Questions, doubts, disappointmentsLike a wet blanket settling downLower, deeper, darkerFeels like your going to drown Can't cope, can't breatheIntense pressure mountingWill it ever ease? A burden, a weight, heaviness Dark clouds, stormy wind, rainy days Frazzled mindNumb heart Spirit downWeak will Is there a light?Is there a word? Is there a song?Will it be long? Dawn slowly conquers … Continue reading Discouragement
As a nation, there are traits that have defined Australia for decades, but as the times shift and trends emerge McCrindle Research takes a look at the extent to which these are still relevant in defining us today. 1. The Lucky Country Statistics show that Australia is doing better than ever when it comes to … Continue reading Australia’s Defining Traits
Today we glean some more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 26 in the New Living Translation. Vs.2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an unfair curse will not land on its intended victim. Curses can’t affect you unless there is a reason for them to do … Continue reading Proverbs 26
Be a lightIn stormy seaand gusty windShow the way Faithful and trueSolid and strongBuilt on the rockUnmovable Shine brightBe clearStay at your postTrue to your calling [Mark Conner - 6th January, 2015] [Picture taken near Point Londsale, Victoria]
On Monday, the 26 of January, we celebrate 'Australia Day' - the official national day of Australia. I love Australia. I have travelled to around 30 countries in my short time on earth and I love different cultures and places ... but there is no place like home. Amidst the fireworks and BBQs we remember … Continue reading Should We Move Australia Day?
Seasons come and seasons goThe sun rises then setsDay turns to nightSummer to winter Time is always movingIt never stopsCeaseless forward motionThe cycle of life The past is goneThe future’s not yet hereThe present is all we haveRight here, right now Be at peaceLet anxiety goSay goodbye to regretWorry’s a waste, you know Live in … Continue reading Seasons
Today we glean some more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 19 in the Message Bible. Vs.2. Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste. Enthusiasm and passion are terrific but not without knowledge. Energy needs direction and focus. Planning on the front end affects execution on the back end. Ready - … Continue reading Proverbs 19
The journey is difficult at times Shadows fallCan’t quite seeA little darkSunshine is far away The path is narrowSeems confinedCan’t go backBut can’t see far ahead Take the ancient pathWays well troddenPilgrim travellersSpirit led Going homeThat’s the callKeep on walkingNot alone [Mark Conner - 5th January, 2015] [Picture taken on pathway near Point Lonsdale, Victoria]
When we think of charisma, we think of inspiring, bold, self-confident leaders who attract many followers who believe in their clear and compelling vision. But is there a danger in an organisation becoming too dependent on a particular person and of a cult of personality developing? We want to build organisations that thrive beyond one … Continue reading The Dark Side of Charisma
Today we continue with more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 12 in the Message Bible. Vs.10. Good people are good to their animals; the "good–hearted" bad people kick and abuse them. Animal lovers will love this proverb. It's a good reminder that all of God's creation is good and to … Continue reading Proverbs 12
Gospel singer, Andrae Crouch, passed away last Thursday at the age of 72. [Read the full story] I'll never forget listening to my first Andrae Crouch album and being touched by the life, the energy, and the love for Jesus that exuded through Andrae's music. Here are my favourite Andrae Crouch albums: Live at Carnegie … Continue reading In Memory of Andrae Crouch
What do you think of when you hear the word 'leader'? We all have different idea and perceptions of what a leader is and what they are supposed to do. Often this is based on our own upbringing, our environment, our personal experience and our learning. Here are five leadership myths that need busting (by … Continue reading Leadership Myths
One week of 2015 is already over. Did you make any New Year's Resolutions? Research tends to support the view that New Year's Resolutions don't work for most people. Consider the following statistics: 25% of people abandon their New Year's Resolutions after one week. 60% of people abandon them within six months. The average person … Continue reading New Year’s Resolutions?
Every December, Barna Group compiles its top findings and trends from research conducted in the USA in the past year. From legalizing marijuana to increasing secularization trends to America’s complicated relationship with sports — 2014 was an interesting year. 1. Bible Skepticism Is Now Tied with Bible Engagement. 2. Young Adults Question the Value of Their … Continue reading Year-in-Review: Barna’s Top 10 Findings from 2014
For our first week of ther new year we continue with more wisdom from the book of Proverbs. Here are a few thoughts from Proverbs 5 in the Message Bible. In this chapter, the wise teacher talks to a young man about the dangers of yielding to sexual temptation (see vs.1-23). How relevant this to … Continue reading Proverbs 5
