Definition: A favorable judgement given in the absence of full evidence...
Practical Application: Every time someone says something that can be interpreted negatively, or stops talking as you walk into a room, or when others are in conversation across the room and look at you and laugh, if someone appears to deliberately delay something or be difficult, or sometimes even if someone looks at you funny...
It is far too easy to presume something negative has been said or thought by others, to presume others have been talking about you or are hiding things from you. Women, this can be especially relevant for us, as many tend to overthink/analyse people's comments and reactions and all too soon we can develop negative feelings towards a person because of something that may not have been intended at all! Sound familiar? We live in a generation that is far too untrusting, suspicious, cynical and negative, and those old fashioned niceties like the benefit of the doubt are disappearing.
Besides from making life far nicer for yourself by thinking more positively about others, it can often diffuse a somewhat difficult atmosphere by ignoring those comments which could be negatively interpreted by not letting them get to you. Try giving "favorable judgement in the absence of full evidence" this week. This is not being naive, but trusting.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Myers Briggs
Everyone is different. We all know that.
But yet all too often we expect others to think and behave in certain ways, and struggle to communicate with people who are different. At BCM the second year cadets are forced to work in groups for a month at a time to acheive a module topic. By the end of these weeks true personalities can start to show as niceness is pushed aside.
I've been observing the Myers Briggs personality types coming to play in very obvious ways when people are stressed or panicking. Some people get stuck on the small details which frustrate those who are just wanting to get the thing done. The ideas people offer many off topic suggestions which can frustrate those who have just spent hours researching to understand the last idea. Some can be far too careful making sure everyone is feeling ok about things while others can be insensitive pushing the task through to the end.
No approach is wrong and no approach is completely right. We are all different and 'special' and thats just how we are wired and function. Each person has thier own way of doing things and this works, for them. We all need to understand and be reminded that other people do not think or behave like us, no matter how much we try to make them understand!!!
Luckily, at the end of the day this is a place full of Christians. Alot of forgiveness, humbleness, grace and understanding is expressed through these groups and session. We know we don't have to like each other all the time, but are called to love each other regardless. And even if that gets hard, well, theres only 8 months to go and we'll never have to see each other again...
But yet all too often we expect others to think and behave in certain ways, and struggle to communicate with people who are different. At BCM the second year cadets are forced to work in groups for a month at a time to acheive a module topic. By the end of these weeks true personalities can start to show as niceness is pushed aside.
I've been observing the Myers Briggs personality types coming to play in very obvious ways when people are stressed or panicking. Some people get stuck on the small details which frustrate those who are just wanting to get the thing done. The ideas people offer many off topic suggestions which can frustrate those who have just spent hours researching to understand the last idea. Some can be far too careful making sure everyone is feeling ok about things while others can be insensitive pushing the task through to the end.
No approach is wrong and no approach is completely right. We are all different and 'special' and thats just how we are wired and function. Each person has thier own way of doing things and this works, for them. We all need to understand and be reminded that other people do not think or behave like us, no matter how much we try to make them understand!!!
Luckily, at the end of the day this is a place full of Christians. Alot of forgiveness, humbleness, grace and understanding is expressed through these groups and session. We know we don't have to like each other all the time, but are called to love each other regardless. And even if that gets hard, well, theres only 8 months to go and we'll never have to see each other again...
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Ceremonies
Today we started our first ceremony class - learning about funerals, weddings, dedications, enrollements and all the other events a Salvation Army Officer is called to front.
What a prividege many of these are - to be with a family who are struggling to cope with the lss of a loved one, or to share in the joy of a wedding day, or even to enrol a beaming young child as a Junior Soldier... what a special position we hold and a huge responsibility to bear.
Has anyone ever wondered what a CV of a regular officer would entail? All the different aspects of the job!
What a prividege many of these are - to be with a family who are struggling to cope with the lss of a loved one, or to share in the joy of a wedding day, or even to enrol a beaming young child as a Junior Soldier... what a special position we hold and a huge responsibility to bear.
Has anyone ever wondered what a CV of a regular officer would entail? All the different aspects of the job!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Module Two
We are now one week through our new module - Salvation Army Governance and Organisation.
New module, new topic, new teams; new challenges. This group enquiry delves into Formal and Informal Authority. Formal authority and communication flows through the official chain of command, the hierarchical structure of line managers from the General down to the door seargeant. Informal communications are the not so official conversations or decisions, the grapevine, the watercooler or pillow talk, the seeking of advice or authority from a respected friend over the official channels.
Both happen in any workplace or organisation. The month of research will find how these play out in The Salvation Army, what thier relationship to each other is, how a First Year Salvation Army Officer should work within them both and the various responses to them.
This has got many people thinking about how they use the two channels. Any thoughts?
New module, new topic, new teams; new challenges. This group enquiry delves into Formal and Informal Authority. Formal authority and communication flows through the official chain of command, the hierarchical structure of line managers from the General down to the door seargeant. Informal communications are the not so official conversations or decisions, the grapevine, the watercooler or pillow talk, the seeking of advice or authority from a respected friend over the official channels.
Both happen in any workplace or organisation. The month of research will find how these play out in The Salvation Army, what thier relationship to each other is, how a First Year Salvation Army Officer should work within them both and the various responses to them.
This has got many people thinking about how they use the two channels. Any thoughts?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Practical Grace
When I first became a Christian I was told that Grace means 'a free gift'. Jesus, being the gift God gave, in order that we may be saved. In investigating the word 'grace', I have uncovered a deeper understanding, I never knew. I call it practical grace.
Grace is found in both giving and receiving. It can be tangible, such as material things we give and receive. It can also be intangible, such as the relationship we have with Jesus and with others.
I call it practical grace, because grace is present in the practical things of life. When our eyes are open to it, it is there to be seen, it is everywhere. It is God's gift of a new morning, of the food so readily available to us. It is in new relationships and in the old ones we old dear. Practical grace is when God burdens us with compassion for those in need, and act on that burden with practical giving. Then, as others respond to grace in their lives, we are blessed in receiving. It is a beautiful circular picture of love.
My hope is that we see the tangible and intangible blessings of practical grace, and that we respond to the burden of compassion God has placed on our hearts.
For everything we have, and everything we are, is because of Him.
Grace is found in both giving and receiving. It can be tangible, such as material things we give and receive. It can also be intangible, such as the relationship we have with Jesus and with others.
I call it practical grace, because grace is present in the practical things of life. When our eyes are open to it, it is there to be seen, it is everywhere. It is God's gift of a new morning, of the food so readily available to us. It is in new relationships and in the old ones we old dear. Practical grace is when God burdens us with compassion for those in need, and act on that burden with practical giving. Then, as others respond to grace in their lives, we are blessed in receiving. It is a beautiful circular picture of love.
My hope is that we see the tangible and intangible blessings of practical grace, and that we respond to the burden of compassion God has placed on our hearts.
For everything we have, and everything we are, is because of Him.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Module One is over!
Finished, done, complete - at last the Ambassadors can take a deep breath and sigh for thier intense research project which covered the last four weeks has come to an end.
Yesterday the three groups presented thier findings to each other - focussing on The Salvation Army's ecclesiology (understanding of itself in relation to the 'Church').
Is The Salvation Army a Church or Movement - or something in between?
One group discussed this through understanding our Weslyan orgins and practises. Another group looked at our relationship with denominations. The third traced the evolution of these ideas through the General's statements. A most interesting morning.
Today brings to a close the written report section and our individual inquiry reports, including all the finicky bits such as annotated bibliographies and a whole lot of paperwork. People today tend to be in just a little bit of a happier mood and I'm sure there will be a most well deserved sleepin for many tomorrow.
Well - One down, seven more to go...
Yesterday the three groups presented thier findings to each other - focussing on The Salvation Army's ecclesiology (understanding of itself in relation to the 'Church').
Is The Salvation Army a Church or Movement - or something in between?
One group discussed this through understanding our Weslyan orgins and practises. Another group looked at our relationship with denominations. The third traced the evolution of these ideas through the General's statements. A most interesting morning.
Today brings to a close the written report section and our individual inquiry reports, including all the finicky bits such as annotated bibliographies and a whole lot of paperwork. People today tend to be in just a little bit of a happier mood and I'm sure there will be a most well deserved sleepin for many tomorrow.
Well - One down, seven more to go...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Two weeks on...
We have almost done two half of our first module and in less than two weeks we present a 45min presentation on our findings. Each of the groups has a very different dynamic and we are all learning alot about each other, about diplomacy and patience. This will be a really interesting year!
Our mission placements were announced to us this week, surprising a few and relieving others. Instead of the traditional 3 months of outtraining, as has been done for many years, we now follow the new program of membership at assigned corps around our division. Over the course of the year we attend, share, preach and lead in this corps, getting to know the people and journeying with them. This year we are doing this in teams around the Wellington area.
However, for the second year cadets, we also have six weeks spread out throughout the year for which we spend time in various centres and specific corps activities. These field training weeks are spaced throughout the year to correlate with the module we are studying at the time... i.e. for the Mission and Community Ministry module we spend a week in a centre or other social ministry. As to the details of these, we will find out closer to the time.
So all you Ambassadors in Australia - enjoy your three months on the job training and the challenges and blessings these bring.
Our mission placements were announced to us this week, surprising a few and relieving others. Instead of the traditional 3 months of outtraining, as has been done for many years, we now follow the new program of membership at assigned corps around our division. Over the course of the year we attend, share, preach and lead in this corps, getting to know the people and journeying with them. This year we are doing this in teams around the Wellington area.
However, for the second year cadets, we also have six weeks spread out throughout the year for which we spend time in various centres and specific corps activities. These field training weeks are spaced throughout the year to correlate with the module we are studying at the time... i.e. for the Mission and Community Ministry module we spend a week in a centre or other social ministry. As to the details of these, we will find out closer to the time.
So all you Ambassadors in Australia - enjoy your three months on the job training and the challenges and blessings these bring.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Inquiry Learning - What have we got ourselves into?
The new program of training for BCM cadets consists of the second year cadets pursuing eight Salvation Army related modules of training. Each of these covers a different aspect of TSA's mission and ministry, concluding with the Officers Covenant.
This new program is acheived through what is called 'Inquiry Learning'. For this there is a set program of 'required learning' which we all must understand. But then we are left to discover and research other aspects through an Individual task and Group. For these we develop our own research area and question, as well as a similar process in a group of 5, and spend the next 3 weeks answering it. Then we present these findings and conclusions to the rest of the class.
We began this process on Monday and it have quickly learned the benefits and pitfalls of this way of learning. It is quite exciting to be able to choose your own topic to research and follow it through. But it is also quite difficult to choose from such a huge, varied and broad range of areas! And if you word your question wrongly, then it makes life incredibly difficult. Working in groups and getting a consensual answer is a social experiment in itself...
Our first module is themed around The Salvation Army's Mission and Ministry. The required learning, so far, has been of the historical foundations of our movement, but theres more to come. So far some plan to look into the historical development of women in leadership, while others went down the socialwork and mission side of things. There were questions about the songbook, traditions, sacraments, the uniform, the stance we have taken on alcohol, corporate branding and many more.
If you were in our shoes, what one thing/area would you like to know more about in the Army?
This new program is acheived through what is called 'Inquiry Learning'. For this there is a set program of 'required learning' which we all must understand. But then we are left to discover and research other aspects through an Individual task and Group. For these we develop our own research area and question, as well as a similar process in a group of 5, and spend the next 3 weeks answering it. Then we present these findings and conclusions to the rest of the class.
We began this process on Monday and it have quickly learned the benefits and pitfalls of this way of learning. It is quite exciting to be able to choose your own topic to research and follow it through. But it is also quite difficult to choose from such a huge, varied and broad range of areas! And if you word your question wrongly, then it makes life incredibly difficult. Working in groups and getting a consensual answer is a social experiment in itself...
Our first module is themed around The Salvation Army's Mission and Ministry. The required learning, so far, has been of the historical foundations of our movement, but theres more to come. So far some plan to look into the historical development of women in leadership, while others went down the socialwork and mission side of things. There were questions about the songbook, traditions, sacraments, the uniform, the stance we have taken on alcohol, corporate branding and many more.
If you were in our shoes, what one thing/area would you like to know more about in the Army?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Graduation
The end of the year is upon us, and with it comes the Covenant Day, Graduation and Commissioning for the Prayer Warriors. Each is a special and different day with differing emotions and attitudes.
Covenant Day was a real time of reflection on what this journey was about to become for the almost to be commissioned officers. Things became very real very fast. Each cadet prayerfully considered what they were signing and then did so surrounded by the prayers of the Staff, Ambassadors, Cabinet and lots of supporting Divisional and Territorial Staff. Not a dry eye in the house!
Graduation however is the academic recognition of the work undertaken over the two years. Each Cadet worked towards recieving two diplomas and a ceritifcate, for which they dolled up in robes and capes and posed for photographs.
And today - today brings all the pomp and circus of commissioning. The parents of the Cadets are honoured with a brunch here at BCM where they recieve a Silver Star. Then its off to the city to march down the street (if the rain clears up...). Following this is a long but celebratory service at the Wellington City Salvation Army where the Cadets are officially ordained as Salvation Army Officers.
Tomorrow, Sunday, is supposedly just a regular Sunday Service. However, the new Lieutenants can proudly wear thier new insignia and we officially become second year cadets.
And thats it. They are released onto the world for thier mission and ministry to continue in the new year at thier appointments.
Please pray that God will continue to bless the Prayer Warriors over this weekend and for their new ministries.
Covenant Day was a real time of reflection on what this journey was about to become for the almost to be commissioned officers. Things became very real very fast. Each cadet prayerfully considered what they were signing and then did so surrounded by the prayers of the Staff, Ambassadors, Cabinet and lots of supporting Divisional and Territorial Staff. Not a dry eye in the house!
Graduation however is the academic recognition of the work undertaken over the two years. Each Cadet worked towards recieving two diplomas and a ceritifcate, for which they dolled up in robes and capes and posed for photographs.
And today - today brings all the pomp and circus of commissioning. The parents of the Cadets are honoured with a brunch here at BCM where they recieve a Silver Star. Then its off to the city to march down the street (if the rain clears up...). Following this is a long but celebratory service at the Wellington City Salvation Army where the Cadets are officially ordained as Salvation Army Officers.
Tomorrow, Sunday, is supposedly just a regular Sunday Service. However, the new Lieutenants can proudly wear thier new insignia and we officially become second year cadets.
And thats it. They are released onto the world for thier mission and ministry to continue in the new year at thier appointments.
Please pray that God will continue to bless the Prayer Warriors over this weekend and for their new ministries.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Pranks...
Opportunities are running out and we tend to have a little spare time on our hands...
Anyone got any good ideas for pranks?
Anyone got any good ideas for pranks?
Whoa, we're halfway there
Today is the last day of November. Christmas is less than a month away and in exactly 13 days the Ambassadors of Holiness will officially become second year cadets. Some say woop woop, others say already?!?
This year, like all others, has come and gone incredibly quickly. We have all grown, learnt much, been challenged by much and judging by the attitudes going around this place at the moment, are all really looking forward to a well deserved holiday! We have all farewelled our mission placement corps families and will spend time together as sessions for remaining Sundays of this month.
As the blog title song continues; "we're halfway there - living on a prayer." (Why don't we sing this song in our churches?) As I look and reflect over the year and ponder the year to come that Bon Jovi song rings in my head - 'living on a prayer', specifically the lines 'take my hand, we'll make it I swear'. I can't help but interpret that phrase as a reminder of why I am here as well as a reassurance that I am never in this alone.
This year, like all others, has come and gone incredibly quickly. We have all grown, learnt much, been challenged by much and judging by the attitudes going around this place at the moment, are all really looking forward to a well deserved holiday! We have all farewelled our mission placement corps families and will spend time together as sessions for remaining Sundays of this month.
As the blog title song continues; "we're halfway there - living on a prayer." (Why don't we sing this song in our churches?) As I look and reflect over the year and ponder the year to come that Bon Jovi song rings in my head - 'living on a prayer', specifically the lines 'take my hand, we'll make it I swear'. I can't help but interpret that phrase as a reminder of why I am here as well as a reassurance that I am never in this alone.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Holiness
There's alot of discussion going on around our college at the moment about Holiness. What is it, how can we get it, is it acheivable at all?
In The Salvation Army people normally sway between Coutts and Brengle, with a little bit of Robert Street and his book Holiness Unwrapped coming through occassionally.
Anyone who reads this - I invite comments as this area is one which need smuch discussion. We are known as a Holiness movement, and we are called the Ambassadors of Holiness. What do we represent?
In The Salvation Army people normally sway between Coutts and Brengle, with a little bit of Robert Street and his book Holiness Unwrapped coming through occassionally.
Anyone who reads this - I invite comments as this area is one which need smuch discussion. We are known as a Holiness movement, and we are called the Ambassadors of Holiness. What do we represent?
Monday, October 5, 2009
Stop the Gossip
The Salvation Army is notorious for gossip, rumours and speculation. It may seem harmless enough at the time, but some of the effects of it can be harmful. People very quickly can lose faith through broken trust and confidences, all because of one breif simple passing comment. Is it worth it?
The solutions to gossip seem simple - if you don't know whether it is true or not, don't talk about it. If its really none of your business, don't talk about it. If someone shares something with you, do you really need to tell someone else about it? Someone else's news is not my story to tell to others.
I've been convicted of this recently - if it doesn't help, it has the potential to hurt. And it is not worth losing a friend because of a loose tongue or comment.If someone tells me something cynical or demeaning to me about someone else, it raises the questions of, what do they say about me to others? And listening and agreeing is just as bad as literally doing it yourself.
I respect and value those people I know I can trust to keep things to themselves. I pray that I can become someone like that. I know I have a long way to go and will hopefully one day begin to catch myself before I say something, rather than feeling regretful in hindsight.
The solutions to gossip seem simple - if you don't know whether it is true or not, don't talk about it. If its really none of your business, don't talk about it. If someone shares something with you, do you really need to tell someone else about it? Someone else's news is not my story to tell to others.
I've been convicted of this recently - if it doesn't help, it has the potential to hurt. And it is not worth losing a friend because of a loose tongue or comment.If someone tells me something cynical or demeaning to me about someone else, it raises the questions of, what do they say about me to others? And listening and agreeing is just as bad as literally doing it yourself.
I respect and value those people I know I can trust to keep things to themselves. I pray that I can become someone like that. I know I have a long way to go and will hopefully one day begin to catch myself before I say something, rather than feeling regretful in hindsight.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tips for 2010 Candidates
I'm not sure of the schedules of other sessions, but right now in New Zealand we have just begun the school holidays. For us cadets this means a holida... ahem... "study break" - a time to get work finished, plan for the last term of this year and for the Prayer Warriors to prepare for commissioning. Hasn't the year gone by so fast!
We've also been hosting assessment weekends here at the college and have watched a few very nervous candidates come and go. Faces are appearing in the War Cry announcing the incoming session accepted candidates. Surely they will now be arranging and trying to get everything sorted in order to be prepared to move here in only three months. Time flies so quickly... So here are a few things I wish I had prepared earlier.... (and I don't have kids so if you want tips for those types of things just leave a comment and I'll ask around...)
1. You can never save too much money before you come. Trust us - Student Allowance only goes so far... Its enough to survive and have a little fun with but...
2. If you have spare cash and packing boxes, stock up on the stuff you really like but don't think you'll be able to afford, like your shampoo and conditioner etc
3. Don't leave any blankets or warm clothes behind thinking you wont need them... this place is freezing and power bills really cut into the budget...
4. Go to the dentist. Trust us. Tooth pain can mean big dentist bills when the money is tight. Your choice... suffer a short pain the mouth now or a huge dent in the savings later... The health benefits only kick in when you are commissioned.
5. Read your bible, and maybe brush up on The Salvation Army doctrines... I know this seems silly, but the more we learn here the less we realise we knew. Make sense?
6. Go on holiday. Enjoy your last days of freedom. Have a fantastically extravagant Christmas - as it may be the last you can spend with your extended family, as once enrolled you must stay at your appointment.
7. Keep and maintain freindships with people in your corps/centre. Random donations and food parcels are a blessing.
8. Get some practice - if public speaking really isn't your thing, then to prepare yourself try things around people you already know. Read a poem or carol in a Christmas service, deliver a prayer in a meeting - just to get a liitle more comfortable in front of people.
9. Pay close attention to how your corps does things. Watch and really listen to your pastor. What do you like about what they do, how they preach, what don't you like etc. In a few years this will be you. How do you want to come across, be heard, seen etc. Listen and seek out messages or pastors you are really moved by and study them.
10. Last but certainly the leastest... continue to pray and rely on your call. God has prompted this change in your life and has got everything covered. Trust that he knows what he is doing!
Things will work out, they will be fine. You'll see.
We can't wait to meet you all in 2010.
We've also been hosting assessment weekends here at the college and have watched a few very nervous candidates come and go. Faces are appearing in the War Cry announcing the incoming session accepted candidates. Surely they will now be arranging and trying to get everything sorted in order to be prepared to move here in only three months. Time flies so quickly... So here are a few things I wish I had prepared earlier.... (and I don't have kids so if you want tips for those types of things just leave a comment and I'll ask around...)
1. You can never save too much money before you come. Trust us - Student Allowance only goes so far... Its enough to survive and have a little fun with but...
2. If you have spare cash and packing boxes, stock up on the stuff you really like but don't think you'll be able to afford, like your shampoo and conditioner etc
3. Don't leave any blankets or warm clothes behind thinking you wont need them... this place is freezing and power bills really cut into the budget...
4. Go to the dentist. Trust us. Tooth pain can mean big dentist bills when the money is tight. Your choice... suffer a short pain the mouth now or a huge dent in the savings later... The health benefits only kick in when you are commissioned.
5. Read your bible, and maybe brush up on The Salvation Army doctrines... I know this seems silly, but the more we learn here the less we realise we knew. Make sense?
6. Go on holiday. Enjoy your last days of freedom. Have a fantastically extravagant Christmas - as it may be the last you can spend with your extended family, as once enrolled you must stay at your appointment.
7. Keep and maintain freindships with people in your corps/centre. Random donations and food parcels are a blessing.
8. Get some practice - if public speaking really isn't your thing, then to prepare yourself try things around people you already know. Read a poem or carol in a Christmas service, deliver a prayer in a meeting - just to get a liitle more comfortable in front of people.
9. Pay close attention to how your corps does things. Watch and really listen to your pastor. What do you like about what they do, how they preach, what don't you like etc. In a few years this will be you. How do you want to come across, be heard, seen etc. Listen and seek out messages or pastors you are really moved by and study them.
10. Last but certainly the leastest... continue to pray and rely on your call. God has prompted this change in your life and has got everything covered. Trust that he knows what he is doing!
Things will work out, they will be fine. You'll see.
We can't wait to meet you all in 2010.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Habakkuk
Anyone read this lately? It is a fascinating transcript of a prophet's prayer. It begins with a very human moan, a complaint, and then God answers and defends himself. Again, the man questions God 'Why?' Why does bad things happen to good people? How can God allow things like that? Why doesn't he step in a fix it? Why doesn't God answers prayers like we want him to!
The great thing about this prayer is that, not only does God audibly answer the questions, but the pray-er, Habakkuk, is transformed through it. He encounters God in his prayer, and is physically trembled at the thought of what God has done in past and what he still can do. At the very end of the prayer is a wonderful statement of belief that come rain or shine, miraculous justice intervention or horrible destructive invasion, Habakkuk will rejoice and praise God.
I'm preaching on this in a week or so, and am still coming to grips with how scary that statement really is. Its easy to praise God when things are going well, but a whole lot harder when things aren't.
My prayer for us all, as Ambassadors of Holiness, that even when the tough times come - and they assuredly will - we can say as the Message translation puts "I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God for He is my strength."
The great thing about this prayer is that, not only does God audibly answer the questions, but the pray-er, Habakkuk, is transformed through it. He encounters God in his prayer, and is physically trembled at the thought of what God has done in past and what he still can do. At the very end of the prayer is a wonderful statement of belief that come rain or shine, miraculous justice intervention or horrible destructive invasion, Habakkuk will rejoice and praise God.
I'm preaching on this in a week or so, and am still coming to grips with how scary that statement really is. Its easy to praise God when things are going well, but a whole lot harder when things aren't.
My prayer for us all, as Ambassadors of Holiness, that even when the tough times come - and they assuredly will - we can say as the Message translation puts "I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God for He is my strength."
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The end is nigh...
Now is about the time of year when rumours arise of appointments for the second year cadets. If they have been told, they are sworn to secrecy. Imagine keeping that sort of secret for over another month before anyone else is allowed to find out! I suppose it does benefit those who have to start looking for schools for their children and making Christmas plans...
But for us first year cadets, it seriously makes us think that about this time next year, it will be our turn. Our fleeting time at college will be up and we will be sooned unleashed onto some poor unsuspecting corps. In the most literal meaning and non-profane way possible - God help us all. And thankfully, we are assured that he will.
Every new Officer that I have spoken to in the last few months gives the same piece of advice - make the most of college while you are there. Soak it in; ask questions, take lots of notes. We will never have this sort of learning environment again with such a range of experience and variety of teaching. We have some wonderful godly people here at college, who are encouraging and motivating. We should listen to their guidance and wisdom, in order to learn from their mistakes.
And so, with the future in mind, I urge all of the Ambassadors of Holiness to really enjoy the remaining time we do have here at college, making the most of it. I confess that I have in the past months maintained a pretty slack attitude about classes that I find 'less interesting' than others. Having a big session means we can sit in the back row, pass notes, and do other class readings and work on projects without anyone noticing. But, as I am learning from expereince of delivering sermons to noisy, fidgety groups that this is actually really disrespectful and distracting to others who are genuinely interested in listening...
This doesn't mean we all have to strive for an A++ grade average and not be satisfied with any less... All we can give God is our best and that requires our full attention, focus and time. As we were told in one of our first lessons 'this college does not want to produce 'good students'; they want to empower good officers.'
So enjoy college; as before we realise it, the end will be nigh... And most importantly - remember to HAVE FUN! Play a few pranks, joke around, enjoy yourself... this isn't a prison but a stepping stone.
But for us first year cadets, it seriously makes us think that about this time next year, it will be our turn. Our fleeting time at college will be up and we will be sooned unleashed onto some poor unsuspecting corps. In the most literal meaning and non-profane way possible - God help us all. And thankfully, we are assured that he will.
Every new Officer that I have spoken to in the last few months gives the same piece of advice - make the most of college while you are there. Soak it in; ask questions, take lots of notes. We will never have this sort of learning environment again with such a range of experience and variety of teaching. We have some wonderful godly people here at college, who are encouraging and motivating. We should listen to their guidance and wisdom, in order to learn from their mistakes.
And so, with the future in mind, I urge all of the Ambassadors of Holiness to really enjoy the remaining time we do have here at college, making the most of it. I confess that I have in the past months maintained a pretty slack attitude about classes that I find 'less interesting' than others. Having a big session means we can sit in the back row, pass notes, and do other class readings and work on projects without anyone noticing. But, as I am learning from expereince of delivering sermons to noisy, fidgety groups that this is actually really disrespectful and distracting to others who are genuinely interested in listening...
This doesn't mean we all have to strive for an A++ grade average and not be satisfied with any less... All we can give God is our best and that requires our full attention, focus and time. As we were told in one of our first lessons 'this college does not want to produce 'good students'; they want to empower good officers.'
So enjoy college; as before we realise it, the end will be nigh... And most importantly - remember to HAVE FUN! Play a few pranks, joke around, enjoy yourself... this isn't a prison but a stepping stone.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Saturdays
I, Sarah, am preaching my first proper sermon tomorrow at my Mission Placement Corps. This is being assessed by a retired Commissioner who is to observe, take notes, and meet with me later in the week to tell me how he thought it all went.
As with other things we have led and been assessed for, it is a strange situation to be leading others into worship/teaching while being concious that someone is observing you critically and taking notes. Now I'm not worried about preaching herecy or offending too many people, as the drafts of this message have been read and monitored by college staff, but still, the mere fact that someone is watching with a cliboard and pen handy just adds to the pressure!!!
What I do love though, is that the people in the corps seem to genuinely care, support and engourage us. The same can be said for the college staff. But ultimately, they are not the one whose approval we want, for that we must look heavenward. All I want to do is be used - be used as a messanger/example of God's love and word to people. And if I am not nervous about doing that, then I shouldn't be doing it at all.
As with other things we have led and been assessed for, it is a strange situation to be leading others into worship/teaching while being concious that someone is observing you critically and taking notes. Now I'm not worried about preaching herecy or offending too many people, as the drafts of this message have been read and monitored by college staff, but still, the mere fact that someone is watching with a cliboard and pen handy just adds to the pressure!!!
What I do love though, is that the people in the corps seem to genuinely care, support and engourage us. The same can be said for the college staff. But ultimately, they are not the one whose approval we want, for that we must look heavenward. All I want to do is be used - be used as a messanger/example of God's love and word to people. And if I am not nervous about doing that, then I shouldn't be doing it at all.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sun!
There are very clear hints around that winter is coming to an end; the sun is out, the birds are joyfully noisy, cadets are out planting and tending gardens and washing can be almost confidently hung outside to dry. Joggers are also getting alot of fresh air in preparation for the end of year fun run. The only problem with bad weather is having to stay inside in classes! I suppose you can't please everyone.
Work is also starting to pile up again - due dates looming on the horizon and Christmas is in sight.
But for now - go outside and enjoy the weather while it lasts - spring has a habit of being fickle...
Work is also starting to pile up again - due dates looming on the horizon and Christmas is in sight.
But for now - go outside and enjoy the weather while it lasts - spring has a habit of being fickle...
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Can the fish see the water?
Yesterday in Foundations for Pastoral Care we were discussing various aspects of NZ European culture and how it affects us. But really, can we, who are seeped in the culture and usually totally oblivious to it, can we really see it? Do we know why we do what we do, why we say what we say, why in Invercargill people speak funny and call a vacuum cleaner a lux and a holiday home a bach or crib? Can we really see the culture we are absorbed in? Can the fish see the water?
The answer usually is not really - unless that fish is removed from it and put into something else, or steps back and tries really really hard. But if you are from a minority culture or have traveled and experienced other cultures, you may have noticed just how unique and strange NZer's really are. We do some odd things... We say some odd things... Things here that are acceptable are completely taboo in other nations. Things we are strict on are loosely regarded elsewhere.
The concusion to this discussion was that Christianity is counter-cultural. We have been born again into a new culture - a kingdom culture - of which we can look and see the positive and negative aspects of the culture we have come from, and hopefully do something about it.
The answer usually is not really - unless that fish is removed from it and put into something else, or steps back and tries really really hard. But if you are from a minority culture or have traveled and experienced other cultures, you may have noticed just how unique and strange NZer's really are. We do some odd things... We say some odd things... Things here that are acceptable are completely taboo in other nations. Things we are strict on are loosely regarded elsewhere.
The concusion to this discussion was that Christianity is counter-cultural. We have been born again into a new culture - a kingdom culture - of which we can look and see the positive and negative aspects of the culture we have come from, and hopefully do something about it.
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