CONNECTED Adventist

In groups discussions, I'm usually the one that contributes to the discussion or remains silent. The only times I remain silent are when; I'm tired, it's not worth investing my energy into the discussion or when I don't know anything about what they're talking about. I was recently with a group of people, who all cooperating were super knowledgable about something i wasn't. I found myself seeking to learn from them. My mind was so stimulated discussing a topic I had never talked about in my 38 years of life. I compared my experience to conversations I've had countless times. When I knew 'stuff', I was more willing to share my thoughts. And with some topics and in some discussions, I was given the metaphoric 'mic' to speak with authority to the group. I'm currently in a stage of my life where I'm learning so much. I'm often more silent than vocal. But life experience, my faith and my academic achievements are creating more and more opportunities to "hold the mic"

The unfortunate truth is that disaster is inevitable, it's not a matter of "if", but "when"? I know, it kind of sucks, hey. But I actually spoke with two people who think the impact of a flood, was actually a relief for them in one specific area of their life. It would appear that for some people, all the challenges of living through a natural disaster actually helped them in some areas of their life.

Culture is so important. Culture isn't always positive, it simply is whatever has been reinforced and embraced by a group of people. The reality is that culture can be just as strong in negative elements, as another organisation can strive to make sure their culture is a positive one. Additionally, the desired culture of a group, isn't necessarily the reality of the group. Culture is created from much more than just- intent. So what is the SDA culture? There's one area of our culture that seems to be a pattern- and its not a good pattern.

Having a black-eye for two weeks taught me a lot about shame. Not any old shame, but the shame we choose to place on ourselves, with no need for help from anyone placing extra shame on us! We’ve all messed up, made mistakes, and as the Bible says, ‘we’ve all sinned’. But not all wrong choices carry the same negative consequences. Choosing the wrong flavoured drink doesn’t normally carry shame with it. Most often, the heaviness of shame we carry, is equivalent to the heaviness of sin we committed. Is it possible to carry a ‘light load’ if the sin was is so large?

Whether we like to admit it or not, we all seem to look like or act like our parents, or other adults who have had an impact in our upbringing. Sometimes our mannerisms, our character and our appearance can be unintentionally a reflection of what was modelled to us during influential stages of our life. Often, not only do we take on the good from these influential people, but somehow, the bad seems to creep into our personality too. But should it be that way?

Relocating to a new town, school or workplace after years in an area can make leaving an emotional experience. Packing up and leave the familiar can be unsettling and exciting. Saying your final goodbyes to people you've grown with can also be sad and a relief; depending on how much you got along with the people. What I did learn from leaving our home town of 13 years, was that goodbyes should be said much more often than just when we leave.

Pack only the essentials. When we move, so many of us tend to pack things up that we know we don't need or use. Why? There's a degree of regret, loss and even attachment that we have with purchasing and having so many 'things', so we pack them and move them to the next location, simply because we may not want to do the 'hard work' of culling and admitting our defeat or loss. But storing hurt without converting it to wisdom, can make us change and let the Devil win!

Adults are often telling kids to 'grow up'. But growing up can be overrated. Adulting isn't always glamours. Most importantly- Jesus told us to not grow up. There's something about children that Jesus highlighted in the way children relate to salvation and faith. Child-like faith; trusts, is humble, is loving and is forgiving. Those who will be the greatest- will be like children!

Psychology is so POWERFUL. The ability to understand the way the human mind functions can be the most useful skill we can have to help bring people to a place of healing from their past. I degree of psychological knowledge can also help you to protect yourself from harmful people. But with any superpower, we can use it for good and for evil! Watch out for those 'psychological' people!

I've been a vegetarian for almost 15 years but I still think the aroma of beef cooking in a fry pan or BBQ is pleasurable. When we read about our sacrifices and refinement being a 'pleasing fragrance on to the Lord' it may not sit that well with our soul. For the participants of refinement, the Refiner's fire isn't typically identify as 'sweet' or 'pleasant'- its usually super painful and uncomfortable and we just want it to end already! But the sweet fragrance doesn't come from short, comfortable refinement, it comes from long exposure to the Refiner's heat!