LIFE CHANGING COMMUNITY

Somewhere between the end of the financial year and Christmas, are a few months that seem endless. In my region, the annual agricultural shows and public holidays are over. Apart from a few local festivals and spring events, at this time each year, life can feel like ‘spinning a slow wheel.’ Everyone becomes a little tired as the year presses on, or they are coming out of winter and into spring. You would think living in the tropics, the migration of winter to spring would not affect us, but it appears so. Come early November, everyone gains a spark again, and we have end-of-year celebrations and often holidays in our planning. Living life during the challenging times when everything is an endless roll of getting ‘stuff’ done, can seem monotonous. Now is a wonderful time to recall that: • God loves You! John 3:17-17 • If you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you are a child of God. 1 John 3:1 • Forgiven. Acts 13:38-39 • You are precious to God.  Isaiah 43:4 • God kn

This is a 'what do you value' question.  Do you value opportunities to pray with fellow Christians? We talk about prayer, and we say how important prayer is, or should be, in our lives.  But, and yes there is a BUT, how often do we engage in prayer with others?  Chatting with a friend a couple of weeks ago, a comment was said, 'We should pray'.  How I valued my friend's wise discernment that, yes, after our wonderful time catching up, we were able to pray together as fellow Christians. Prayer is not easy for many people. Most of us keep prayer as requests to the Lord, superficial, and often we have a list of petitions.  But real, honest prayer means being honest, vulnerable, and genuine.  The value of praying together ( some Scripture.  I encourage you to search for more scripture passages): Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unit

At the beginning of a new year, many people make resolutions.  The reasons to make a resolution/s vary from changing careers to losing weight or becoming healthier. Interestingly, reading the article from finder.com.au    I noted that having or increasing their families isn't a resolution.  Buying a home is not in the top five activities. However, eating more healthily and saving more money are at the top of the list. So how are you tracking in 2023? Our resolutions often are made to improve our physical or financial needs.  But what about our spiritual needs?  'It takes wisdom to build a house and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; It takes knowledge to furnish its rooms with fine furniture and beautiful draperies. It’s better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day. Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel.' Proverbs 24:3-5 (The Message) Proverbs 21:2 says, 'A person may think their own ways are r

Recent articles that I've read advise against multi-tasking.  If you are multi-tasking, you are likely to become less efficient in your job/role.  I smiled, reading these articles and social media posts.  One question I had was, 'Do any of these writers have experience as receptionists or front office staff'?  Working for many years in both front of the office and in the back of the office, I am aware of the different demands on how you manage your time and tasks. Introducing streamlined processes is not to be less efficient.  Streamlined processes are to ensure that the work requiring detail and research is given sufficient time and diligence. However, if you are tasked to prepare detailed reports, and ensure that the reception area, phone calls, and emails are dealt with simultaneously, then it may become difficult to accomplish all tasks in a timely manner without either a less-than-acceptable report, or staff becoming frustrated and flustered, which unfortunately, shows

One of the joys of working from home is that you are in 'your space'.  However, working from home also means organizing, creating a peaceful space to allow creativity and thrive, and keeping it simple. There are challenges to working from home.   Simple points such as: not being distracted by clutter, noise, or household jobs, being present in getting your work completed and not distracted by scrolling on social media, ensuring your family and friends know that you have set times when you are working, and not available to socialize, even though you are physically at home, keeping your space clean and tidy so that distractions of clutter or accumulation of piles don't deter you from completing assigned workloads. How could you minimize distractions? Set time aside weekly to clean your office space and go through any piles of accumulated paperwork, etc, Set time aside daily to ensure that you have completed simple tasks before you begin working in your home office.  (Making y

Many people make a team.  How you or management treat can determine whether the team is cohesive, excited, encouraging, and forward-thinking, or, in dissension, disheartening, reactionary, and critical. So, how can you value your staff and/or volunteers? One simple step is simply saying 'Thank you'! But do not just say the words, follow up with action. You may choose to hold a monthly or bi-monthly morning tea, encouraging your team to engage with one another and build their working relationships and discuss the challenges and successes within their areas of volunteering or work. Communication  I cannot emphasize enough how important communication is to value your team, whether paid or volunteer.  Regular, open communication is vital to building an effective team that is cohesive, excited, and working well together. Equip Your Team Your team is unable to effectively engage in their roles if they are not equipped with resources and training.  In many industries, "toolbox ta

 Recently, I posted on my social media pages a few thoughts about how often women are asked, "What do you do for a job?" As I've reflected further on this issue, I am encouraged that as women, we have been given the ability by God to encourage, love, and nurture others, even under immense pressure and responsibility. In a world that so often defines us by our accomplishments, looks, dress code, and what we own, we can forget that God created us. Scripture tells us, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."  Ephesians 2:10 What am I? When considering this question - the first part of the answer is that I am a child of God, saved and forgiven, a believer in Jesus Christ. Secondly, my job description now encompasses financial director, executive housekeeper, event planner and coordinator, diary manager, and secretarial administrator. Reading the stories of Esther and Ruth reminds us that thes

So, you’ve just come out of the weekly/monthly/quarterly general meeting of your organization or not-for-profit.   What is next? Herein lies one big issue. Everyone in that meeting will either be required to undertake actions from the meeting, or you have just compiled a list of notes that are filed away, never to become exposed again. During the meeting, actions should be assigned to people within the meeting. How can you assist, as the minute taker? As soon as possible post-meeting (within 24 hours), arrange concise notes, which clearly show WHO is responsible for an action. Ensure that any relevant points about each resolution are included In your notes, include the date, time, and location of the meeting, attendees (include apologies), topics discussed, and all decisions made. Ensure people understand clearly who is allocated to action which resolutions and action items. The minutes (or summary) should include the topic/s discussed, the resolution, a timeline, if necessary, wha

How Tight Do You Hold On - to people, to things, to past experiences? Enjoying our relationships, the material items that surround us, and the amazing experiences that we encounter or plan, provide memories that we can reflect on throughout our life. The ability to let go - of people, items, and experiences is difficult. However, if we hold too tight and are unable to let go, we risk losing the opportunity to meet new people, and experience new adventures or release some of our possessions and bless others by helping to meet their needs. Why is it hard to let go?  Why do we hold on so tight?   seeking affection, seeking fulfillment, trust, encountering a misunderstanding with another, wanting to have what we were unable to as a child, wanting to give our children or loved ones the things they did not have growing up, seeking to fill our lives with things so we appear successful, seeking love, seeking satisfaction security, comfort. “You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that

Have you ever opened your email inbox and then groaned as you read the volume of messages?   One complaint many business operators, managers, and N-F-P volunteers make is about the numerous emails they receive. Life is busy without the endless stream of emails, often having nothing to do with the day-to-day running of the organization. You ask for one downloaded report from a specific website, and suddenly you are inundated with emails from that company providing 'offers'. You volunteer and take on a position within a not-for-profit organization and again, you become overwhelmed with emails. How do you manage the volume and work out what is necessary to respond to? You may like to consider having sub-folders within your email inbox where you quickly look over emails and then assign them to the appropriate sub-folder in order of importance. For example, you may choose to have an "Action Now" sub-folder, or several project folders. There are many ways to organize your i

Currently, I'm preparing progress reports for upcoming meetings. As this year progresses, I have been considering how to achieve a concise, straightforward way to ensure that each report delivered covers relevant information. If you are reporting to different organizations and in different portfolios, then ensuring you are communicating clearly and concisely will help make better use of your time. There are numerous ways to draft your report. You may choose to use paragraphs, bullet points, or sub-headings.  Some organizations may have a proforma template that each person or departmental manager uses. From writing many progress reports over the years here are a few tips I have learned that might be helpful to consider: address report to the appropriate manager or board. be concise. be current (don't write on events or projects that are out-of-date, unless the historical value adds to the report). ensure you address the areas over which you manage. if part of your report, ensure

Looking through the Psalms, I've noticed numerous times when we're instructed to sing or shout to the Lord. Psalm 96:1-2 (NIV) tells us, "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name, proclaim his salvation day after day." Again, Psalm 98:1 (NIV) says, "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things;" Some so many talented artists write and record worship songs to tell of what the Lord is doing - marvelous things! There is no reason to not worship the Lord Jesus. We have no reason to grumble that we don't know what to sing!  If you cannot find a song to sing, then I encourage you to begin reading the Psalms.  Are you struggling to pray?  Read the Psalms aloud to the Lord as your prayer. Out in the countryside by yourself?  Maybe shout out a Psalm to the Lord.  That will get the attention of the local animals 😉 However, you decide to pray - 'singing and shouting' are some ways to e

Some people may ask why recording notes (minutes) of a meeting are important. The recording of decisions made provides a written record that can be referred to in the future, provide approval for actions to be implemented, and is kept as a historical reference. The ability of the person to take minutes should be recognized. The ability to write or type notes while being immersed in the discussion, requires the minute taker to be prepared, well-organized, and multitasking. Accurately recording all decisions made, ensures a documented reference for the group or organization of actions to be undertaken and completed. The person taking minutes should record in a way that is not biased and provides enough information to show why the decision was made yet be concise. The ability to listen well and type/write quickly is essential.  If the meeting is over several days, or there are numerous items to be discussed and resolved, having a second person take notes is helpful. The notes can then be

Recently I read a devotional about the importance of sleep. You can read it here . Reflecting on this devotional, about the importance of rest, brought a realization that whilst we need to ensure we work and meet our obligations and commitments unless we are well rested and refreshed, our ability to do all we've committed to will be comprised. After so many years of running on almost empty, health and the ability to rest well becomes compromised. Once this occurs, it is difficult to maintain keeping up with commitments, resentment can occur, and work performance and health are impaired. Psalm 3:5 says, "I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me." What are some ways we can ensure we are having adequate rest? Say No.  There are times when we need to say no. Without refreshment, we cannot fulfill the commitments made. So, review your commitments to helping others, and do a few well, instead of having resentment trying to do many. Be polite in declining

Many people think that if they use long, flowery sentences then their writing will be more appreciated.  However, in our busy, information-filled daily life, many people appreciate someone who provides concise, clear information. What does concise mean?  From the Mirriam-Webster dictionary , concise is explained as, "marked by brevity of expression or statement: free from all elaboration and superfluous detail". For example, when writing a progress report, keep your information clear, accurate, and concise. The information presented should relate to the assigned portfolio position and provide accountability and progress to those to whom the report will be presented to. You may choose to use tables, dot points, or main headings with key points following. Something I have learned in a new N-F-P role recently is to have a summary at the end of my report providing succinct points and recommendations for the upcoming meeting. Whatever way you choose to present your information to

Wouldn't be easy if life were always enjoyable, fun, and relaxed? In an ideal fantasy that may happen, however, if we are real with each other and ourselves, we know that life is not always easy.  Often, it is fraught with challenges and difficulties. Yet, in times of trials and hardship, we grow.  Our thinking is challenged, causing us to reevaluate what is important, and what can be left behind. No one enjoys the challenging times in our lives. Do you stop and listen to those who have overcome difficulties in their lives? I don't mean just hearing the story, but really listening. If you truly listen, hear the message of what they went through but more importantly, hear the message of how they have grown through the challenges thrown at them. What challenges have you encountered in your life? Everything was going very well, life was enjoyable.  Suddenly, an unexpected challenge of employment, health, or housing stands up against you like a giant threatening you.  How do you re

How important is communication? The dictionary defines communication as “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior”, “a verbal or written message”, and “a technique for expressing ideas effectively”. Communication is an essential skill, not only in your personal and community relationships but also in your workplace.  Do you stop and truly listen to those around you?  If you remain quiet and listen to what your colleagues and work friends talk about, it may surprise you that communication, or lack of it, is often referred to. How can communication in the workplace improve?  If you are an employer, director, manager, supervisor, or team leader, make time in your diary to ensure you meet with your staff/team.  Don’t talk down to them, ask them questions about how they view the company/business/organization, ask them how they view communication between the different areas of the business.  You may choose to

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘intentional’?  Do you think, being purposeful, or taking a deliberate action that lines up with your beliefs, and values? Many people have heard or read the verse from Proverbs 16:3, which states, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” One passage that has been important to me is from Philippians 4:6-7, which states, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” If we are not intentional then we simply flounder, make sub-standard decisions that cause distress to those around us, and make a mark against our character. Being intentional, as stated in the  dictionary , says “done with intention or on purpose”. So, what does this mean for you and me? Are we intentional? Does what we do matter?  I believe tha

Bible Verse to reflect on Psalm16:11 (MSG) Just as walking with God directs us onto the right path, having a well-designed workspace can help us excel in our chosen field of expertise. It's helpful to create a space where you can create, reflect, and work from.  By following these tips, you can create a space that is both functional and inspiring, helping you stay motivated and focused on your goals. Use natural light to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Incorporate reflective surfaces such as mirrors or metallic accents to add to the radiance. Choose colors that evoke joy and positivity, such as sunny yellows or calming blues. Create a focal point in the room that represents your life's purpose, such as an inspiring quote or a piece of art that speaks to you. Incorporate elements of nature such as plants or natural materials to create a sense of grounding and connection. Choose furniture and decor that is functional and comfortable, so that you can fully enjoy and enga

  You've read the saying, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail! Being organized and ensuring you have your day planned out, helps in planning to succeed, instead of planning to fail. Over many years, I have watched many people both succeed and fail.  Some tell me, "I just go with the flow!", or "I can't plan past the new couple of days, it's just too far."  Others tell me how they have planned out their goals and what actions will need to be undertaken up to a year or more ahead so that they have the best possible chance of success.  The difference between these two types?   Simply, it's having an action plan in place and ensuring that they consistently work towards the goal they have set rather than "let's hope for the best". This quote, I think sums up 2023 for me and part of what I want to achieve:  "To be successful at anything, you must simply be what most people aren't: Consistent."  (Anon) How can you begin t