The Easter Story through the eyes of Peter If this story was a Hollywood movie, it would be listed under the category: Fantasy. After all, bringing the dead back to life, walking on water and turning water into wine, just doesn’t really happen, or does it? Jesus picked Peter out of obscurity and raised him […]

‘The Nativity’  This painting by Gari Melchers captures the moment after the birth of Jesus. Note the absence of shepherds, angels, wise men and presents. At first glance we see exhaustion, loneliness and rejection. But if you look carefully, in the dark and dreary hole, is hope.  Hope is little, fragile and vulnerable. It’s a beacon […]

The Rescuer’s Heart Hearing of the Thailand soccer team being found alive in a cave brought us to tears. The thought of 13 kids, 1km deep underground and 4km from the entrance, all alone in the darkness for 10 days; goodness, we can only imagine their despair and desperation. What were they thinking? After the ninth day, […]

Charles Spurgeon’s bodacious words about work Charles Spurgeon, the famous preacher from yesteryear, had some great wisdom to say about our vocations: “Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them”. 1 Corinthians 7:20 Charles’ words are in black, mine are in blue. Some persons have the foolish notion –Nah, tell […]

Finding hope in Dark Times When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on his donkey, the crowd roared with praise and excitement! They had pinned their hopes on Jesus to free them from the oppressive Roman Rulers, and by the looks of it, Jesus certainly had the power to do so. If calming storms, healing diseases and […]

An Encouragement to Scripture Teachers I rocked up to a new church last week and recognised a face from 15 years ago. She was a child when I saw her last, but now a gorgeous young lady. She was in a group with her friends when I broke in, somewhat awkwardly- think first time roller skater […]

Starting a Spiritual Conversation Naturally If you’ve ever left a conversation feeling flat, you’re not alone. But why is that? Why are some conversations filled with laughter, banter, hope and connection-whilst others are dry, boring, superficial and stale? Never been short on an opinion, I’ve got a few theories why. But first, let me entice […]

There’s a really cute advertisement for Mitre 10, it has 2 little Kiwi kids playing in the sandpit discussing what they’re going to do on the weekend. One of the Kiwi’s says he’s going to get someone to build a retaining wall, the other New Zealander challenges him, “Do it yourself, get a couple of […]

I’m getting better at riding my motorbike, leaning into the corners while ripping around sweeping bends reminds me of a dog hanging out the car window. It’s taken much practise to feel comfortable at this speed, and while that can be a good thing, this time it wasn’t. Normally I’m concentrating on the road, the […]