We live in an age where attention deficit affects all of us. We are bombarded with information and messages, each trying to gain our interest. In the process, we tend to skim from item to item, from matter to matter, from person to person ... never really slowing down enough to go deep ... to … Continue reading Are you listening? Is it time to put the mobile phone down?
The Blessings of Aging
In a culture that idolises youth, it's easy to lose the value and joy of aging. Yet, wisdom says: "The glory of young men is their strength; gray hair the splendor of the old (Proverbs 20:29)." Having turned 50 years of age not long ago, I know what it's like to start to feel your … Continue reading The Blessings of Aging
Quiet: The Power of Introverts
There has been an interesting amount of discussion recently around the differences between extrovert and introvert personalities. Susan Cain's best-selling book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking kick-started the topic quite considerably back in 2009. This was given further momentum in 2012 when her TED talk on "The Power … Continue reading Quiet: The Power of Introverts
Modern Family (Pt.3) – Singleness
Today, let’s talk about being single. Singles are people who have never married (because they chose not to marry or have not found a partner) or those who have been married but are single again because of the death of a spouse or through divorce. This includes single parents. American theologian Stanley Hauerwas argues that Christianity was the very … Continue reading Modern Family (Pt.3) – Singleness
The Power of Encouragement
"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing (1 Th. 5:11).” We all thrive on praise and encouragement. It motivates us and brings out the best in us. Encouragement is like oxygen to the soul. We tend to become what the most important people in their lives think … Continue reading The Power of Encouragement
Stages of Life (Late Adulthood)
The pool of those living beyond 100 – the centenarians of society - is increasing in leaps and bounds (70,000 in USA in 2007 increasing to 834,000 in 2050; over 4,252 in Australia as of June, 2011, up from 203 just 40 years ago). Demographers are now starting to the number of ‘super-centenarians’ – people over the age of … Continue reading Stages of Life (Late Adulthood)
Stages of Life (Mature Adulthood)
In medieval times the Catholic worldview of the human life span was often depicted as a circle. In the centre was the image of Christ. Around this divine hub, were illustrations of the different ages of life from infancy to the grave. Each age, like a spoke, was equidistant from the hub. This suggested that every point in … Continue reading Stages of Life (Mature Adulthood)
Stages of Life (Midlife)
Like the sun sweeping through the sky, midlife (ages 35-50) is like noon-time, dividing the first and second halves of life. At the stroke of noon, the descent begins. Note that what we consider midlife, was for most of history in fact the end of life for most people. As recently as 1900, the life span of the average adult in … Continue reading Stages of Life (Midlife)
Stages of Life (Early Adulthood)
Early Adulthood (20-35 years of age) is a time of leaving the familiar world of family, parents, community, school and entering the big unknown world. It is a break with the past and a move into future. Of course, the very term "adult" is very hard to define. When do you become an adult? When … Continue reading Stages of Life (Early Adulthood)
Stages of Life (Adolescence)
Adolescence (13-19 years of age) refers to the teenage years - the hazardous passage from childhood to adulthood. One way to describe this journey is like ‘rapids’ along a river. Things may get rough for a while but if you hang on and don't panic, everything will eventually smooth out again. Physically, this is a … Continue reading Stages of Life (Adolescence)
Stages of Life (Childhood)
As we begin the new year, it is a good thing to "number our days" (Psalm 90:12) - to reflect on and give consideration to our life. Life is short and wise people live from God's perspective, understanding that what we do in time echoes into eternity. Students of human development would be aware of … Continue reading Stages of Life (Childhood)
Some Final Thoughts on Relationships
Over the last week or so, we have shared some thoughts and reflections on a variety of issues, including singleness, dating, marriage, parenting, family conflict, sexuality, homosexuality and same-sex marriage. Hopefully, this has been helpful, even though we haven't been able to address every possible question. I pray that these thoughts will be part of … Continue reading Some Final Thoughts on Relationships
Some Thoughts on Divorce and Remarriage
Divorce Here in Australia, 43% of first marriages end in divorce, 50% of second marriages end in divorce and 70% of subsequent marriages have the same fate. This is so sad. We can hardly imagine the heartache and pain represented by those statistics ... for everyone involved, but especially for the children. God clearly hates … Continue reading Some Thoughts on Divorce and Remarriage
Some Thoughts on Sexuality
Today, we live in an increasingly sexually-charged culture. How can followers of Christ please God in the area of their sexuality? After all, God intended sex to be sacred. Firstly, make a commitment to sexual purity. Unless you do, it is unlikely that you will unintentionally slide towards it. Then, take time to understand why … Continue reading Some Thoughts on Sexuality
Some Thoughts on Family Conflict
Relationships are built and maintained through communication. When communication breaks down, so do relationships. Consider the quality and nature of the conversation in your relationships. It creates an atmosphere. Eph. 4:29. Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that … Continue reading Some Thoughts on Family Conflict