Resources
Book Review: Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Perhaps...
REVIEW: “Jesus and the Lions’ Den” by Alison Mitchell and Catalina Echeverri
Have you ever found the Old Testament hard to understand? Have you ever wondered about the relevance of the stories to the New Testament or to us today? This is a comment I hear frequently amongst Christians today. Aside from the wonderful stories and characters, they...
Like Play-Doh in the Carpet Threads
Mothering is one of the greatest joys and greatest challenges of my life. As my children grow, I find the seasons and demands change and yet this truth remains. Mothering is the thing I want to do to the best of my ability, though it also consistently works to bring...
Desiring a Risen Motherhood
Over the past month, for the majority of mothers, motherhood has stepped up a notch in intensity. Not only are mothers unable to work, socialise, shop or serve as they once did, mothers of school-aged children have also become teachers of their children, educating...
Enjoying God- Part 2
Throughout the New Testament, we are reminded to consider our trials joy (James 1:2), to rejoice in our suffering (Col 1:24), to live a life of joy (a key theme in the book of Philippians); yet in the midst of trials and heartache, joy is often far from our minds. I...
Enjoying God- Part 1
Why are we here? What is our purpose? What is God’s will for my life? Aren’t these so often the questions that each of us wrestle with? In the Westminster Shorter Catechism, it says that the chief purpose of man is “to glorify God and enjoy him forever.” Many Bible...
My Year in Books
This was originally published at The Gospel Coalition Australia. Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul by Hannah Anderson This is my favourite read from 2018 and I am almost considering rereading it just to gain more of Anderson’s wisdom. The...
Biblical Fiction Author Spotlight: Tessa Afshar
I love reading fictional books as a way of relaxing. An author I was recommended this year was Tessa Afshar, an author published by Tyndale House Publishers (also the publishing house of Francine Rivers). I think since that initial recommendation, I have read every...
Book Review: Tea & Thread- Sally Bathgate and Katrina Flett Gulbrandsen
"Tea & Thread: Portraits of Middle Eastern Women Far from Home" is a new collection of stories, recipes and traditional handicraft projects from refugee women. Written by Sally Bathgate and Katrina Flett Gulbrandsen, It is a beautiful book; a welcome accompaniment...
Favourite Finds: Bible Reading Options to Encourage Your Soul
Over the past 12 months or so, a few resources have come across my path that I have found so helpful and encouraging. As a creature of habit, I very much like having one set resource to help guide me with my Bible Reading time. The last few years though of parenting...
Beating Boredom In Your Group Bible Study
This week, Bible Studies will resume across the country for the New Year. As they kick into gear, it is important to take a moment to think about the small group studies that operate in your church and the church-at-large. As the days turn into weeks, which turn into...
Book Review: Grace in Strange Disguise- Christine Dillon
"Grace in Strange Disguise" (October, 2017, self-published) is Christine Dillon's latest book and her first work of fiction. The book follows the story of Esther, an Australian physiotherapist who attends a megachurch and appears that she has life all together. Her...
Children’s Book Review: When Santa Learned the Gospel-Simon Camilleri (Writer), Matt Boutros (Illustrator)
I have always been a bit skeptical of Santa books. I guess sometimes I figure it is easier to stay completely away from Santa as much as possible, as I feel that Santa and Christian things always get a bit murky. Take Church-run carols for instance, featuring a...
Children’s Book Review: Everyone A Child Should Know- Clare Heath-Whyte (Writer), Jenny Brake (Illustrator)
At my Church, we are currently looking at the 5 Solas of the Reformation. It is my week for Sunday School, where I've been needing a summary story of Martin Luther to read to the children (aged 3-6). So, how does one go about finding a story like this? How do we share...
Book Review: “Workship” by Kara Martin
Work brings mixed emotions to the surface in all of us. For some, we think of the colleagues we call friends, the enjoyable chats at the lunch table, the stimulating work, the beautiful children we get to raise at home, the fantastic paycheque. For others of us,...
Children’s Book Review: God’s Very Good Idea
From before the beginning, God had a very good, very wonderful idea. An idea of love, of beautiful diversity and of colourful difference. God had an idea of a family of image-bearers, loving him and loving one another. God's idea is such a good idea. It is a very good...
Book and Program Review: The Zookeeper- Naomi and Stephen Reed
"The Zookeeper"ˆ written by Naomi Reed and illustrated by her son, Stephen Reed, is a delightful allegory of the Gospel and big picture of the Bible for children. This book is the latest in The Zookeeper line by Naomi Reed that demonstrates her artful writing and...
What I’ve Been Reading: A Little Bit of Fiction
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been really enjoying reading some fiction books. There is something about having a world to escape to now and then that is very relaxing and helps me recharge. Dave has even taken the kids a couple of nights after tea for some...