Categories
Musings

ACTS Regional Gathering – Building Aspirational Culture

We have been attending Equippers Church here in Wellington since September and it is our first time to attend an Acts Regional Gatheriing on 10th November. Here are some of the parts of Pastor Sam’s sharing that resonated to me. Some are snippets from my notes and my own commentary on the points that he mentioned.

Go after a dream in your heart.

Have faith in the impossible. Do something outside of your ability. Don’t let past disappointments stop us from believing.

This is definitely something I have experienced before – I’ve quit dreaming because people surrounding me told me to lower my expectations – even of God. Hearing that doing something outside of my ability is something that allows me to rely on God. Accomplishing something outside of what I can do can only prove of the Lord’s bigger work in my life.

Get good at celebrating successes of others.

In the Kingdom, there is no shortage. We do not have to compete for a piece of the pie. There isn’t just one pie because we know the baker.

I personally fall into this trap thinking that my presence and the things that I can do are essentially redundant as someone is already on the job or that there is nothing more that I can contribute wherever I go. This tells me that I do not have to fear because I do have a place and that I can celebrate those who are succeeding because success isn’t just for one person. In God’s Kingdom, everyone has a place – a unique, special role that only you can fill.

Desire

Desire is a good thing. God’s desires become our desires.

Pruning and purifying effect

If you are moving forward, you have to let go of some things. Deal with baggages, confront issues. Get rid of a toxic mentality of attitude you have had for too long. Lay aside the sin that sneers at us. Pride and progress cannot work together.

We have to get rid of baggage so we can run. If we get offended, acknowledge the offense, but let it go.

This also spoke to me as it is one of my favourite sins – unforgiveness. In choosing not to forgive, I often feel that I get to serve justice for myself but I always end up poisoning myself in the process. Learning to forgive and let go will allow me to propel forward, leaving behind anything that stops me from pursuing what I am supposed to pursue.

Dependence on God

Any dream God gives you is bigger than yourself. Dependence on God also means relying on others. In the kingdom, we are not designed to be self-sufficient.

It’s a bit tough to chew this truth. I grew up thinking that asking for help is a sign of weakness and that I should learn to be independent because no one else will be there to help when I am in dire need. Yet the call is to dream big dreams, rely on God, and allow others to be used for God to cater to my needs.

Bring redemptive lift

The next generation cannot fulfill their potential unless the current generation fulfill theirs. If you are not chasing after God in old age, the next generation can not pick it up. Your kids will only reach their potentials if you reach yours.

You choose the level you’re living – personal responsibility.

God wants us to occupy big spaces. Live a life of impact.

God resurrects dreams. If you wait for perfect conditions, you will not achieve anything. There is never a convenient time for the call of Jesus.

This one was very personal to me. I used to be surrounded by older Christians who say their time is up and that God’s work is already dependent on the younger generation. They no longer needed to participate in the work of spreading the truth of God’s love and goodness as they have done their bit in their younger years.

I was completely confused and angry to hear those words from older Christians – people you look up to for strength from their faithfulness to God’s call.

Pastor Sam’s words have allowed me to relearn this one thing – that whatever age we are in, the call never changes. In every stage of our life, we are called to participate in Kingdom-building. The older generation serves as clouds of witnesses to the younger ones that faithfulness is indeed possible. Our journey never stops no matter how old we get. We can aspire and still dream big dreams whatever season of our lives we are in.

Categories
Studies at the Learning Connexion

(Photograms) Power of a Series – Leigh Mitchell-Anyon

Photograms are images produced without a camera. These photograms were done by flashing a darkroom enlarger on a photographic paper with an object on it. We picked up items from campus to use a objects in the photogram. I used some plants, my earrings, and borrowed feathers from the others in my class.

Photogram of my hands
Photogram of feathers
Photogram of my earrings, a plant, and feathers
Categories
Studies at the Learning Connexion

Experimental Drawing – Female Life Drawing

We had another life drawing session last week, this time with a female model. I prepared the backgrounds beforehand and it surprisingly fit the exercises well.

Female Life Drawing – Lines

It’s wonderful how these simple lines can be this expressive of movement. It looked so graceful to me.

Female Life Drawing – One-Line Drawings

This next one was quite interesting, too. We were told we can choose to change the medium we are using. I’ve always been comfortable using soft pastels so using an Indian ink marker is a good change. The poses looked dramatic to me – very very interesting.

Female Life Drawing – Detailed Drawing
Female Life Drawing – Metamorphosis

This part of the exercise was really confusing for me the last time we did it but I took some risks with this drawing and I think it paid off. I quite liked how the parts are fused and how it interacts with the background.

Female Life Drawing – Fire

The proportions were not quite right here but I loved the idea of fusing elements into the drawing. I used the element of fire but illustrated it as if it’s water.

Female Life Drawing – Air

I developed one of the lines in the previous exercise and fused the background I created prior to our life session to illustrate the element of air.

I have been learning a lot of techniques to be more creative with my drawings. I have been more free with communicating my thoughts through drawing. The immediate feedback from those in my class and from our teacher has been really effective. I have tried things I have never thought of doing before and it has helped develop my process in creating. These exercises have been really boosting my confidence in terms of my capacity to create in general.

The term is about to end soon and as I am a distance delivery student, I am not too sure if I will have a slot for onsite classes next term. Hopefully, I’ll get to sign up to at least one onsite class. We’ll see!

Categories
Studies at the Learning Connexion

Experimental Drawing – Life Drawing

As mentioned in the last blog, I did life drawing this week…

…And it’s not what I thought it out to be. I honestly thought I’d be incessantly gigling in one corner and wouldn’t be able to concentrate at all but it wasn’t the case.

I have always found drawing people so intimidating and I was a bit anxious about doing this exercise because it feels like I do not have enough skills to actually deliver.

The whole exercise was very helpful as I have learned a lot about the human form and how I can express its beauty on paper.

Life Drawing – Lines

The first task was to create line impressions from quick 10/15 second poses. I liked the effect when I had to layer the lines simply because I ran out of space. It’s amazing how you can express movement in such simple lines.

Life Drawing – Shape Blocking

The next task was to block shapes to express forms. Pardon the crappy photo quality but if you are able to see it, the strokes helped a lot in expressing movement and form for this exercise. I enjoyed using the yellow pastel. I liked this part because it looked like the shapes were dancing on the page.

Life Drawing – Detailed

This last part was my most favourite. We had enough time to draw details, focusing on highlights and shadows. I am pretty proud of the drawing on the top right part of the photo.

I definitely still have a lot of improving to do but these exercises gave me enough confidence that I do have the capacity to draw the human form.

Looking forward to more exciting challenges in the coming weeks!

Categories
Studies at the Learning Connexion

Experimental Drawing Classes – Dan Wilkinson

As I mentioned in my previous post, I am currently studying at The Learning Connexion. I am a Distance Delivery student but I signed up to one of the Main Classes – Experimental Drawing by Dan Wilkinson

We have had two classes so far and I have already been learning a lot of things. Our exercises are so freeing – it allows us to explore more and follow the flow of our drawings more. Below are some of the output I have had from our exercises.

Still Life – Warm-up Exercise
Still Life – White Pastels on Black Paper

I liked this one the most from our still life session. The effect of white pastels on black paper is quite unique.

Surrealist Still Life

I found the process of creating this surrealist still life drawing enjoyable. I drew the driftwood first then I had the impression that it looked much like a cave so I decided to be playful and drew some cavemen in it, playing with the scale of the driftwood.

I am excited to learn more through these classes. The class itself is interesting enough but getting the chance to interact with other artists makes it so much more insightful. I get to see the process and insights of those doing the same class with me.

We will be doing a life drawing session next week – should be interesting!

Categories
Studies at the Learning Connexion

The Learning Connexion – New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4)

I have always dreamed of studying again and so when an opportunity to study again arose, I took my chances. I am currently enrolled at The Learning Connexion, studying New Zealand Certificate in Creativity Level 4.

Join me as I navigate the fun and exciting world of arts school!

For my first month, I did several exercises involving several mediums. Some of the exercises I did, I wouldn’t dare do on a normal day. Here are some of the interesting exercise I did:

Blind Drawing
Working on Features
Abstract Portrait
Stamping with Soap
Collage – Future

I am currently awaiting for my discussion with my mentor about my progress so I will be back very soon!

Categories
Musings

On Lockdown/ Self-Isolation? What activities did we do in the 90s?

Self-isolation here in New Zealand is imposed on international travellers arriving on our shores. Residents have not been required to self-isolate yet – business as usual for a lot of people here.

It is however, unfortunate, that I have had a tummy bug and flu the same time the first case of Covid-19 was announced here in Wellington. I had to absent myself from work this week for fear that I may compromise my workmates or the visitors I may come across with as my workplace is in the tourism industry.

It is a different story in my home country, though. Luzon, Philippines is already on lockdown and people are required to stay home. There is, of course, a wide continuum of responses to this, which I won’t go into.

This news of my home country and my own sickness led me to thinking of the things I did when I was younger, when there were most people had no mobile phones and no internet.

Was I unproductive then? Did I feel constrained in some way? Was my life limited during that time? Was life boring?

No. Most of the things I did then formed the foundation of the skills I have now. So I did a trip down memory lane and made a list of activities that I and the other 90s kids did then that can probably prompt some ideas relevant to people on self-isolation:


1. Read

There is one quote from George R. R. Martin that captures my personal experience of reading: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.”

In reading, I learned. In reading, I have explored a thousand places with my imagination and have met interesting and amazing characters that I would not have met in my lifetime. My world widens when I read and I hope everyone who has time on their hands now give it a try.

Reading can give you a lot of different perspectives about your life and the world in general. Distancing from all the toxic and negative messages out there at the moment is also definitely a bonus!

2. Draw/ Paint/ Do Arts

This is one of the mindless activities one can engage in. There are definitely technical rules in drawing and painting but art does not judge!

Art is one way of expressing your inner realities onto your outer world! Draw, paint, play with colours and the materials that you have!

Though it’s definitely not a bad idea to learn the technical aspects of art if you are keen! Heaps of resources are easily accessible – Youtube (which has free art tutorials most of the time), online libraries, Skillshare (this one is paid but you may use my link to try it for 2 months for free: https://skl.sh/2xNHaXz), and many more! With the access to the internet, you can learn practically anything these days.

3. Learn Musical Instruments

You may have purchased a guitar or a keyboard or a ukelele but have never gotten the time to actually sit down and practice. Now is never a better time to do it!

This was one of the things that took a majority of my time when I was younger. I studied piano for almost 6 years and I was able to use that skill as a side hustle during the time that I did not have a corporate job. It is a relaxing hobby that engages your mind and your coordination skills.

4. Sew/ Cross stitch/ Crochet/ Knit

I did several crossstich pieces as a child but learned crochet just now. This activity is almost therapeutic and at the same time, useful in so many practical ways!

I get to make pieces that I can display at home and I also get to craft useful home items from it. I recently made some soap savers and am now working on a reusable market bag using crochet. You can practically make a range of very handy items using these skills. Go ahead and give it a try!

5. Do Paper Crafts/ Journal/ Scrapbook

If you are someone who loves keeping memories from receipts, movie tickets, plane tickets, candy wrappers, anything you can lay your hands on during a memorable event, now is a great time to properly “document” those moments! Start a journal or a scrapbook.

You may also choose write letters for an old-fashioned, more romantic way of communicating with your friends and loved ones!

Write – write your favourite quotes, Bible verses, your emotions, what’s happening around you. Write anything that is on your mind. It is quite surprising how these idle moments can bring the deepest revelations to you, if only you pay attention to it.

6. Cook/ Learn to Cook

One of the most memorable times I had with my sister as a child was experimenting with food. When bored, we would often scavenge through our cupboard and look for items we can mix and cook.

I was never afraid of the kitchen because of these experiments we had then. As an adult, it helped me become more resourceful and adventurous in learning new dishes that I can serve at home.

And it was fun because not only did we learn to make something we can actually eat, but we built these memories we can still go back to even as adults!

7. Connect with Our Family Members

My deepest conversations with my family members happened during lull times – times when you don’t really have a choice but to talk to each other. Being confined in a space with your family gives you time to ask, to give your opinion on things, to express your emotions and thoughts as home is a safe space.

And wherever your family members may be at this point, the internet has allowed us to be connected. Message them today and shower them with kind and loving words – just what the whole world needs now!

8. Exercise – even at home!

This was one of the things I failed to do as a child but I am slowly learning these days. Nothing can stop you from exercising! There are several places on the internet and apps you can use for home workout ideas. These days, the best you can do for your body is to make it strong and exercise does that for you. Go and get off that seat now and exercise!

9. Pray and Read the Bible

In these trying times when everything may fail you, the one true God who holds your life will not.

Our earthly bodies may fail but one thing that is sure? Eternal life. That is longer than anything this world can offer. Prepare for that life. Get to know God in this life. Ask Him where he needs you at this time. Ask Him what He wants you to do these days.

Reading the Bible can also put your views in perspective. It can console you. It can fortify you.

I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From whence shall come my help? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to slip; or your guardian to sleep. Behold, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps.

The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. By day the sun will not strike you, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will guard you from all evil; he will guard your soul. The Lord will guard your coming and going both now and forever.

Psalm 121:1-8

This too shall pass, friends! Keep safe and healthy!

Categories
Musings

2020 Updates

I have not accomplished a lot since the accident in 2018. It may have been PTSD or depression, or maybe both, but I found it very difficult to continue with life in general after that. My health had the biggest hit since – I had to deal with my blood sugar, my weight, my infertility, PCOS, on top of the trauma and the depression.

I started to learn and do new things which helped me with my healing process and I can stay I am close to being fully functional now, almost 2 years after the accident.

I have been praying, serving, painting, swimming, crocheting, drawing, focusing on my work and online shop during my quiet months. These things and the support of my husband has allowed me to bounce back. It is in these brief moments of clarity that I am able to write and tell my story so join me in my journey! I will be posting more in the next weeks, months, etc. 🙂

Categories
Work

Trade a Book for a Look at Staglands!

Trade your pre-loved children’s books for a half-priced child’s entry to Staglands.

Staglands is celebrating Conservation Week by giving children the opportunity to learn how they can help nature in their own unique way. The pre-loved children’s books that will be collected will be given to the children that the Salvation Army – Upper Hutt is caring for.

This offer is available for kids aged 4 to 16 from 14th September to 13th October 2019. One half-priced child’s entry ticket per book received on the day of visit.  Not valid with any other offer, including Entertainment Book.

Visit www.staglands.co.nz for more information.

Categories
Work

Go Mad for Marshmallows these School Holidays!

Staglands yummy winter marshmallows are back and for a limited period only, during the July School Holidays, they will be given away FREE to all visitors!

Toast your own on the cosy Barn campfire and enjoy some wild cooking in the great outdoors.

www.staglands.co.nz