Friday, October 28, 2005

I'm back in Lincoln, Nebraska for a few days. Despite the travelling (including the fact that I need to connect in Chicago to get here,) I do look forward to coming here because it gives me some space and some quiet time. Not that I come here a lot (and much less now that I'm in a different role,) but some some reasons it feels like "home" here. Haha, perhaps it's the quiet midwestern hospitality, perhaps it's the quiet time which I really welcome, but it could also be the following letter, which is written on a card placed on our cards every day. It's a great greeting and definitely makes me feel at home. I posted this last year when I came here for the first time, but it has since been a whole year... so here it is again. I really like it. =)

To Our Guests

In ancient times there was a prayer for
"The Stranger within our gates"

Because this hotel is a human institution to serve people, and not solely a money-making organization, we hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are under our roof.

May this suite and hotel be your "second" home. May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams. Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that you will be comfortable and happy as if you were in your own house.

May the business that brought you our way prosper. May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe.

We are all travellers. From "birth till death" we travel between the eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best.


Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Saturday, October 08, 2005

Thank God for getting through these past two weeks... it has been nonstop, but "full" in a great way. Despite once again experiencing the anxious last minute assignment crunch for school, I had a great time the weekend before teaching a Bible Study workshop for the UWCCF retreat.

It was encouraging to receive positive feedback and to know that at least some students were empassioned and motivated to do more Bible studies in order to apply the theories, and in general, read God's living word. I was also asked to facilitate a strategic analysis of the fellowship, which turned into a visioning session --> action plan brainstorming session for them. Yu-ling was also there to lead a workshop on small groups, which was useful and insightful. He also shared some good material for visioning which immensely supplemented my very standard structure for the session... It also helps me think about what I want to do with fellowship at church.

As usual, CCF reminded me about the passion for serving Christ... It's unfortunate to know that I really enjoy doing Bible studies, yet don't spend that much time on them. So, I really need to *make* those opportunities to get me to do them. The next question is... "how?" I have envisioned a number of new things to start... the harder thing is to follow them through.

Just a quick update for now -- I'm finally experiencing a wireless hotspot that works (now that E&Y has changed our wireless software) at a Markham library. Back to writing for my Tyndale assignment!

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.

Thursday, October 06, 2005

[A quick post while I have time before I go to bed... by 12!]

Project "Get Organized" has been quite successful so far!

The first week back to work was great. I was sleeping at around midnight and getting to work earlier than 8 in the morning!

Having been rejuvenated from my vacation, with a relatively clean plate [I was thankful that many things were put to bed before I left for Asia,] stepping into a new role as manager and now going into my main October-December client, I really felt the need to "get organized", in all aspects of my life. =p

So, from now, I am actually motivated to sleep early and get in early in order to be more on top of things before everything comes (crashing?) down.

Of course, the firm is preparing for our busy season as well and training has made everything more busy -- me being in training and also teaching -- but so far it's been manageable. Going back to school for Tyndale has been great too.. but really need to keep up with the readings.

Anyway, I'm thankful for rest and strength -- these two weeks have been really long, although they've all been really worthwhile, but I'm really looking forward to this long weekend. ;)

Until next time, this is Gladys Yam.