SketchUp by Gabi

SketchUp is a premier 3D design software where you can make 3D drawings. This is one of the life skills we have scheduled for Gabi once a week. There is no particular task, he can just play around with it and the idea is just to create anything as his output.

Last Praise 2018, we saw how this skill can be useful when our committee head asked for a volunteer to draw the Production Design in 3D via Sketchup. I offered help, not because I know how to do it, but because I know it's a good opportunity for Gabi to apply his skills.

He was provided with a 2D drawing to start off as guide. I let him do it on his own and allowed him to talk directly to our Production Head for direct communication. I am proud to say that he did well and was able to deliver good results. In a way, it became an opportunit for him also to serve in the ministry at one point.

Here are his drawings:

He was 10 yo when he made these and we are so proud of his work. Here is how it looks on the actual stage:

3D Model

Photo credit to Saints Dance Ministry

I hope we can have this skill improve as well. I know someone who is a Project Engineer who uses the same application. Gabi said he wants to be an Architect someday, so this will be a good practice.

SketchUp by Gabi

SketchUp is a premier 3D design software where you can make 3D drawings. This is one of the life skills we have scheduled for Gabi once a week. There is no particular task, he can just play around with it and the idea is just to create anything as his output.

SketchUp by Gabi

SketchUp is a premier 3D design software where you can make 3D drawings. This is one of the life skills we have scheduled for Gabi once a week. There is no particular task, he can just play around with it and the idea is just to create anything as his output.

Last Praise 2018, we saw how this skill can be useful when our committee head asked for a volunteer to draw the Production Design in 3D via Sketchup. I offered help, not because I know how to do it, but because I know it's a good opportunity for Gabi to apply his skills.

He was provided with a 2D drawing to start off as guide. I let him do it on his own and allowed him to talk directly to our Production Head for direct communication. I am proud to say that he did well and was able to deliver good results. In a way, it became an opportunit for him also to serve in the ministry at one point.

Here are his drawings:

He was 10 yo when he made these and we are so proud of his work. Here is how it looks on the actual stage:

3D Model

Photo credit to Saints Dance Ministry

I hope we can have this skill improve as well. I know someone who is a Project Engineer who uses the same application. Gabi said he wants to be an Architect someday, so this will be a good practice.

Handicraft # 6: Finger Knitting

We explored a new handicraft for the previous term, finger knitting. This is something new to us and as always, we have Youtube Tutorials to help us through it. 

Handicraft # 6: Finger Knitting

We explored a new handicraft for the previous term, finger knitting. This is something new to us and as always, we have Youtube Tutorials to help us through it. 

The primary material needed is very simple, yarn.

So, here's our output for the finger knitting:

We used limited colors and easy to do craft but in the future, we want a more challenging product. So, stay tuned for more of this.

At this point we have no focus handicraft, we just try new things and see if it will click to my son. So far, we have been consistent with Origami and Paper Sloyd. My eldest likes paper folding ever since. In the future, we will do a more focused handicraft.

More handicraft ideas here:

HANDICRAFT # 1: BASIC WEAVING
HANDICRAFT # 2: PAPER SLOYD - YEAR ONE
HANDICRAFT # 3: LOOM BANDS
HANDICRAFT # 4: BASIC STITCHES
HANDICRAFT # 5: PAPER SLOYD - YEAR TWO

Handicraft # 6: Finger Knitting

We explored a new handicraft for the previous term, finger knitting. This is something new to us and as always, we have Youtube Tutorials to help us through it. 

The primary material needed is very simple, yarn.

So, here's our output for the finger knitting:

We used limited colors and easy to do craft but in the future, we want a more challenging product. So, stay tuned for more of this.

At this point we have no focus handicraft, we just try new things and see if it will click to my son. So far, we have been consistent with Origami and Paper Sloyd. My eldest likes paper folding ever since. In the future, we will do a more focused handicraft.

More handicraft ideas here:

HANDICRAFT # 1: BASIC WEAVING
HANDICRAFT # 2: PAPER SLOYD - YEAR ONE
HANDICRAFT # 3: LOOM BANDS
HANDICRAFT # 4: BASIC STITCHES
HANDICRAFT # 5: PAPER SLOYD - YEAR TWO

Overcoming Obstacles and Life's Challenges

We celebrated our Small Group Anniversary by holding an Obstacle Course Race Team Building last May.

Our group experienced different challenging physical obstacles that tested our speed, endurance, and agility. A warm-up commenced the session, followed by some drills before the actual race/relay. The goal in an Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is to outrun your opponents while also overcoming a set of obstacles. It's like the American Ninja Warrior (if you are familiar with it).

We were divided into two teams. red and blue. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to join them because I'm currently pregnant. But I enjoyed watching and capturing their photos. 

After the race, we all gathered for a short devotion and to process the entire experience. We shared different lessons and how they can relate to our life's challenges. Here's what we learned from this adventure:

1. Keep your eyes on the goal.

We have one goal before we start and that is to win the race and finish strong. Despite the exhausted, aching bodies, and obstacles, if you know your goal, you will endure and you'll finish well.

In our Christian life, we run the race of faith and we win by persevering in faith and getting to the finish line. As long as we fixed our eyes on Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith. He will strengthen us to endure and finish strong.

2. Get out of your comfort zone.

At times we felt intimidated and almost giving up, our coaches encouraged us to go on. They believe that we can do it thru their assistance and guidance. They pushed us and helped us overcome our fears and hesitations.

God will bring us out of our comfort zone to accomplish His assignment for us. Sometimes, it only takes the first step of obedience. I am always reminded of that God is not after our comfort, He is in the business of transforming us into Christlikeness.

3. Stay humble.

One of our members had a bad sprain after her fall. But she gave a very good realization. She learned to stay humble and not to be too confident in oneself. It's a very good reminder for every one of us too. Not because we've gone this far in our journey, we are to boast on our selves. We are to be willing to accept help from others. After all, "two head are better than one".

4. There is no lone ranger in our journey.

We need each other in our spiritual walk. There is "strength in numbers" indeed. We need each other to encourage, inspire, rebuke and help us to be a better person. We need people who will guide and encourage us as we make our first step. People who will push us to our limits because they believe in our capacity. It feels good knowing that you are not alone in this journey of life and that someone is there willing to lift you up every time you fall.

God created us for a community and we are so blessed to belong to a community of believers who are passionate for Christ.

5. Holistic growth.

If we strive to be healthy spiritually, we are also reminded to be good stewards of our physical body. We cannot fulfill our assignment if we are weak and feeble. We are reminded to take good care of the temple of the Holy Spirit by being mindful of what we eat and how we use our bodies.

"The race of faith is life’s journey for the Christian." We are all blessed by this event. We learned a lot from the race and most importantly, from the sharing about overcoming obstacles in life.

Kudos to our OCR Coaches Sarah and Ken for sharing their skills, talent and passion!

Our group had a blast and my kids too. I hope to be able to try these in the future, maybe a part two?

We'll see..

Overcoming Obstacles and Life's Challenges

We celebrated our Small Group Anniversary by holding an Obstacle Course Race Team Building last May.

Our group experienced different challenging physical obstacles that tested our speed, endurance, and agility. A warm-up commenced the session, followed by some drills before the actual race/relay. The goal in an Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is to outrun your opponents while also overcoming a set of obstacles. It's like the American Ninja Warrior (if you are familiar with it).

We were divided into two teams. red and blue. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to join them because I'm currently pregnant. But I enjoyed watching and capturing their photos. 

After the race, we all gathered for a short devotion and to process the entire experience. We shared different lessons and how they can relate to our life's challenges. Here's what we learned from this adventure:

1. Keep your eyes on the goal.

We have one goal before we start and that is to win the race and finish strong. Despite the exhausted, aching bodies, and obstacles, if you know your goal, you will endure and you'll finish well.

In our Christian life, we run the race of faith and we win by persevering in faith and getting to the finish line. As long as we fixed our eyes on Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith. He will strengthen us to endure and finish strong.

2. Get out of your comfort zone.

At times we felt intimidated and almost giving up, our coaches encouraged us to go on. They believe that we can do it thru their assistance and guidance. They pushed us and helped us overcome our fears and hesitations.

God will bring us out of our comfort zone to accomplish His assignment for us. Sometimes, it only takes the first step of obedience. I am always reminded of that God is not after our comfort, He is in the business of transforming us into Christlikeness.

3. Stay humble.

One of our members had a bad sprain after her fall. But she gave a very good realization. She learned to stay humble and not to be too confident in oneself. It's a very good reminder for every one of us too. Not because we've gone this far in our journey, we are to boast on our selves. We are to be willing to accept help from others. After all, "two head are better than one".

4. There is no lone ranger in our journey.

We need each other in our spiritual walk. There is "strength in numbers" indeed. We need each other to encourage, inspire, rebuke and help us to be a better person. We need people who will guide and encourage us as we make our first step. People who will push us to our limits because they believe in our capacity. It feels good knowing that you are not alone in this journey of life and that someone is there willing to lift you up every time you fall.

God created us for a community and we are so blessed to belong to a community of believers who are passionate for Christ.

5. Holistic growth.

If we strive to be healthy spiritually, we are also reminded to be good stewards of our physical body. We cannot fulfill our assignment if we are weak and feeble. We are reminded to take good care of the temple of the Holy Spirit by being mindful of what we eat and how we use our bodies.

"The race of faith is life’s journey for the Christian." We are all blessed by this event. We learned a lot from the race and most importantly, from the sharing about overcoming obstacles in life.

Kudos to our OCR Coaches Sarah and Ken for sharing their skills, talent and passion!

Our group had a blast and my kids too. I hope to be able to try these in the future, maybe a part two?

We'll see..