English Club & Docklands Hub

I've been working at Docklands Church in Melbourne, Australia for about 2 months now, and have been really enjoying it. Recently I'm organising an English Club to help students whom English is their second language.

Docklands Church has partnered with the City of Melbourne to conduct free English Conversational Classes for international students at Docklands Community Hub.

International Students make up 15% of the Docklands demographic, a sizeable number of people. The English Club would provide international students an opportunity to learn and improve their conversational English, comprehension, as well as assimilation into Australian culture. The sessions of the English Club will include games, group discussions, practical and cultural issues and conversational topics. We expect the classes to also provide a social network for students, and anticipates the club will be well received.

Docklands and surrounding areas are not only a great place to hang out and live, it is also a great place for international students to realise their potential, with quality environment, friendly people and excellent value. Docklands Church is a welcoming community that seeks to provide practical, emotional and spiritual support for international students as they adjust to life in a foreign culture. Apart from the English Club, Docklands Church also organises regular social activities for international students. Some of the activities coming up include an evening with okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) with board games, Chinese steam boat (hot pot) night, camp, movies, international dinner party, horse riding, sightseeing trips, picnic and sports etc.

Save The Date

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Watch this Google Video, it's very interesting!!

Let me know what you think!

SmileBox

Hi readers,
Just wanted to let you know that Deric and I are engaged to be married! We would appreciate your prayer as we plan for our wedding, marriage and a new family together. Thanks for your care and concern in my life!
Love,
Kitty

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Powerful Thoughts

Thoughts are powerful, as they create our experiences. A famous Chinese Proverb says, "Sow a thought, reap an action; Sow an action, reap a habit; Sow a habit, reap a character; Sow a character, reap a destiny." And there is some truth in that, isn't there?

I believe we create our thoughts, our thoughts create our intentions, and our intentions create our reality. Hence it is important to focus on and be aware of your thoughts as they can either hold you back or move you forward. Understanding and creating powerful thoughts helps you answer life's questions, as well as leading you to your dreams and goals.

Habits

Philip Adams, of The Age newspaper once wrote, "We are surrounded by habits, defined by habits, all but consumed by habits. In our clothing, in our attitudes, in our behaviour and our habitation....There is so little we do that isn't done from habit."

It has been said: Sow a thought, reap an action; Sow an action, reap a habit; Sow a habit, reap a character; Sow a charater, reap a destiny. And there is some truth in that, isnt' there? Our habits are the result of repeated actions, but they shape much of our lives, our responses and thus our character, and ultimately our destiny.

What do you think?

A Willingness To Be

Lately I'm grappling yet again with reconciling the ambition to do with a willingness to be. I am such a busy and active person that often times, I find it difficult to just slow down, pause and just BE.

John Maxwell said it so meaningfully, 'most of us have an inner drive to do something - a restlessness to make something happen. At the same time, joy is discovered in the peaceful quiet of a soul at rest. Alongside our restlessness for change, we have a need for relaxation and recreation.' We need to find that balance!

We nourish ourselves whenever we enter into activities that build our energy reserves, through music, thoughts, experiences, friends, recreation, and memories etc. In the midst of all the activities, we need to pursue a willingness to just be, to search for our life purpose, and to nourish our inner soul regularly.

The Three Ds of New Habit Formation

In one of the Success University elective course I learned the three Ds of New Habit Formation, which I found quite useful. I learned that we need three key qualities to develop the habits of focus and concentration, which are all learnable. They are decision, discipline, and determination.

First, make a decision to develop the habit of task completion. Second, discipline yourself to practice the principles you are about to learn over and over until they become automatic. And third, back everything you do with determination until the habit is locked in and becomes a permanent part of your personality.

You have an unlimited ability to learn and develop new skills, habits, and abilities. When you train yourself, through repetition and practice, to overcome procrastination and get your most important tasks completed quickly, you will move yourself onto the fast track in your life and career and step on the accelerator.

www.kitty-cheng.com/new

Qassia - A New Era

My business associate from Success Univeristy recommended a new online promotional tool called Qassia, which is similar to a blog, but works in conjunction with your other website.

Qassia facinates me! It is a credit-driven intelligence engine coupled to a cascading tag-based web directory. Revenue When your intel is displayed, you get 100%of the advertising revenue generated by that page. That is not a typo, by the way: qassia give you ALL of the gross ad revenue.

This means that website owners have triple incentive to contribute intel. The contributed intel will allow Qassia to become a vast repository of intelligence, with unrivalled original content. And a vast amount of original content draws traffic like honey draws ants.

Simply put, Qassia is a new era. Think of the bits and pieces of intel as the gravel which will fill the potholes on the information superhighway. While the Wikipedia and other knowledge repositories are huge, boasting tens of thousands of articles, less than 1 percent of human knowledge has been uploaded to the Internet. At Qassia, we are giving users the incentive and the freedom to add the remaining 99.9 percent.
The vast web of intel created at Qassia will produce more than a useful intelligence engine. The advent of Qassia is a cataclysmic event in the history of the Internet. We are redefining the web experience. Come be part of history and create your free Qassia account now.

Mediocrity Versus Significance

Today in an online conference call of Success University, we were asked this question: "do you prefer mediocrity or significance?" Without any delay, I answered, "I prefer significance".

I was told that too many of us try to right the world's wrongs from the outside-in. The outside-in approach lends itself to what might be called official mediocrity. A Chinese proverb says, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for life." Human being, generally, is not equipped for mediocrity. We would not be equipped with the ability to imagine future accomplishment and conditions if we were not correspondingly equipped with the ability to turn those imaginings into reality.

We are made in the image of God, hence we are made for significance. Yet we frequently use diversion in our lives as a tool to avoid direct confrontation with our innermost feelings, and to avoid accepting total responsibility for who we are and what we do. Instead of working on what is going on inside us, we try to rearrange things around us.

The responsibility for us to be sigificance is ours.

Content & Process

Have you ever found yourself talking to somebody and picking up a strange feeling that there's something else going on beyond just the content of the words? Or maybe you've tried to share your opinions or your faith with someone else and have felt you've offended them, that they've moved almost physically away from you?

I learned that there is a difference between the words said (content) and everything else that is going on, unsaid, in a relationship (process). Learning how to read the processes and responding to them is a very important lession in interacting or living with others. So often, we tend to focus on content (words) alone. There are many times when mere words are not enough, and in any situation we need to understand the process as well.

Jesus facinates me! If you study the New Testament, you'll find that He ministered to the processes. The Pharisees came to Him with their theological games. They would ask Him a trick question to get Him to respond at the level of content, but He could see what was going on; He could see the processes and revealed their motivation! In the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus was aware of the processes and ministered to her as a human being from suspicion and distance to helping her open up and being transformed.

I tend to be a content (words-oriented) person. From now on, I want to learn from Jesus and focus on the processes and to develop the skill of seeing and responding to the processes in my relationships, with with individuals and within groups.

Team Leadership

I heard a CD by John Maxwell, which talks about leadership. I was very challenged and encouraged by it.

John said that leaders orchestrate environments, environments impact behaviors, and behaviors determine the fate of the organization. He mentioned the following 10 questions leaders ask to create a winning environment. Here they are:

"Do I understand what it takes to be a team?"
"Are my expectations crystal clear?"
"Do my people understand why what we do is important?"
"Does my team define success with their customer?"
"Am I holding people accountable for their performance?"
"Do I seek out barriers and remove them to make the team's job easier?"
"Do I give people the freedom required to learn, grow, and deliver?"
"Do I foster a culture of inclusion by hiring people who are different than I am?"
"Am I a consensus builder?"
"Have I created a caring environment among team members?"

I think they are excellent questions, and leaders from all various organisations need to consider.

Faith

The Scriptures indicate that it's the pure in heart, rather than the big of brain, who will see God (Matthew 5:8), and Paul prays that his readers might have the 'eyes of their hearts opened,' (Ephesians 1:18).

I read that for Hebrew people, the heart was the place where you made decisions, the will, where you made choices. Jesus says further, "Whoever is willing to do what God wants will know whether what I teach comes from God...." (John 7:17).

We have a faculty beyond just the intellect, that has a moral or volitional element to it, and it's the moral dimension that is involved when we are about the business of knowing God.

In Romans 10:17, Paul tells us that "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the Word of God.". Faith is not some kind of religious feeling that you woke up and if you have enough you can buy blessing from God; rather, it has to do with obedience to what God has revealed of Himself.

The Importance Of Being Earnest

If you live in Melbourne (or if you'd like to visit Melbourne), I'd like to invite you to see the show presented by Candlelight Production, the theatre company that I am part of:

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
~ The Complete Bunbury Experience ~
By Oscar Wilde
Performed at Chapel Off Chapel

Strictly limited return season as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival!

Oscar Wilde's hilarious comedy returns for the Comedy Festival! Jack and Algernon lead double lives in order to escape unwelcome social obligation, an activity they refer to as 'Bunburying'. Misunderstandings, outright lies, faked deaths and shocking revelations follow as they both try to appease lovers intent on marrying only a man who is 'Earnest'.

We invite you to experience not only the show but 'The Complete Bunbury Experience'. Escape with us into the world of the late 19th century by playing croquet, waltzing to live music, receiving etiquette and elocution lessons, and being served cucumber sandwiches by maids and butlers - and all before the show even begins! This inventive take, on a treasured classic, returns after sell-out performances in 2007. Come and experience what last year's audiences called "impeccably brilliant", "lavish" and "truly inspiring".

'The Complete Bunbury Experience' lasts 3 hours.

27 March – 6 April
Thurs – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 6pm
Tickets: $40 full, $30 concession and groups of 10+
Bookings: 03 8290 7000 or www.chapeloffchapel.com.au
Chapel Off Chapel
12 Little Chapel St
Prahran

Beijing Olympic Games

As I am sure you know, The China Olympic Games will be happening in Beijing in August this year. Beijing is an old city full of beauty and mystery, but time has visibly taken its toll over the centuries. With the successful bid to host the Olympics, the ancient town has taken steps towards revealing its historic glory to the world.

China is one of the oldest civilisations on the planet - and yet for many years has been a source of mystery and fascination for outsiders. China has more than 20% of the world's population, and is now opening up to the world in new ways. It will take centre stage for the whole world as host of the Summer Games of 2008.

It is a place with many wonders to see, a rich heritage to experience, a beautiful and diverse land to explore. It has warm people to meet and embrace, and is a place of possibility and opportunity.

As the motto of the China Olympics says, "One World, One Dream". I am looking forward to the historial moments in 6 months time.

Leadership & Habit

Food for Thought...
I am your constant companion.
I am your greatest asset or heaviest burden.
I will push you up to success or down to disappointment.
I am at your command.
Half the things you do might just as well be turned over to me,
For I can do them quickly, correctly, and profitably.
I am easily managed; just be firm with me.
Those who are great, I have made great.
Those who are failures, I have made failures.
I am not a machine, though I work with the precision of a
machine and the intelligence of a person.
You can run me for profit, or you can run me for ruin.
Show me how you want it done. Educate me. Train me.
Lead me. Reward me.
And I will then...do it automatically.
I am your servant.
Who am I?
I am a habit.

(By Mac Anderson)

Into The Wild

I watched "Into The Wild" the other night, and found it an inspiring movie. Into The Wild talks about this young man who leaves his middle class existence in pursuit of freedom. He gives up his home, family, all possessions but the few he carried on his back and donating all his savings to charity. Then he embarks on a journey throughout America. His eventual aim is to travel into Alaska, into the wild, to spend time with nature, with 'real' existence, away from the trappings of the modern world.

In the 20 months leading up to his Great Alaskan Adventure his travels lead him on a path of self-discovery, to examine and appreciate the world around him and to reflect on and heal from his troubled childhood and parents' abusive relationship. When he reaches Alaska he finds he has been insufficiently prepared for the hardships to come. Despite making it through the winter his plan is ill-judged and prepares to return home in spring, only to find the stream he crossed in the snow has become an impassable raging torrent and that he is trapped. With no means of sustaining himself adequately he eventually dies in isolation.

I think this is a good and meaningful film that tells the truth, and I highly recommend watching it. I totally agree with this young man's tragic realisation before he died: "Happiness is only real when shared".

Let us all share our happiness!

Change Your World

You cannot change the world,
but you can present the world with
one improved person, yourself.
You can go to work on yourself
to make yourself into the kind of person
you admire and respect.
You can become a role model
and set a standard for others.
You can control and discipline yourself
to resist acting or speaking in a negative way
toward anyone for any reason.
You can insist upon always doing things the loving way
rather than the hurtful way.
By doing these things each day, you can
continue on your journey toward becoming
an exceptional human being.


Brian Tracy

The Answer To Absolutely Everything

I've received news that Matt Morris, Founder & CEO of Success University, which I am part of, has been featured in the latest major personal development movie!

The Answer To Absolutely Everything explores the fundamental questions of how to live a profoundly abundant and joyful life. When you watch this movie, you'll see many inspiring people who have overcome major adversities and realized their dreams... and I beleieve so can we all!

Dare to Dream BIG!

Dreams

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

~ Langston Hughes

Decide To Network

I found an article from Successful Networking, written by Robert Muller, Former Assistant Secretary-General in the United Nations, which really inspired me. I'd love to share it with you:

Use every letter you write,
Every conversation you have,
Every meeting you attend
To express your fundamental beliefts and dreams.

Affirm to others the vision
Of the world you want.

Network through thought,
Network through love,
Network through the spirit.

You are a free, immensely powerful source
Of life and goodness.

Affirm it, spread it, radiate it.

Think day and night about it
And you will see a miracle happen:
The greatness of your own life.

Not in a world of big powers,
Media and monopolies,

But of five and a half billion individuals (it should be at least six billion now).

Networking is the new freedom,
The new democracy,
A new form of happiness.

I couldn't agree with what Muller wrote more, I have decided and committed to networking - through thought, love and the spirit. And I am so happy that blogging is a great way I can be involved in this important endeavour. I feel blessed to have networked and connected with you all - my readers!

Facebook and SU

If you are into fun & online social interaction and connection, I suggest you sign up to Facebook here.

If you are into earning while you are learning online, I suggest you join me in Success University here.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need clarification and help with these two sites.

Living With God, Others And Yourself

There are certain foundations we all need if our destiny is to be fulfilled. Do you believe that? During this last week, I witnessed God's foundations built in the lives of many people from all over the world in Poatina, Tasmania.

Foundations is a training course that runs twice a year over an intensive week in Poatina, as well as in different centres and states all over Australia, during 12 weeknights.

This course opens the doorway to an integrated life-style that enables participants to be more aware of the world around them, and of God’s companionship with them in it.

This unique training and leadership package has been road tested over the last 30 years by thousands of Australians from all walks of life.

Foundations is designed to equip people to act and lead in their Community with confidence, to break open the world of human experience in a way which helps us see who we are and who God is calling us to be.

Foundations is firmly based on the Bible and has a unique integration of Christian theology, basic psychology and skills training in managing group dynamics.

There are 3 streams in the course:

Living with God
Is designed to help us come to terms with our lives with God, helping us learn how to distinguish between His voice and the host of other human needs and prejudices that clamour for our attention. Topics include Faith, a biblical picture of the nature of humanity, the Glory of God, the Problem of Evil, Forgiveness, Eternal Life and Living in the Kingdom Now.

Living with Others
Helps us develop practical skills which allow us to become vehicles of love, grace, change and growth for others. Topics include listening, giving constructive feedback, how others impact on an individuals self picture, becoming aware of and managing groupdynamics and destructive cycles of group relationships.

Living with Yourself
Takes us on a journey of self discovery into the make up of our souls, looking at the forces that have shaped us, the impact our physiology has on our emotional and spiritual world (and vice versa), where our attitudes come from and how we can grow to become more of the person God created us to be. Topics include Body, Soul & Spirit, Habits, Attitudes, Values, Guilt, the central nervous system, love and Sexuality.

Foundations

Have you ever asked yourself what are the foundations of your life? I am now in Poatina, a village resort in Tasmania (the little island in Australia) doing a course called "Foundations" with Fusion Australia. I am learning how to live with and encounter God, others and myself, and I am having an absolute ball. I will sum it all up when the course finishes and when I go back to Melbourne. I am also having an extremely wonderful time connecting with people from mainland China, and learning about the preparation of the festivals during the China Olympics Games in August this year.

Time Management & Personal Development

Today I received an email from a good friend of mine with the subject: "I need help!". In her email, she expressed her struggle of lacking drive, motivation, time and energy to pursue her interests and clear the clutter in her life. She said that she'd love to know the secret of time management.

Time is so precious isn't it? While the choice is yours in how to spend your day, the best way to maximize your time is by organisizing it. The followings are some of the steps / secrets of time management that I find useful:

Make a To-Do List: I often find that making a list of things and prioritize every item helps me organise my time, as in consolidate similar tasks (eg: checking emails and responding to instant messaging).

Be careful not to get distracted: Very often a schedule gets thrown off track by distraction. Be aware of that, and when that happens, stop what you are doing and get back on schedule (this one I need to learn as I often get side-tracked by facebook and unimpoartnat online chats).

Tick off items as you complete them: Every time you finish doing something, cross it off your to-do list. I like to do this, as it often gives me a sense of accomplishment throughout the day, and it keeps me on track on my priorities :)

I also believe that goal-setting / new year resolutions can help us in terms of building motivation, drive and energy to pursue our dreams and interests. Decide what you want, define it clearly and write it down. Put the list of your goals where you'll see them. Review them on a regular basis. That way, your activities are geared toward accomplishing what you really want in life, rather than letting the days go by without purpose.

I learned that to create powerful results in your life, you must create a powerful emotional state. If you are feeling tired or down, exercise, move your body, go to the gym or do whatever you need to get your blood flowing; when you change your physiological state, you change your emotional state.

These are my personal experiences. If you have any other tips, please put them on the comment so that we can all learn from it.

Faith, Purpose And Success

I am a strong believer of approaching life, business, work and ministry purposefully, and let my faith lead me to real success. Whatever type of work you do, you should do it with excellence and the aim to grow personally and spiritually through the experiences. Dream big dreams and trust God to help you make some of those dreams come true. Expect God to surprise you along the way. Be most concerned about what you can give rather than what you can get. Trust that God will use difficult situations to accomplish something good in the long run.

In regards to business, I learned from my own and other people's experiences that it is important to strive to do your best to serve your customers, whether they are outside your business or within it. Make the time to truly listen to your customers so you clearly understand what they want. Treat them with respect and kindness. Beyond improving your business -- and your own career success, as a result -- your service to customers is an important way of reflecting God's love in the marketplace.

Invest in mentoring relationships. Build relationships throughout your professional life that can benefit both you and others for years to come by seeking out some mentors and serving as a mentor yourself. Consider what specific ways you hope to grow professionally. One of the ways I am currently doing that is through Success University.

As you interact with people while doing your job, let God's love flow through you to encourage them and help them overcome their challenges, sadness and hopelessness. Keep in mind that God doesn't measure your impact by how impressive your job description is, but by how well you've done your job and demonstrated His love for the people you encounter.

Wealth, Success & Diligence

It's believed that the ancient king Solomon is the wealthiest man who ever lived. Solomon became King of Israel around 974 B.C.. According to the Scripture, God granted Solomon one desire. Solomon asked for wisdom so that he could lead the people of Israel. God was so impressed with Solomon’s selfless request that He not only blessed him with wisdom, but also with wealth.

Solomon’s wisdom, success, and wealth increased beyond imagination. During his life, Solomon penned the book of Proverbs in the Bible. Surviving from generation to generation, his writings have influenced the world for thousands of years.

Below are some of King Solomon’s writings on the importance of diligence as portrayed by author Stuart Scott in the book of Proverbs.

“The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor” (Proverbs 12:24).

“The soul of the sluggard craves, but he gets nothing.” (Proverbs 13:4)

“He that tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he that follows vain persons is void of understanding” (Proverbs 28:19).

Solomon gives us three steps we can use quickly to bring diligence into our lives:

1. Wake Up to Reality.

“How long will you lie there,” he asks. “When will you get up from your sleep?...poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:9-11)

2. Define Your Vision.

“Without a vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)

3. Effectively Partner With Others.

“A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment.”(Proverbs 18:1)

Never Give Up

This great Winston Churcill's saying "Never Give Up" not only serves as a great motivational advice, but it has also become one of my personal mottos. It is one of the things I have learned in my brief time on this earth: If you want to reach your goals and find success in this life, you simply must embrace this powerful idea of never quit!

Earl Nightingale said that the phrase "never give up' is a potent mental soundtrack that wise and successful people silently play in their heads as an accompaniment to their daily lives. Now that is insightful!

I also believe that this important motto puts persistence and perseverance into our lives, and so impacting the very essence of who we are as a person. The great Thomas Edison is a prime example of someone who never gave up - and hence achieved the success that he did.

So let me encourage you this: Never never never give up!

How To Have A Winning Year

“Hang in there. You can do it!” - a few kind words of encouragement can do a lot to people around you.

We let fear stop us from pursuing our dreams.

It's hard to accept criticism, but constructive criticism is good for us. Don't defend yourself. Just get better from it.

Integrity and Honesty are important in life, business and ministry.

You want to be great? There is nothing wrong with that, but how to be great is more important than being great. If you want to be great, you need to serve! Serving others and losing yourself is one of the most challenging things to do - but that is the route to being great.

You can have anything in life you want, if you can help others achieve what they want.

You don't have to get it perfect, you just have to get it going.

Emerson's life philosophy: “leave the world a bit better” for those yet to come.
I like that!

The Importance Of Residual Income

The concept of residual or passive income is probably one of the most important powerful concepts you will ever learn in your lifetime.

Anyone that can master the concept of residual income is on their way to a good and meaningful lifestyle. Simply put, residual income occurs by building a system one time that can produce a recurring stream of revenue once the system is set up.

This income arrives on a regular basis. It can occur on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis. The frequency depends on the business system itself.

What's so great about this is if you are willing to work hard and build a residual based system in the initial phase, you can reap the benefits from this one-time labor for years to come. If you look around you, you will see examples of residual income all over.

For example, when you pay a internet service provider, web host, telephone bill, or cable TV bill; they are receiving a regular recurring income for providing their service to you. The valued members of a website provide the owner with a regular, recurring monthly income. In return, they are provided with valuable information.

Yet so many people just don't get it. I didn't get it until recently, and I think this paradigm shift has made a big difference in my life. I want to not only master the concept of residual income, I want to know the method to do it. That is why I enrol in Success University. If you want to know more, just go to:

www.kitty-cheng.com

About 50 of the most famous authors and inspirational speakers have come together to create this largest online learning system teaching people how to be entrepreneurs - it's really amazing!

Is It Wrong To Be Rich?

The belief that wealth is wrong is more social than scriptural. It is a rationalization imposed upon by many of those who choose not to earn much wealth. It is a philosophy with which we have all had to live at some level during our lifetimes. It's what we do with money that matters. It's how we get it that counts.

In one of the courses in the curriculum of Success University, I learned that to the extent that money is a measure of the services we perform for others, its accumulation is noble. To the extent that we press our money into the service of those we love (or those in need may I add), to provide them with as warm and as comfortable and as secure an existence as possible, its disbursement is inspired and devine.

What do you reckon? Do you agree?

How To Keep Our Soul In Shape

I know that many people have 'being fit physically' as their New Year Resolution, but for me, I think having a fit soul is just as, if not more, important!

I read that when Philip Yancey turned 50, he had a complete physical as well as a spiritual checkup. During his spiritual checkup, he pondered what he needed to change to keep his soul in shape.

He came up with a spiritual action plan for his next 50 years, which I found very inspiring. Below is a summary of his spiritual action plan:

(1) Question your doubts as much as your faith.
(2) Do not attempt this journey alone.
(3) Allow the good (eg:natural beauty,encouraging words)to penetrate in your life.
(4) For your own sake, simplify.
(5) Find something that allows you to feel God's pleasure.
(6) Always "err," as God does, on the side of freedom, mercy, and compassion.
(7) Don't be ashamed. "I am not ashamed of the gospel," Paul told the Romans.
(8) Remember, those Christians who peeve you so much—God chose them too.
(9) Forgive, daily, those who caused the wounds that keep you from wholeness.

Have you done your spiritual checkup in the New Year yet? As Philip Yancey said, our spiritual checkup offers one clear advantage over our physical checkup: "no matter what I do my body will continue to deteriorate, but, spiritually I can look forward to growth and renewed vigor as long as I listen and then act on what I hear God saying." Meaningful isn't it?

Accepting The Challenge Of Success

Through the curriculum of Success University, I read the follow somber words of William James, which really got me thinking:

"Compared to what we ought to be, we are only half awake. Our fires are dampened, our drafts are checked, we are making use of only a small part of our mental and physical resources."

It's true that most of us do little more than exist in a sea of mediocrity. And yet we must grow, we must be willing to take risks, to develop our potential, and to become who we are created to be. We were not placed on this earth to be little more than walking vegetables.

In this new year, I am committed to going forward, choosing growth, overcoming fear and accepting the challenge of success for the glory of God.

Mission 2008

Earl Nightingale said, "People with goals succeed because they know where they are going. It's as simple as that."

Success or failure as a human being is not a matter of luck, circumstances, fate, or any of the other clichés. Those are only excuses. I think it’s much easier to get what you want out of life when you know where you’re going. Because of that, I've written a short paragraph as my mission 2008:

My Mission 2008 is to express my willingness to learn , and persistence by continually learning and applying new ideas, by being committed to ongoing personal and professional development, by making sure my job always gets done, and to create massive action, hence massive results so that I can earn passive income by the end of this year.

When I achieve passive income, I will use it to contribute to worthy causes, ministries, mission and charity work.

How To Count Your Blessings

One of the things that I sense the Lord tell me time and time again is "count your blessings - not your worries!"

In Dale Carnegie's best seller, 'How to Stop Worrying and Start Living", he talked about an experience of seeing a man who had no legs. This man was sitting on a platform with wheels from roller skates. He greeted Carnegie, "Good morning, sir. It is a fine morning, isn't it?" he said with spirit. As Carnegie stood looking at him, he realized how rich he was. He had two legs. He could walk. He felt ashamed of his self-pity. He said to himself if he could be happy, cheerful, and confident without legs.

Since then, he had the following words pasted on his bathroom mirror, and he read them every morning as he shaves:

I had the blues because I had no shoes,
Until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet.

Why don't you stop right now and ask yourself: "What in the world am I worrying about?" You will probably find that it is comparatively unimportant and insignifant. I believe that the habit of looking on the best side of every event is worth more than a thousand pounds a year.

Count your blessings, not your worries! :) God Bless!

Wealth And Wisdom

I read a quote by Hans Selye today from Success University which really got me thinking. And I'd like to share with you: "A clear distinction must be made between our final aims - the ultimate achievements that give purpose to life - and the means through which we hope to attain them. For example, money is never a final aim; it has no value in itself. It can only act as a means, helping us to reach some ultimate goal which, to us, has inherent value.

I think Hans Selye is right. Although wealth may come to some people in fortuitous ways, this is the exception not the rule. Many people think of wealth as simply an abundance of money or possesions, but wealth can come in many different forms. The Book of Proverbs in the Scripture is very clear that wealth is connected with wisdom (but if there was a choice, I'd choose wisdom over wealth anyday). In fact, Solomon tells us that wealth is one of the side products of wise living. Once wealth is acquired, wisdom will help us use it generously and prudently. If our thinking is right and our motive pure and our conscience clear, then the building of wealth becomes a joyful journey.

New Year, New Start!

Happy New Year everyone! Pray that you will all have a fantastic 2008, filled with joy, love, peace and happiness all the time, free of fear and worry, continually in the process of accomplishing worthwhile goals, and is totally well adjusted in life's major areas: spiritual, physical, emotional, mental and social.

I have written a personalized Mission Statement for my life. I think it's very important for us to have mission / purpose in life, and that we are never too young or too old to have a mission. Also, as your mission grows, so will you and your capabilities to MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

You know what? We can improve our 2008 by accomplishing the goals that we set forth in our own personalized Mission Statement. The Mission Statement works because our goals are identified. I believe that once our goals are identified in the beginning of the year, they can then be cultivated and nurtured throughout 2008 with hard work, daily action and determination. And when we multiply our hard work on our mission throughout the year, we will have accomplished something that few do: success.

Success University

I am very excited! I've received a fantastic end of year gift, and that is a home based business in the personal development field. I have become part of an organisation that is quickly becoming the largest online learning company dedicated to personal growth, success and achievement.

After much research and consideration, I have decided to be a student of Success University, which is also an Internet home business opportunity.

The curriculum of Success University has been designed with one thing in mind - to teach you the right kind of knowledge that will raise the level of success in every area of your life.

It's my conviction and belief that knowledge alone won't make you wealthy (not just material wealth, but wisdom and spiritual wellness). In today's world, you need to THINK in a different way to achieve real success.

There are over 50 amazing experts who collectively have helped millions of people achieve astounding levels of success. Through the courses, you can learn about leadership, attitudes, techniques, methods, and strategies that will skyrocket your success in virtually every area of your life!

Come and join me in enrolling in Success University, so we can learn and grow at the same time.

Facebook

I'd like to encourage you to join me in facebook, as I frequent there nowadays more than the blog. You can add me through my email address.

http://www.facebook.com/

A Strange Way To Save the World

The Christmas story is a parade of paradox: a King born in a stable…royal messengers sent to lowly shepherds…the plan of salvation for all people entrusted to a powerless conquered nation.

It’s not how we would have done it, it’s not the story we would have written. Ordinary people asked to carry out a plan meant to impact the whole world! In fact, most of us would say it was a plan destined to fail, a strange way to save the world! And the parade of paradox marches on.

Let’s pause to consider the creator of this plan. He is an artist. He is the Creator God. Just like any artist He left his own personal imprint, a small reflection of Himself in all that He created. And He took great delight in all that He made.


When this Creator God crafted the earth, He left His creative imprint on all that He made. He weaved an intricate and awe inspiring tapestry of color and culture. When we look at our world – at all peoples present here – we see the imprint of The Artist represented in each people group on earth.

The brilliance and radiance of His created color can be seen in African dress and dance, His profound philosophy and wisdom are pursued by the Chinese, His passion for music, dance and romance we see celebrated in Latin America, Our Creator’s inspired ability toward art and poetry we find embraced in Europe, and His love of freedom and grace we experience here in North America. We all bear the imprint of The Artist….This Creator God . . . the Same One …Who came… to us…the Creator joins the creation . . . as a helpless infant in a stable. And the parade marches on.

When the angels announced the birth of our Creator – they announced it as Good News for “All people.” The prophet Isaiah announced that He would be a “light for the Gentiles, that [He] may bring…salvation to the ends of the earth." 

We, His people, have experience intimacy with this Creator. His plan that none of us would have dreamed could succeed has done just that. The wisdom of God is foolishness to men! He is doing what He said He would! The Creator became part of the creation to live a life that could not be ignored; to share a message that grabs the imagination; to pay a price that is unthinkable. And the parade marches on.

His brilliance. His radiance. His color. His romance. His philosophy. His wisdom. His music. His art. His love. His sacrifice. His IMPRINT on the creation. The brilliant tapestry of His handiwork – the delight of His artistry! He has communicated Himself to us… so that we can communicate Who He is to all people.

For God so loved the world, that He sent His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. He came to save the world. When God touched the earth – he touched ALL people.

That is a parade of paradox. That is a strange way to save the World…using a small baby and ordinary people like me and you. In His cosmic creativity He birthed the message of salvation two thousand years ago that is changing lives and transforming cultures still today. His parade of paradox marches on!

Merry Christmas!

Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas Everyone!

Christmas greetings to you as you celebrate this special time, where all around the world Christians remember the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord, the Saviour of the world. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” That is the best gift we can ever get. Hallelujah!

Another year is coming to an end. As I look back over this past year, I see that God has brought closure for some ministries but opened new doors for me to serve Him in different areas of ministries. I am thankful that God has been blessing me and enlarging my territory, not only in the 4 walls of church buildings, but in the market place on peope’s turf as well!

Personal / Local Missions Outreach

I am continuously building friendship with artists from various circles in Melbourne, including visual artists & buskers in Southgate & Southbank area in my neighbourhood, as well performing artists. Starting from 2007, I am officially part of the crew, serving as the Volunteer Pastoral Care Worker and Front of House Coordinator for Candlelight Productions, which is an arts and entertainment, education, media and merchandising community and theatre company. We aim to build healthy community, nurture creativity and encourage an attitude of service in the arts, whilst striving for a high standard of excellence in our work.

I have also been reaching out to my business circle in my network and tent-making business. God has really taught me a lot through them in terms of personal development, team work, dynamic living and vocational mission. I am very thankful for that.

A new initiative for the Docklands Community in Melbourne is the Docklands Community Choir, which is intended to lead community events and perform at local functions. This Christmas, Docklands will be transformed into festival scenes of celebration. I have recently joined the Docklands Community Choir and have been really enjoying the fun, friendship and fellowship with the members of the community.

As a missionary friend of mine said, “no angel of the Lord this year. No sky full of a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God and singing….since that eventful night so long ago, God has given us the responsibility of proclaiming the good news.”

World Team

This year, World Team has organised different trainings and focus mission nights. A number of missionaries have gone to the mission fields, and a few getting ready to go in 2008. It has truly been a humbling, and a great learning experience to journey with these obedient and faithful servants of God.

I have had the opportunity to represent World Team in various missions seminars, conferences and mission networks in different churches and Bible Colleges in Victoria. It was also great to have some World Team missionaries visit Melbourne and share with us about the needs of the harvest fields during our annual dinner in November as well.

World Team, in partnership with many churches & organisations, is also going to participate in the 2008 China Games, which is going to be special historical moments and opportunities for long-term impact in serving China.

My prayer is that the Lord's grace and peace be with you this Christmas season. Also, let us rejoice together as we testify to God's blessings, thanking Him for His continued provision throughout 2007, and look to Him in excited anticipation of further revelation of His glory in the harvest during 2008. Thanks for partnering with me in participating in our dear Lord’s Great Commission.

The following is from the World Team family in regards to looking at Christmas from a different perspective:

How do you celebrate Christmas? Each one of us celebrates the birth of Jesus in a myriad of ways: Some gather with family on Christmas day; some serve at a soup kitchen to feed the poor; others spend the day with elderly parents who live in a nursing home. The celebrations all look different, but there should be one common thread that runs through them all...Christmas is not about us.

The very act of the incarnation demonstrates an "others-focused" perspective. Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost. So during this season, as you gaze in at the baby Jesus and give thanks for all that he has done, remember to then look out to those who do not know him. Look out to your Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth. What part of your celebrations this year will be focused on others?

Paul & The Emerging Church

In many ways, the New Testament church grew in a world similar to our postmodern context. All emerging churches have their unique place and expression. And all can learn from Paul about the establishment and growth of new faith communities.

Paul’s examples show great insights for the emerging church on how to engage in ministry to postmodern culture. The emerging church in a postmodern context should learn from Paul to be mobile missionary, to find words or images that are relevant and meaningful to postmoderns, to contextualize the gospel, to trust the Spirit, to focus on unity, five fold leadership and discipleship. If the emerging church can learn from Paul in these areas, it will certainly become a radically different ecclesiology that reflects the call to mission in a postmodern context.

Renewing Our Mind

Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is— His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Larry DiAngi said in his book "The Magic is in the extra mile" that our mind is like the muscles in our physical body. With proper care & exercise, we can strengthen them. I agree with him. We certainly need to care for and exercise our mind. In fact, our spiritual, mental, emotional and physical habits have either made us stronger or weaker in different areas of life. Our true identity, ability, strength, purpose, fulfillment and much more are on the inside of us than on the outside.

I believe that the way we feel is a byproduct of our thoughts. The thoughts that fill our mind and the way we feel at any given moment do not have to be things that are happening to us. There is a difference between being a person who is taking action in life and being a person who spends more time reacting to people and circumstances. I used to react a lot, now in God's strength, I am gradually learning to respond and take action proactively. It is really not easy given my sanguine personality type, but I know that all things are possible and that God's grace is sufficient for me.

Leaving A Legacy

Are you on this planet to do something, or are you here just for something to do? If you’re on this planet to do something, then what is it? What difference will you make? What will be your legacy?

I believe that we need to be thinking about what our legacies will be, throughout all the days of our lives.

"What will be your legacy?" does not have a single answer or a right answer. It's not like a math problem with a formula we can offer. Asking the question about legacy brings forward another central observation. Being a leader brings with it a responsibility to do something of significance that makes families, communities, work organizations, nations, the environment, and the world better places than they are.

Each of us has to answer these questions for ourselves before we can change the world, make a difference, and leave a legacy. I learned that if we are going to be authentic in our leadership, we have to be willing to serve, and mobilize others to serve a purpose.

We'll all be remembered for something. The question is, for what? What will others say about you when you're no longer around? Each of us lives on in the memories we create, and in the lives we touch. We guarantee that what people will say about you will not be about what you achieved for yourself but what you achieved for others.

I have decided to leave a legacy in my life to serve God and others.

Water

Water really is an amazing thing. It makes up 75% of our brain and 70% of our skin. To keep our mind feeling refreshed and alert throughout the day and our skin looking youthful and healthy, we need to replenish our body with water. So make sure you drink lots of it every day.

Change Your Questions Change Your Life

Lately I am discovering these concepts from the continuing education program that I'm doing through my networking business. This book called 'change your questions change your life' by Marilee Adams talks about how the right questions can transform our lives. The choice map starts off with anything that impacts us at any moment (eg: thoughts, feelings, circumstances, etc). How one chooses their path (namely learner or judger path) has an impact on how they ask questions.

In a nutshell, the learner path leads to learner questions (eg: what's useful here? what happened? what can i learn? what are my choices, what's best to do now); the judger path leads to judger questions (eg:who's to blame? why am i such a failure? why are they so stupid? what's wrong with them? what's wrong with me?). These paths / questions cause us to either choose or react, which will cause very different outcomes.

I'm putting these ideas into practice and find them very useful in my attitude, interpersonal relationships, work, ministry, and business.

What Is A Paradigm Shift?

Thomas Kuhn popularized the concept of "paradigm shift" in 1962. He defined paradigm shift as "one conceptual world view is replaced by another". It is a change from one way of thinking to another. It's a revolution, a transformation, a sort of metamorphosis. It is believed to be driven by agents of change.

One example is the printing press. Books became readily available, smaller and easier to handle and cheap to purchase. Similarly, agents of change are driving a new paradigm shift today. The signs are all around us.

Another example is the introduction of the personal computer and the internet have impacted both personal and business environments, and is a catalyst for a paradigm shift. It has been said that change is the only thing that is constant.

I personally have been through quite a significant number of paradigm shifts in the past few years, including the areas of my spiritual life, ministry, mission and business. My way of thinking has been transformed as a result of a number of change agents (mentors & heros), whom I am very grateful for.

One classic statement is a good example of my paradigm shift:

WE ARE NOT HUMAN BEINGS
HAVING A SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE
WE ARE SPIRITUAL BEINGS
HAVING A HUMAN EXPERIENCE

Have you experienced paradigm shifts in your life?

Homeland

The Melbourne International Arts Festival is on right now, and there are many great shows. I had the opportunity to see Laurie Anderson's Homeland last week, which I enjoyed very much.

Laurie Anderson is a multi-talented artist. Her artistic career as visual artist, composer, poet, photographer, filmmaker, vocalist and instrumentalist, along with over the past thirty years, has made her one of today's premier performance artists. she has created a number of groundbreaking works ranging from spoken word performances to elaborate multimedia events.

Homeland is Laurie Anderson’s latest production. Somewhere between epic poem and music concert, this production looks at 21st-century American obsessions with security, distance, information, the relationship of fear and freedom, the increasing acceptance of violence and the persistent new language of war.

Homeland was not only entertaining, it was very thought-provoking, and challenged me to think about the issues that people in the western world faced as well.

Some "P" Words

Recently I have been drawn to a number of important "P" words that got me thinking. Amongst them are 6Ps - 'Proper prior planning prevents poor performance'. That's so true isn't it?

There are another 3Ps that I am committed to in order to achieve balance in life. They are: Pray, Participate and Play. Why these 3P's? Well praying will connect us to God, partcipate will ensure that we engage in what we are called to do. But why play?

A good friend of mine wrote a very meaningful article in a magazine called "Play in God's playground". Leng is a musician. Her experience has been that when she has no words to say to God, she can still meet with Him by playing an instrument. In those moments, she believes He plays with her and through her. And She asked a thought-provoking question. "Does God play?" What do you think?

We may know God to be loving, holy, just, faithful, mighty and merciful and merciful, but can we say god is playful. I believe that playing is a means of relating to God and of worshipping Him. It's so true that we are sometimes at risk of taking ourselves too seriously. I agree that we are created not only to plan and pray, but to participate and play as well. We have been given the freedom to play. As Leng said it beautifully, "His play is extravagant and beautiful, for none of His Creation was born out of necessity. He is the initiator of all play and invtes us to play with Him in respectful stewardship of the freedom and resources He has provided."

Nice Matters Award

Fabulous Audrey gave me the Nice Matters Award, which is an award for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Oh I am so humbled to receive this award! Award, your recognition and inspiration is such blessing to me dear sis!

I'd like to now pass this award to all my blogger friends and readers. You have all been a source of inspiration to me one way or another.

S.E.R.V.E.

I was reading this book called "The secret - what great leaders know - and do", and among the various tips, one important insight was that leaders serve. In the book, great leaders of the past were mentioned that were great in serving others. The followings are some examples:

Nelson Mandela, who was wrongly jailed for almost 28 years, yet when he was finally released he wasn't angry. He came out with a desire to serve and help. He even invited his jailers to his inauguration when he was elected president of the Union of South Africa.

Jimmy Carter, who created an incredible team to build thousands of homes for the poor through Habitat for Humanity. And he won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work facilitating peace talks in troubled areas of the world.

Jesus of Nazareth selected twelve inexperienced people and developed them into leaders who would carry on after he was no longer in bodily form. When people asked him questions, his answers always showed a servant heart. 'How do you lead?' 'By following.' 'How can I be first?' 'By being last.' He even said that he had come to serve, not to be served, and he showed that by washing the feet of the disciples.

Martin Luther King, Jr had a powerful vision - a dream that one day people wouldn't be judged by 'the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.' He saw the future, and engaged others.

The acronym of the word 'SERVE' was used to describe these great leaders' attitude of service to others:

S = See the future
E = Engage and develop others
R = Reinvent continusously
V = Value results and relationships
E = Embody the values

I really like what Martin Luther King, Jr said, "everyone can be great, because everyone can serve."

Fabulous Award

What a privilege and pleasant surprise! I was given the above award. Thanks so much fabulous Pia for that. I am so humbled!

There are many fabulous people in the blogosphere, amongst them are: Audrey, Corry, Kc, Rodney and Amanda.

You're all fabulous blogger friends!

Who's He Looking For?

God is not looking for those who are clever,
but for those in whom He can be wise;
He is not looking for those who are talented,
but for those to whom He can be all sufficient;
He is not looking for those who are powerful,
but for those through whom He can be almighty.

Life Is Like A Car

Recently I have heard of news of quite a number of friends' family members having terminl illness, as well as serious sickness. I couldn't help but thought to myself, health is really important to us!

I received a message from a business partner today, in which our life is liken our car. I found it quite meaningful:

Just like your car, your life needs fuel. The fuel can be found in the value of healthy living.

Just like your car, if you put the wrong fuel into your body, you get poor performance and a shorter ride.

Just like your car, your life needs maintenance. A consistent exercise program provides your body and your life with the maintenance it needs to run smoothly, operate efficiently and stay in good working order.

Just like your car, your life needs steering. You are the driver of your life, and as the driver, you get to choose the direction your life takes.

Just like your car, without active physical and mental involvement, your life goes nowhere.

So, if you are unhappy with the state of your life today and ache for a better life tomorrow, make today the day you begin to give your life a tune-up and get it back on the road! The time is now, your engine is running and a better life only awaits your instructions.

Incarnational Ministry

I am sooooo challenged and inspired by Michael Frost's book "EXILES" - living missionally in a post-christian culture. According to him, we have slowly but surely shifted into a post-Christian world, which means Christianity is no longer in the centre, but in the fringe of the society.

I am amongst the exiles: Christians who find themselves caught in that dangerous wilderness between contemporary secular Western culture and an old-fashioned church culture of respectability and conservatism. As a follower of Jesus in the new world around us, I want to live missionally in this post-Christendom context. I want to embrace a dynamic, life-affirming, robust Christain faith that can be lived confidently in a world that no longer values such a faith, especially in the business and artist circles that I am involved with (host community as Frost terms it). I am accepting the risks and making the leap, despite the difficulties and challenges, as I am convicted that this is where God has called me to be.

The biblical, Christian impulse to draw near to those who don't know Christ, described as incarnational ministry & missional living is the way to be. There is a whole world of professioanl Christians who live primarily in the church or the Christian academy, but who never seem to embody the ideas of incarnational Christian witness. On the other hand, there are people who are reading the Bible and intuiting new ways to create proximity with not-yet-Christians on their turf. These exiles often don't feel appreciated or understood by the conventional church, or their professional Christians counterpart. Sadly their other Christian friends think their ideas and lifestyle too radical or too unsafe to accomodate or too compromised etc, without trying to understand Jesus' example of incarnational ministry.

I like the four aspects, described by Frost, regarding Jesus' example of incarnational ministry:

(1) An active sharing of life, participating in the fears, frustrations, and afflictions of the host community......

(2) An employment of the language and thought forms of those with whom we seek to share Jesus.......

(3) A preparedness to go to the people, not expecting them to come to us.....

(4) A confidence that the gospel can be communicated by ordinary means, through acts of servanthood, loving relationships, good deeds.....

I Am Back!

Hello my friends and readers, it's been a long while since I wrote on this blog. After the 42 day of challenge with Living Life Now, I have been taking the time out to explore another online social utility and meeting new friends in social meet up groups here in Melbourne. God has been teaching me heaps about HIM, about missions, about myself and many other things that I learned from these lovely people through these new forms of communication.

One of the things that I am addicted to lately (which kind of replaced my time on the blogosphere) is facebook, which is a social utility that connects me with the people around me. If you like to connect people all over the world, this is a great tool and fantastic way to keep in touch. If you have it, please add me through my email. I am on it almost everyday now. It's lots of fun but time-consuming to say the least :)

Meetup groups help people find others who share their interests or causes, and form lasting, influential, local community groups that regularly meet face-to-face. Meetup groups believe that the world will be a better place when everyone has access to a people-powered local Meetup Group. That's the goal.

The meetup groups in Melbourne that I have been attending these last few weeks include photography, new-in-town, graphic design, coffee meetup, women are fabulous friends, thai and chinese cultural groups. Through these, I have met new friends, learned and shared with the members, and my life has certainly be enriched, and hopefully I will be able to make a difference in their lives as well.

42 Day Challenge

I have started a blog in response to the recommendation of a friend (whom I have been witnessing to) to participate in a program called Living Life Now. I really sense a prompting from God to do it.

I'll focus on that for the next few weeks, and so I won't be updating on this blog for a while. Would appreciate your prayer support for my 42 day challenge and beyond, and feel free to send me comments on this new blog too:

http://www.42daychallenge.blogspot.com/

Count On It

Have you ever felt so weak and fragile that you thought there was no way you could continue? Are there times in your life when you feel so overwhelmed and troubled that you are virtually paralyzed? I certainly have.

God said to me when those times happened in my life, "I will give you special strength in those times. Imagine that your life is a walk along the shore with me. If some days there is only one set of footprints in the sand, it's not because I have left you, but because I am carrying you!" This is referred to in the poem "Footprints in the Sand". I have two pictures of "Footprints in the Sand" - one in my living room, one in my bedroom. They are great reminders from God :)

"My gift of undeserved grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." (2 Corinthians 12:9) Count on it!

Count It All Joy

One of my life goals is to live a dynamic life, filled with joy and happiness all the time, free of fear and worry. When I shared that with a friend the other day, he said it's not possible. He said life is filled with all sorts of struggles, problems, heartaches, difficulties, so to have a joyful life all the time is unrealistic.

When I read James 1:1-11, James said, "count it all joy when you fall into various trials". We don't choose to have trials, but we can choose how we respond when trials come into our lives. Someone paraphrased it like this: "don't resent trials as intruders, but welcome them as friends!"

Selwyn Hughes said that trials are our friends and will bring us joy if our goal is to become more like Jesus. But if our goal is to avoid problems and struggles, our trials will seem more like intruders.

In my life, I have battled with frustration, apprehension, fear and anxiety. It is easy to fall into the trap of doubting, fretting and wondering if God has forsaken us. But it's important to refuse to be discouraged and focus on how God could use the trial to make us more like Jesus.

Let us 'count it all joy' by faith, by resolution and by reckoning. And as Hughes said, we shall then surely find that God will make the reckoning real!

Euthanasia

Last week a friend of mine and I were discussing the issue of euthanasia. She feels that if someone considers their life is no longer worth living due to terminal illness, they should be allowed to choose death.

It is apparent that we are in the midst of a significant shift of opinion with respect to euthanasia. The growing public acceptance of euthanasia seems to some to reflect a breakdown in moral consensus.

I believe euthanasia is never God’s will. The concepts that doctors should not be free to give terminally ill patients lethal medication, and that there should not be guidelines for legal or non-criminal euthanasia come out of the view of a human person having fundamental dignity because he or she is created in the image of God.

In order to help terminally ill patients, it is important to relate Christian faith and biblical understandings of God and humanity. The belief that life is a gift of God is foundational. Therefore God alone has the power to take it away.

It is evident that the terminally ill patient has very special needs which can be fulfilled if we take the time to sit and listen and find out what they are. Attitudes to dying and death can only change if there is a new awareness of their meaning and the implications they have for people who must face the crisis of dying. Instead of participating in assisted suicide and euthanasia , physicians must respond to the needs of patients at the end of life. Patients should not be abandoned once it is determined that cure is impossible. Patients near the end of life must continue to receive emotional support, comfort care, adequate pain control, respect for patient autonomy, and good communication.

THE FOUR BLESSED LOOKS

I received this from a good friend, hope to share with you all!

Look back and thank God.
Look forward and trust God.
Look around and serve God.
Look within and find God!"

"I asked God, 'How do we get the best out of life?'

God said,
'Face your past without regrets.
Handle your present with confidence.
And prepare for the future without fear!'"

"Without God, our week is:

Mournday,
Tearsday,
Wasteday,
Thirstday,
Fightday,
Shatterday and
Sinday.

So, allow Him to be with you everyday!"
Life is short, so forgive quickly. Believe slowly. Love truly.
Laugh uncontrollably. Never regret anything that makes you happy.

Have a wonderful day and a full journey of life!

God bless you.

The Importance Of Being Earnest

I am very very very excited, because I am now part of a theatre company Candlelight Production (stroll down and you'll see the details and the photos of some behind-the-scenes shots from our first cast and crew get-together, the 'Cucumber Social').

This new show is called "THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST" - The Complete Bunbury Experience.

It's Oscar Wilde's classic, but combined with a whole 19th century experience for the audience - ballroom dancing, croquet, cucumber sandwiches... It promises to be a lot of fun and we're all pretty excited about it.

August 16th - Sept 1st
Memorial Hall in Hawthorn, Melbourne.

Book it in! Tickets go on sale soon - you can book it through the website, or contact me personally. For those of you not in Australia, I am so sorry that you'll miss out (unless you want to fly to Melbourne to see this wonderful production. Trust me, it'll be worth it hehe).

watch www.myspace.com/candlelight_productions for more info
or email your contact details to info@candlelightproductions.com.au to be
kept in the loop.

Biblical Prophecies Fulfilled

We are living in the days when Biblical prophecy is like reading the newspaper. Everyday prophecies are being fulfilled left, right and centre.

Few of these prophecies include:

(1)Israel becoming a nation (1948)
(2)Jerusalem recaptured (1967)
(3)The world is heading towards a cashless society
(4)Global climate change
(5)Instability, lawlessness (immorality and violence)
(6)Heading towards one word-religion & one-world-government
(7)The Gospel being preached around the world.

These are just a few signs fulfilling Biblical prophecies. Those who are spiritually minded can read the signs of the times because their mind has been exercised with spiritual things. Believe it or not! We are living in exciting times! This is the best time to be alive. The prophets of old and the apostles would have loved to be around now.

Remember, the Bible says, "those who know their God will do great exploits" (Daniel 11:32). Those who make themselves available, they will experience the supernatural power and ability of God flowing through them (Psalm 110:2-3). This is the great commission (not omission) regarding winning souls for God.

What Is the Meaning Of The Pirates?

I watched the Pirates 1 & 2 on DVDs last week, and then the latest one in the cinema on Monday. After watching it, I asked myself, were there spiritual implications or religious ideas of the films?

After thinking through it, I understood that there were a number of spiritual issues portrayed in the movies, such as hell, fear of death, fear of judgment, and eternal life. The movies talk about the different ways that people 'imperil' their souls (both explicit and subtly implied). Hell & publishment were portrayed as a fate worse than death. One insight is that it's extremely important for us to guard our immortal soul because, eventually, we will give account for it. I reckon these movies represent a great opportunity to ask about the state of people's souls, and what our response should be to God's tremendous gift.

I am reminded to take care of my soul, respond to God's gift of eternal life and His amazing grace and unconditional love. There is no possession in this world valuable enough to warrant risking my soul. Jesus said in Matthew 16:26, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" It's true that nothing physical on earth will make the final journey with us anyway.

What do you think?

The Trouble With Paris

During Living Room, we have watched the four-week DVD on "The Trouble With Paris", which talks about popular culture, consumerism, hyper-reality, reality and God's reality.

Media, marketing and advertising have a lot of impact upon our lives, dreams, values and expectations. So how are we supposed to live out our faith in a world like this? Some good questions are explored in this DVD, which keep me thinking. Eg: where do I find contentment and happiness, in a society where hyper-reality is often portrayed as the ideal? How do we as Christians express our faith in a meaningful and relevant way? How is Christianity related to a consumer world?

Miss Saigon

I went and saw Miss Saigon on Saturday. It was simply excellent. The music, singing, acting, stage settings, props, costumes were all first-class. I like this musical production even better than Beauty & the Beast and Phantom of the Opera.

The production is set in the background of the Vietnam war during the final days of the American occupation of Saigon, Vietnam. MISS SAIGON is a romantic love story between a young Vietnamese woman who is working in a Saigon nightclub, and American GI. The American Army fled Saigon a few years later, so the soldier have returned to America and believing MISS SAIGON is dead. He was depressed for a whole year, and finally moved on to marry an American woman. When told that MISS SAIGON has borne him a son, and is alive and living in Bangkok, the soldier and his wife go to Bangkok. MISS SAIGON is desperate for her son to have a future in America with his father and is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to achieve this hope. The story ends tragically, but beautifully as well.

I highly recommend anyone to see it.

Marketing

George Silverman, author & marketing expert said, "Marketing is not something you do to people, it’s something you do for people. Marketing is the service of helping people make the best possible decision."

I find this quote meaningful. I love it and what it stands for. As a marketer, I love to help others to make best possible decisions. I believe that the term "marketing" isn’t just for marketers. It’s a part of our everyday lives. We are all marketers on some level; whether we are selling our ideas to our school or work board, local church or in front of a group at our office, the truth is, virtually every interaction we have has an element of marketing. The only marketing that works effectively is that which helps people make informed decisions.

What do you think?

Spider-Man 3

D & I went and saw Spider-Man 3 tonight. Not having seen the previous 2 episodes, I really didn't have much expectation. Contrarary to what I thought, watching the movie was quite an emotional experience. I think Spider-Man 3 is very thought-provoking. In addition to being an action-packed movie, it explores human being's vulnerability to sin, importance of resisting to sin, and responsibility to help others from sin's web. Apart from the themes of adventures, secrets, vengeance and love, I found the elements of friendship and forgiveness very touching as well. For me personally, one of the most essential messages from the film is that we can't escape the dark web of sin.

Expressing Feelings

I have been discussing with people in my community about expressing our feelings. We realise that it's easier for some than the others. For me personally, I think it's extremely important for us to share so that we understand more about others, and let others understand us more.

Norman Wright divides the communication of people into five levels:

(a) The lowest level is simple greetings. For example: “how are you?”, “good morning!”, “goodbye”, “have you eaten yet?”

(b) The second level is exchanging information. For example, “who and who has just had a baby girl.” “just now I saw two groups of young people fighting.”

(c) The third level is to express some opinions. For example: “who and who has just had a baby girl. In this day and age, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a boy or a girl, the most important is that the child is healthy.” “just now I saw two groups of young people fighting on the street. Recently there are many incidents like this, happening amongst Asian young people. I think it could be because they can’t adapt to the new society, and can’t find their new identity, so have learned from other friends out of frustrations.”

(d) The fourth level is to express personal feelings. For example, “who and who has just had a baby girl. I am so excited for them, they have been waiting for this child for a long time now.” “just now I saw two groups of young people fighting on the street. I was so frightened, when I saw them fighting like that, I was very sad and shocked.”

(e) Lastly, the highest level is to share personal feelings without reservation. For example, ‘who and who has just had a baby girl. I am so excited for them, they have been waiting for this child for a long time now. Seeing their smiles, I am so happy for them, and I can sense their satisfaction and happiness.” “just now I saw two groups of young people fighting on the street. I was so frightened. They are so young, yet fighting each other, on one hand I was very sad and shocked, on the other hand I felt sorry for them. If they have good guidance, and warm family to help them focus their energy on studies, good entertainment and social life, then this kind of thing will not happen.”

We also realise from the Bible that God is a God of feeling. God expresses His wrath to the evil every day (Psalms 7:11); God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5); He is a God full of love, He loves the world and sent His only Son to them (John 3:16); He loves His citizens (Isaiah 62:5).

We are made in God's image, and we are to be Christ-like, so I believe expressing our feelings is important. What do you think?

The Earth & The Environmental Issue

Like most people, I'd never thought much about environmental issues in the past. The only concept I had was the vague idea that we need to be better stewards of God's creation.

The Bible is quite direct about our responsibility to care for and protect the earth. In Genesis 2:15, God commands Adam to take care of it. According to many biblical scolars, we must not only be concerned with production, but also with the protection of God's creation. Dominion is never given for the purpose of exploitation. Other passages mention not only the goodness of creation connected to God (Genesis 1), but also His identification with creation and its renewal (Col. 1:15–17, Isaiah 65:17 and Rev. 21:1). In fact, Scripture references the earth 863 times, compared with 494 references to heaven and 537 to love.

We also have the responsibility to the poor and disadvantaged, those who would most likely be impacted by implications of climate change.

Most Christians are among the world's wealthiest citizens, and they are under pastoral leadership. So it's pastors who have the opportunity to make a significant impact. And it's the pastor who takes the lead in mobilizing his or her congregation to care for matters outside the church—issues that non-Christians also care about. Let's face it, they're not expecting the Church to be concerned about the environment, much less take visible action.

The followings are some of the things that I've been learning recently about how to tackle climate change:

1. Replace all light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
2. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
3. Minimise energy usage.
4. Buy energy-efficient products, think energy savings.
5. Don't leave the water running even when showering, shaving, washing your face or brushing your teeth.
7. Track your utilities.
8. Commit to tackling climate change.
9. Look for creative ways to link conservation with love of God and neighbor. For a Christian, these acts are about moral obedience and love, not cultural conformity.

So how do you think that your congregation, church and faith community is involved in these environemntal issues?

Broken Down Silence

If you are in Melbourne, I'd like to invite you to see a dance show called "Broken Down Silence", which is an initiative of Christian Artsists Factory (CAF) on Saturday May 19th at 7.30pm. The piece was performed as a work in progress at Black Stump Festival '06 but this one off performance will be the first showing in Melbourne.

The evening's program will run for 1.5-2 hours with a variety of other performances including playback theatre, circus, music and dance performance.

Date:Sat 19 May, 2007
Venue:Truth & Liberation Concern, 265 Canterbury Road, Bayswater, Victoria
Time: Doors open 7.30pm for 8.00pm start
Cost: Adults $15; Conc/ under 18 $10
Guest performances by: A Good Red playback theatre company, Sarah & Mel, Circus Acrobatics and more


2006 - 2007: Broken - Down - Silence
Why do you keep staring?
Just back off will ya?
What's your problem?
What are you lookin' at?
Youth homelessness
Indigenous culture
Ethic multiculturalism
Asylum Seekers

One question:
Do you see me differently?

Watercarriers' newest work is a 25 minute high energy contemporary dance piece. It incorporates stunning photography in multimedia and an eclectic and memorable soundtrack. Its original, collaborative choreography involves a greater physicality than previous works.

Broken Down Silence is an evocative work that depicts snapshots of Australian subcultures. With content specifically looking at youth homelessness, indigenous culture, ethic multiculturalism and asylum seekers, the Watercarriers seek to challenge themselves and their audiences on our views of each other. Broken Down Silence stirs emotion and gives an audience space to reflect and respond as deeply as they wish.

Are any of us all that different? Or is it just what we see?

More information about CAF, A Good Red and Water Carriers is available at www.christianartists.com.au

Responsibility & Blaming

Every one of us needs to take responsibility for ourselves and our lives. No matter what the circumstances, we are in charge of how we feel and how we react. People, places, or things do not run our emotional lives, we do! Instead of admitting our mistakes, and taking full responsibility for our actions, many people react and blame others (including family members, loved ones, pastors, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, team members at work or business etc.).

When we start to blame, we start to shift responsibility from ourselves to another person or situation. As Christians we are capable of being responsible. The Christian philosopher, Michael Keeling, wrote, "We are responsible for our actions in the dynamic sense that we can overcome both the external pressures of society and environment and the internal pressures of genetics and psychology and begin to act, by the power of God in us, as people who have nothing to fear and nothing to lose." We, by the power of God within us, can take ownership of our feelings and reactions.

Ownership or responsibility is vital because, like M. Scott Peck wrote in his book The Road Less Traveled, "many, so many, seek to avoid the pain of their problems by saying to themselves: 'This problem was caused me by other people, or by social circumstances beyond my control, and therefore it is up to other people or society to solve this problem for me.'" We can not solve our problems by ignoring them or blaming external things. If we do not take full responsibility for ourselves, we are choosing to make our lives less than God intended. So when we take responsibility and ownership for ourselves we become entirely responsible for our lives, not only for our actions but for our failures to act.

So do you take responsiblity or blame others?

The Pacifist Jesus And His Warrior God

I attended a very interesting talk on Tuesday during the theology of mission class at Tabor Bible College. Ray Gingerich the Anabaptist scholar from the US was there discussing and conversing on issues of war, power pacifism, and justice etc.

In His introduction, Ray Gingerich said that violence over the past two centuries has not served humanity well. As Christians we must either change our strategies and our theology or the Christians witness in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace will be overwhelmed and smothered in the avalanche of violence that is pouring down upon us. He claimed that power as violence has had its time in history; and it has failed! With the explosion of the first nuclear weapons, and their horrible destruction, Albert Einstein said: "Everything has changed, except our thinking."

Many ideas and opinions were explored and debated during this meeting. One particular confusion was 'the riddle' of the Pacifist Jesus and his Warrior God. Apparently much work has been done within the past half century, especially in Anabaptist circles, to enable Christians to see a nonviolent Jesus in both his teachings and examples. This ethical dualism / paradox / dilemma in which a God of violence and acts of violence is embraced as theological and ethical necessities is contrary to the teachings and examples of Jesus.

I am interested in your thinking about these issues regarding war, power, justic, biblical violence and non-violence. Please let me know of your opinions in the comment.

Thinking Blogger Award

I am thankful to my dear blogger friend Audrey for nominating me for the "Thinking Blogger Award". Thank you sister Audrey for that! I really appreciate it, but so humbled by it!

Now it is my turn to nominate five blogs that make me think. They are: one year bible blog

the x facta, Siven Kit's Garden, Rulan's Heart for God, Just so you'll know

The participation rules are given by the thinking blog. Enjoy....

The Forgotten Way

I started reading Alan Hirsch's book "The Forgotten Way- reactivating the missional church". Alan Hirsch is a a key missional leader, educator, and strategist who has had influence in my journey as I grapple with issues in mission. I remember interviewing him for an assignment when I was at Bible College, and his answers to my questions really blew me away.

In the introduction of the book, Alan had the following two quotes, which really made me think:


"A church which pitches its tents without constantly looking out for new horizons, which does not continually strike camp, is being untrue to its calling.
. . . [We must] play down our longing for certainty, accept what is risky, and live by improvisation and experiment."
Hans Kung, The Church as the People of God

Yes that's true. I am by nature quite an organised & structured person, but this reminder from Hans Kung tells me the importance of not be too rigid in my approach, and the longing for certainty! Flexibility is the key for mission work.


"After a time of decay comes the turning point. The powerful light that has been banished returns. There is movement, but it is not brought about by force. . . . The movement is natural, arising spontaneously. The old is discarded and the new is introduced. Both measures accord with the time; therefore no harm results."
Ancient Chinese Saying

With me in a new season of my life and ministry, this ancient Chinese saying really encourages me (although I am Chinese, I haven't heard of it until I read this book - thank you Alan). The powerful light, the spontanesous movement, the new thing and the turning point are want I am looking forward to.

Alan asked the following important questions in his book which really provoked my thinking (especially in the context of the contemporary Western world / church):

"How did the number of Christians in the world grow from as few as 25,000 one hundred years after Christ’s death to up to 20 million in AD 310? How did the Chinese underground church grow from 2 million to over 100 million in sixty years despite considerable opposition?"

A Morning Beyond Belief

I had an awesome Easter break in Adelaide with my mother, D and his family. During the weekend, I re-read the chapters in Philip Yancey's book "The Jesus I Never Knew" on Jesus' final week and resurrection.

I find the quote from John Irving so true. He said, 'Holy Week is draining; no matter how many times I have lived through his crucifixion, my anxiety about his resurrection is undiminished - I am terrified that, this year; it won't happen; that, that year, it didn't. Anyone can be sentimental about the Nativity; any fool can feel like a Christian at Christmas. But Easter is the main event; if you don't believe in the resurrection, you're not a believer.'

Yancey suggests another way to look at the world - taking Easter as the starting point, the one incontrovertible fact about how God treats those whom he loves, then human history becomes the contradiction and Easter a preview of ultimate reality. Hope then flows like lava beneath the crust of daily life.

After this Easter Sunday morning of celebrating Jesus' resurrection, I renewed the way I approach life - I re-committed myself to involve Him in every aspect of my daily life: spiritual, physical, social emotional, mental (personal growth), family & relationship, ministry, financial, business and community. I will call upon the Lord on all aspects of my life, I will bring all my decisions before Him, and I will not accomplish my ministry, business and work with my own abilities and resources.

Dear Lord, please help me to totally depend on You and trust in You as I learn to take every daily issue of life to You. Amen!

The Voice Of Truth

I am so excited about my new season, yet I am a bit anxious about it all as well! This morning, God spoke to me through this voice of truth. I can so identify with it:

Oh what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in onto the crashing waves.

To step out of my comfort zone into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is and He's holding out His hand.

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.

The waves they keep on telling me time and time again. "Girl, you'll never win!" "You'll never win!"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!" The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory". Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.

Thank you Lord for your awesome and beautiful voice of truth! I love you with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength. I know I am safe in the crash waves, as You are the Lord who can calm all the raging seas.