thinking honestly about life and faith
It’s a glorious, warm day and I am glad to ride a few waves in the local surf beach. Those who know some of my personal history may marvel, with me, that 15 years on from our tsunami experience, and … Read More »
On holidays: a week spent in a different place, and different in so many ways. A week in which I did not see a news bulletin or newspaper once, but enjoyed food with family, sporting events, outings, and rest. And … Read More »
I was reminded last week of a post and a song I wrote 16 years ago, and I think it really deserves to be shared again. The challenge of Jackson Browne’s song, ‘The rebel jesus’ continues: amongst all that busies … Read More »
We were delighted by the Australian musical My Brilliant Career—based on the original book by Miles Franklin (1901) and then a book and lyrics by Sheridan Harbridge and Dean Bryant. Bryant also wrote the music, with Matthew Frank. The production … Read More »
Our car park behaviour gives it all away. It is said to be a season of peace and joy, but it doesn’t look at all like that in the car park, or on the roads in general. I’ve just been … Read More »
Today I was privileged to offer the sermon for the 90th Anniversary celebrations of the wonderful Ashburton Baptist Church. It was so lovely to see many dear friends from the past and to know that this community is experiencing growth … Read More »
It may be my stage of life or the fact I have recently attended many anniversary events, and some funerals, but we find ourselves often talking about the past. Truth to tell, the past is often a less threatening place! … Read More »
This post is written against the background of a dreadful political malaise. I use the word dreadful because there is indeed much to fear. Millions of people are feeling profound angst because of the election of Donald Trump again to … Read More »
There is a belief amongst many people of faith, deriving particularly from Celtic spirituality, that some places on earth are ‘thin places’, in the sense that the ‘veil’ between things normally perceived and a deeper or more ‘ultimate’ reality is … Read More »
Waiting to cross an intersection, I noticed the loud blaring of a car horn, from the third car back from the lights. I realised that the front car had not progressed and then I noticed that the driver was a … Read More »