Mar 2023 Newsletter #1

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Hi Reader!

How have you been? It has been 2 months since I've last written you a newsletter.

For those of you who are full time teachers in Singapore like myself, I wonder if you can identify with this: 2023 feels like we're back to the "normal" busyness before Covid hit us. Regular CCAs, remedial lessons, termly assessments, enrichment programs...

It's as though all these activities were just crouching at the door, waiting to get back at us!

I thought that I could use the March school holidays to write to you, but a wisdom tooth extraction incapacitated me for days.

But life is more than just thorns and thistles. There are roses along the way that we can give thanks for as well.

Recently, I've been reading a book titled The 5AM Club, by Robin Sharma. The author advocates a daily practice of waking up at 5am (yes, you read that right!) and practicing the 20/20/20 formula:

• 20 minutes to Move (physical exercise)
• 20 minutes to Reflect (praying, meditating, journaling)
• 20 minutes to Grow (learning, reading, studying)

After practicing this for 11 days, I found that I am able to think better after the morning exercise. In my journal, I would write down my struggles but also pen down my thanksgiving to God for all His blessings. I find that this practice of gratitude helps me set my heart right through the day.

If you're curious about what else there is to the book, drop me a pm or chat me up on social media, and I can share more with you ;).

Here are some of the recent blog posts you may have missed:

​Debunking 3 Myths about Calling​

Are you searching for your calling but feeling overwhelmed by myths and misconceptions? It's time to dispel the notion that your calling is limited to your ideal job or solely based on passion, and learn how to distinguish between personal passions and God's purpose for you in the here and now.

This is a post I wrote after some reflections about calling. I realize that, if we (Christians) are not careful, we may fall into the trap of translating 'calling' as 'self-actualization', when it is actually a response to God's summons in our lives! Yet, in many secular books about calling, 'self-actualization' or careerism may precisely be what the authors have in mind.

So, depending on where you stand, you may not like what you read in this post. The idea of responding to an divine appointment may not sit well with some. Because it means that you cannot be whatever you want to be, and that your calling may not be as glamorous as you would prefer.

But it also means that, being primarily called into a relationship with God, you are actively participating in a dynamic walk with Him, responding to His call day by day. And that's a lifetime of adventure!

Seeking a New Job or Career

How do we "seek first the kingdom of God" when we choose a new job or career? Russell Gehrlein, our guest blogger and author of Immanuel Labor – God’s Presence in our Profession: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Approach to the Doctrine of Work, has kindly shared two of his articles with us.

In Part 1, Russ discusses what it means to seek God's kingdom first, and how we go about it. This is highly applicable even if you are not actively looking for a new job or career!

And in Part 2, Russ reviews what it means to find your purpose and flourish in your job, whatever it may be. This is especially relevant today when more than 80% of employees are disengaged from their work.

Do check out Russ' blog and his book while you're at it!

Also... have you downloaded our new Ebook?

If you're looking to create a powerful and meaningful personal vision statement that will help you clarify your purpose and focus your efforts towards achieving your goals, our free ebook for you, "4 Steps to Crafting Your Perfect Personal Vision Statement" is ready for download!

This guide will walk you through the process of creating a powerful and meaningful personal vision statement that will help you clarify your purpose and focus your efforts towards achieving your goals.

Whether you're looking to make a career change, improve your relationships, or simply live a more fulfilling life, this ebook will provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to get there.
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This book is a simple gift to you, to thank you for being a part of the Embrace Our Calling community. Although you will need to key in your email again, please be assured that you won't be receiving double emails from me (I think!).

Go forth and embrace your calling!

Marcus

p.s. We’d love to see you on our social media channels too. Here are the links to connect with us:

​Facebook Page | Instagram | My LinkedIn

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