Sivin Kit’s Garden

What’s happening on the Web right now?
This is interesting.

Thanks DJ Chuang for the link.

43 Things
Stumbled on this last week. Raised the question once again, “What do you want to do with your life?”

The Passion of Hotel Rwanda
Ok I REALLy want to see this movie!

What is Practical Theology? Part I & Part II
For me, being theological and practical though maybe distinguished at times should never be divided.

Clarity of Mind – the importance of local
These follow suggestions for living healthily “in a toxic culture “stuck out” (The applications to church were really good too!) …
“…What will help are simple things like

6. Live more locally…”

Ministry is bad for you?
I’m one of those who don’t fit in the “survey”. But then again I had good friends and mentors. Many thanks to them.

I asked a local Christian bookstore this week when is A Genereous Orthodoxy arriving (since I asked them to bring in at least 20 copies - more than 4-5 friends would want a copy immediately). I was surprised by the answer. We need to wait for the second printing - no stock!!! I guess those who can’t wait might find another means to get the book.

I must admit, that I read the book pretty fast to try to participate in the group blog aGenerousorthodoxy.com discussion which is at this point quiet. But as I rushed through there were more than 4-5 occassions that I wanted to pause further and ask Brian - are you REALLY saying this? or What do you mean? If we really do what you say here, what would happen? I’ve read you before, but this part makes me wonder? .. that kind of questions.

I need to get my copy back from a friend and I’ll start doing those exercises. all in all, I appreciated his “confessional” approach in charting his journey. I’ve read almost all the reviews I could get on this particular book. Some I think were fair, others I thought totally missed the point. Especially at some points I wondered (after reading some severe critique - which came across “unfriendly” to put it mildly) would some of my former teachers in seminary or even myself be “excluded” judged under the light of these criterias. I’ll probably delve more on that another time. The fact is once published, one needs to face the praise as well as the criticism. There’s no turning back. Or is it?

That’s why, I found this article worth a read : A Brotherly Critique and Response. I think before one starts hurling “unfriendly” charges or heresy or doomsday prophecy (to be honest, I’m always tempted to do so myself), is there another way (which I want to learn)? Read on if you’re interested (Brian’s reply to the theologian in italics).
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There’s more to Joel than globetrotting through the ministry of Servlife huh ?… he’s a juggler too!

Joel Vestal was in town this week to see what can be done to get his book printed. It’s been a very good learning experience for me as well as I sat with him during the discussions with the relevant peopple on issues ranging from paper thickness to how to print the cover, shipping costs, etc. Some of these lessons have been very useful at least for general knowledge. Here’s a Sneak Preview of the book.

But of course, that’s more of the closing labour pangs (in some ways) to see the birth of the book. I’m still trying to conceive some ideas and see how to get two articles out. Blogging is ok and fun but writing articles or even a book … now that’s quite a different ball game.

I manage to stumble on No Train, No Gain Writing Resources which looks helpful.

I’m also checking out these powerpoints from an upcoming conference. Writing for Your Mother- what a cool title. And of course the more serious, How to Write a Book Proposal

Maybe someday I’ll manage to juggle my way into writing a book and beyond. For now, it’s working on this weeks interactive message, finish one article, prepare for part two of the children’s “orientation” program, and a number of others immediate concerns. Ah … I’m looking forward to have supper with Juggling Joel tonight before he flies off again.

A national spotlight shines on local pastor (via Stephen Shields)
who said a “local” pastor can’t have “regional” or even “global” influence? we’re in a GLOCAL world aren’t we? … even if not totally

Beyond Bullets
I kind of “intuitively” was moving this direction … this guy really takes it deeper and further.

Blink and The Wisdom of Crowds: How to improve the decision-making environment.
awesome exchange between the authors and totally stimulating as I read it while waiting for May Chin to come down from her office (loads of articles are read this way!) and will finish it afterwars before I sleep. Seems there will be more the next few days here

Apologetics and Theology Both Need to Change
now the word “embodied” just keeps popping up lately! Good corrective.

Hotel Rwanda
when are they going to show it here in Malaysia?

I found Brother Maynard’s attempt to put into words his longing in this post “to clarify this journey” resonating with much of what I’ve been going through especially coming to April this year will be five years. I’m praying that Bangsar Lutheran Church will see God moving in our midst as we explore similar themes along our story here in Malaysia.
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The first time I met Michael Lee was when I was a Christian Fellowship president in a secondary school at one of the Scripture Union camps. Strangely, we managed to connect more the last few months and especially the last few weeks as I rethink and re-do the children’s ministry. He was the first to mention Godly Play to me. He’s a genuine never-stop learning veteran in this area. In fact, I actually was really impressed when I drove one of his former campers (who’s now grown up) and could see the simple and yet significant impact Michael had on his life in the long term. That says a lot to me.

Through Michael, I was introduced in one whom I’ll call the Intergenerational Guru and advocate for Christian education and Church. Dr. Allan Harkness (whom I later found out is the editor of the Journal of Christian Education). We had dinner on sunday night at Pastor Micky Kua’s place. he’s defintaly not an ivory tower scholar but one who’s passionately practical as well. It’s just great to get energized by Sages who share not only knowledge and insights but practical reflections, ideas and lessons. I got two of Dr. Allan’s articles and they are exactly what I needed (plus a bonus new revised book by him entitled “Praying together” (according to him I’m the second one in Malaysia who has it!! It’s ok not to be no. 1 huh? who cares .. my wife says it’s a good book). I must say, it’s been a great week so far. And it’s just Tuesday.

Both of them came by the Father’s House around 4.30pm a while ago. And it’s like when the kids last Sunday get their second blessing from the greeters. I felt myself getting a second dose of encouragement by one sage who’s a thoughful practioner and another sage who’s a practical scholar. Both of them shared more than knowledge and experience, they shared life, passion and joy in serving in their respective callings.

I heard or read from somewhere that more and more the local churches would be looking for church consultants to help them in developing and growing churches. Well, for me having the chance to hang out, laugh, interact with wise men like these two has been most rewarding … I know they’ve paid the price (and are still paying it) to do what they do. And to just think about the blessing of getting their wisdom for FREE and having a new friendship/connection with them is just … what can I say … I’m speechless. At least, i must record my thanks to them and to God. Amen!

… or maybe bloggers must be crazy? Check what Peggy Noonan has to say:
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THE POLITICS OF JESUS : An Anabaptist Understanding Of The New Testament (via Prodigal Kiwi)
a simplified summary of John H. Yoder’s classic book by Nathan Hobby with James Patton. I need to watch book spending … summaries help to delay the purchases for a short while
born again?
we talked about the John 3:1-17 passage in the last district pastors prayer meeting. It’s interesting to look back on how I used to rigidly define this phrase and today how enriched I am by more insights like this one from Maggi.

Nourishing Imagination: Using Direct Speech
In a speed reading world, quality blogs like this and the links inside requires one to learn to read slowly.

The things to do
My wife May Chin would say … “I didn’t need to read this article to know this!”

Getting things done
I like the 2 minute rule.

Biblical advice for bloggers
Back to the Bible for bloggers? Pretty good advice I must say.