I was asked recently, “What inspired you to write a book about your singleness experience?” In my somewhat descriptive answer I told of how God used a shopping trip to spark the beginning of my writing journey. Today I will share part of that story with you. Come back with me to a time 7 […]
Surviving Contentment
Recently I was asked by a young lady, “What do you say to a single person who is struggling to be content with their singleness?” I have several answers to this, but before I share how I did respond, let’s have a closer look at this challenging and complex question. We struggle with contentment. Even […]
No Fear in Death
A friend of mine died recently. He was a member of our church and sang on the worship team. I didn’t know him all that well, however I had served with him on the worship team so I knew him a little. I found out last weekend at church that he had died. We – […]
Tiptoe through the Tulips
This stunning photo was taken while on holidays recently. It was a sight to behold: dazzling colour in the midst of vast stretches of green fields. One could hardly believe that such vivid colours were possible. The air was cool but not cold. There was the slightest hint of rain, and indeed, a few drops […]
My Island Hideaway
Ps 32:7: “God’s my island hideaway, keeps danger far from the shore, throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.” (MSG) This little verse nestled in the middle of Psalm 32 gives poetic imagery of the rest that God’s children can find in Him. We often talk about resting in God and the peace of God; […]
Countercultural Contentment
Entitlement. It’s the new buzz word of our society. For some it’s a good thing, standing up for oneself and one’s rights; but it can get a bit carried away, even turning ugly and aggressive. Living in a relatively affluent part of Australia (not by any means the most affluent, but then affluence is relative), […]
Write Your Passion
Writer Red Smith famously penned, “There’s nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein.” Although our modern world has moved on from typewriter times, I believe that the art of writing has not varied in its inherent nature. I used to write a diary. During my emotional […]
Ministry Matters
* When I was growing up, I thought that serving the Lord meant being a paid full-time pastor. I thought being in ministry meant having an official title in your church, along with status, authority and responsibilities. As a teenager, I joined the church band and helped to lead worship. I served during the week […]
Joyful, Joyful
“Joyful, joyful, Lord we adore Thee. . .” This poem written by Henry van Dyke perfectly encapsulates the act of corporate worship. While worship can be a serious, somber, reverent experience, it can also be a joyful one. All too often in our churches we focus on the former and restrict the latter. But I […]
Good Grief
My grandfather recently died and I now find myself wanting to blog about death and grief. Those of you who have been following my blogs for a while may recall that I have previously written about lamentations and joyful grief. This week I will be talking about some of the most beautiful and encouraging aspects […]
