to present)
This is the story of how one man found his.
"In my experience of God's calling, I have learned that more important than our commitment to our calling is our commitment to the One who calls us."
- Dr Robert Solomon, Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore (2000 to present)
On Using Our Gifts
After a 2-month break, I rejoined the musos for band practice last night.
It has been "easy" to skip Thu night practices. There's always one thing or another happening at home. Hubby gets home late, so I can't hand over and go for prac. Or J gets sick. Or the girls get clingy. Sometimes I just want to enjoy some family time.
It's good to be back.
I still wonder if my role as keyboardist isn't somewhat redundant when we already have an extremely versatile and gifted pianist who's also our de facto music director. Lately, the guitarist has taken on a bassist role using a separate keyboard as well.
While I've got the liberty to be as creative as I want with the organ and the keyboard that have been placed at my disposal, my skills aren't yet up to that level. So I tend to stick with what is safe and known - Pan Flute/Synth Strings for slow songs, Fantasia for fast songs. Sometimes I let go a little and experiment with different buttons just to hear the effects. Most of them work out well. Last night, I tried a button I'd never used before and the band leader went something like "Wow! How'd you do that? How do you know what button to press?"
To which the music director replied, "Cos we're musicians, that's why!"
I smiled. It's never that easy or obvious for me, so I would never dare to make such a bold statement.
My own interpretation is this. When God gives you a gift and you use it actively as an expression of who you are, you sometimes accomplish more than what you or someone else might have expected or imagined.
I do not know why God has given me the gift of music. I do not need an answer. I know I'm blessed to be a blessing, and that when I bless others, I will experience the deeper joy and fulfillment that come from living my God-given purpose.
The sense of inadequacy from not knowing enough and not being good enough may be what God uses to keep me in a right relationship with Him, so that I always remember who is the true Gift Giver, and who is the Steward.
It has been "easy" to skip Thu night practices. There's always one thing or another happening at home. Hubby gets home late, so I can't hand over and go for prac. Or J gets sick. Or the girls get clingy. Sometimes I just want to enjoy some family time.
It's good to be back.
I still wonder if my role as keyboardist isn't somewhat redundant when we already have an extremely versatile and gifted pianist who's also our de facto music director. Lately, the guitarist has taken on a bassist role using a separate keyboard as well.
While I've got the liberty to be as creative as I want with the organ and the keyboard that have been placed at my disposal, my skills aren't yet up to that level. So I tend to stick with what is safe and known - Pan Flute/Synth Strings for slow songs, Fantasia for fast songs. Sometimes I let go a little and experiment with different buttons just to hear the effects. Most of them work out well. Last night, I tried a button I'd never used before and the band leader went something like "Wow! How'd you do that? How do you know what button to press?"
To which the music director replied, "Cos we're musicians, that's why!"
I smiled. It's never that easy or obvious for me, so I would never dare to make such a bold statement.
My own interpretation is this. When God gives you a gift and you use it actively as an expression of who you are, you sometimes accomplish more than what you or someone else might have expected or imagined.
I do not know why God has given me the gift of music. I do not need an answer. I know I'm blessed to be a blessing, and that when I bless others, I will experience the deeper joy and fulfillment that come from living my God-given purpose.
The sense of inadequacy from not knowing enough and not being good enough may be what God uses to keep me in a right relationship with Him, so that I always remember who is the true Gift Giver, and who is the Steward.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Job Action Day 2008
QuintCareers has declared Nov. 3, 2008, Job Action Day worldwide -- a day for job-seekers and workers to confront the current economic crisis head-on and take action steps to improve their careers.
Here's what JAD is about in a nutshell - "To rally those who have lost their jobs or are facing possible job loss in the current devastated economic climate, Job Action Day 2008 aims to empower workers and job-seekers to take proactive steps to shore up their job and career outlook...
Our challenge to you...is to ask you to do at least ONE proactive thing TODAY, Job Action Day 2008, to improve your job and/or career situation.
Whether you update your resume, develop a backup plan in case of job loss, or add contacts to your network, take at least one action Today for Job Action Day."
Action Challenge
What one proactive thing can you do today to improve your career situation?
Here's what JAD is about in a nutshell - "To rally those who have lost their jobs or are facing possible job loss in the current devastated economic climate, Job Action Day 2008 aims to empower workers and job-seekers to take proactive steps to shore up their job and career outlook...
Our challenge to you...is to ask you to do at least ONE proactive thing TODAY, Job Action Day 2008, to improve your job and/or career situation.
Whether you update your resume, develop a backup plan in case of job loss, or add contacts to your network, take at least one action Today for Job Action Day."
Action Challenge
What one proactive thing can you do today to improve your career situation?
Are You A Quality Worker?
This extract from a post on the Trump University blog reiterates 2 things I passionately believe in and practise: (1) the importance of keeping our skills and knowledge current; (2) if you're unhappy with your career situation, do something about it!
Executive search firm Robert Half International, recently performed a study where they surveyed over 4000 finance and human resource managers in 20 different countries and the majority said they are having trouble finding skilled candidates to fill their high level accounting and finance positions. It also showed that when they do find one, the pressure is on them to find creative ways to retain them and keep them happy.
What this should tell people is that quality companies are needing quality people and are willing to pay them handsomely! If you are unhappy with your current job situation, do something about it. Start by bettering yourself and your skill set CONSTANTLY. Keep your education current. Take webinars and business classes in your field of expertise to keep abreast of cutting edge ideas and opportunities to impress any possible employers.
Executive search firm Robert Half International, recently performed a study where they surveyed over 4000 finance and human resource managers in 20 different countries and the majority said they are having trouble finding skilled candidates to fill their high level accounting and finance positions. It also showed that when they do find one, the pressure is on them to find creative ways to retain them and keep them happy.
What this should tell people is that quality companies are needing quality people and are willing to pay them handsomely! If you are unhappy with your current job situation, do something about it. Start by bettering yourself and your skill set CONSTANTLY. Keep your education current. Take webinars and business classes in your field of expertise to keep abreast of cutting edge ideas and opportunities to impress any possible employers.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
The Hardest Thing
The greatest challenges before us in the next two years are not getting the manse finished, not designing and rebuilding the church, but enabling all of us to become motivated in the great opportunity we have to serve God together, each of us doing our bit to achieve God's will.
The hardest thing for each of us is not the doing of the task, but deciding first of all that TODAY is the day when I will make myself available to serve.
Pastor Paul Blacker, Crossfire (26 October 2008)
The hardest thing for each of us is not the doing of the task, but deciding first of all that TODAY is the day when I will make myself available to serve.
Pastor Paul Blacker, Crossfire (26 October 2008)
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