Cardmaking and max(Revised 20041117)

Card making... a rather neglected part of the arts society...

Nonetheless, part of the repertoire of trivias that i shoulder

I remember that, in my youth, i read the Bible and came across the verse that said Barnabas, also known as Son of Encouragement....

The thought that struck me was: That's what i want to be!
(for those early enough, my nick used to be Barnabeng, almagation of Barnabas and Ah Beng)

It was a combination of 2 types of people that i like, the Barnabas and Ah Bengs.

Barnabas encourages, keeps people going, help those who fell back to their feet, back onto their journey.
Ah Bengs, the only effectively efficient group of people in NS. They get the job done. That's the part of Ah Bengs that i like, besides the other side of old style Ah Bengs... who are trustworthy and loyal. They are resilient... survivalist...

But i will be more than resilient... i will thrive!

I strive to be a Son of Encouragement, an effective and efficient worker for the Kingdom of God, relying on God to help me to be trustworthy and dependable as i stay loyal to Him and i know i WILL thrive, for as i put first the Kingdom of God, He will add ALL things unto me! (For the Bible tells me so).

Ah... cardmaking... (almost lost myself talking about Ah Bengs). Cardmaking is a special ministry. It encourages people during exams, cheers people up during birthdays and it's brings up really wonderful memories when you see a "Pass it On card" years later, reminding you of your friends' and their love towards you, especially in trying times that you went through.

It is a ministry that takes skill, discernment, diligence, practice and keen observation.

Skill and practice will make you a excellent executioner: you can make cards with little/no noticeable flaws.

Diligence to improve yourself will add other skills... like paper carving, drawing, watercoloring, inking etc... to make new kinds of cards.

Discernment and keen observation: helps you to pick up on things... favorite colors that the person likes, things that the person likes, styles, etc.

And ya better be diligent to submit on time ya! Cards, like tithe, should be submitted ASAP. When you give an encouragement late, the encouragement may not be as effective as it could have been. If you have received bday cards that were a few months late before... you know what it feels like.

There ain't no condemnation in Christ Jesus, ya? If situation does not permit, no choice about it. But as much as humanly possible, especially if it is a card for condolence or encouragement... the time is NOW! Do not tarry... else... might as well don't make.

My personal point of view. More on Ah Bengs and Barnabas next time.