Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Missed #1

As I was in the shower earlier, it just dawn on me that I had totally forgotten to pen down my blog yesterday! :(  Just when I thought I had crossed the dangerous 7-day discipline... sigh... Hopefully this forgetfulness doesn't occur too often.

Had a busy day today visiting and meeting with various companies.  As I reflect on my meetings, I realised that the valuation for start-ups in this region is quite rich.  And still, the companies have such confidence that they are able to raise the funds at this rich valuation - even though the traction is decent, and a lot still depend on the execution going forward.  For being a start-up, the valuation accorded to them seems proportionately too rich when compared with publicly listed companies.  I guess it requires me to internalise and take heart too.

On my way back after my last meeting, the thoughts that crossed my mind were how the last team had actually developed a good business and what went through their lives over the last few years when they started and how they managed to grow the business to a global business today.  While the startups envy my regular interactions with companies, I, on the other hand, wonder why I don't have the guts nor the business problem which requires my dedication to solve.  I guess the grass on the other side is often greener...

But whatever it is, I hope I can be a blessing to those I interact with :)



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Monday, March 28, 2016

Some things I got it right

A friend shared a link today on the 57 things great parents do to bring out the best in their children - this is Daniel Wong's blog.

57 things sounded mind bogglering!  In a time-starved world that I live in, I thought 10 is more than enough.  Thankfully the points are in bold, with descriptions follow thereafter.  As I scrolled down, several of them rang aloud to me.  The following are my own thoughts:

It takes a whole lot more effort to discipline, instill values in the children than it is to give in to them.  How many times was I tempted to choose the easier way out - especially after a long, battled day - the last thing I need is to come home to discipline my child.  Yet - if I give in the first time, the second time will be much harder to pull the child back to what is deemed right.  It is tiring - it still is, after all these years, but I must say my hot-tempered son is more ready to listen to reasoning these days.  True that he needs his space and time to internalize my unbending comments, and insistence on certain expectations, but I believe he knows in his heart that mommy meant well.  It is then a matter of him coming to terms. 

A second thing we are attempting to do is to come together once a week to read the Bible together as a family, and to reflect on what was mentioned, and their key takeaway points.  Thereafter, we will pray as a family.  This, too, requires effort on our part.  When the kids come in with 'black' faces and irritable / foul moods, we will still persevere.  I think it is shaping out quite well, and for that I am thankful.

Well, to me, whatever that I am experiencing now, helps to shape me to be a better mom too... and I am thankful for the ability to learn ever so regularly - these valuable life lessons. 

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Don't take my movement for granted

So we were to take a mid day flight back home today.  Started the day with breakfast, after which we made our way to the airport.  The flight took about 2.5 hours.  However as this place is like 2 hours behind, we had to add back the 'lost' time upon arriving home.

This meant that by the time I reached home, it was close to evening already!  My back was getting achy, and my legs were feeling kind of strange - all because I was spending the bulk of the day sitting on the plane, and sitting the the taxi, and sitting in the car.  I am so going to hit the gym tomorrow!

It was about then that it occurred to me that being able to move my legs around, to walk, take the stairs, bend and touch my toes, such things should never be taken for granted.  From now on, if I have to stand on the public transport, I should be thankful - at least the leg muscles are being stretched and used.  If the lift is spoilt or elevator isn't working, I can alway walk up the stairs.  To be confined to a chair the entire day is really a very tough thing to do... So I really must value the legs and my spine.

Thank God for the limbs! May these limbs will be useful and ever ready to share the Good News!


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Saturday, March 26, 2016

One magnified several more times!

We had the provilege of meeting a community church during this trip and met the pastor and some of his members.  During this trip, I was also told that there are many many small Churches with membership base of less than 100 - based on my understanding, the minimum number of members should be about 200 in order for the church to not run into deficit.

This church has less than 200 worshippers, hence the pastor has a very modest paycheck.
After reading Evangelpreneur, I am also more aware of how God can use wildly successful businessmen and women to bless His nation.

So when the pastor shared his plans to run a business - which effectively does not take time out from his ministry, I felt it was a good model. It basically is about buying some assets which are in good demand, and renting it out for a fixed amount daily. The people who rent from him can churn additional revenue over and above his rental cost.

In addition, he has also invited a few more church members who are looking at growing their businesses - from the profits, they will then plough back to the church, and the church will onward bless other Churches in the area.  This is not only leading by example, but also magnifying impact hence 1 has become several times more than 1!

The next step for us is to evaluate the businesses further by validating, verifying their projections.... Let's see where this adventure will lead us to as well

Regardless, will pray for their impact in the community too! 👍🏼


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Friday, March 25, 2016

Self sustaining venture

Over the Good Friday weekend, I have decided to tag along a group of godly businessmen on a road trip to a the nearby developing cities. The purpose was to meet with social enterprises that has a non profit atm and where the SEO is used to generate not merely money but also spiritual food and growth and impact for the area they are in.

On this. Is it, I came to observe what could have been God's design for sustainability.
Chicken coop above a pond where fishes reside below. How cool is that? Feeding chickens with organic feed will mean the fishes are also probably consuming organic materials.

The eggs and chickens and fishes are sold in the market when ready. This helps plough the proceeds back to the SEO.

My sense is this will be the right model to live by - to have dignity and earn one's own keep rather than to depend on hand outs which maY be inconsistent and may run out along the way.


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Thursday, March 24, 2016

Free but not Cheap

It's Maundy Thursday today - the day before Good Friday.
We had a church service this evening where we revisited the night in the upper room prior to Judas' betrayal of Jesus.

We are reminded that even as far back as Exodus, God had provided for the Israelites in the form of manna.
Then in the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus again provided for the people - this was shortly after the disciples came back from their 'mission trips," (where they were instructed to take nothing with them - i.e. Live by faith).  Yet shortly after, they asked Jesus how they were to provide for the people.

Closer to the Garden of Gethsamane, Jesus also broke bread and reminded the disciples that it was his body that was broken for them.  Again, God provided the ultimate sacrificial lamb for us in the form of Jesus.

How quickly we forget God's acts and we chuck God aside.
Likewise for us who have received Jesus as our personal Saviour, how quickly do we turn away fro, Him?
Jesus had paid the ultimate price for our salvation - how do we respond to Jesus?  When we have to get out of our comfort zone to serve Him - what's our attitude?

Salvation is free, but it was obtained at a high price... Hence not cheap at all......




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Wednesday, March 23, 2016

A reminder - how fragile life is

We just exited the highway and noticed that there was a traffic slowdown on an otherwise smooth flowing road.  Of the three lanes, only the middle lane was moving.  Our hearts were saddened when we realized what caused the choke.  On one side of the road, several cars had stopped and some were making calls or seen to be pacing along the pavement and speaking on the phone.  On the other side of the road, we saw a motorbike lying on its side,  a lady was lying on the road, and was moving her hand.  Some people were speaking to her and I guess they were trying to ensure she remained conscious while awaiting the ambulance.  Near to her, but across the road divider laid a man - with helmet on, he was motionless... ...  I didn't notice any pool of blood, but his inactivity, and manner in which he was 'still' was fixed on my mind.



On the way home tonight, I noticed a big sign that says something about driving carefully, but what stood out was "Fatal Accident"... It dawned on me that my discomfort about the motionless man could have been confirmed...that a life was lost just a few days ago.  My heart goes out to his family... I hope the lady rider is ok... ....

I am reminded of how fragile life is.  We are just a breathe away from eternal condemnation or eternal life.  God had stated very clearly that Jesus is the way, the truth and the Life - whoever believes in Jesus will have eternal Life.

While on earth, we have to do our best in earthly duties and responsibilities, but our sight must be set higher on what matters in heaven.  How will this help to shape my working life and issues/ challenges I encounter here on earth.  Definitely another thought piece for some time in the future....


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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Awaiting Miracles

I was having a conversation with a friend just the other day.  My spirit was low as I had some personal (emotional as well) issues at work which I felt I had to overcome.  Without sharing the details, my friend shared with me his wife's experiences with God.

His wife felt the clear calling of God to put her in an Arts School - to conquer one of the Seven Mountains*.  He also shared about how God had removed difficult people from the office without having her to 'help' God.  I must say I was awed!  I want that experience too!

My friend then reminded me that we should not insult God by asking and half-heartedly believing.  *shame on me ... how often had I done that :(

Another reminder is that IF we think we can do something to solve our issues, then we are relying on our own ability, and hence God will likely not try to interfere... God will step in when we step aside and let Him do what is necessary... and His timing is the BEST!

What a good reminder!  I am so-looking forward to experiencing God in a refreshed way.  The days ahead will continue to be overcast - till when God shows up... So I will have to learn to anticipate, watch Him work and Praise Him when He has overcome.  This will also then be a testimony for me, and a significant reminder for me in my days ahead too!

*The Seven Mountains are:  the mountain of Religion;  Family;  Education;  Government;  Media;  Arts & Entertainment;  Business.

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Monday, March 21, 2016

Before the Quarter ends

A not so 'new' new year commitment.

So... over the last 24 months or so, I noticed that I have started building a routine in my life - that is - to hit the gym - cross trainer/ treadmill with the aim of covering a certain distance.  During the times in the gym, that's when I will also be listening to podcast.

One of my favourite is the Entreleadership Podcast.
It has provided a lot of good insights into managing startups.

On this occasion, I was listening to a recording involving Seth Godin and his new book.  
One of the points mentioned, I believe, was in developing habits.  To that extent, I told myself, I will re-start my habit of recording down my observations on a daily basis.  To start with, instead of making it perpetual, let me target 66 days of daily recording.  Thereafter, it ought to be habitual.

My objective of having this recording is also to journal down God's goodness and his faithfulness.  Else, forgetful old me will not recall the many answered prayers...

Well, here's to a restart of the journey.


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