Did you know that the average person sits for 8 hours a day … and it’s killing us! That’s a lot of time being sedentary. Our bodies were made for movement and one of the best things you can do each day for your own well-being is to move - to engage in some form … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 11 – Exercise
Soul Food Episode 09 – Personal Growth
You can watch this episode of Soul Food on the Soul Food YouTube Channel. When I was a teenager I started taking piano lessons. Because I had a terrific teacher (a big shout out to Mike Herron! - @MikeHerronMusic) and I loved to play, I improved fairly rapidly … but it took time. I still … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 09 – Personal Growth
Soul Food Episode 05 – Emotions
Hi everyone and welcome to Soul Food Episode number 5. [You can watch it on the Soul Food with Mark Conner YouTube Channel or visit https://linktr.ee/markconner for other social media platforms] We are currently talking about stress, with a specific focus on internal stress - the stress we carry on the inside of us. It’s … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 05 – Emotions
Soul Food Episode 04 – Internal Stress
Hi everyone and welcome to Soul Food - Episode number 4. [You can watch it on the Soul Food with Mark Conner YouTube Channel or visit https://linktr.ee/markconner for other social media platforms] Today I want to talk to you about stress - something we all have to deal with. Stress means pressure. It’s a feeling … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 04 – Internal Stress
The Lost Art of Meditation
Mention the word 'meditation' today, and for many people, especially Christians, it will evoke images of someone sitting in a yoga pose with their eyes closed and endlessly chanting 'ohm'. Meditation tends to be associated with Buddhism, exotic Eastern cults, or new age philosophy. Yet the practice of meditation has strong historical roots for people … Continue reading The Lost Art of Meditation
Threshold Times
Good morning from Melbourne! It's getting a little cooler here as Autumn kicks in (or is it Winter already!?). I love this season, especially the beautiful autumn leaves everywhere. Walking each morning and evening in the nearby Edinburg Gardens with my lovely wife and our quirky pugalier is a highlight of my day. Today begins … Continue reading Threshold Times
Birthday Reflections: Here’s to Good Health!
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!
The Home Crowd
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
A Map of Life’s Journey
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
Seasons (Part 5)
One final reflection ... (read Seasons Part 1 for background). Endings Make New Beginnings Possible Once Paul and his team had said their goodbyes, they were on their way … to Jerusalem then Rome (Acts 21:1), where he would spread the good news of Jesus even further, as well as speak to kings. Good days … Continue reading Seasons (Part 5)
Seasons (Part 4)
Here is my next reflection ... (read Seasons Part 1 for background). Endings Involve Grief As Paul left Ephesus, not only were their final words and prayers, there were also tearful and painful good-byes, knowing they would never to see each other again. In the Message Bible, Eugene Peterson translates this moment this way: "Then … Continue reading Seasons (Part 4)
Seasons (Part 3)
Here is my next reflection on Paul's transitioning from the city of Ephesus where he had spent the last three years of his life (read Seasons - Part 1). Endings Require Us to “Let Go” of the Past Moving on, required Paul to let go and the church at Ephesus to let him go too … Continue reading Seasons (Part 3)
Seasons (Part 2)
Here is my second reflection on Paul's life and the transition of seasons he was undergoing in leaving the city of Ephesus (read Seasons - Part 1). Seasons are Marked by Endings and Beginnings Paul felt an urgency that compelled him to leave Ephesus and go to Jerusalem, though he was completely in the dark … Continue reading Seasons (Part 2)
Seasons (Part 1)
I love Autumn! It is one of my favourite seasons of the year. The somewhat cooler days, the clear blue skies, and the glorious colours of the leaves. Change is in the air. The cycle of life is moving forward. Nicole and I moved back to Melbourne last May after 18 months of living in … Continue reading Seasons (Part 1)
Do You Have a ‘Secular’ Job?
Every now and then when I am talking with someone, in the course of the conversation, they will mention their 'secular job'. I always pause and think about that statement. It actually grates me. Why is that? Unfortunately, many people have created a division between the “sacred” and the “secular”. This dualism is a product … Continue reading Do You Have a ‘Secular’ Job?