The sheep-shearing The cancer diagnosis came first. Then the treatment. With the treatment, a shape-shift in my appearance happened. It was totally expected. The weight loss was welcomed and a bit intentional, as I am following a particular diet. For the first time in many years, I shed the unwanted midlife bulges and felt much…
How to describe this God of the Bible with a love so deep and wide? It’s almost intangible, not understandable, got to learn to grapple with this God who is love – but not love alone. There is justice, there is peace, there is jealousy there as He poured out His wrath on His only…
Sharing the news It was a clumsy affair. As a counsellor, one would think that I would have all the textbook answers on how to share the news. But no. I first wanted to contact each loved one in person, wanting to make them feel OK about the dreaded news. I soon became overwhelmed by…
I am in a coffee shop, one of my favourite places to be. Across from me sits a young married couple. They seem happy, casual and comfortable in each others’ company. Decently dressed; fashionable but not pretentious, they’re discussing something everyday-ish, perhaps going through the to-do list for the rest of the day. I can’t…
Daddy Long Legs My wife tells this funny story of how she once chased a guy much taller than her after realising that he lied to her to get some money. This happened years ago after we got married. I remember how I thought she was both brave and, just possibly a little unwise during…
If so many Christians differ in interpreting politics through a Biblical lens, can the Bible really have authority? Good question. Questioning By way of example, unlike Marxism and Islam, the Christian faith allows and encourages questioning to improve our interpretation of the scriptures. This openness will always result in some diversity of opinion, which may…
I am writing this in my third and final week of a training engagement in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I am slightly ashamed to admit that I did not know what the capital of Saudi was until I was offered an opportunity to provide Data Management training there. I also had to write “Riyadh” several times…
A new day 13 July 2021 started like no other morning. At 4am, my wife and I sat in our car. Coffee from the flask warmed our hands and hearts as we waited. We were on the lookout for wildlife. This may sound like the beginning of a holiday to remember in the Kruger National…
It is part of human nature to follow the herd in most of our decisions. Wether buying a cell phone, or expressing social media opinions or theology — it’s simpler to follow those we have relationships with than research every point. Most of the time, that is a rational shortcut to decisions — so long…
I have been an impostor for most of my working life. It may come as a surprise to most people to hear that, but I hid it well. In fact, the phrase “fake it till you make it” was incorrect, as I faked so well for so long that I just became an expert faker!…