Life moves quickly, and it’s easy to miss the sacred moments woven into the fabric of our ordinary days. Over the last few years, I’ve been increasingly drawn to pay attention. To slow down, breathe more deeply, and look for the subtle ways God is already present in our lives. This new posture led me … Continue reading Awakening to the Sacred in the Ordinary: Introducing ‘Everyday Experiences of the Divine’
Bless the Fog
Finding Peace in Times of Uncertainty There are times in life when the path is clear, the direction is strong, and momentum carries us with a sense of energy and purpose. Then there are other times — times when the way forward feels hazy, confusing, and uncertain. These “foggy” seasons, as I’ve come to call … Continue reading Bless the Fog
My Life is a Garden, Not a Mission
For much of my life, I lived with a strong sense of mission. There was a goal to accomplish, a vision to fulfil, a cause to serve. I carried a deep responsibility to make a difference — through ministry, through leadership, through helping others. It was purposeful. Meaningful. Even sacred. But lately, something has shifted. The … Continue reading My Life is a Garden, Not a Mission
Eight Years On: Life After Leadership
By Mark Conner Eight years ago, I stepped away from full-time church leadership after more than three decades in vocational ministry. It was a major turning point in my life — one that marked not just the end of a role, but the beginning of a new journey. At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure … Continue reading Eight Years On: Life After Leadership
Welcome to 2021
Happy new year, friends! I hope that you had an enjoyable Christmas and holiday season and that 2021 has started well for you. Back in September 2020, we launched Soul Food with Mark Conner, a short, weekly video-cast of encouragement and insight aimed at improving your overall, personal well-being. Our first series was around the theme … Continue reading Welcome to 2021
Welcome to 2020!
Well, it's about time. I started drafting this post at the beginning of the year but time got away from me. Now January is almost history and we are only eleven months till Christmas. Every new year brings new opportunities and new aspirations for our lives. I hope yours has gotten off to a great … Continue reading Welcome to 2020!
Birthday Reflections: Here’s to Good Health!
I turned 58 years of age a week ago. Where did the years go? I still feel like I am in my 30s ... but then other days I feel like I've squeezed the work and activity of multiple lifetimes into this one solitary life. In the last 12 months, my dad and my step-mother … Continue reading Birthday Reflections: Here’s to Good Health!
Mid-Year Update from Mark Conner
Hi there. I haven't blogged for a while so I thought it was time for a mid-year update. Can you believe we are into the second half of 2019!? Time sure flies, and more so as you get a little older. I turn 58 years old in a few months time and I often wonder … Continue reading Mid-Year Update from Mark Conner
Celebrating the Life of my Dad – Kevin Conner
Thank you to all of those who attended or watched the thanksgiving service for my dad, Kevin Conner, today at CityLife Church in Melbourne, Australia. We also appreciate the many messages that people have sent in, offering support and prayers, as well as commemorating my dad's life. On my dad's web site, you will find … Continue reading Celebrating the Life of my Dad – Kevin Conner
Kevin Conner Passes Away Peacefully
Kevin J. Conner My dad, Kevin John Conner, passed away peacefully today at 2.00 pm in Melbourne, Australia. Having just turned 92 years of age, dad has spent the last year or so in an aged care home where he has had excellent care and regular visits from family and friends. He lived a full … Continue reading Kevin Conner Passes Away Peacefully
Rene Conner Passes Away
Early last Thursday morning, my step-mum, Rene Conner passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Ringwood Private Hospital. She was 89 years of age. It was really hard to see her go but we are glad that she is now free from pain and discomfort. My 91-year-old dad found it very hard, as you … Continue reading Rene Conner Passes Away
Navigating the Storms of Life
Nahum 1:3. The LORD has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. NKJV
The book of Nahum is one of the 12 minor prophets found at the end of the Old Testament. Nahum lived in the seventh century BC during a time of great political upheaval due to the rise of the Assyrian Empire. His messages sought to encourage God’s people who were being oppressed by a seemingly invincible foe. The book opens with a song of praise to God for his power and justice. The spectacular manifestations of nature are symbolic of his power.
Stormy Winds
Have you ever been in the middle of a storm - a literal one or maybe a storm of adverse circumstances? I sure have - many of them and of all kinds. In fact, just over three years ago, Nicole and I were in the middle of what felt like a perfect storm. It was bigger … Continue reading Stormy Winds
The Mystery of our Emotions (Part 3)
Yesterday, we talked about sadness and I shared a very personal poem with you. Like journalling, poetry is another way to give expression to our emotions. I am very much an amateur but writing poetry has been worth the effort. It helps me to put my feelings into words, my thoughts on to paper, and to give a … Continue reading The Mystery of our Emotions (Part 3)
The Mystery of our Emotions (Part 2)
Yesterday, we started talking about the mystery of our emotions. I am a fairly optimistic person and therefore I have a lot of positive emotions. My family have called me everything from 'Peter Pan' to ‘Tigger'. Yes, I do have a lot of enthusiastic energy … usually from the moment I wake up. … Continue reading The Mystery of our Emotions (Part 2)