How Pain Can Lead us to God
For some people, pain is the reason why they can't believe in God or spiritual things. But for others, pain is the very thing that prompts their search for 'something more'. In Episode 2 of this article and podcast series on the book Unseen Footprints, we explore the role pain has in spiritual searching. Includes
Becoming Attentive to God
If God's unseen footprints walk in and out of our lives, how can we begin to discern and follow them? Here is Episode 1 in a special series of articles and podcasts on the themes of my book, Unseen Footprints: Encountering the Divine Along the Journey of Life. We'll explore unseen realities and conclude with
Who are Today’s Secular Priests?
In a secular age, who are our priests? When religion has been dismissed, who do we turn to to find guidance for our lives? Here is an excerpt from my forthcoming book, More Than This: Searching for God in a Secular Age. As it turns out, many of these new 'holy' men and women are
If the Beer is Talking, What’s it Saying?
Perhaps it was growing up as a city boy. Or perhaps it was not growing up in a mainstream Christian denomination. Whatever the reason, until recently I had never experienced a Harvest Festival. Then I went to one and was reminded how we are all dependent on God for what we eat, are responsibe for
What I Found at Swiss L’Abri
In 1955 Francis and Edith Schaeffer established L’Abri (French for ‘The Shelter’) in the cosy Swiss skiing village of Huemoz. Established as a safe place for seekers of truth to bring their questions about life, faith and belief, L’Abri centres have now spread around the world. The L’Abri community holds some wonderful lessons for those
Open House Volume 2 Free Chapter: Nancy Heche
Imagine you're a mother of five with twenty-five years of marriage under your belt when your husband is diagnosed with AIDS - the shocking result of his homosexual secret. In this free chapter from Open House Volume 2, Nancy Heche (mother of actress Anne Heche) shares her journey from betrayal to forgiveness.
A Basket Full of Stars: How to Communicate with Colour and Creativity
What does it take to become a colourful, creative communicator in your writing and public speaking? How do you craft a message that sparkles in the mind of your audience? In this 44 minute audio seminar I cover the 4 phases of creativity and the 6 creative elements that will help your writing and speaking
Four Questions on the Nation’s Soul
Recorded at the Mural Hall of Australia's Parliament House for the Christian Schools Australia National Policy Conference, this was my most enjoyable keynote presentation for 2009. In it I examine social trends like Mind-Body-Spirit festivals, life coaching, voluntourism, ‘secular confessionals’ and more to discern four spiritual questions asked by today’s Australians.
Haiti: They Have What We Need
With 70 percent unemployment and 80 percent of its people living in poverty, Haiti merits its label as the most impoverished nation in the western hemisphere. Electricity is irregular, as is the water supply. The landscape is baron as 97 percent of the trees have gone. One in 14 Haitian children never reach their first
The Bittersweet Symphony of Life
Pain, pleasure, beauty and longing - could these and other human experiences be 'whispers' of God to us? Could God be trying to get our attention through them? I believe so and, if followed, those whispers can lead us to life's most significant discovery.