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On Sunday we sang the lyrics“I am alive because, You are alive in me… ”Sometimes songs we sing on Sunday stay with me during the week. This one had fresh meaning as I sang.I had just returned from a solo trip to the hills around Takapo, chasing deer. It struck me that there was a parallel between the song’s lyrics and what I experience on such occasions.I am alive… I am never as aware of my aliveness than when on…

This morning, I caught the bus into the city as I had a breakfast meeting in town.  A young guy boarded the bus and sat down next to me.  We ended up striking up a conversation and finding quite a few points in common- our conversation ranged from comparing notes about work, Winter holidays and travel.  What could have been a boring bus ride turned out to be an enjoyable and entertaining journey.As I was waiting for my bus home,…

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…

Seduced by a Princess  A couple of weeks ago I went for a walk up Mt Princess, a peak in the St James Range behind Hanmer. On the long, slow haul to the summit, I climbed above a large tarn known as Princess Bath. It lay glistening below me mirroring the rugged terrain and capturing the clouds in its deep blue and green waters. My legs were aching and heavy, my stomach was hankering for kai and wai, and my sweaty body was cooling…

This week I’ve been inspired by a prayer of St. Patrick. Here are some excerpts from his prayer, sometimes called the shield of St Patrick as it is a prayer for protection (lorica) before setting out on a journey: I arise today throughThe strength of heaven,Light of the sun,Splendour of fire,Speed of lightening,Swiftness of the wind,Depth of the sea,Stability of the earth,Firmness of the rock… I arise today throughGod’s strength to pilot me,God’s might to uphold me,God’s wisdom to guide me,God’s eye to…

The Map is not the Territory   Do you recognise this map?  Google Maps let me down last week. I was driving to a funeral in Darfield, dutifully following his route directions, when I ran into some ‘Road Closed’ signs. Google clearly didn’t know about this major road work and tried to direct me on through into an army of orange cones, dug up road, and oncoming trucks. Giving him new location instructions proved futile as he stubbornly kept directing…

Over Easter, I tramped over Ball Pass with some friends down in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. We climbed this stunning ridge with the tallest mountain in the country taking up space opposite and above us. I didn’t even realise it was Aoraki! I knew that was a few kilometres away and I was wondering what this big beast in front of me was called… One of the boys on this trip was frustrating me. He is probably the…

Next Friday our Emma flies to France to begin a school exchange for a month. It’s so exciting for her. There are 5 students going from Burnside High School and then in July we will host 5 students from France. We’re in the busy phase of planning and preparing to pack. A few people have asked me how I’m doing with thinking about Emma being so far away. Mostly I’m excited for her but I do get a bit nervous…