Saturday, October 24, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Alone
For the last 3 weeks I've been living alone, and for most people... its probably the best thing ever! Parties... empty house all to yourself... eating whatever food... inviting friends over all the time...
But for me, its been pretty tough. With work and all the gazillion other things on my plate, there is not time to enjoy living alone. Also, due to some recent happenings, living by myself has been a time of fear, anxiety and extra burden.
It makes me think though - If I can feel so bad living by myself for 3 weeks, how bad would it be to live an entire life alone? How bad would it be to live eternity alone? How bad would it be to miss out on the relationship that God extends out to us, and the love that Jesus has shown us on the Cross?
It is bad... and unfortunately it is reality for so many people around us today. So MAN UP and lets introduce the world to the love and the relationship that God offers through Jesus!
But for me, its been pretty tough. With work and all the gazillion other things on my plate, there is not time to enjoy living alone. Also, due to some recent happenings, living by myself has been a time of fear, anxiety and extra burden.
It makes me think though - If I can feel so bad living by myself for 3 weeks, how bad would it be to live an entire life alone? How bad would it be to live eternity alone? How bad would it be to miss out on the relationship that God extends out to us, and the love that Jesus has shown us on the Cross?
It is bad... and unfortunately it is reality for so many people around us today. So MAN UP and lets introduce the world to the love and the relationship that God offers through Jesus!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Leadership and Ownership
Lately I've been bombarded with thoughts about leadership and how leaders affect the operation of various groups and ministries around the place. Something I've been thinking about a lot is the idea of leadership in terms of ownership, and why leaders can be committed to a group, and why leaders can't. Here are some of my unordered and random thoughts:
1. Leaders have to have a passion for whatever group they are leading. Recently I've been reminded of the needs/passion/ability diagram... and to me, I believe someone passionate about a certain group will commit fully to its cause, while those who are there just because they think they need/have to be there, will not excel in leadership. This is something that has been overlooked greatly, and a lot of us have been pushing needs, or apparent needs to new leaders.
2. Leaders who are not passionate for a ministry will eventually show their true feelings. They won't be 100% committed, they will just do what's required and no more, they will be going through the routines. This in turn impacts the leadership group and gives off negative vibes. They don't 'want' to be there and therefore they don't see any ownership over their group/ministry.
3. Leaders who are passionate about their ministry will subconsciously develop a sense of ownership over their group. They are more willing to commit to and above what is 'required' or 'adequate'. These people genuinely care about the group, and in the long term, will grow the group and create a successful ministry.
I agree that people should find where they should serve by factoring in the current needs, the gifts and abilities, and the desires of the individual. Unfortunately many of us forget that we have to consider all three factors when analysing a person, and we push ourselves into bad leadership decisions.
My 2 cents on leadership today.
1. Leaders have to have a passion for whatever group they are leading. Recently I've been reminded of the needs/passion/ability diagram... and to me, I believe someone passionate about a certain group will commit fully to its cause, while those who are there just because they think they need/have to be there, will not excel in leadership. This is something that has been overlooked greatly, and a lot of us have been pushing needs, or apparent needs to new leaders.
2. Leaders who are not passionate for a ministry will eventually show their true feelings. They won't be 100% committed, they will just do what's required and no more, they will be going through the routines. This in turn impacts the leadership group and gives off negative vibes. They don't 'want' to be there and therefore they don't see any ownership over their group/ministry.
3. Leaders who are passionate about their ministry will subconsciously develop a sense of ownership over their group. They are more willing to commit to and above what is 'required' or 'adequate'. These people genuinely care about the group, and in the long term, will grow the group and create a successful ministry.
I agree that people should find where they should serve by factoring in the current needs, the gifts and abilities, and the desires of the individual. Unfortunately many of us forget that we have to consider all three factors when analysing a person, and we push ourselves into bad leadership decisions.
My 2 cents on leadership today.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
True Friends...
When the hard times in life come.... its when you find who your true friends are.
People fall away when things get tough and rough... True friends stay strong, standing up for you, caring about you and for you... no matter what crazy stuff is happening in life.
People fall away when things get tough and rough... True friends stay strong, standing up for you, caring about you and for you... no matter what crazy stuff is happening in life.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Saturday, September 05, 2009
My Birthplace.....
I was looking at my photos and found this one of my birthplace and my humble beginnings...
Says a lot about me huh
Says a lot about me huh
Leadership and Direction
One thing that is very common in group situations between the secular and christian world is the need for strong leadership and direction. It is evident in almost all situations:
- Work (Boss)
- Church (Pastoral Team)
- Ministries (Director/Chairman/Coordinator)
- Marriages (Husband!)
- Group Projects (The most talkative person)
- Sports (Captain)
It is quite easy to notice how well the group is working together and if they are achieving their goals or not, and I must admit a great deal of the success of the group is dependant on the type of leader the group has.
A strong leader is someone that people can follow. Someone who has a vision and can also implement strategies to move towards that vision. He brings a team together and leads by example. There are so many classic examples in history, but the best example is Jesus. He was a man people would follow - for one reason or another. He had a clear mission, He brought His 'team' together and He led by example, living the perfect life and serving all those around Him.
We need strong leaders in our Church today - people who can lead God's people, bring them together as one body of Christ, and be clear and focused on the mission of spreading the Gospel message.
- Work (Boss)
- Church (Pastoral Team)
- Ministries (Director/Chairman/Coordinator)
- Marriages (Husband!)
- Group Projects (The most talkative person)
- Sports (Captain)
It is quite easy to notice how well the group is working together and if they are achieving their goals or not, and I must admit a great deal of the success of the group is dependant on the type of leader the group has.
A strong leader is someone that people can follow. Someone who has a vision and can also implement strategies to move towards that vision. He brings a team together and leads by example. There are so many classic examples in history, but the best example is Jesus. He was a man people would follow - for one reason or another. He had a clear mission, He brought His 'team' together and He led by example, living the perfect life and serving all those around Him.
We need strong leaders in our Church today - people who can lead God's people, bring them together as one body of Christ, and be clear and focused on the mission of spreading the Gospel message.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Light and Life
Sometimes life is like when the clouds block the sun. All you see and feel is darkness... but you just know there is light on the other side...
And you're just waiting for that light to pierce through the darkness...
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Responsibility and Commitment
Over the past two weeks, I've been plagued with issues stemming from the basis of one's commitment and responsibility.
Firstly I think that the biggest difference between secular work and ministry work is that in ministry we all know about such things called grace and forgiveness. We all are imperfect so we're going to fail, and people around us are going to fall short, so we have to be understanding and bear with each other in love.
However, from an organisational perspective, I think there needs to be a level of commitment and responsibility from leaders in a ministry for the ministry to run adequately and effectively.
Commitment is a small word with a big meaning. It also means to pledge or to promise, and usually there is a commitment involved for people when they step up as leaders and team members. Each team member is integral in the planning for the team, and therefore a team member's commitment is crucual in that planning. For example, if a ministry needs 8 leaders in the beginning of the year, and they find 8 leaders who sign up full time, there is a commitment for each leader to be part of that ministry for the flow of the year or whatever period of time is mentioned, or else the ministry can't run to the way it was planned to. I think that yes we have to be understanding of people when they can't commit or they are unsuccessful in committing to a certain thing, but in a planning point of view, people should be up front, honest and down to earth about their levels of commitment. I know I'm a busy person that can't commit to going to Blokes Business (a men's fellowship group at our church) even though I support the group fully, and I have made that clear to the relevant person in charge, and he is understanding of the situation.
Responsibility is another big word in being part of a team. Usually every member has some weight to pull in terms of things they are in charge of, and each member has to trust each other that the other person is pulling their particular weight too. I think and hope I'm forgiving and understanding when people don't fulfil their part, and I do try my best to. The itching point in my mind is that in my point of view, people need to 'know' and 'find out' what they are and aren't responsible for. It could be miscommunication, laziness, or an honest misunderstanding that no one has ever rectified, or just plain stubbornness not to understand how things are meant to work. What I find more frustrating to deal with is not that people don't live up to what they are responsible for, but that they don't know what they are responsible for, or they don't want to change in order to be responsible for the right things.
I guess when it comes down to the end - we all have to be forgiving and understanding. We're all serving Christ and that's what matters. Lets just hope we all continue to move forward, learn together and understand people better.
Anyway... my rant is over :)
Firstly I think that the biggest difference between secular work and ministry work is that in ministry we all know about such things called grace and forgiveness. We all are imperfect so we're going to fail, and people around us are going to fall short, so we have to be understanding and bear with each other in love.
However, from an organisational perspective, I think there needs to be a level of commitment and responsibility from leaders in a ministry for the ministry to run adequately and effectively.
Commitment is a small word with a big meaning. It also means to pledge or to promise, and usually there is a commitment involved for people when they step up as leaders and team members. Each team member is integral in the planning for the team, and therefore a team member's commitment is crucual in that planning. For example, if a ministry needs 8 leaders in the beginning of the year, and they find 8 leaders who sign up full time, there is a commitment for each leader to be part of that ministry for the flow of the year or whatever period of time is mentioned, or else the ministry can't run to the way it was planned to. I think that yes we have to be understanding of people when they can't commit or they are unsuccessful in committing to a certain thing, but in a planning point of view, people should be up front, honest and down to earth about their levels of commitment. I know I'm a busy person that can't commit to going to Blokes Business (a men's fellowship group at our church) even though I support the group fully, and I have made that clear to the relevant person in charge, and he is understanding of the situation.
Responsibility is another big word in being part of a team. Usually every member has some weight to pull in terms of things they are in charge of, and each member has to trust each other that the other person is pulling their particular weight too. I think and hope I'm forgiving and understanding when people don't fulfil their part, and I do try my best to. The itching point in my mind is that in my point of view, people need to 'know' and 'find out' what they are and aren't responsible for. It could be miscommunication, laziness, or an honest misunderstanding that no one has ever rectified, or just plain stubbornness not to understand how things are meant to work. What I find more frustrating to deal with is not that people don't live up to what they are responsible for, but that they don't know what they are responsible for, or they don't want to change in order to be responsible for the right things.
I guess when it comes down to the end - we all have to be forgiving and understanding. We're all serving Christ and that's what matters. Lets just hope we all continue to move forward, learn together and understand people better.
Anyway... my rant is over :)
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Struggles
This week has by far been a week of struggles.
Here are some things I have been struggling with this week... please pray for me about them:
- General busy-ness
- RICE in 2 weeks
- Lots of RICE design/decorations/promo to oversee and coordinate
- Tiredness from driving to and from Sydney in 36 hrs
- Being tolerant and loving to people who are frustrating
- People around me to be more responsible for their duties
- Trust God when things don't go to plan, or things pop up
- My wrist: I injured it a couple nights ago
- Wisdom during the many meetings happening for various ministries
- Salty conversations with people I meet up with
- Should spend more time with my family
- Getting more sleep
- Insight for songs to pick for BLT+
Lots more to pray about but that is a start.
Here are some things I have been struggling with this week... please pray for me about them:
- General busy-ness
- RICE in 2 weeks
- Lots of RICE design/decorations/promo to oversee and coordinate
- Tiredness from driving to and from Sydney in 36 hrs
- Being tolerant and loving to people who are frustrating
- People around me to be more responsible for their duties
- Trust God when things don't go to plan, or things pop up
- My wrist: I injured it a couple nights ago
- Wisdom during the many meetings happening for various ministries
- Salty conversations with people I meet up with
- Should spend more time with my family
- Getting more sleep
- Insight for songs to pick for BLT+
Lots more to pray about but that is a start.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
What happens....
When you fall over on a threadmill...
Don't know which is worse - dead Ipod or dead wrist hmmmmmm
Don't know which is worse - dead Ipod or dead wrist hmmmmmm
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Christian Pick Up Lines
Dug this up from a while ago :P
- Hey.... nice bible!!
- I would like to pray with you
- You know Jesus?! Me too!!
- God laid it heavy on my heart to talk to you
- I know a church where we cold go and talk...
- How about a hug.. Sister?
- Do you need help carrying your bible?... It looks heavy
- C'mon Christians don't shake hands. Christians gotta hug!
- Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?
- What are your plans tonight? Feel like a bible study?
- The scriptures say "give to those who are thirsty and feed the hungry" How about dinner?
- Oh. You don't have an accountability partner? Me neither.
- I was wondering whether you wanted to come over and watch the ten commandments tonight?
- Is it a sin that you stole my heart?
- Would you happen to know a Christian woman that I could love with all my heart and wait on hand and foot (?)
- Hey nice bracelet. What would Jesus date? Oops, I mean "do"
- I was wondering, have you ever tried praying at a drive in move before?
- Excuse me, I believe one of your ribs belong to me.
- You know they say that you have never really dated until you have dated a Christian....
Friday, June 19, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
I Spy with my little eyes.....
A couple having a date...
at MACGREGOR PARK!!?@!?$ :S :S :S
Awesome date destination :P
Monday, June 08, 2009
Step up Men of Faith!
Just a quick passing note...
Heard Queensland Baptists have voted against the idea of female ordination, and also voted against a compromise of female ordination (that females can be ordained but not be senior pastors). Other than the common sense and sound application of the scriptures prevailing, I think its a timely call for men to step up in this new millenia...
Men today have to step up and take their place as the head of their household, and leaders of the church. This is not saying that women are not equal to men, as both men and women are made equal but with different roles. Unfortunately there is a lack of men stepping up to take their place as humble, servant-hearted and Christ-like leaders in this world, in our families and in our churches, leading our people, whether it be in the secular world, in our congregations and in our families and relationships. We need more leaders to imitate Christ and to be living examples of the faith we proclaim!
Heard Queensland Baptists have voted against the idea of female ordination, and also voted against a compromise of female ordination (that females can be ordained but not be senior pastors). Other than the common sense and sound application of the scriptures prevailing, I think its a timely call for men to step up in this new millenia...
Men today have to step up and take their place as the head of their household, and leaders of the church. This is not saying that women are not equal to men, as both men and women are made equal but with different roles. Unfortunately there is a lack of men stepping up to take their place as humble, servant-hearted and Christ-like leaders in this world, in our families and in our churches, leading our people, whether it be in the secular world, in our congregations and in our families and relationships. We need more leaders to imitate Christ and to be living examples of the faith we proclaim!
Cops
I was driving on the freeway when a cop car who pulled over next to the left lane.... he opened his door into the left lane where I was driving..... like when i was about 100m away..
SO DANGEROUS! could have clipped it...
Sigh, wish I saw his lisense plate...
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