Posts from May 2024

I’ve been working at the hospital for 2 years now. One thing I notice is that I feel more aware of the seasons as I look out over Hagley Park each day. There is such beauty in every season from the architectural shapes of the branches in Winter; the daffodil carpet in Spring; the lush green of the leaves in Summer and the golden Autumn colours. And then the hills and mountains surrounding us – as I move around the…

Colour My World Imagine you’re standing in the studio of aspiring young artist Vincent. Something doesn’t seem quite right. Where there should be colour and creativity there is nothing but dull grey… You explore the studio, searching for clues that you hope will help Vincent recover the spark and the passion he once had for his art. Slowly, frustratingly at times, you pursue hunches, uncover clues, crack codes, open locks and solve puzzles. Each new step brings exciting new tints…

Honey We Shrunk The Whare Two weeks ago Gill and I took another big life stage step. We downsized our home.  We now have two bedrooms instead of four, a 370 instead of 660 sqm property, and a whole lot less ‘stuff!’ (Big shout out to all the friends and whanau who helped out on moving day in the 34 degree heat.) I’ve gotta say, it was hard letting go. I clung on to our old home like a two-year-old…

This week at our Ilam staff meeting we each shared about rhythms or practices that we have which help to sustain us in our lives. A rhythm that is important for me is walking (and talking!) with friends during the week.I wonder which rhythms and practices you find helpful for sustaining and nourishing your connection with God?I’m currently doing a paper on the topic of Christian Spirituality at Carey Baptist College and the content has been thought-provoking and refreshing.  My lecturer,…

This week at my hospital work we have shared a couple of devotions reflecting on Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4: 35-41. One of our chaplains has lived most of his life by the sea and spent time reflecting on how knowing the weather and particularly storm patterns means he feels calmer in the storms. He has a deep connection to the whenua he lives on and spends lots of time in, on and watching the sea. This gives…