When something is carved in rock you pay attention. Even if it’s a ‘rose’ city hewn out of sandstone. Over one million tourists now make the trek into Petra, Jordan – most on foot, although you can support the Bedouin caretakers by riding their horses, camels, golf carts or horse drawn carriages. This enduring marvel has now been voted one of the new seven wonders of the world … [Read more...] about Petra, the treasury carved from rock
Faith
Inspiring a deeper walk of faith in God, expressed as Father, Son, and Spirit. Living out our shared experiences of life in Christ.
Dostoevsky’s conflicted Brothers Karamazov
Do you enjoy ‘who-done-it’ murder mystery stories by Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle? Then you will love the Russian Christian author, Fyodor Dostoevsky. He was a master at using graphic crime stories to create the most remarkable psychological/philosophical novels ever written. You will be puzzled as you try to figure out which of the four Karamazov brothers killed his … [Read more...] about Dostoevsky’s conflicted Brothers Karamazov
New resolutions for January 2023
Everyone believes in change, as long as it involves someone else. Each New Year in January, many of us make New Year’s Resolutions about how we are going to change. After Christmas season, people often feel remorse for having over-eaten and under-exercised. In early January gyms are flooded with new recruits, often lasting until February when our muscles begin to ache. So … [Read more...] about New resolutions for January 2023
The obedience of Joseph central to the Christmas story
Do you ever wonder about Joseph, the man we see walking alongside a very pregnant woman on the way to Bethlehem? I’m often tempted to think of him as an unnecessary extra in the Christmas story. The Christ child is, of course, central, as is his mother, Mary. Meanwhile, the conception itself had happened without any help from Joseph. Then there are shepherds, sheep, wisemen, … [Read more...] about The obedience of Joseph central to the Christmas story
Jimmy Stewart’s Wonderful Life
One of our favourite Christmas movies is It’s a Wonderful Life where Jimmy Stewart plays the part of a generous but discouraged businessman who discovers that he really was making a positive impact. You will remember how the Christmas angel Clarence had to earn his wings by helping out Jimmy Stewart (aka George Bailey). George was so distraught at Christmas that he was about to … [Read more...] about Jimmy Stewart’s Wonderful Life