Koru

[tomthefunginger-blog1]

Time = People

When traveling you are going to meet lots of different people from lots of different backgrounds. For me one of the best parts of traveling is the new connections I get to make with people from all over the world. However, strong connections will not be made with other people (or places) while traveling if you are too focused on how you are going to spend your time while traveling.

Tristan Harris makes this point in his TEDx Talk on how better technology could protect us from distractions. The main point of his talk is that the goal of technology should be to form better quality connections with other people. He argues that this would be accomplished by shifting technology’s focus from making people spend time to spending time well.

Currently, technology consumes our days. We have become addicts to screens instead of being conscious of reality and the people around us. He gives one example of how checking one Facebook notification is a conscious decision to waste 20 min of our lives, yet this is a decision that we make multiple times a day and it is taking away from the quality of our relationships. 

Couchsurfers is an example of a website that is helping people form meaningful relationships while traveling. This is an invaluable website as it not only gives you a place to sleep while traveling, but it also  immerses you in the culture of that person’s home. Interacting with the local people and forming meaningful relationships with them is the best thing you can do when visiting other cultures.

Unfortunately, in America we say, “Time = Money.” This is a mindset and as a result most Americans try and get the most personal profit out of each day. This mindset not only affects the American’s working day, but also their vacation time. Travel plans become packed and days on the road get crammed with different sights to see and activities to do. Busy.

The Pacific Islanders have a very different view of time. They say, “Time = People.” this takes the focus off of how we can benefit from each situation and shifts it to how we can better appreciate others around us in each situation. As an American who lived abroad in a Pacific Islander culture for two years, this mindset shift was revolutionary for me. It slowed down my busyness and helped me see people for who they are. 

Slow down. Time spent = money, but time well spent = meaningful relationships with people.

[dylanseeks]

“We are afraid to go all the way in accepting the authority of God, because of our secret uncertainty as to His adequacy to look after us if we do. It is precisely people like us whom Paul is challenging. ‘What shall we say to these things? Think - think - think! Think of what you KNOW of God through the gospel, says Paul, and apply it. Think against your feelings; argue yourself out of the gloom they have spread; unmask the belief they have nourished; take yourself in hand, talk to yourself, make yourself look up from your problems to the God of the gospel, let evangelical thinking correct emotional thinking.” (J.I. Packer) ⠀ I know I’ve quoted Packer a lot recently. But man, this guy gets it. Each and every day I struggle with trusting that God is enough. That He actually is adequate - able to meet all of my needs. That He is all I truly need. But look at Scripture. The God of the Bible is not compatible with my unbelief. Either I take Him for all that He is, acknowledging that He is the REAL deal, or I deny it all. There’s no in between. And I know He’s real. I’ve encountered Him. Many of us have. ⠀ So, logically, it only makes sense for me accept that He’s worth it all.

[savedbygracebibledevotionals]

“Your faith will not fail while God sustains it; you are not strong enough to fall away while God is resolved to hold you.” (J.I. Packer)

[npr]

No More Cages: New Animal Cracker Packaging Sets The Mighty Beasts Free

"To continue to make the brand relevant for years to come, we felt this was the right time for the next evolution in our design, now showing the animals in a natural habitat," said the company.

[tomthefunginger-blog1]

Kia Ora

Kia Ora,

That is Māori for “hello,” but is literally translated as “have life, be well.”

Māori is the native language of New Zealand where I lived for two years during the middle of my college career. After sophomore year I decided that I needed a change of pace to sort some things out and New Zealand seemed like it would do the trick. 

I was right.

My time there was primarily spent studying and working at a small Bible school located on the north island, but I also went on heaps of adventures including visiting the Shire, scuba diving, climbing Mount Doom (there is more snow than lava at the top in real life), and much, much more. 

This blog is entitled “Koru” which is another Māori word of personal significance to me. Koru is a spiral shape like the jade one that I have made the mascot of this blog. Its meaning originates from the unferling of a silver fern, which is New Zealand’s (unofficial) national symbol and represents new life, growth, strength, and peace. 

I found all of these during my time in New Zealand. It was hard to leave, but it is good to be back. Last year was my first year back and this year will be my last before the next adventure begins.

- Tommy Perry

1 Fun Fact: I have a severe food allergy to all birds, most notably chicken.