“Not one of us!”

Some of you may have seen the post doing the rounds that suggests to be a true Australian means you celebrate the following six days: Christmas Day, Easter, Anzac Day, Australia Day, Fathers Day and Mothers Day.  It’s a short list isn’t it? It’s intentionally exclusive. People who I have spoken with, who suggest lists … Continue reading “Not one of us!”

Fear mongering!

No one is getting out of Gaza in a hurry. That’s a fact. “Hamas sympathisers” are not lined up at the airport bound for Australia as Mr Dutton might want us to believe. But fostering immigration fear -  no matter what side of politics plays this cheap game - is never concerned with the facts. … Continue reading Fear mongering!

A champion team!

I’m looking forward to talking "team" with colleagues in Cambodia this week. Building teams is one of the most rewarding things I do. It's a privilege to speak into the life of teams, help them grow and cheer them on. As many of you know, building a healthy, vibrant team isn’t easy. Sometimes it can … Continue reading A champion team!

A brokenness invitation

My physical pain levels have been high over the past few weeks. I’ve found myself - in a childlike manner - uttering: “pain, pain, go away”! Then I think of others, like a friend I had coffee with this week, dealing with a much bigger health mountain than mine. Or today. a colleague grieving the … Continue reading A brokenness invitation

Thankful in the silence!

I’m sitting in my parents’ home tonight and it’s so quiet. That’s very strange for this house. You see, my dad has stubbornly refused to wear hearing aids for a long time and he’s renowned for his television being set at a volume that allows people in the next suburb to listen in to the … Continue reading Thankful in the silence!

The difference default

When you get more than 400 people from 65 countries in a room - and throw in that they’re Baptists - you are amid a very diverse bunch. Difference is all around you - be it language, skin colour, dress, equity, cuisine, theology, worship style or preferred football code. And given we were meeting in … Continue reading The difference default

Getting off the slippery slope!

This year has been a tough one on my body, from managing expected spinal pain to unexpected  salmonella hospitalisation. So, when I tested positive to lousy Covid again on Sunday, I was more than ready to accept an invite to my own personal pity party! I had good reason to grumble, I told myself. And quickly, … Continue reading Getting off the slippery slope!

Until the storm passes!

“Chicken or the egg.” That’s my specialist’s best two guesses as to what has given me a very unexpected crash course in severe salmonella infection. It has been a tough and stretching week physically and emotionally, but hopefully I will be home in the next few days. And a sobering thought I will take with me; … Continue reading Until the storm passes!

Surprise me!

Am I ready for new ways, new paths in life in 2024? Am I ready to be humbly surprised by God in 2024? Or will I be trapped by the pursuit of power, familiarity, arrogance and complacency? These are questions I’m asking today as the Christian calendar celebrates the arrival of the Magi at the … Continue reading Surprise me!