From early morning and periodically throughout the day a murder of crows descend loud and large into the vineyard. Their boisterous cawing can be heard from a few hundred metres away. People often tell me that “I’m living the dream”, but at the moment it’s more like...
At the Australia Day celebration I attended the SES was cooking breakfast and the BBQ plate was filled from edge to edge with dozens of eggs – all sunny side up. These were for the people who had come out early to mark the day and recognise those in their community...
It’s a story that has become part of the collective consciousness, even for those who have never attended church and it has placed a couple of phrases into the language which are still very widely used. Whenever we say someone “has saved the best till last” or comment...
I’ve often used phrases like “You’ve got to build from a firm base” or “You need firm foundations”, but when I’ve used such phrases they have been as metaphors. Usually I’ve been referring to the need for a good education for a successful career, or a sound business...
We were trying to start an old Lister-Petter stationary motor that I had picked up at a recent clearing sale. It was a bargain, if only we could get it to run. I was assured by the owner that “It was running the last time I used it.” Of course it was. Every thing...
We were so pleased to have some of the descendants of Christina Gamble at a special service at Colbinabbin Uniting Church which commemorated 50 years since the opening of a new entrance porch and Sunday School annexe to the church. The annex is dedicated to the ...
There is an unexpected blessing in low expectations. My parents would not have considered themselves working class, but they were. The most general definition is that the working class includes all those who have nothing to sell but their labour and skills. So while...
When life throws up difficult problems, too often we seek easy answers instead of believing in ourselves, our community and God’s grace. Each morning I start the day doing a cryptic crossword. It’s a daily challenge and diversion from all the busyness of the rest of...
When I hear the words “sexual abuse” and “church” in the same sentence, I feel a deep sense of shame. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse examined a broad range of institutions – from schools to Scouts, from the YMCA to sporting and...
There are many more menial tasks to be done in life than there are heroic and interesting tasks. Even if you’re working in a highly creative job, your daily work routine will likely involve a fair amount of repetitive, humdrum tasks. It doesn’t mean the menial tasks...
