On a searing Gold Coast morning, my neighbour, Rollo Meyers, stood in his eponymous park in Runaway Bay, tipping water out of a wheelbarrow. The garden tools and spray bottles he stored in the tray clattered noisily to the rim as he angled the front braces toward the ground.
Rollo’s community legacy Read More »
Forty days after Easter, when we celebrated Jesus’ resurrection, today we celebrate his ascension into heaven and to the right hand of the Father. Artists throughout the centuries have imagined the scene: the disciples staring upwards as the Risen Jesus is lifted up before them and disappears into the clouds. Their last glimpse of him is his feet as he disappears from sight.
I am with you always Read More »
At a little over 160 cm, I’m not tall but I’m also not short. And yet I find myself with two children, of which our eldest is 10 years old and now less than 8 cm from overtaking me. As I see him edging ever closer to my height, I’ve been heard to beg him in mock desperation, “Would you please stop growing?”
My family’s faithful moments Read More »
US researcher Gary Chapman realised that couples and families have different needs and wants around love. He understood that couples in love will support each other because they want their relationship to work. But there are times they don’t connect and can’t seem to get it quite right. This happens in all relationships.
Speaking the language of love Read More »
Mum, madre or mutter: it doesn’t matter what language as it all translates to love. So, Mother’s Day? Not quite sure what this means for most women. I know for me, a mum of two daughters aged six and eight that so far it hasn’t meant a day of R&R. With early risers, 6.30am is the latest I sleep in.
This week’s readings prepare us for Ascension Sunday next week, as they instruct Christians on how to live in the world while we wait for Christ’s return. Although Jesus’ defeat of death has forever transformed what it means to be human, we live in this waiting period where salvation has already been won for us, but not yet fulfilled.
New life with the Spirit Read More »
Raising kids and being married is hard. And doing both things well can sometimes be downright daunting. On my wedding day, I had a hope-filled vision of how I was going to manage conflict in my marriage. Now ten years on, I have discovered that after many frustrating moments and misunderstandings, simply avoiding conflict just doesn’t cut it.
Embracing ‘loving’ conflict Read More »
More than 3,000 people take their own lives in Australia each year. And the problem is only getting worse amongst younger age groups. Figures compiled by the Victorian Coroners Court, for example, show 13 young people aged under 18 took their lives between the start of January and the end of March in Victoria this year.
How to stem the suicide rate? Read More »
I was once driven by a farmer named John to his farm in country Victoria. It was winter and rather cold. He drove an old farm truck and I was seated on the front passenger side. Our journey took us through green, undulating countryside and through many pastures.
Our shepherd protector Read More »
Any counsellor will tell couples that it’s important to keep their relationship fresh and that fun and romance are vital ingredients for any relationship to succeed long-term.
Romance and fun go hand-in-hand Read More »