Some of the fruit trees in our garden produce more than one variety of fruit. It’s amazing to take a bud from one desirable tree and graft it onto a another compatible tree, and in time harvest fruit from this …
It could have been easier
It’s a teenage pregnancy, and the fiancée isn’t the father. The birth happens in a farm ‘lean-to’ rather than in a good family home with the best of midwifery care. The baby lies wrapped in cloths in a feeding trough, …
Specificity
Today we have so much data and information available to us, more than we can cope with. So, we simplify, summarise, generalise. This may help make things more manageable for us, but something important gets lost in the process: specificity. …
How do you rank?
Black Lives Matter. This powerful movement protests against the devaluing and ill-treating of people just because of the colour of their skin. But once we’ve fixed our racism, is that enough? Maybe I’m no longer racist, but do I have …
Daring to Share
If you are like me it takes courage to talk about Jesus, even a small comment that identifies us with Christ. We are in good company. The Apostle Paul reflected to the Thessalonians that it was with help from God that he …
Worth more than what we do
With Covid limiting some of the things we can do, here’s a reflection on the difference between being and doing… God made people of immeasurable value. Intricately designed and lovingly created, we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image …
COVID-19 Update
This COVID-19 pandemic means our world is changing fast. Amidst all the uncertainty we think it’s important we stay in touch and support each other as we trust God to use us at this time. Like everyone else, we are …
Reflecting and praying the Psalms
Where is your strength and encouragement coming from at this time? Listening to the news keeps me informed of Covid-19 developments, being in the bible connects me with God’s help and perspective. I am finding the Psalms to be a rich source of encouragement and stimulation in my relationship …
A thousand times better
One day with God is better than a thousand elsewhere. This idea motivated me to invest two days praying and listening to God in January. The amount of time is not as important as the intention to focus on God. The …
Pray and Play
During a recent visit to New Zealand Al Engler, who works in Seattle with the Navigators, introduced us to ‘pray and play’. Al shared a story of going to party with a group of young friends to illustrate this idea. Before …