When I was 10 I featured in a nativity play put on by the local Lutheran church at the top of my street. I so wanted a key role – like Joseph or the shepherds. Rather I was cast as a tree. Yes a tree! I had leaves taped all over me and whenever the … Continue reading A Christmas invitation
Faith
Clinging to hope!
In Bethlehem: "A re-igniting of hope is how the Mayor of Bethlehem Maher Nicola Canawati described this week's lighting of the Manger Square Christmas tree. The tree wasn't lit in 2023 and 2024 in respect of the Gaza conflict and the loss of so many lives. But the Mayor said this week that he hoped … Continue reading Clinging to hope!
Hope has a name!
Hope sometimes feels wishful, like crossing our fingers and dreaming of a good outcome. Today, we are all hoping for different things – some important, some less so – in this wishful, it may or may not happen way. Each year I hope the Newcastle Knights will win the NRL – and I know how wishful … Continue reading Hope has a name!
Good tears
As Arli was put to sleep for surgery yesterday I held his hand. I’ve been in this place with him several times before. I remember holding his hand when he was two and had his first surgery. He didn’t understand what was happening around him. I did and I was praying hard for my little … Continue reading Good tears
Standing with Min
I took this photo of Min* and her baby on a visit to the India-Myanmar border. I will never forget the day I met Min and a group of other courageous, inspiring, resilient people who had fled from Myanmar to Mizoram. About 5 million people are now displaced in Myanmar and in neighbouring countries. There … Continue reading Standing with Min
The gift of perspective
MRI results this week showed further deterioration in my spine beyond the areas where I had surgery a few years ago. This explains the increasing and extended pain I’ve been experiencing in my neck, back and head. While certainly not the news I wanted, I’m deeply appreciative of the ongoing support of my wife Megan, … Continue reading The gift of perspective
Disagreeing in love
I’m an election tragic. I’ve watched many up close over my life. This time round, I’ve been deeply concerned by the vitriol, hatred and lies - dressed up as political comment by people who claim to identify with the ways of Jesus. I’m astounded by the certainty some hold to in their extreme, opinions, claims … Continue reading Disagreeing in love
In between day
SaturdayThe 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 life.Days of uncertainty, days of fear.Days of questioning, days of waiting.Days … Continue reading In between day
Love like no other
Love.Love like no other.Costly loveBloodied loveForgiving loveCourageous loveWelcoming loveRobust loveServing loveRestoring loveHealing loveBeautiful loveRadical loveAccepting love. Friday love.Nothing, absolutely nothing, cheap about this love! Today, I’m deeply thankful for the Servant King’s love.Today, I see that I’ve still got such a long way to go in loving others more like Jesus.Today, I see a world … Continue reading Love like no other
Thankful tracks
This was my local lockdown track. I walked it so many times. I still do! It’s become a therapeutic place. As I travel the world in my role I love to walk and explore places I’ve never seen before. I love adventure and change. I enjoy new experiences! But in the world as it is … Continue reading Thankful tracks
apilgrimpens 