A cool little application I found on my phone is called Shazam. It's a program that listens to a few sesconds of a song and then tells you the song title, artist and album that it comes from. Too cool. I've been using it to tag different tunes I hear and most times it has been pretty good! Even when there is quite a bit of background noise, it still knows!
I've said it before and I'll say it again - my phone is smart :)
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
my phone is so smart
So I got my new phone a few weeks ago now and it has been pretty impressive so far – does everything except the laundry. I’ve been spending some quality time learning more about the new phone and in the process I feel as though I am becoming more and a more of a nerd. Now when people ask me what type of phone I have, the reply is laced with foreign words such as ‘android’ ‘operating system’ ‘applications’ ‘platform’ ‘GPS’ and ‘megabytes’ – scary stuff.
The phone is not just pretty-looking, it also has lots of great little features. It's a "smartphone" which means it is like a little mini computer - same kinda thing as an iPhone (just a fraction of the price). I can download applications from the Android Market (for all the Apple-tons this is the App Store - only most apps are free here) and so far, I have downloaded everything from the Bible (one of the things I had to have on the new phone, to a personal trainer, to a constellation mapper, to a guitar tuner, to an animal sounds player (very useful and popular with the young kids), to an ebook reader and even a guitar! It's totally cool. On top of that, I can access the Internet, use GPS, play games, sync to my PC, record audio, view documents, and I can even make phone calls! haha
One thing I learnt with the whole phone selection task was to wait on God's timing. Let me explain. I wanted a new phone for a few months now - since maybe October or November 2009, but every time I wanted to get it, Three would not allow me to upgrade yet. Each time, I saw a new phone that I thought would be the one that I was supposed to get, but each time, it just wasn't possible to upgrade. It wasn't until I discovered a deal online for this phone that I knew would be a green light to go ahead - the phone was free on the same cap I was on already, it came with three months of free credit, $100 credit on top, and my bro even found a way for me to get $50 back through some website thing (don't ask me to explain cos I still don't entirely get it myself - something to do with advertising and links or something). You can't really say no to that kind of value.
So I have a new phone now and a few weeks on, I am not having ANY buyer's remorse - which can only be a good thing, especially for someone who is a compulsive impulse shopper.
The phone is not just pretty-looking, it also has lots of great little features. It's a "smartphone" which means it is like a little mini computer - same kinda thing as an iPhone (just a fraction of the price). I can download applications from the Android Market (for all the Apple-tons this is the App Store - only most apps are free here) and so far, I have downloaded everything from the Bible (one of the things I had to have on the new phone, to a personal trainer, to a constellation mapper, to a guitar tuner, to an animal sounds player (very useful and popular with the young kids), to an ebook reader and even a guitar! It's totally cool. On top of that, I can access the Internet, use GPS, play games, sync to my PC, record audio, view documents, and I can even make phone calls! haha
One thing I learnt with the whole phone selection task was to wait on God's timing. Let me explain. I wanted a new phone for a few months now - since maybe October or November 2009, but every time I wanted to get it, Three would not allow me to upgrade yet. Each time, I saw a new phone that I thought would be the one that I was supposed to get, but each time, it just wasn't possible to upgrade. It wasn't until I discovered a deal online for this phone that I knew would be a green light to go ahead - the phone was free on the same cap I was on already, it came with three months of free credit, $100 credit on top, and my bro even found a way for me to get $50 back through some website thing (don't ask me to explain cos I still don't entirely get it myself - something to do with advertising and links or something). You can't really say no to that kind of value.
So I have a new phone now and a few weeks on, I am not having ANY buyer's remorse - which can only be a good thing, especially for someone who is a compulsive impulse shopper.
Sunday, 10 January 2010
post-vacation blues
Since coming back from holiday on Monday last week, I've had this unrelenting desire to do something. I think I was just too spoilt while travelling and I have become used to eating out, discovering new places, meeting up with people and just being on-the-go all the time. So coming back to sleepy Perth has taken a bit of adjustment. At the same time however, I really do appreciate being back home, having my wardrobe back (and not living out of a suitcase), sleeping in my own bed with my own pillow, having a decent shower (what is up with showers in hotels these days?? no water pressure!), and being with my family and friends. I guess I am pretty blessed. I'm also grateful that I live in the relatively unpopulated Perth where the weather is nice, the streets are clean, people are courteous (and conscious of hygiene), smoking is minimal, pollution is unheard of - my own little comfort zone :)
twenny-ten
Wow. I can't believe we're already more than a week into 2010. It didn't see like it was THAT long ago that I wrote down some resolutions for 2009, and just like that - the year was over. Looking back at my resolutions from last year, I am glad to say that I have somewhat achieved (or at least made a significant effort) most of them. I think my relationship with God has grown, I've read quite a few books (including finishing the Bible!), I've cut down on TV and shopping quite a bit (to the point now, that I can say I don't really watch TV much at all, and that shopping is no longer an addiction - still enjoyed, but I restrain myself too), I tried to pick up piano (and I can kinda play a few songs - albeit slowly with one or two mistakes - no chords yet, baby steps, baby steps!), err the get healthier one - that one kinda didn't eventuate (but I haven't put on any weight - which is good right?).
So I guess that leaves me with setting resolutions for this year. To be honest, I haven't really thought too much about what I want to achieve this year. But last night at Regeneration, we listened to one of my favourite sermons - Five Steps to Genuine Revival by Iain Paisley, and during the discussion that came afterwards, we talked about what we expected for Regeneration in the coming year.
Now Regen is a fellowship group that has been a real blessing to me since I started working and as such I really do love being a part of it. So for me, I really want to see this fellowship group grow in the Lord and for it to be a greenhouse of encouragement. It has changed for the better in the past year with the group becoming (by God's grace) a lot more open, trusting, loving, innovative and a real desire to learn God's Word together and pursue holiness has developed. I really want it to keep developing and as such, I realised (like how the late Michael Jackson realised when he said 'I'm starting with the man in the mirror') that I need to start with my self and try to change some things and enhance other things in my own life.
Firstly, I need to be less selfish and more loving. I need to put others first and deny myself. I need to love sacrificially and not always be focused on attending to my own needs or my own feelings. This, of course, will not happen in one year, but I need to start now.
Secondly, I need to pray more. Genuine pleading on my knees before God, being specific in confessing my sins, praising God for who He is and what He has done, opening my mouth wide and asking Him to do that which is beyond what I can ask or think, praying with faith, specifically. And I want to maintain regular attendance at Prayer Meeting.
I want to get into the practice of spending a day with God. I have never done this before in my whole Christian life and I really want to try.
Regular evangelism and being bold for Christ. I've recently fallen off the horse a little bit with this one, so I really need to get back into it.
Lastly, I want to try find ways to encourage others to learn and memorise God's Word. Some of us sisters have been trying to memorise Proverbs 31:10-31, and I've really enjoyed it. I want to help get others to do similar things to continue to equip ourselves for battle.
I really pray that God will help me with this and hopefully by blogging all the above, there is some kind of accountability for me to keep at it.
So I guess that leaves me with setting resolutions for this year. To be honest, I haven't really thought too much about what I want to achieve this year. But last night at Regeneration, we listened to one of my favourite sermons - Five Steps to Genuine Revival by Iain Paisley, and during the discussion that came afterwards, we talked about what we expected for Regeneration in the coming year.
Now Regen is a fellowship group that has been a real blessing to me since I started working and as such I really do love being a part of it. So for me, I really want to see this fellowship group grow in the Lord and for it to be a greenhouse of encouragement. It has changed for the better in the past year with the group becoming (by God's grace) a lot more open, trusting, loving, innovative and a real desire to learn God's Word together and pursue holiness has developed. I really want it to keep developing and as such, I realised (like how the late Michael Jackson realised when he said 'I'm starting with the man in the mirror') that I need to start with my self and try to change some things and enhance other things in my own life.
Firstly, I need to be less selfish and more loving. I need to put others first and deny myself. I need to love sacrificially and not always be focused on attending to my own needs or my own feelings. This, of course, will not happen in one year, but I need to start now.
Secondly, I need to pray more. Genuine pleading on my knees before God, being specific in confessing my sins, praising God for who He is and what He has done, opening my mouth wide and asking Him to do that which is beyond what I can ask or think, praying with faith, specifically. And I want to maintain regular attendance at Prayer Meeting.
I want to get into the practice of spending a day with God. I have never done this before in my whole Christian life and I really want to try.
Regular evangelism and being bold for Christ. I've recently fallen off the horse a little bit with this one, so I really need to get back into it.
Lastly, I want to try find ways to encourage others to learn and memorise God's Word. Some of us sisters have been trying to memorise Proverbs 31:10-31, and I've really enjoyed it. I want to help get others to do similar things to continue to equip ourselves for battle.
I really pray that God will help me with this and hopefully by blogging all the above, there is some kind of accountability for me to keep at it.
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
'Beloved' He beckons me...
It’s been a while since the last post, but I have been busy busy busy with camp preparation, camp itself, social engagements, work, playing host to interstate campers and preparing for my holiday this week. What a crazy time of the year. Camp was an amazing blessing. The year of preparation was well worth every second and every effort. Though there were times where I was tempted to believe that the labour was in vain, I again learned how much more I need to trust in my ever-faithful God. He truly blessed the camp, and I believe most campers have been impacted deeply in their spiritual walk.Basic things in every Christian’s life were re-examined in light of God’s love for His people, and Jesus’ love for His bride, the church. I found an all-new appreciation for reading my Bible, singing praises, confessing sins, and prayer.
This camp was unlike any other I had been to. There was a real atmosphere of prayer, honesty, fellowship and a genuine desire to seek a deeper relationship with God. I have never been so moved at a camp before (I don't think I have ever cried so much in a camp) and I think many others can say the same thing.
The camp theme song was so special. Every time I sing it, my heart wonders how God could love me with such an amazing and undeserved love - and it just makes me want to praise Him more and more. It was written by Sister Winnie (so so so talented) and I will share it here:
God's Wonderful Love
by Winnie Ho
How deep and how wide is God's wonderful love
I scarce cannot conceive
He gave His only Son to die for me
A sinner now set free
How faithful and true is God's wonderful love
His compassions never fail
He sees me through life's journey, joys and trials
He comforts and He heals
How condescending is God's wonderful love
The Almighty God cares for me
He chose me in His grace and mercy
"Beloved" He beckons me
How everlasting is God's wonderful love
No beginning and no end
He keeps me safely in His hand
In Him I rest content
CHORUS
O Lord! Such is Your wonderful love!
Have I loved You enough?
Have I lived for You?
Give me the true desire to leave my sinful ways
And to know and love You more each day
And cleave to You always
Friday, 13 November 2009
saying the un-say-able
I often say and do things which I really wish I could make people forget. I occasionally suffer from chronic verbal diarrhoea, where the delayed realisation that I have said or done something inappropriate dawns on me and makes me subsequently wish that I had access to one of these...
Hehe do you remember the neuralyzer from Men in Black?
But I also have the opposite problem (though admittedly this is not as common) of NOT saying things that I probably should. For example, I will see someone with their fly undone and just quickly look away rather than do the kind thing and let them know. In retrospect, it would be much kinder to tell them as soon as I noticed it because it would mean that less people would see and they would subsequently save a bit more face. Not saying anything (on the other hand) until much later, will of course mean that more people will have the opportunity to see the undone fly and the person will not only feel embarrassed that their fly was undone, but they will have the compounded embarrassment of having to fix the problem with more people realising what has just happened.
Early intervention is always the best cure!
Another thing I have a problem doing is letting people know when they have done something that has offended me, caused me to stumble or be discouraged. Though I may have been quite hurt, I tend to just grin and bear the situation, and just continue to stew on it. It's a very unhealthy cycle that I have going on here and I am fully aware of it, but it is something that I know that I need to do something about. By His grace, God has shown me that to leave things unsaid is wrong, and I do believe I am making some progression with this, albeit subtle.
I think my main barrier is the fear I may come across to the person as over-sensitive (which I guess I can be at times) and a hypocrite (because yes, I admit, I would have definitely said things in the past which would have had the same effect on others - or even worse, I could have done the very same thing that was done against me to cause me to be discouraged). Letting someone know their shortcomings is a tough thing to do, but it's biblical.
Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
I just really hope that God will help me to be able to take future wounds inflicted upon me too.
The second part of the verse is very true too - flattery is not only fake and deceitful, it can be a hinderance to spiritual growth too. By saying nice things about someone all the time and never saying anything about their weaknesses, the flattered person gets fooled into believeing that they have no cause for concern and therefore, no need to try improve. Though I love to be complemented (I mean seriously, who doesn't?), if someone is just saying nice things with no reason to do so other than mere flattery or to give you a false sense of friendship - I would rather them not say anything. I'm sure you know of someone who always says nice things to people's faces and then talks smack about them behind their back. Nobody really likes that kind of person.
In the same way, a lot of the time, people don't take criticism well (e.g. talking bad about someone who criticised them), and because this eventually becomes common knowledge, people avoid criticising them. These people end up becoming 'untouchable' but at the same time, will never really know what they could have become if they were to take on board what others say. And let's face it, that's pretty sad.
Though I can be as tough as nails on the outside, I'm often as soft as tofu on the inside. So I really hope and pray that God will show me how to give, take and apply criticism in my life.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
this time next week...
... I will be at the 'Top End'. Earlier this week, my work asked if anyone was interested in making a trip up north to help out the Darwin Office with some assessments and I jumped at the opportunity. I have never been to Darwin before and the thought of a mini-holiday was very appealing. I will be a spending next week there from Tuesday to Sunday. I'm pretty excited. Not just because it's a whole new place that I have never visited, but I also think it will be a really good spiritual getaway to spend some time away from Perth, do some reading, and see some of God's awesome creation (including some trademark wet season thunderstorms and lightning). And I also get to see some crocodiles! It's gonna be great!
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Saturday, 13 March 2010
shazam!
A cool little application I found on my phone is called Shazam. It's a program that listens to a few sesconds of a song and then tells you the song title, artist and album that it comes from. Too cool. I've been using it to tag different tunes I hear and most times it has been pretty good! Even when there is quite a bit of background noise, it still knows!
I've said it before and I'll say it again - my phone is smart :)
I've said it before and I'll say it again - my phone is smart :)
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
my phone is so smart
So I got my new phone a few weeks ago now and it has been pretty impressive so far – does everything except the laundry. I’ve been spending some quality time learning more about the new phone and in the process I feel as though I am becoming more and a more of a nerd. Now when people ask me what type of phone I have, the reply is laced with foreign words such as ‘android’ ‘operating system’ ‘applications’ ‘platform’ ‘GPS’ and ‘megabytes’ – scary stuff.
The phone is not just pretty-looking, it also has lots of great little features. It's a "smartphone" which means it is like a little mini computer - same kinda thing as an iPhone (just a fraction of the price). I can download applications from the Android Market (for all the Apple-tons this is the App Store - only most apps are free here) and so far, I have downloaded everything from the Bible (one of the things I had to have on the new phone, to a personal trainer, to a constellation mapper, to a guitar tuner, to an animal sounds player (very useful and popular with the young kids), to an ebook reader and even a guitar! It's totally cool. On top of that, I can access the Internet, use GPS, play games, sync to my PC, record audio, view documents, and I can even make phone calls! haha
One thing I learnt with the whole phone selection task was to wait on God's timing. Let me explain. I wanted a new phone for a few months now - since maybe October or November 2009, but every time I wanted to get it, Three would not allow me to upgrade yet. Each time, I saw a new phone that I thought would be the one that I was supposed to get, but each time, it just wasn't possible to upgrade. It wasn't until I discovered a deal online for this phone that I knew would be a green light to go ahead - the phone was free on the same cap I was on already, it came with three months of free credit, $100 credit on top, and my bro even found a way for me to get $50 back through some website thing (don't ask me to explain cos I still don't entirely get it myself - something to do with advertising and links or something). You can't really say no to that kind of value.
So I have a new phone now and a few weeks on, I am not having ANY buyer's remorse - which can only be a good thing, especially for someone who is a compulsive impulse shopper.
The phone is not just pretty-looking, it also has lots of great little features. It's a "smartphone" which means it is like a little mini computer - same kinda thing as an iPhone (just a fraction of the price). I can download applications from the Android Market (for all the Apple-tons this is the App Store - only most apps are free here) and so far, I have downloaded everything from the Bible (one of the things I had to have on the new phone, to a personal trainer, to a constellation mapper, to a guitar tuner, to an animal sounds player (very useful and popular with the young kids), to an ebook reader and even a guitar! It's totally cool. On top of that, I can access the Internet, use GPS, play games, sync to my PC, record audio, view documents, and I can even make phone calls! haha
One thing I learnt with the whole phone selection task was to wait on God's timing. Let me explain. I wanted a new phone for a few months now - since maybe October or November 2009, but every time I wanted to get it, Three would not allow me to upgrade yet. Each time, I saw a new phone that I thought would be the one that I was supposed to get, but each time, it just wasn't possible to upgrade. It wasn't until I discovered a deal online for this phone that I knew would be a green light to go ahead - the phone was free on the same cap I was on already, it came with three months of free credit, $100 credit on top, and my bro even found a way for me to get $50 back through some website thing (don't ask me to explain cos I still don't entirely get it myself - something to do with advertising and links or something). You can't really say no to that kind of value.
So I have a new phone now and a few weeks on, I am not having ANY buyer's remorse - which can only be a good thing, especially for someone who is a compulsive impulse shopper.
Sunday, 10 January 2010
post-vacation blues
Since coming back from holiday on Monday last week, I've had this unrelenting desire to do something. I think I was just too spoilt while travelling and I have become used to eating out, discovering new places, meeting up with people and just being on-the-go all the time. So coming back to sleepy Perth has taken a bit of adjustment. At the same time however, I really do appreciate being back home, having my wardrobe back (and not living out of a suitcase), sleeping in my own bed with my own pillow, having a decent shower (what is up with showers in hotels these days?? no water pressure!), and being with my family and friends. I guess I am pretty blessed. I'm also grateful that I live in the relatively unpopulated Perth where the weather is nice, the streets are clean, people are courteous (and conscious of hygiene), smoking is minimal, pollution is unheard of - my own little comfort zone :)
twenny-ten
Wow. I can't believe we're already more than a week into 2010. It didn't see like it was THAT long ago that I wrote down some resolutions for 2009, and just like that - the year was over. Looking back at my resolutions from last year, I am glad to say that I have somewhat achieved (or at least made a significant effort) most of them. I think my relationship with God has grown, I've read quite a few books (including finishing the Bible!), I've cut down on TV and shopping quite a bit (to the point now, that I can say I don't really watch TV much at all, and that shopping is no longer an addiction - still enjoyed, but I restrain myself too), I tried to pick up piano (and I can kinda play a few songs - albeit slowly with one or two mistakes - no chords yet, baby steps, baby steps!), err the get healthier one - that one kinda didn't eventuate (but I haven't put on any weight - which is good right?).
So I guess that leaves me with setting resolutions for this year. To be honest, I haven't really thought too much about what I want to achieve this year. But last night at Regeneration, we listened to one of my favourite sermons - Five Steps to Genuine Revival by Iain Paisley, and during the discussion that came afterwards, we talked about what we expected for Regeneration in the coming year.
Now Regen is a fellowship group that has been a real blessing to me since I started working and as such I really do love being a part of it. So for me, I really want to see this fellowship group grow in the Lord and for it to be a greenhouse of encouragement. It has changed for the better in the past year with the group becoming (by God's grace) a lot more open, trusting, loving, innovative and a real desire to learn God's Word together and pursue holiness has developed. I really want it to keep developing and as such, I realised (like how the late Michael Jackson realised when he said 'I'm starting with the man in the mirror') that I need to start with my self and try to change some things and enhance other things in my own life.
Firstly, I need to be less selfish and more loving. I need to put others first and deny myself. I need to love sacrificially and not always be focused on attending to my own needs or my own feelings. This, of course, will not happen in one year, but I need to start now.
Secondly, I need to pray more. Genuine pleading on my knees before God, being specific in confessing my sins, praising God for who He is and what He has done, opening my mouth wide and asking Him to do that which is beyond what I can ask or think, praying with faith, specifically. And I want to maintain regular attendance at Prayer Meeting.
I want to get into the practice of spending a day with God. I have never done this before in my whole Christian life and I really want to try.
Regular evangelism and being bold for Christ. I've recently fallen off the horse a little bit with this one, so I really need to get back into it.
Lastly, I want to try find ways to encourage others to learn and memorise God's Word. Some of us sisters have been trying to memorise Proverbs 31:10-31, and I've really enjoyed it. I want to help get others to do similar things to continue to equip ourselves for battle.
I really pray that God will help me with this and hopefully by blogging all the above, there is some kind of accountability for me to keep at it.
So I guess that leaves me with setting resolutions for this year. To be honest, I haven't really thought too much about what I want to achieve this year. But last night at Regeneration, we listened to one of my favourite sermons - Five Steps to Genuine Revival by Iain Paisley, and during the discussion that came afterwards, we talked about what we expected for Regeneration in the coming year.
Now Regen is a fellowship group that has been a real blessing to me since I started working and as such I really do love being a part of it. So for me, I really want to see this fellowship group grow in the Lord and for it to be a greenhouse of encouragement. It has changed for the better in the past year with the group becoming (by God's grace) a lot more open, trusting, loving, innovative and a real desire to learn God's Word together and pursue holiness has developed. I really want it to keep developing and as such, I realised (like how the late Michael Jackson realised when he said 'I'm starting with the man in the mirror') that I need to start with my self and try to change some things and enhance other things in my own life.
Firstly, I need to be less selfish and more loving. I need to put others first and deny myself. I need to love sacrificially and not always be focused on attending to my own needs or my own feelings. This, of course, will not happen in one year, but I need to start now.
Secondly, I need to pray more. Genuine pleading on my knees before God, being specific in confessing my sins, praising God for who He is and what He has done, opening my mouth wide and asking Him to do that which is beyond what I can ask or think, praying with faith, specifically. And I want to maintain regular attendance at Prayer Meeting.
I want to get into the practice of spending a day with God. I have never done this before in my whole Christian life and I really want to try.
Regular evangelism and being bold for Christ. I've recently fallen off the horse a little bit with this one, so I really need to get back into it.
Lastly, I want to try find ways to encourage others to learn and memorise God's Word. Some of us sisters have been trying to memorise Proverbs 31:10-31, and I've really enjoyed it. I want to help get others to do similar things to continue to equip ourselves for battle.
I really pray that God will help me with this and hopefully by blogging all the above, there is some kind of accountability for me to keep at it.
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
'Beloved' He beckons me...
It’s been a while since the last post, but I have been busy busy busy with camp preparation, camp itself, social engagements, work, playing host to interstate campers and preparing for my holiday this week. What a crazy time of the year. Camp was an amazing blessing. The year of preparation was well worth every second and every effort. Though there were times where I was tempted to believe that the labour was in vain, I again learned how much more I need to trust in my ever-faithful God. He truly blessed the camp, and I believe most campers have been impacted deeply in their spiritual walk.Basic things in every Christian’s life were re-examined in light of God’s love for His people, and Jesus’ love for His bride, the church. I found an all-new appreciation for reading my Bible, singing praises, confessing sins, and prayer.
This camp was unlike any other I had been to. There was a real atmosphere of prayer, honesty, fellowship and a genuine desire to seek a deeper relationship with God. I have never been so moved at a camp before (I don't think I have ever cried so much in a camp) and I think many others can say the same thing.
The camp theme song was so special. Every time I sing it, my heart wonders how God could love me with such an amazing and undeserved love - and it just makes me want to praise Him more and more. It was written by Sister Winnie (so so so talented) and I will share it here:
God's Wonderful Love
by Winnie Ho
How deep and how wide is God's wonderful love
I scarce cannot conceive
He gave His only Son to die for me
A sinner now set free
How faithful and true is God's wonderful love
His compassions never fail
He sees me through life's journey, joys and trials
He comforts and He heals
How condescending is God's wonderful love
The Almighty God cares for me
He chose me in His grace and mercy
"Beloved" He beckons me
How everlasting is God's wonderful love
No beginning and no end
He keeps me safely in His hand
In Him I rest content
CHORUS
O Lord! Such is Your wonderful love!
Have I loved You enough?
Have I lived for You?
Give me the true desire to leave my sinful ways
And to know and love You more each day
And cleave to You always
Friday, 13 November 2009
saying the un-say-able
I often say and do things which I really wish I could make people forget. I occasionally suffer from chronic verbal diarrhoea, where the delayed realisation that I have said or done something inappropriate dawns on me and makes me subsequently wish that I had access to one of these...
Hehe do you remember the neuralyzer from Men in Black?
But I also have the opposite problem (though admittedly this is not as common) of NOT saying things that I probably should. For example, I will see someone with their fly undone and just quickly look away rather than do the kind thing and let them know. In retrospect, it would be much kinder to tell them as soon as I noticed it because it would mean that less people would see and they would subsequently save a bit more face. Not saying anything (on the other hand) until much later, will of course mean that more people will have the opportunity to see the undone fly and the person will not only feel embarrassed that their fly was undone, but they will have the compounded embarrassment of having to fix the problem with more people realising what has just happened.
Early intervention is always the best cure!
Another thing I have a problem doing is letting people know when they have done something that has offended me, caused me to stumble or be discouraged. Though I may have been quite hurt, I tend to just grin and bear the situation, and just continue to stew on it. It's a very unhealthy cycle that I have going on here and I am fully aware of it, but it is something that I know that I need to do something about. By His grace, God has shown me that to leave things unsaid is wrong, and I do believe I am making some progression with this, albeit subtle.
I think my main barrier is the fear I may come across to the person as over-sensitive (which I guess I can be at times) and a hypocrite (because yes, I admit, I would have definitely said things in the past which would have had the same effect on others - or even worse, I could have done the very same thing that was done against me to cause me to be discouraged). Letting someone know their shortcomings is a tough thing to do, but it's biblical.
Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
I just really hope that God will help me to be able to take future wounds inflicted upon me too.
The second part of the verse is very true too - flattery is not only fake and deceitful, it can be a hinderance to spiritual growth too. By saying nice things about someone all the time and never saying anything about their weaknesses, the flattered person gets fooled into believeing that they have no cause for concern and therefore, no need to try improve. Though I love to be complemented (I mean seriously, who doesn't?), if someone is just saying nice things with no reason to do so other than mere flattery or to give you a false sense of friendship - I would rather them not say anything. I'm sure you know of someone who always says nice things to people's faces and then talks smack about them behind their back. Nobody really likes that kind of person.
In the same way, a lot of the time, people don't take criticism well (e.g. talking bad about someone who criticised them), and because this eventually becomes common knowledge, people avoid criticising them. These people end up becoming 'untouchable' but at the same time, will never really know what they could have become if they were to take on board what others say. And let's face it, that's pretty sad.
Though I can be as tough as nails on the outside, I'm often as soft as tofu on the inside. So I really hope and pray that God will show me how to give, take and apply criticism in my life.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
this time next week...
... I will be at the 'Top End'. Earlier this week, my work asked if anyone was interested in making a trip up north to help out the Darwin Office with some assessments and I jumped at the opportunity. I have never been to Darwin before and the thought of a mini-holiday was very appealing. I will be a spending next week there from Tuesday to Sunday. I'm pretty excited. Not just because it's a whole new place that I have never visited, but I also think it will be a really good spiritual getaway to spend some time away from Perth, do some reading, and see some of God's awesome creation (including some trademark wet season thunderstorms and lightning). And I also get to see some crocodiles! It's gonna be great!
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