What a crazy time it is! We have a rapidly spreading virus, plunging stock markets, entire countries locking down, people hoarding toilet paper, arguments in shopping aisles, businesses closing down, people being laid off ... and no live sport, God forbid! Who would have thought our world would shut down like this. It's like an … Continue reading Living in Turbulent Times (Part 1)
What a crazy time it is! The spread of the coronavirus is unleashing a pandemic of fear and uncertainty right across our world. This is impacting every one of us - mentally, emotionally, financially, and relationally. Who knows where, when and how this will all end. No doubt, it will pass, but at what cost … Continue reading Improving Our Relationships
This time last Monday morning, I checked the news headlines on my phone. I read the top news release: "Kobe Bryant and his daughter killed in a helicopter crash." What a shock! I have been an avid basketball fan since I lived in the USA back in the 1970s. I have followed the National Basketball … Continue reading Kobe Bryant Among Those Killed in a Recent Helicopter Crash
Well, it's about time. I started drafting this post at the beginning of the year but time got away from me. Now January is almost history and we are only eleven months till Christmas. Every new year brings new opportunities and new aspirations for our lives. I hope yours has gotten off to a great … Continue reading Welcome to 2020!
I turned 58 years of age a week ago. Where did the years go? I still feel like I am in my 30s ... but then other days I feel like I've squeezed the work and activity of multiple lifetimes into this one solitary life. In the last 12 months, my dad and my step-mother … Continue reading Birthday Reflections: Here’s to Good Health!
I love this prayer I came across recently by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. It really spoke into my life experience and I hope it does to yours. May we truly be patient with the journey of our lives, trusting the slow work of God. Above all, trust in the slow work of God.We are quite … Continue reading Trust the Slow Work of God
There is an interesting story in the Gospel of Luke about Jesus and his home town crowd - Nazareth. Jesus grew up here. Everyone knew him as 'Joseph's son'. After reading the Scripture in the synagogue one Sabbath, people were surprised by how well Jesus spoke. But before you knew it, they were angry with … Continue reading The Home Crowd
One of the most well-known Jesus stories is his interaction with a Samaritan woman at a well, as recorded in the Gospel of John. This woman had come to draw water from Jacob's well. She was alone and it was midday. This was probably due to her ostracisation from her local community due to her … Continue reading God’s Love for Me
I came across this short poem about prayer this week. I found it quite profound. It doesn’t have to bethe blue iris, it could beweeds in a vacant lot, or a fewsmall stones; justpay attention, then patcha few words together and don’t tryto make them elaborate, this isn’ta contest but the doorway intothanks, and a … Continue reading Praying
Welcome to the first day of Spring! At least here in Australia where I live. This last week I spent time walking along Melbourne's iconic Yarra River. Wildflowers were bursting into bloom everywhere. Here is one of the photos I took on my phone. I then crafted the following poem. I hope you enjoy it. … Continue reading Welcome to Spring!
Are you passionate about a particular cause? Do you want to make a difference in the world? Then you could use some money. It's commendable to have a vision for a better future but without provision not a lot happens. But asking for money is not for the faint-hearted. It's never an easy exercise. Over … Continue reading My Top Ten Fund-Raising Tips
In a few months time I will be 58 years of age. As I grow older, I find myself reflecting more on my life. Where I've come from, where I've been, where and who I am now, and where I am going. I also observe other people in their own journey as they seek to … Continue reading A Map of Life’s Journey
The book of Genesis is a narrative of the origins of the world, but in particular the family of Abraham. Three major world religions trace their roots back to Abraham - Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The first 11 chapters cover what is often referred to as 'pre-history': from the beginnings of the universe through just … Continue reading ORIGINS: Genesis Re-Visited
Over these last few years, I have been coaching quite a few pastors across Australia and a few overseas. It's a privilege to come along side these church leaders from different denominations and contexts and offer them encouragement and advice in a wide range of aspects of personal ministry and church life. One of the … Continue reading How to Create a Culture of Generous Givers in Your Church
Hi there. I haven't blogged for a while so I thought it was time for a mid-year update. Can you believe we are into the second half of 2019!? Time sure flies, and more so as you get a little older. I turn 58 years old in a few months time and I often wonder … Continue reading Mid-Year Update from Mark Conner
