A new year might be an arbitrary piece of mathematical jiggery-pokery, but it’s also a handy opportunity to let the enthusiasm of millions energise our own inclination for change or renewal. I thought I’d introduce you to the wonderful Joyce Rupp today, through this collection of blessings, using imagery from the Bible (thanks, JK, the Ideas […]
If you want to celebrate Advent in just one simple and rich way, this might be it. Find a quiet moment – five minutes will be fine if that’s a realistic ambition – and spend some time with this painting. You could do this by yourself, of course, but exploring art as part of worship […]
Christmas carols start wafting through shops earlier and earlier each year, but this year one thing about Christmas is later than usual. The church season of Advent runs for four or so weeks before Christmas, helping us to imagine life before Jesus, and anticipate the celebrations of his birth. This year it begins on Sunday […]
There’s too much bad news in the world. And there’s more than there used to be. Go to your usual media source of news and count: how many bad news stories in the top ten? There’s a lot to choose from. There are currently a dozen or so major wars in the world. Whenever you read […]
I don’t think I was a perfectionist at kindergarten, but certainly by my first year or two of primary school I had begun the fear-based behaviours associated with the word. I was afraid of trying new things in case I couldn’t do them. I never learnt to play elastics or skipping or handstands at lunchtime, […]
At bedtime at Grandma’s house we’d start by setting the table for breakfast – yes, before we went to bed – with plates and cutlery, toast rack and jam tray.  Then in bed we would say a prayer you may know: Gentle Jesus, meek and mild Look upon a little child Pity mice and plicity […]
Fresh for the new month, I’ve written a wee round-up of creative, physical prayer ideas for kids at Kiwi Families, where I write an occasional column on families and spirituality. Also, as a bonus, you get to see me brag about this cool thing I made for our nephew’s christening.  I am awesome!
My very favourite Walter has just had heart surgery, in the first week of his life on the outside. In his honour, while he gets strong in the hospital, here are my next favourite Walters, in no particular order. Well, except this one. Walt Whitman, what a guy! ‘O Captain, my Captain!’ ‘Camerado, give me […]