"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." (Philippians 4:8) Turn away your thoughts of melancholy, of worry, of fear. Think of the lovely, the excellent, the beautiful. The joy.

It's one of Lent's traditions. To give up something. To fast from something. Whether it be from technology, a particular food or drink. We can deprive ourselves of some small pleasure or indulgence and offer that sacrifice up to God. Alternatively we might “give up” a bad habit as a demonstration of moving closer to God.… Continue reading Space – {Lent}

"All I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by" (John Masefield) I’ve borrowed this quote from my brother. It's from one of his favourite poems. And as I stand here with a new year ahead of us it seems rather apt. That and the fact I work in Shipping I guess.… Continue reading Uncharted Territory

And just like that it’s midnight and we’re ringing in the New Year! 2018 is now here. Around New Zealand and then around the world New year celebrations are in full flight. Fireworks, champagne bottles popping, the tunes of auld Lang syne ring out. Why the excitement, the hype over a new day? A New… Continue reading The New Year

The Christmas tree was taken down today. All the decorations packed away for another year. Pretty glass baubles returned to their cardboard boxes and safely stored. Christmas lights carefully unstrung and taken down. Symbolic really that as another year draws to a close I was packing up remnants of Christmas. Whatever 2017 held for you… Continue reading 2017.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby… Continue reading What does your heart need this Christmas?

Joy at this time should be easy, shouldn't it? Christmas music is playing, lights and decorations abound and everyone is feeling "Christmassy". I mean it’s just the most wonderful time of the year...of course until you find yourself shouting at the self checkout machine saying there’s no unexpected item in the baggage area. Or the car you… Continue reading Joy – {Advent}

Sometimes we sorrow, Other time embrace, sometimes we question everything everything we face; yet in our yearning is deeper learning; we belong to God, we belong to God. (John Bell 1949) I'm at an ordination, a day of celebration, and we're all standing in song, singing a hymn. And for me, this verse stands out and… Continue reading Sometimes…

"It will be said on that day, ‘Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.'   Ïsaiah 25:9 I recently found myself sitting in a hospital café waiting. Marking time till… Continue reading Waiting – {Advent}