Reflections

THE Book of Sirach offers a striking image: “God placed before you fire and water; stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.” Every day, we stand before these two symbols. Fire represents the choices that burn us – anger, selfishness, pride, and the easy paths that weaken our character. […]

LAST week I came home with a vintage tractor. It seemed to me to be a great investment and a nice addition to the collection.  My wife Jade didn’t share the same level of enthusiasm even though it was her favourite colour! One thing we do agree on is the […]

THE holiday period is almost ended.  Did you enjoy it?  After all, the word holiday comes from Holy Day which was obviously something special.   However, so many holidays do not give one the break, the time of relaxation, the time of calmness from the hecticness of the work-a-day world that […]

CHRISTMAS time is drawing closer, and while it’s supposedly the happiest time of year, it also turns out to be one of the most wasteful. Do you know the old rhyme, “Christmas is coming, the ducks are getting fat ….”? Nowadays ducks rarely get a mention at Christmas – it […]

IN seasons of loss, loneliness, or carrying the weight of life alone, God offers a deep and unshakeable assurance of His presence.  For the one who feels forgotten, remember that God sees, hears, and He cares.  He is not distant from your pain or struggles. Instead, He draws near to […]

I SOMETIMES struggle to remember names, places or even where I am going.  They tell me this a normal part of getting older!  While there are some things we do need to ‘leave behind’, there are other things we must not forget – like birthdays! Tuesday was Remembrance Day.  A […]

On one Friday each month, a group from our Church enjoys lunch together at a different local eatery each time.   Some months ago, as we went to order and pay for our meal, we were told that it had been paid for.   A man who had left a little while […]

In a quiet village nestled between hills and olive trees where I was sent on a placement, lived an old woman named Grace.  Her back was bent, her steps slow, and her hands worn from years of work, but her eyes sparkled with peace and wisdom.  Children loved to sit […]

I READ with interest pastor Josh’s reflection two issues ago, when he learnt a lesson as he was having a shed erected.    Being on acreage, I can understand that. But it made me think about other important items at my place, and I settled on my rider mower. It is […]