Over the past 12 months, in small villages and towns in Africa and Asia, I’ve had the privilege to sit and listen to some amazing, humble women of faith. I've been inspired by their stories, courage and resilience. I’ve wiped tears from my eyes as they have shared their hopes and dreams for their local … Continue reading For such a time as this!
Faith
Thankful!
I’ve joined a new club over recent months. I’ve received membership to shopping centre lounge areas where, without overly stereotyping, older men often sit and wait for shopping family members. I’ve done my bit to bring down the average age of the cohort and I’m hoping my membership is temporary. With a coffee and novel … Continue reading Thankful!
Herods come, Herods go!
Seduced by ego Charmed by power. Threatened by opposition, captivated by pride Fearing anyone who might steal the limelight Herod - the self-consumed King I dare look inside my life again And while I may prefer to ignore it I see some Herod in me I can seek to excuse myself “I haven’t slaughtered innocents” But … Continue reading Herods come, Herods go!
When life throws you a curve ball [and jelly!]
My wife believes there is nothing good at all about green jelly and so the only time it gets a run on our family menu is when Megan makes my Dad his favourite Christmas trifle. Well, Christmas has come early this year, with a bowl of sweet and tangy lime jelly on my hospital menu … Continue reading When life throws you a curve ball [and jelly!]
Calling out bullies!
Over recent weeks Megan and I have had to help our youngest child deal with the pain of being bullied at school. You have a heavy heart when your child is distressed about going to school, when you know she usually loves it so much! From the school playground to the workplace, from the sporting … Continue reading Calling out bullies!
Wrestling with the beast
For the past few years, I’ve had doctors telling me “listen to your body”. I have been trying to heed their advice as best I can. I have tried to pace myself. I have slept more than I ever have. I'm often in bed before the kids, much to their amusement. I’ve learnt many lessons. … Continue reading Wrestling with the beast
A genuine welcome mat!
What does it look like to be a genuine welcoming gospel community? What does it look like to invite others to your dining table in an expression of genuine hospitality Certainly - as Walter Brueggemann and Sanetta Ponton highlight - it means facing our prejudices and ensuring “people not like us” are invited to our … Continue reading A genuine welcome mat!
“Well, at least … “
Well, at least … "Well, at least I don’t vote Greens." "At least I don’t live in that suburb." "At least my kid's normal." "At least I’m not on benefits." "At least I don't talk like she does." "At least I’m not like him." "And well, God, thank you that my kids are so successful … Continue reading “Well, at least … “
Competing paths
As a leader, I have before me each day two competing pathways - the street of self-advancement and the road of relinquishment. The first pathway beckons me to personal ascension, accomplishment, acknowledgement and acquisition. These things all attractively play to my innate self-interest. And yet all of these things are at odds with the way … Continue reading Competing paths
The in-between days
Saturday The in-between day They were shattered, broken They were uncertain, fearful They were cynical, questioning They were grieving, numb They were longing, yearning They didn’t know what was next It was the in-between day! And here I am, So far removed from that Saturday And yet with so many in-between days in my … Continue reading The in-between days
APilgrimPens 