According to a DNA test I did with Ancestry a year or so back, I am 64% Scottish. I always knew I had Scottish relatives on my mother's side (see my BLOG post on 'Douglas') but I had no idea the Scottish roots were this strong. As a result, I've been doing some more research … Continue reading My Scottish Roots
The Douglas Family
Lockdown is a good time to catch up on a bit of family history … Say hello to my great-grandfather and my great-granduncle, James and John Douglas. Looking like something out of Peaky Blinders, I can still see some family resemblances Both were born in County Down, east of Belfast in Northern Ireland (an area … Continue reading The Douglas Family
Happy Father’s Day!
Happy father’s day to all the dads out there. Becoming a father is one of the true joys in life. Let’s take time to thank, honour and appreciate all the dads in our life today. This picture is of 3 of my fathers. In the middle is my dear dad, Kevin Conner. He never knew … Continue reading Happy Father’s Day!
The Love of a Mother
This coming Sunday is Mother's Day, a century-old tradition of taking time to thank and honour our amazing mums. Mums are special people we owe so much to - in addition to our very existence! Most mums are faithful, loyal, hard-working, loving and caring people. We honour and applaud them today. Of course, Mother’s Day … Continue reading The Love of a Mother
The Blessing of Giving
Jesus said and did many things, a lot of which is recorded in the four Gospels of the New Testament. But not everything Jesus said and did was written down (see John 21:25). The apostle Paul rarely quoted Jesus, but one statement that must have been passed on to him through 'oral tradition' (it's not … Continue reading The Blessing of Giving
Kid’s Humor (Part 2)
I love kids. Especially their sense of humor. No wonder Jesus loved them too. I love the story about Jesus and some children that is recorded in the Gospel of Mark (10:13-16) ... "One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch them and bless them, but the disciples told them … Continue reading Kid’s Humor (Part 2)
Kid’s Humor (Part 1)
I hope you had an enjoyable Father's day a few weeks back. It's a happy day for many people as we take time to thank and honor our dads. But not for all. Maybe you always wanted to be a dad but it hasn't happened OR you had an absent or abusive father OR maybe you … Continue reading Kid’s Humor (Part 1)
NEW Book Release: “Money Talks: Practical Principles for Becoming Financially Free”
I am excited to announce the release of a new book I have written called Money Talks: Practical Wisdom for Becoming Financially Free. Those of us who live in the Western world live in some of the richest countries on the planet yet, despite this fact, many people are under financial pressure. In this book, … Continue reading NEW Book Release: “Money Talks: Practical Principles for Becoming Financially Free”
Think Win/Win
In his best selling book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey noted that when it comes to healthy relationships, mature people think “win/win”. Win/Win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all situations, agreements and solutions. With a Win/Win solution, all parties feel good about the … Continue reading Think Win/Win
Happy Mother’s Day (2016)
[Watch this message] It’s Mother’s Day: a century-old tradition of taking time to thank and honour our amazing mums. Mums are special people we owe so much to - in addition to our very existence! Most mums are faithful, loyal, hard-working, loving and caring people. We honour and applaud them today. Of course, Mother’s Day … Continue reading Happy Mother’s Day (2016)
Jesus as a Child
Luke gives us some interesting insight into Jesus' self-perception ... as a 12 year old. Luke 2:41-52. Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were … Continue reading Jesus as a Child
Responding to Domestic Violence
Right now, our vision as a church is to see over 10,000 stories of transformation. Recently, we have had a number of moving stories about individuals coming out of domesitc violence situations. These are people who once felt isolated, hopeless, and helpless. Now they feel cared for and looked after. These stories provide hope for anyone affected by domestic … Continue reading Responding to Domestic Violence
“Porn Kills Love” by Josiah Conner
We fight the drug of porn with the power of love Ephesians 5:1-14 [Josiah Conner kicked off our Modern Family series last weekend with a message entitled "Porn Kills Love" (watch or listen). Here is a summary, along with some reflection questions] Steak: We have taken the good gift of sex and turned it into something … Continue reading “Porn Kills Love” by Josiah Conner
Looking for a Baby Name?
Looking for a baby name? In 2014, around 1 in 10 Australian babies were given one of the Top 10 most popular baby names; a total of 30,581 babies. There were more than 2,189 boys named Oliver and 1,796 girls names Olivia last year. Keeping the top spot from 2013 is Oliver, the top boy … Continue reading Looking for a Baby Name?
Say ‘No’ to Domestic Violence
As a pastor and church leader, I have a confession to make: The church has not handled the matter of domestic violence well. Let me be more specific: 1. We have not done a good job of helping to prevent domestic violence, of confronting it when it does occur nor of helping those … Continue reading Say ‘No’ to Domestic Violence