Good Friday and Easter

More and more, people just see Good Friday and Easter as holidays and a time to eat lots of chocolate.

But Easter is so much more. Christians around the world spend time reflecting on the very great cost of the death of Jesus Christ. They also celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day.

Without the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, people are still trying to reach God. The story of Jesus Christ is God coming down to mankind. 

The public holidays provide the opportunity for you to find out more and make your own decision:

• Vision Christian Media
• Desiring God
• Life in 6 words

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall 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. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.  This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.  But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. John 3:16-21 (NIV)

I encourage you to do your own research, seek answers, find the Truth.

What is the value of your local community?

 What is the value of your local community?

An article on Scope tells us, "Communities play a pivotal role in promoting participation by serving as the foundation upon which social and civic engagement can flourish. They act as incubators for shared interests and values, providing a platform for individuals to come together, collaborate, and collectively address local issues." (reference Scope - The Importance of Social and Community Participation)

When you involve yourself in the fabric of your local community, you gain many benefits such as:

• friends!
• like-minded people who care about the same things that you do,
• teamwork,
• learning new skills and sharing your skills,
• mentoring others, 
• engaging in meaningful conversations 
• and achieving goals together.

Many other benefits come about because people in the community work together such as buildings, gardens, sporting events, festivals, raising funds to help those in need within the community, and building positive environments so those living in your local area have the opportunity to heal, to find a place where they belong.

How does your local community foster inclusion and opportunity for people to come together in like-minded activities?

Something as simple as a garden club where a group meets and visits each other's gardens, shares plants, and helps each other design new garden beds.

Maybe a group of men have decided to establish a "Mens shed" in the local town to promote  "bringing men together enabling them to lead a positive lifestyle while strengthening communities." (reference: https://mensshed.org/about-amsa/).

Other groups may be an amateur theatre company allowing people to present their on-stage flair or a festival committee that organises an annual community celebration.

Perhaps local markets that promote local produce and niche home-based businesses or a group of like-minded business people who get together to share ideas and encourage one another to build sustainable businesses in the local region.

Your local area may even have a group of like-minded individuals who work together to advocate on the community's behalf to the local council for improvements in your town.

How can you be positively involved and be part of the social fabric of your community?

Local Events in your community and region

Are you aware of the local events taking place in your community and region? Every week, communities across Australia plan, and host events to promote their towns, activities, festivals, and regular celebrations.

So how can you:

• find out about upcoming events
• participate in events
• promote events.

Finding out about events in your local community and region isn't all that difficult.  Simply begin by visiting your local information centre, googling, going to the local Facebook noticeboard for your town, or looking up your regional council events calendar.

There are always events and opportunities to connect with your community taking place.

For example:  Here in Yungaburra we have a monthly "Sunday afternoon in the park" event where local performers can showcase their bands and talent to our local community. (Reference: https://www.facebook.com/yungaburrarotunda).

My local community is always hosting events to encourage connection.  We have monthly markets, an annual book fair, monthly N-F-P group meetings for various interests, and groups that work together to promote our local environment, classic vehicles, sports, and the wider region.

Participating in events?  A suggestion is to simply attend some of the promoted events and take a look.  There's an opportunity to meet people and make connections.  You may find like-minded people and a group where you fit. 

Promoting events - what skills and talents do you have that could assist groups and n-f-p organisations to promote their events?  Can you use social media well or have the ability to write promos, take photos, or event planning?  Getting involved may mean some of your time, but your involvement helps to create a more positive community and a means of connection.

What do you know about your community?  How can you use your skills to enrich the area in which you live?  

Event Planning (don’t be afraid to ask for help)

 To successfully ensure your event runs smoothly, you will need help. Even a small-scale event runs better if you have help.

If you are planning a small afternoon tea for an executive group, it might be as simple as booking a table at a café and advising the date and time, plus any dietary needs, as well as advising tea/coffee preferences and who will be paying the invoice and how.

Larger events can run more smoothly if you enlist the help of others, whether paid staff or volunteers.

Some help you may need:

• A person assigned to the registration table to ensure delegates/attendees are registered and given any items for the events (program/sponsorship promos),

• Someone to collect speakers/presenters from the airport/train station, etc,

• Someone to help you oversee the final preparations of accommodation, catering, and staging (decorating).

• Someone to help you ensure permits/insurance and advertising are met.

Tip: Communication is key!  Ensure you provide regular communications to registered attendees, staff (and volunteers), sponsors, and your managers.

Ensure you keep invoices, receipts, and financial paperwork and continue to update the budget to reflect what is taking place.

Have your paperwork ready and together so that all agreements, insurance, permits, risk management and incident reports, etc. are easily found, should you need them.

Tip: write up a post-event report and note what was successful and what could have been better.  If asking attendees for comments, take note of both positive and negative comments for future planning.

Event Planning (so you have an idea)

So, you have an idea!  That’s great.  How do you execute this idea from simply that, an idea to an actual event?

When tasked with ensuring a successfully planned event, what are the first steps that you need to undertake?

Timeline and initial planning -

• What is the event for and who do you want to invite/expect? Will the event be open to the public, is registration required and is there a cost?

• What do you expect to achieve from this event,

• Budget and reporting - cost of event and costs to plan and execute event? How will you fund this event?

• Venue for the event (Risk Management and insurance, technical equipment required, staging of the event, security, permits (e.g. RSA),

• Date/s and time/s of event,

• Presenters and speakers – what is their availability and what needs do they have regarding accommodation, catering, transportation and health.

• Staffing requirements: will you have paid staff or volunteers, or a mixture?  What crews are needed for planning, set-up, working through the event, and then pulling down/tidying up.

• Advertising (Print/social media/website) and invitations – printed/online/ticket sales/registration),

• Required travel and accommodation – is access easy to transport people or park vehicles, will people need to fly or drive, can they use public transport?

• Catering for the event (food and beverages).

Whilst there is much to be considered and undertaken, with some forethought and proficient follow-up and planning, a successful outcome can be obtained.

Firstly, set up a timeline leading up to the event itself.  When is the event to be held – and what do you need to ensure that this will be a successful event?

As you will require funds to ensure a successful event, begin researching on costs of venue, catering, insurance, travel, advertising, staffing, registration, staging the event (how it is presented), technical equipment, cost of presenters/speakers, time needed for ensuring each person involved knows what their role is and how to undertake that role, etc.

Tip:  Have a “Plan A” and a “Plan B”

Diary planning and Scheduling meetings

 Diary planning…scheduling meetings!!!

Do you groan with frustration when this task is next on your list, or do you find it easy?  From many years of scheduling meetings and adding tasks, events, etc into different managers’ diaries, I have found that the main component of concise, well-planned diary management versus frustration, stress, and ‘pull-your hair-out’ diary planning and scheduling is one simple word:  Communication!

Communication is key to ensuring:

·        Meetings are planned with breaks, appropriate notes and reports, and travel time allowed (if required),

·        Meetings are concise and all attendees know the time allotted and the reason for the meeting,

·        The diary is well-maintained with appropriate information included and easy for the manager and assistant to review quickly.

When communication is poor, the secretary/assistant arranging meetings and scheduling the diary will be frustrated, not able to include appropriate documentation or information and then often feels that the task is overwhelming.  I have been in different areas of both paid and not-for-profit where people assigned to scheduling meetings put it off and then the meeting/s do not accomplish their purpose.

Some tips that may help:

·        I cannot stress enough how important COMMUNICATION is to successfully plan meetings.

·        Review daily/weekly the meetings that need to be arranged and book them as early as possible.

·        Gather all documentation required (reports/data/plans) and have the required number of copies ready for attendees.

·        You may find using color coding in the diary system helpful.

·        Ensure an email is sent after you have phoned to book an appointment, confirming the appointment/meeting.

·        Send a follow-up email 24 hours prior to the meeting as a confirmation.

·        If you need to postpone/cancel a meeting, do so as early as possible and if required, re-book.

·        Have your scheduled meeting list ready and all your folders/documents together so that you can quickly access the required information.

Communicate with co-workers/volunteers as required to advise when you will be available to speak between meetings so that interruptions are kept to a minimum.

Hopefully, some of these tips are helpful and I am sure you will have more to add from your years of experience.

 

Following up Post Meeting

 One of the key points I have learned over the past 30+ years of working in the N-F-P areas and participating in meetings is that having an ‘Action Sheet’, or ‘Follow-up post meeting’ sheet for the different people involved is a very helpful document.

So, what I am talking about?

You attend a meeting, take notes, type minutes, correspondence, etc. as a secretary.  You send out the final minutes, and a week before the next meeting, one of the managers/directors, etc. will contact you asking what they were supposed to complete before the upcoming meeting? So, you scurry through the last set of minutes trying to note where they were assigned tasks and then collate all you’ve found to send to them.

One way I have learned to overcome this issue from many years of experience writing minutes is to have an ‘action sheet’ where I note the tasks to be completed by different portfolios/managers as I am finalizing the minutes to be sent out.

You may have one sheet and note all actions with the name of the assigned person and perhaps a ‘tick box’   next to their name; alternatively, you may choose to have a sheet per portfolio/manager and list for them all their assigned tasks.  It would be very helpful to them if you also include where in the minutes each task has been assigned to them.

Example:

Name of Portfolio:                           XXXX XXXXXXXX

Minutes of Meeting:                       XX – XX XXXX

Tasks Assigned:

             Item #                                 Task: ______________________________________________

             Item #                                 Task: ______________________________________________

 

This step in your finalizing minutes and post-meeting steps will assist, not only you but also the portfolios/managers who have been assigned tasks.

You may think, well it’s their responsibility, and that is true, however, as the secretary/administrator, it helps you to be a positive communicator.

 

 

Reporting

If you attend general meetings of different organizations, and if you hold any portfolio position, then you may need to provide a written report of activity for the area you oversee.

Reporting about the activity of the area of management under your portfolio ensures that there is accountability, and the opportunity to ask for assistance, or additional resources for the daily oversight of the area/programs/activities.

Ensure the correct reporting period is clearly shown on the report, along with who is reporting, and position, and what the report is about.

Gather any information from your team, collected information and data, and clients that you know need to be included for reporting. 

Example 1: a sports club coach may include the number of players across each age group, the number of games played in the reporting period, and any incidents, equipment required, or upcoming training events that require funding.

Example 2: a manager of a Not-For-Profit retail area may include the number of employees or volunteers, how much stock was put through the retail for the reporting period, any incidents/sick leave/staff rotation issues, what maintenance is required in the retail section and how much profit/loss with a breakdown of income and expenses.

Read through your report for typing errors, and to ensure it is concise and clear when reading.

You may also like to include a summary of recommendations/issues to be addressed at the end of your report – this helps the minute secretary and the other portfolio managers when they are looking for your recommendations.

Don’t forget to submit your report by the required date and to the correct person/s.

One last tip! Ensure you have a copy (either printed/digital) with you for the meeting so that you can easily refer to recommendations/notes/points that others in the meeting ask you.

Prepare for your meeting

How do you feel when you are rushing to a meeting with sticky notes, and pieces of paper flying about, and you are looking for a pen that works!  We know that this is NO way to be prepared to go into a meeting.  When you are rushed, ill-prepared, and do not have the information you need on hand, the meeting will be a disaster of distress, frustration, and unmet expectations.

How can you be prepared so that the above-mentioned situation is not what you are dealing with? Simply, be prepared – get organized!

1.   Schedule time in the days preceding the meeting to read through all material sent.

2.   Have your agenda ready (printed/digital) and ensure you have advised the person assigned to prepare the agenda; any items you want to have included for discussion.

3.      Read through any reports prior to the meeting and have your notes/questions ready.

4.  Read through the previous minutes, noting anything you are supposed to have completed (and ensure it’s done).

5.      If you are bringing items to the meeting for discussion, have your notes and research collated.

6.      Have your pen and paper ready, or your digital device (and ensure it is charged).

7.      Be well hydrated and rested.

These are some simple steps that you can take to help be prepared for an upcoming meeting.  Entering a meeting feeling calm and confident, with the correct materials on hand, will assist you in communicating through the discussions that will take place and working towards amicable, achievable decisions.

Remember, reflect, renew

 Remember:        Up to this moment, your life has been a series of events – joyful events and trials. Anyone who says they have never been through difficulties is lying or a narcissist.

Trials are hard to endure through, yet we often grow the most in these times – in our character and showing our values, if we are willing to learn from the experience.

“The dry seasons in life do not last.The spring rains will come again.” —Sarah Ban Breathnach

Reflect:                As you reflect on life up to this moment, ask yourself honestly, “How am I doing?” Often, we don’t want to reflect on the challenges, yet when we take the mask off, then reflection can be useful in helping us grow and move forward. Reflect on the positives as well.  What can you be thankful for?

“Reflect on the past, embrace the present, and create a brilliant future.”

 Renew:                In this new year, what do you want to change? What areas of your life need work, and how can you express gratitude? What change will you make in your habits?

“Endings are the launchpad for new beginnings. Take the leap and soar high.”

Remember at Christmas

Christmas is almost here! There's an air of excitement, Christmas carols, events, parties, concerts, worship services, and preparations. However, this time of the year can also be quite lonely and even stressful for many.

Let us remember that our Lord Jesus Christ was not born in a fancy mansion or a private hospital. He wasn't gifted hundreds of clothes and toys. The Innkeeper didn't even have a spare room for Mary to rest in.  She ended up in an animal shelter and laid her newborn son in a manger (animal feeding trough).

Yet, the angels appeared to shepherds praising God and the shepherds went and saw the newborn Son of God. They spread the word about this baby and praised God for all the things they had heard and seen.

So Christmas is not about how many gifts are under the tree.  It is not about how much food the table can hold. It's not about how much money you spend.  

Christmas is about being thankful.  

Thankful firstly to God, who loved us so much, that He sent His Son to be our savior. 

Thankful that Mary was obedient to the angel's message from God.  

Thankful that the Bible is full of promises to us. 

Be thankful that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, chose to obey God and give his life for us. 

Thankful that we can celebrate with our families (however they may be made up). 

Let us be thankful that we have a future with God if we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

Perhaps you can be 'someone' who can share what you have with those who may not have much to celebrate or someone who is lonely, or doesn't have family around them?

Titus 3:4-5 tells us, "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit".  

We are not saved by what we do - we cannot save ourselves by doing good things, good works, and being good people.  We are saved simply by accepting the amazing gift that is offered to us by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  

Over this Christmas period, why don't you check for yourself what the Bible says?

• Acts 4:12
• John 3;16-18
• John 14:6
• Matthew 7:21
• Matthew 19:25-26
• Ephesians 2:8-9
• Romans 3:23
• Acts 16:30-33

The power of friendship - Karl Faase interviews Sheridan Voysey live

Who can you call at 2:00 am when everything has gone wrong?  I was observing Karl Faase from Olive Tree Media interviewing Sheridan Voysey about "The Power of Friendship".

A remarkably interesting conversation and far too short! However, from watching this interview, it is challenging to reflect on:

• busyness.
• valuing my friendships.
• being intentional about growing and deepening my friendships.
• Who are the people who find it hardest to build friendships?
• Friendships include boundaries and respect.
• Social media and how this has changed our relational interactions.
• Having healthy conversations that build our friendships. Healthy conversations also include the difficult discussions that occur.
• Have we lost the ability to handle conflict?

I encourage you to watch the interview and make your own observations.

For more information: www.friendshiplab.org   

Preparation is key!

Have you heard the saying, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." There's wisdom in this saying.

I've often heard, "Well I'm spontaneous", or "I'll get to that when I'm good and ready."

Honestly, if I didn't plan and ensure a good workflow, then deadlines would be missed, and people would become frustrated because the documents and information they are waiting on to complete tasks would not be in their hands in time.

I am not saying that being spontaneous is not a good thing.  However, in preparing for board meetings, or any meeting, you should be planning well.

How can you plan well so that you don't fail?

• Planning for a board meeting takes time.  Do not leave planning and preparation until the last minute.
• Prepare your own report and ensure the other board directors are aware of the date and time their reports and any research briefs or sub-committee recommendations are due.
• Prepare an agenda for the meeting and distribute it with enough time for directors to read and make their notes in preparation.
• Ensure you are aware of what recommendations are being brought to the meeting and decisions that require noting.
• Ensure all relevant documents for the meeting are made available to each director and have access to a digital copy.
• Having your 'draft' minutes on hand on your device/laptop can assist in ensuring you record all relevant decisions and information.  If you choose to handwrite, then ensure you have your notepad and several pens (colored highlighters help).
• Have your paperwork and notes ready to go in an easy-to-find location on your laptop or printed in a folder marked for that meeting.
• Ensure your mobile and other devices are on silent so that you are not distracted throughout the meeting.
• Ensure you have adequate hydration, rest, and food before the meeting, and 'be present' in the meeting.  As the person recording minutes, you must be aware of the discussion happening and if you are unsure of a final decision, request clarification.

Planning and preparation are essential elements for any board/executive secretary undertaking a role in the meeting.  

How can you plan well, so that failure is not an option?

Are we thankful or thankless?

 Are we thankful people? 

Many of us would automatically say, "Yes!"  But here is the challenge - when life is 'good', it is not difficult to be thankful.  However, when we are in the trials of everyday life, or a traumatic event, suddenly, being thankful is not so easy, and we can become thankless.

People do not like going through trials, however, often our character, disposition, and attitude are tested and refined through such experiences.

The definition of 'thankful' - happy or grateful because of something.

The definition of 'thankless' - unlikely to be appreciated.

How do we remain thankful instead of being thankless, in challenging times?  

Some ideas:

• Pray - prayer is powerful,
• step back and adjust expectations,
• celebrate tiny steps forward,
• choose to smile when you see a sunrise or sunset,
• hold onto joy (not happiness),
• cling to the Lord - call on Him, communicate with Him, sing to Him, worship Him,
• seek out grateful people and be around them,
• write down three things you are grateful for each day,
• read Scripture.

1 Corinthians 1:4-6 provides insight into where Paul expresses his gratitude and thankfulness for the Corinthian believers, who have been enriched by God’s grace and gifts in Christ. 

When we pray for people, regardless of their situation, 1 Corinthians 1:4-6 is a passage that you can include to show thankfulness to God for those in your life, especially our Christian brothers and sisters.

Thankfulness is a choice.  We can choose to be thankful or thankless. Regardless of the circumstances each of us might currently be undergoing, we still have a choice.

If we are to make a change, then being thankful regardless of circumstances, is a conscious decision.  I am not saying that what we go through is not real; it's often very painful and difficult.  However, the challenge for us is to check our attitudes and choose to not become offended or bitter.  If you are around a thankless person, there is bitterness and offense.   When you are around a person, who is undergoing trials, yet chooses to be thankful, you are refreshed and have joy, hope, and peace. 

The challenge today:   are you a thankful OR a thankless person?

How might you show you are thankful today?

Taking a journey

Recently we travelled to a small mining town approximately 88 km east of Charters Towers.  Ravenswood is a historic town that was established in the late 1800s when gold was discovered.

Although you may think there is not much to see, we found that even two days didn't provide enough time to discover and explore.

Setting out on this adventure meant driving hours from the cool tropical area of Yungaburra, down the east coast, and then back inland. However, once we arrived at the Railway Hotel in Ravenswood, we were greeted and provided wonderful accommodation, amazing food, and locals who love to have a yarn...or two!

We began exploring the town and finding all sorts of 'treasures', which we took photos of because it's so important to NOT take things away from the town. There are chimneys, old machinery, and treasures that locals have collected and now display.  If you enjoy looking at historical items and reading about how the mines operated and the stories of people who lived there, you will find a treasure trove of information and items .

We enjoyed coffee at one of the local businesses where the building had many items on display and beautifully painted lofty ceilings. Walking through the buildings around the town, the sense of pride that the original builders is emphasized.

However, the highlight of the trip was the local people.  They are so friendly, providing local knowledge and history, and happy to stop and chat. Calling into the Post Office and general store to have ice cream or visiting the local courthouse museum area, and Catholic Church building or Thorps building provide insight into the history of the area.

This small but memorable town should not be underestimated.  It is worth the visit. Perhaps visiting in the cooler months might be a consideration, but I encourage you to visit the smaller out-of-the-way towns, you will find there is so much to explore and take the time to chat with the locals, they are friendly and welcoming, and you learn so much more than what's in the travel brochures and websites.

Take the first step of the journey, especially in your own backyard, and set out on an adventure!

Birthdays

How do you feel about birthdays?

It's an interesting topic to observe.  Throughout much of my life, I have worked on my birthday, either in a paid role or a not-for-profit role.  It's been rare that I have been 'off work' on my birthday.  

Last year was an exception and one I really enjoyed. My birthday (the actual day) was day one of a trip to Cape York, traveling along with friends as we explored the remote stretches of Far North Queensland! I had requested and been granted leave for this trip.

However, in all my years of work, both paid and unpaid, I have never taken the day off, just because it is my birthday.  Through the years, I have observed that many people call in 'sick' or just don't turn up to work, because they are celebrating their birthday. Some I have spoken with say, it's their right.  Now, I understand that for some people, their birthday is highly valued, but what they may fail to understand, is that not coming to fulfill your employment contract, simply because you want to celebrate, puts strain on the employer and your fellow co-workers.

So how might you celebrate your special day of birth and still be considerate of others?

• communicate with your employer. If you want the day off work, negotiate the time through annual leave or a rostered day off.
• negotiate time off during the day if you are having lunch with family or friends.
• plan time to celebrate after work with family and/or friends.

What I have written may cause some readers to 'get their backs up'!

Just not turning up to work, creates concern and potential resentment.  Birthdays are important, however, so are fulfilling your commitments to your workplace (whether paid or voluntary) and clients.

Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (NIV)

Celebrating our birthday by serving others - now that is something to think about.

Taking Time

Taking time…to do what?  How many jobs do you undertake each day?  Do you stop and take a breath, to look around and enjoy the day?  So often, we are too busy doing it, instead of taking some time to breathe.

Let’s look at what you may be undertaking each day:

• Preparation of meals

• General cleaning of home (vacuuming, mopping floor, making beds, wiping down                    benches, etc.)

• Laundry

• Gardening and lawn maintenance

• Payment of bills and oversight of finances

• Booking appointments (medical, financial, education, etc.)

• Decluttering and organization of space.

Now take time to stop, grab a coffee (or tea), go outside, and breathe.  Why not take 5-10 minutes to be in the sun, and just enjoy those moments.  Taking time to just be ‘you’.  

Life becomes busy, so how do you stay on top of everything without becoming overwhelmed?

• Write down the jobs you need to achieve each day, that week, over the month
• Declutter and organize your home space so that you can ‘breathe.’
• Look at the jobs you are undertaking and take on one or two each day that you really don’t want to do and then tackle some of the jobs that you know are not too much to get done.

Take time to just enjoy life.  If we are so busy doing things, and not taking time to enjoy life, then perhaps we need to re-evaluate what we value?

When life seems to be spinning on a slow wheel

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 knows you by your name. Isaiah 43:1

• You are chosen.  1 Peter 2:9

• A masterpiece – God doesn’t make second-best. Ephesians 2:10

During the tedious times when life is spinning on a slow wheel, why not choose to:

• Try something new – a hobby, change of routine, sport.

• Begin a study on a book in the Bible.  You may like to look at Jude, Obadiah, Philemon, 2 John, and 3 John.

• Be intentional about catching up with friends or people with whom you are acquainted and get to know them better.

Each day we can make the decision to show gratitude and express gratefulness, even in the ‘slow wheel’ times.

The Value of Praying Together

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 unity! Psalm 133:1
•  They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1:14
• They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
• So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. Acts 12:5 (read whole passage)
• I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Romans 15:30.

The value of praying together brings us closer to one another, we can encourage when life is good and when life crashes over us, like storm waves.  We can fellowship together.

“Fellowship is a relationship of inner unity among believers that expresses itself in outer co-participation with Christ and one another in accomplishing God’s will on earth.” Read more about The importance of Fellowship here.

We can study God's word together, and bring before the Lord, those who are undergoing difficult circumstances because of their faith or have health or other issues. We can intercede for our community and the society in which we live.

But most importantly, we can pray together to acknowledge and praise the Lord for his never-ending kindness and love towards us.  We can bring him honor, we can confess those areas in our lives which we struggle with, confess our sins, and seek forgiveness from God.

We build up each other (it's called edification) and strengthen our connection together as a family in the Lord.

Yes, we may be feeling vulnerable, but we can also learn from one another and lean on each other.

The value of prayer should never be underestimated.  The love that our Saviour, Jesus Christ, has for us, should never be diminished.  We need to value one another and value the privilege of the opportunity to pray together.

How are you tracking in 2023?

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 right, but the Lord weighs the heart.'

we need:

• The Lord in our lives.  That is a personal relationship with our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Find out more here.
• Wisdom - we find this by reading and obeying Scripture.
• Allowing the Lord to direct us by the Holy Spirit.
• Living out our faith each day (not just the day you go to meet with fellow believers).

So often, we make resolutions to change something about ourselves or our situations. However, change starts within our hearts and minds, and flows out in our actions.

Do you want to change a habit? There needs to be an action, not just a thought.  To make a change, real change in our lives means being consistent and practicing. Becoming consistent and practicing can be uncomfortable, even challenging. 

Determine to make small, specific steps that build from nothing to something.  For example, you may want to read the whole Bible in one year, yet reading the long lists of names and laws becomes tedious.  You may choose to download an App and action a reading plan that has audio as well as a short devotional which takes 5-10 mins whilst you are having morning coffee to begin your day.

You may like to increase your savings so create a savings tracker, and an account where each week a small amount of money is deposited.  Being able to start an i-saver account in your online banking is so easy in today's world.  This is just one example for you to kick-start ideas.

As you reflect on where you began in January 2023 to now, make some notes and observations on your journey.  How will you adjust what you are doing to reach the resolution?

How are you tracking in your life, in your goals, and in your faith in 2023?