Talking points
Radical welcome
relationship is simply getting to know someone, which means you must spend time with them. We have a larger duty to make international students feel at home and at ease. Invite them to a movie. Invite them to eat with you at lunch. Invite them to sit with you in class. Invite them to church. They might just say yes! Holidays also present a perfect opportunity to invite an international student into your home. They love to visit Canadian homes, which are often very different from their own.
The responsibility for building relationships does not only lie with domestic students. Everyone must play a part. We will not get it right every time, but that should not stop us from trying and trying again. We can be Christians and welcome international students of all faiths onto our campuses by living our Christian faith for all to see, and further fulfil the gospel of Christ. – from “Reaching out to international students” by Dannie Brown
Workplace trust
healthy, trusting environments learn to effectively navigate conflict. Needless personal attacks are off the table, as healthy give-and-take of differing opinions help develop more effective ideas. This can create higher levels of trust and productivity and do wonderful things for your organization.
Wisely relying on the three-legged stool of trust – lead with character, cultivate consistent integrity, and demonstrate concern – can produce immediate benefits, whether you’re listening carefully to someone, following through on a personal commitment or feeling affirmed by a colleague or group.
It’s no coincidence that Jesus himself exemplified trust. Through His godly character, integrity and concern He earned the trust of those He came to serve. May we do the same with each person with whom we work. – from “How to build trust in your workplace” by Barry Slauenwhite
Moving to a sailboat
god’s grace has enabled us to weather the changes well. We’ve developed contentment with less. We’re more appreciative of simple things such as sunshine, a walking path nearby and quiet surroundings. Most importantly we’ve built relationships here [living on a boat in a marina in B.C.].
Many [other boat] residents trust alcohol, marijuana and alternative lifestyles to heal their hurts, but we offer something better – the Good News of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. We have no doubt that God let us experience His transitional grace [in moving from a house to a sailboat] not for our own purposes, but for our neighbours. He’s pursuing them, inviting them to transition from darkness to light. And He’s trusted us to help them on their journey. – from “From house to sailboat dwelling” by Grace Fox
Courage in transition
we are dependent every day on grace. Are you having a few rough days between transitions? Talk to a friend, engage the world through your hobbies. And retool your gifts. To live fully and fruitfully, to stay alive spiritually, we must turn the page to the next chapter. That’s crucial to hope, faith and love to God and our neighbour. Go ahead! Turn that page. – from “The difficult transition into retirement” by Garry Milley
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