Life moves quickly, and it’s easy to miss the sacred moments woven into the fabric of our ordinary days. Over the last few years, I’ve been increasingly drawn to pay attention. To slow down, breathe more deeply, and look for the subtle ways God is already present in our lives. This new posture led me … Continue reading Awakening to the Sacred in the Ordinary: Introducing ‘Everyday Experiences of the Divine’
I saw a lot of butterflies over the last few days. They are so beautiful and graceful. Here is a simple poem I wrote while reflecting on the butterfly. Beauty and colourWings to flyDelicate and lightUp so high No more crawlingOut of the cocoonBrand new lifeThe old is a tomb Free to floatCarried by windGentle … Continue reading Butterfly
Finding Peace in Times of Uncertainty There are times in life when the path is clear, the direction is strong, and momentum carries us with a sense of energy and purpose. Then there are other times — times when the way forward feels hazy, confusing, and uncertain. These “foggy” seasons, as I’ve come to call … Continue reading Bless the Fog
On Sunday, 27th April 2025, I had the privilege of sharing a message at Bayside Church entitled The Greatest Love. In this heartfelt and thought-provoking message, I explored the meaning of the greatest love of all — selfless, sacrificial love. Drawing powerful insights from the lives we honour on ANZAC Day, I invited listeners to reflect … Continue reading The Greatest Love
For much of my life, I lived with a strong sense of mission. There was a goal to accomplish, a vision to fulfil, a cause to serve. I carried a deep responsibility to make a difference — through ministry, through leadership, through helping others. It was purposeful. Meaningful. Even sacred. But lately, something has shifted. The … Continue reading My Life is a Garden, Not a Mission
By Mark Conner Eight years ago, I stepped away from full-time church leadership after more than three decades in vocational ministry. It was a major turning point in my life — one that marked not just the end of a role, but the beginning of a new journey. At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure … Continue reading Eight Years On: Life After Leadership
[Update] This year, I enjoyed preparing and sharing a new series of messages at Bayside Church on the theme of Everyday Experiences of the Divine. Part 1 - Everyday Experiences of the Divine: The Mystic (22nd February 2024) In this introductory message, I spoke about the centrality of spiritual experience to the Christian life, showing … Continue reading ‘Everyday Experiences of the Divine’ (Complete Teaching Series)
Last year, I shared a 5-part series of messages at Bayside Church in Melbourne around the theme of THRIVE. As we entered the year, our intention wasn't to merely SURVIVE another year, but to THRIVE. The English word ‘thrive’ means: to flourish, bloom, or prosper. It comes from an Old Norse root worth that means … Continue reading THRIVE
I wrote this in my journal 7 years ago … Thinking about Jesus today ... He had no role within any organisation or religious system. Yes, at times he worked 'within' the religious system (speaking in the synagogues, for instance) but he was not employed by it or accountable to it. He also moved 'outside' … Continue reading Jesus
I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas and that this holiday season brings you a tangible sense of peace and strength. Before you know it, we will be into another new year - 2024! It's been noted before that many people spend more time thinking about their holidays than they do their life. That's a … Continue reading A New Year Awaits …
Back in 1990, I had the privilege of leading worship on the first international Integrity Music album, All Nations Worship. It was recorded at Waverley Christian Fellowship (now CityLife Church) and produced by Tom Brooks. Many songs by Australian composers were included and the singers and choir were from a variety of churches around Melbourne. … Continue reading ‘All Nations Worship’ Revisited
Answers. We all love them. A test completed. A problem fixed. A riddle solved. A decision made. Confusion clarified. Resolution. The end. What about questions? Here are some good questions to ask yourself from time to time. Who am I? What do I value? Why am I here? What gives life meaning ... for me? … Continue reading Today’s Questions
I would like to wish each of you a Merry Christmas and all the best for the coming New Year. I have really appreciated your interest and support throughout 2022. It has been a good year with much to be thankful for but another crazy one in many ways - with continued uncertainty around the … Continue reading Merry Christmas!
In the final episode of this series, Nicole Conner shares some suggestions for applying the principles of narrative therapy to your own life, including discerning your dominant story. https://youtu.be/fZGwS-MJ3Zg For more information or to get in touch with Nicole, visit www.definingstories.com.au.
In this episode, Nicole Conner shares an example of the usefulness of narrative therapy in responding to the presence of anxiety in a person’s life. https://youtu.be/8H4l28JVSsU Visit www.definingstories.com.au for more information.
