Today, two things stood out to me. Firstly, as I drove into my driveway, two butterflies circling each other flew before my car. My mind was thrown back in time to when the world changed in 2020 with our first lockdown. It was a time of uncertainty for all, and we didn’t really understand what... » read more
Times have certainly changed rapidly in the past couple of years. I don’t think anyone has been untouched by this new way of life. It’s almost as if the turn of 2020 also turned on a switch that changed normal into unnormal. Such times have required much from us: to stretch, grow, test, and think... » read more
During the years of my children being at school, there have been a few days or more when they have lacked the desire to go to school. Comments like, “Do we have to go to school today?” and “I think I might be sick and need to stay home” (when obviously they weren’t) — the whole dragging the feet... » read more
Lately I’ve been signing a lot of permission forms. With school comes excursions, school photos, subject changes, extra-curricular activities, camps…all of which need the authority of a parent’s permission. I’m glad that, though my youngest children are in high school, they’re still young enough that I get to sign things for them, yet this time... » read more
The funeral had concluded, and the hearse slowly and respectfully drove out of the church parking bay and onto the road. Onlookers were likely shocked to see what appeared to be family members standing on the road behind the moving hearse, hurling their fists and choice words at the remains of the dearly departed soul... » read more
“Mum, do you think you could teach me how to play the guitar?” asked my eleven-year-old son one day after school. I had played a little guitar when in school and remembered a beginners guitar book that was sitting in our music room. “Sure, give me a minute and we’ll go have a look,” I replied. We... » read more
One of my sons has entered his senior years at school and it has suddenly dawned on him that the work they are given during the term lessons, is to equip them for their assessments at the end of the term. “I noticed,” he said, “because the teacher kept telling us to take note of... » read more
My arms were getting tired and I could feel the skin wearing from my elbows with all the backward paddling I was doing. Yet, there was something so refreshing and exhilarating about sitting in a tube on a river of fresh mountain water, and I was only too keen to get back in the flow. ... » read more
This tag line from the movie Jaws came to mind when people were wishing the year 2020 “good riddance”. Shops were selling ‘Good Riddance 2020!’ merchandise as if, somehow, the turning of the clock at midnight into 2021 would magically make everything return to pre-2020 normality. Obviously not. At the time of writing this in early January 2021, cities... » read more
Sometimes I can be a bit of a music nerd. I love classical music and often get wrapped up in songs, so I’d like to give a disclaimer right up front, that throughout this article, I may get carried away with some obvious clichés and analogies. Joseph Haydn’s Sonata No. 48 is one of my... » read more
As I found the progression of my Bible readings reaching the short, four-chapter book called Ruth, I admit I didn’t think I was going to get much out of it. As I had read it a dozen or so times previously, and being happily married, I wasn’t on the lookout for the “perfect Boaz”, as... » read more
If you have little children, have you ever noticed how quickly they can slip out of your grasp and out of your site? I remember a specific time when my children were little, and I took them shopping to buy some clothes for Winter. With them right by my side, I looked away for just... » read more
What do you do when you have a storeroom full of beautiful rare vintage drums that no one can see? You find a big space and share them with the world. This is exactly what drummer and collector, Tony Moore, did when the opportunity arose during the Covid-winter of 2020. The closure of cafés and... » read more
When I think about some very tough times I’ve been through that, at the time, didn’t feel like they would ever end (read chapter 25 Are we there yet of my book First to Forty), I remember in the midst of it reading Psalm chapter 30 verse 5: ‘…weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the... » read more
A friend sent me a video recently by Christa Elisha where she talks about a vision she had of Jesus walking in front of her, but the distance between them grew and he was leaving her behind. This upset me, it really did—not because of anything offensive, but for the urgency for others to know Jesus, which... » read more
“A thing of beauty” is how the Christian Today Chief Editor has described the new release Anthology from the writers of Christian Today Australia, God In Life. God In Life: Anthology was released for sale at the beginning of May 2020. It is a collection of inspirational, thought-provoking articles stemming from reflections of everyday experiences and some not-so-everyday... » read more
Having lived for almost a century, my husband’s 96-year-old grandmother, Dorothy Moore, has seen an awful lot, has experienced an awful lot and is still surprised at new challenges facing the world daily. But never before has she witnessed anything like the Covid-19 virus that is sweeping the world as we speak. The global effect... » read more
It is exciting. The first Anthology written by the columnists of Christian Today Australia. ‘God In Life’ is a collection of articles birthed from the hearts of 26 distinctly different writers from many different backgrounds but connected by the common thread of their faith in Jesus Christ. Christian Today Australia young writers are delighted to... » read more
‘Let’s celebrate’ sounds like a pretty weird title for this season of isolation we are living in, but why not kick up our heels a little? Just because we’ve all been restricted for so long doesn’t mean we have forgotten how to celebrate. Over social media of late, I have seen many lonely celebrations, but... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 21/4/20 https://christiantoday.com.au/news/god-in-life-hope-from-young-columnists-of-christian-today-australia.html Press Service International are pleased to announce a first of its kind publication, ‘God In Life’—an anthology from the columnists of Christian Today Australia and New Zealand. The team behind this remarkable tome are publishers—Tony and Rebecca Moore (Rebecca is a fellow senior writer, Sunshine Coast), and editor—David... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 16/4/20 https://christiantoday.com.au/news/can-someone-please-tell-me-what-day-it-is.html While isolation is good for everyone at this time, it does pose some interesting conundrums (besides the obvious). For instance; a common question that floats around our household of six in these strange times is—”what day is it?” Previously, my day would be bookended with school drop-offs... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 06/04/20 https://christiantoday.com.au/news/its-life-jim-but-not-as-we-know-it.html It seems the world’s done a bit of a flip, gone a little crazy, is feeling a little unsafe, and though we hope this is a short-lived interruption to our lives, the emotional and economic effects of the global corona virus crisis, are more than likely going... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 26/3/20 https://christiantoday.com.au/news/the-grass-is-greener-said-the-goat.html I often find myself writing about our pet goat. It’s not that I’m particularly fond of him—the Lord knows how many times I’ve had to chase that goat away from my roses and the neighbour’s garden when he escapes! He can be very infuriating, and threats of... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 12/3/20 http://christiantoday.com.au/news/life-empowers.html On the 24th January 2020, the President of the United States of America delivered a speech at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., that shone a light on the value of women like no other President has done before. The theme of that march was Life Empowers. President Trump... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 18/2/20 http://christiantoday.com.au/news/break-in-through-the-roofthe-great-jewel-heist.html Have you ever known something so valuable it would be worth breaking through a roof for? Some of you may be imagining a scene from a movie of a great jewel heist that has led to the pinnacle of the story line (after much planning, danger and... » read more
Walking through the final days of last year, I felt somewhat grateful. I did not revel in the gladness of seeing a bad year come to an end (though there have been years like that). For me, it had been a satisfying year in accomplishing what I’d set out to complete from the previous year’s... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia as part of the Senior Writers series http://christiantoday.com.au/news/the-rebecca-moore-story.html I was born in a small country town in Queensland called Murgon, to my lovely parents, Salvation Army Pastors (now retired) Majors Alan and Jenny Peterson. My childhood years were fun and spent largely around the church, piano lessons, books, school,... » read more
There seems to be a belief today that the idea of there being a person created to be your other half doesn’t exist: “There are many people out there suited to you and you just have to choose one that you like”. While this may be true and work for many people, I certainly don’t... » read more
https://christiantoday.com.au/news/up-the-creek-without-a-paddle.html Many years ago, we visited my parents while holidaying at a small seaside town in Queensland. While there, we spent the afternoon by the bay. We all enjoyed a leisurely spring afternoon swim, and towards sunset, my mum decided to go for a relaxing row in the dinghy by herself. With the outgoing tide,... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 18/10/19 https://christiantoday.com.au/news/rogue-radio.html Switching the channels on the car radio recently, at a time when most families would be driving their children home from school, my daughter and I were horrified to hear a radio presenter use his platform to laugh at and mock ‘church people’ and jest, suggesting that Jesus was... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia September 13, 2019 https://christiantoday.com.au/news/stop-the-clock.html Following on from my last article entitled Becoming Deliberate, I found myself having many conversations with friends exclaiming how quickly this year is flying by without even a wind sail to hold us back. It’s predictable of course; as the old saying goes “the older you get,... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia, 6th August 2019 https://christiantoday.com.au/news/becoming-deliberate.html Who knows how quickly a week can pass and you haven’t stopped for a breath? ‘Oh look, it’s Thursday already!’ I often hear myself say, and it only feels like a couple of days since I said it a week earlier. If we’re not careful,... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 2nd July, 2019 https://christiantoday.com.au/news/worth-waiting-for.html A good coffee is worth waiting for. Back in the day (and I won’t tell you when because it will give away my age), instant coffee was a big seller. It was quick and versatile; you could keep it in the cupboard for a few... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 31st May 2019 https://christiantoday.com.au/news/those-who-hold-us-up-thoughts-on-an-election-campaign.html At the time of writing this, my husband’s Senate campaign has just wrapped up after months of preparation and hard work. It will be some time (three to four weeks) before we have an idea of results, but I would like to take a moment... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 23rd April 2019. https://christiantoday.com.au/news/dirty-windowsdealing-with-sin.html At this time of year, the sun sits directly facing our front windows highlighting the dirt that had previously gone un-noticed and reminding me of what my next job is—to clean my windows! It’s a little bit annoying. Up until now, I didn’t realise how... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 22nd March 2019. https://christiantoday.com.au/news/drama-who-needs-it.html A cyclone was due to hit my town recently and there was a little bit of nervous excitement in the air. People stocked up on food, cancelled weekend events and prepared for bad weather. News reports kept us up to date on what we could... » read more
https://christiantoday.com.au/news/book-review-pizza-and-choir.html “The sound of smooth jazz enticed the guests to the entrance doors where vines of fairy lights and white flowers hung on suspended ladders from the ceiling. The aroma of freshly baked sweets and savouries filled the senses and the visual dance of linen laden tables, shabby chic décor and friendly faces all made... » read more
https://christiantoday.com.au/news/empty-washing-baskets.html Every now and then I get a glimpse of the bottom of my washing basket. It’s an exciting moment and one that doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, I get a tiny taste of what it might be like to have that job finished. Unfortunately, clothes washing never really gets finished and... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 21st December 2018 – https://christiantoday.com.au/news/goats-roses-social-media-and-the-gospel.html Seven was the number of white rose standards planted down my driveway before I went to sleep. Three is number of rose standards left with roses on them after our pet goat escaped in the middle of the night to devour them. A goat having... » read more
“…it’s all the moments, good and bad that make up a life, and the most important thing to do with life, is to live it.” Some films are made to entertain, while others leave you changed. New Life is one of the latter, and no matter how you look at it, we can all relate to... » read more
Abortion—a word that has been thrown around lately like a batter in a hot pan. In the state where I live, abortion to full term has recently been passed in Parliament. People have cried about it and others were dancing in the street over it. Some call it a great day for women’s rights (choices),... » read more
Have you ever heard the phrase, “I could’ve kicked myself!”? It’s a funny phrase, especially to visual people who can imagine what that would look like. It’s usually used when one regrets something they’ve done e.g. “I could’ve kicked myself for not getting that when it was on special!” or “I could’ve kicked myself for... » read more
It was a busy school morning. I managed to get the kids out the door but with only minutes to spare. As all four children bundled into the car, I turned the engine on only to have the petrol light appear on my dashboard! The petrol was low—it was very low. With only minutes to... » read more
As published on Christian Today Australia 3/8/2018. https://christiantoday.com.au/news/life-is-good.html I can count on my hand the number of times when I thought I was going to die—and I’m not talking about when I let my husband drive! (Though he’s never had an accident in Australia he says). One near-death experience was when as a teenager, I was... » read more
As published in the Salvos Warcry Magazine 14th July, 2018. http://www.warcry.org.au/single-post/2018/07/14/“Squark”-is-not-the-sound-a-car-should-make The sound of my grinding ignition was too loud to be muffled. Each time I started up, my little blue bomb of a car would give a good screeching and a squeal, and I would pray to God that no-one was nearby (though that was... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/theheartofman/ The sparseness of space meets my eyes as the opening scene appears—so deep, so endless, so majestic. Then flying across skies to soak in spectacular images of undulating mountains, towering cliff faces and broad-spanning primal oceans filling the screen in cinematic brilliance, all at once the beauty and ferocity of the power of creation... » read more
Published in the Salvation Army Warcry magazine June 9th, 2018 http://www.warcry.org.au/single-post/2018/06/09/A-walk-in-the-rain When one of my daughters was around the age of six, she pushed the limits. One particular little tirade was over nothing memorable, yet she let the household know exactly how she felt. I was watching my husband’s face as we stood aghast at... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/wcthheartbroken/ ‘I need tissues’ was the text I sent while watching the last few minutes of episode 9 of When Calls the Heart season 5 – and then again the need arose in episode 10. Really, when don’t we need tissues when watching this heart-touching series? These two episodes, however, certainly took the story to a whole new... » read more
The picture tag looked nothing like the seedling that I had planted. The seedling was gangly, small and looked like it might fall over at any moment. But the promise of the tag told me that this weak little plant would one day stand strong with firm green leaves, growing a beautiful tall blue flower... » read more
Published in the Salvation Army WarCry 26 May, 2018 http://www.warcry.org.au/single-post/2018/05/26/Yes-my-darling-you-will-fly Ever been so excited you could jump out of your skin? Many years ago, my three-year-old raced into the house after playing in the garden, beaming from ear to ear and grabbing our arms to pull us her way. “Mummy! Daddy! Watch what I can... » read more
Published in Christian Today Australia, May 22, 2018 https://christiantoday.com.au/news/where-is-god-when-our-prayers-dont-seem-to-be-heard.html Driving on a road I knew well, I had typed a location into my maps app. The street I was looking for wasn’t far, but I had just never needed to find it before. The good old maps app took me on a detour. It wasn’t... » read more
I didn’t have many expectations for Mother’s Day, I generally like to enjoy however it comes—but I did have one pre-requisite: that there be no sibling arguing. I say this with a grin: Mother’s Day can be hard on the family when mum has a day off. It means that everyone else has to do... » read more
“Honest, raw and intelligent, while smacking a punch to the heart.” The God’s Not Dead series third offering: A Light in Darkness brings the return of Reverend Dave Hill, Josh Wheaton and Reverend Jude, as well as a special appearance by the News Boys. This time we find Reverend Dave Hill is in the spotlight and has... » read more
My husband is a very intelligent and capable man—but when it comes to spiders, it becomes another thing altogether and intelligence swiftly succumbs to emotion! Many years ago when we were dating, we were driving to the wedding of some good friends of ours. I was working towards sitting for my driver’s licence, so I... » read more
Sometimes, I have a little giggle on the inside when somebody says something like: “Oh, your kids are so well behaved”. At that moment, my mind wanders to many things, one of which is a special moment many years ago when my eldest two children were around the ages of two and three. My husband... » read more
Some days, the cars on the road all seem to be in the way, phone calls are an interruption, the voices around us seem to be complaining about one thing or another, and we have a mountain of work in front of us that we just can’t seem to get to. Feeling heavy? Most of... » read more
It was not until I was sitting on the ski lift that I realised I would have to get off. It was my first time skiing and we were on our honeymoon in New Zealand. I had my gear on and managed to plonk myself onto the lift, skis and all. It carried me up... » read more
https://christiantoday.com.au/news/billy-graham-finding-a-place-to-call-home-and-ageing-with-purpose.html “It doesn’t matter how old we get, if we are still on this earth, we haven’t finished what God has purposed for us.”
Things are seldom as easy as they seem. For instance, standing in line six or so years ago to board our very first cruise, my husband and I were filled with excitement. This holiday couldn’t have come at a better time. We were exhausted and fatigued and with one week before we moved house, this... » read more
6 Below: Miracle On The Mountain | Movie Review Dubbed ‘The Miracle Man’ by the National Guard rescuers, the story of Eric LeMarque and how he survived being lost in the snow on Mammoth Mountain for eight days, is a fascinating story of survival, determination and the belief that something bigger than us has a... » read more
It seems regardless of how prepared we think we are, sometimes we aren’t prepared at all for what is to come. Earlier this year, I embarked on a one day trip to Melbourne for an editing conference. With flights organised, I was to jam-pack a lot into one day, so my alarm was set the... » read more
Sitting under the shade of a sprawling tree with sunlight spilling through the branches, a young Jesus listens as his mother tells the story of the miraculous events that led to his birth. Mary’s tender heart beautifully flows through the screen—her love for the Young Messiah with his innocence and endearing presence, completes a... » read more
I was a soccer mum for only a little while before we realised it probably wasn’t our four year old’s “thing”. I distinctly remember finding the games to be endlessly amusing while watching these little tots in their big shin pads and oversized uniforms pad their way up and down the field trying to... » read more
Valerian | Movie Review Space travel has expanded in leaps and bounds since the first landing on the moon in 1969. Fast forward space technology 400 years from now and the results could be astounding! Based on the 1960/70s French comics Valerian and Laureline by Jean-Claude Mezieres, the imagination of director Luc Besson (The 5th Element) has... » read more
Anyone who knows me, knows by the number of photos on my social media account that I like roses. I have two rose plants that emit delicious fragrances, surpassing the fragrance of any Turkish Delight sweet I have come across. The only problem with my rose plants, is that they tend to flower around the... » read more
Spider Man: Homecoming | Movie Review What does an idle teenage superhero do without a mission? He finds one. Spider-Man: Homecoming is a hit set to thrill and inspire! Since his initiation into the superhero world in Captain America: Civil War, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is keen to take on his next mission and is so bored that... » read more
Last night I had a dream. I dreamt I was back in a time when my children were babies. I was back in the house we used to live in and reliving a day in my life 15 years ago. Everything looked and smelt the same, the colour of the walls, my kitchen where I... » read more
A lone figure walks along a sparse beach. As he approaches the waters edge, dressed in a black suit and accompanied by his cane and hat, waves of blood lap against the sand by his feet. It is the blood of lives lost, lives Winston Churchill feels in hindsight could have been saved, lost young... » read more
The Case for Christ | Movie Review The Case for Christ has hit cinemas and is one you won’t want to miss. Based on his 1998 book of the same name, Lee Strobel’s story of his journey from atheism to faith, is intriguing to watch, and leaves no stone unturned. Set in the late 70’s, early 80’s,... » read more
A simple brochure was the spark that inspired a teenager to pursue a dream that would take her on an adventure like no other. Standing strong in the waters of distant countries is a tall white ship with blue trims called the Africa Mercy. This ship is a light on the ocean that carries... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/review-calls-heart-s2-ep-9/ Things are anything but sleepy in the little town of Hope Valley as season two draws to a close. With only two episodes left, you can’t afford to miss a thing! Storm clouds are gathering and I don’t just mean the dark clouds gathering in the sky. The town is in turmoil and things... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/review-the-velveteen-rabbit/ If you have ever loved a toy so much that you wished it to be real, you are sure to connect to this beautiful old-world story. Inspired by Margery William’s The Velveteen Rabbit (published in 1922), Director Michael Landon Jr, brings to the screen an adaptation of a tale that has been loved by generations. Set... » read more
It was drawing towards the end of the six week Christmas holidays. My children were aged three, four, ten and eleven at the time, and the house had echoed with childish noises for many days. That’s fine and well for the most part of it, but on this particular day my ears were tired and... » read more
Lion | Movie Review Brave. This is the word I think of when I think of little Saroo, so little, so adorably cute and so devastatingly separated from his family by ever increasing distances. Saroo is a mighty little man wrapped up in a little body with a huge smile and strength beyond his years.... » read more
Silence | Movie Review Silence filled the theatre immediately following the screening of this film, but after a time of reflection, it left viewers anything but silent. Martin Scorsese’s film Silence, is layered with so many possible metaphors to explore, it will have you talking for days. Set in the 17th century, and based on... » read more
My young social media friends often begin their posts with the phrase: That moment when… This is usually followed by something awkward that has happened to them or something obvious has dawned on them such as ‘that moment when you realise you’ve turned up to work with two different socks on’ or similar. Well, I’ve... » read more
‘First to Forty’ presents a random collection of forty short articles and poems that inspire and connect us to the beauty of the everyday. Drawing us each into a more passionate love and engagement with our family, home and life. First to Forty is a discovery of a life, love, hope and happiness that leads... » read more
Child of Grace | Movie Review Imagine living with someone that you’ve thought to be your father all your life only to find one day that he’s actually your kidnapper! In this intriguing drama, Katie Johnson (Maggie Elizabeth Jones, We Bought a Zoo) is a nine year old girl who has spent her life travelling... » read more
Freedom | Move Review If you missed this movie when it aired in cinemas, now is your chance to recapture the emotion and power of Freedom. In a time preceding the American Civil War resulting in the emancipation of slaves in the South, two men make a journey seeking freedom 100 years apart, but connected... » read more
Sniffles were heard throughout the theatre and I could tell that I wasn’t the only one who had been impacted by the painful journey of Will Smith’s character Howard in the thought-provoking film – Collateral Beauty. Yes, this movie is a tear-jerker but also bears the mark of a well thought out script with... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/signed-sealed-delivered-s2/ Your four favourite postal detectives are back in a fabulous new series of Signed, Sealed, Delivered. The ‘POstables’ join forces again to solve the mysteries of undeliverable ‘dead mail’ and find themselves caught up in a myriad of intertwining events and clues that connect the past with the present, often setting a new course... » read more
“What?” she exclaimed. “Only two more sleeps until Christmas?” said every mother who hadn’t started her Christmas shopping until the last minute. That was almost me, but I managed to get my act together in the final few days and, with lots of prayer and minor miracles, no one knew any different (maybe just... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/3775-2/ It’s Christmas time and what better way to celebrate than to pile onto the lounge with the family and watch Christmas movies together. If you’re a parent or carer with children at home these holidays, you may find yourself relating to the mum in this film. With the children on school holidays, Paula (Britani... » read more
New Year, new you, new dreams, goals and resolutions. This season is the time of year that we come together to celebrate Christmas, the hope of new life, and look forward to the year that is to come. For some, the year that has passed has been a great one and we can only... » read more
Have you ever had days, weeks or months when you have felt like you are a bowling pin at the end of a tenpin bowling lane. The bowling ball is aimed and released and you pray to God that that ball is going to roll down the gutter. Sometimes the ball rolls and misses,... » read more
Little Boy | Movie Review Some movies leave you changed. They make you catch your breath, wipe your eyes and be so grateful that you saw them. Their memory lingers long after the final credits and a part of it stays with you as you travel for a while. Little Boy is one such movie.... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/abels-field-movie-review/ Abel’s Field is a raw, authentic and genuine movie that tells a story you will feel from beginning to end, and hope with all your might that good will win and that everyone will live happily ever after. But this movie is anything but a fairy tale. Instead it is life portrayed candidly through... » read more
Black Beauty | Movie Review 15 year old Audry (Jennifer McKenzie ) invites you into her world as she tells her story of finding a horse in need of rescue, as well as needing a little bit of rescuing herself. In a city where Audry feels like the odd one out, she is used to... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/movies/romance-sparks-friday-nights-new-entertainment/ When talented chef, Jenny Fintley (Lacey Chabert – Party of Five) meets Wall Street trader, Brian Howell (Brennan Elliott – Night at the Museum 3), the chances of finding common ground between them are looking very slim. Throw them in a house together and you may just have a recipe for disaster. Working in a demanding restaurant, Jenny... » read more
Remembrance Day Special: WW1 Military Chaplains | Review A remarkable reminder of the sacrifices made for us each, this series features a deeply moving presentation of war chaplains who, without weapons, put themselves on the front line in the face of danger out of their love for their fellow man. In this four part historical... » read more
When my daughter asked me if she could spend Schoolies at the Whitsunday’s on a Scripture Union trip last year, I replied with a resounding, “Yes!” My response was incredibly enthusiastic; I didn’t even stop to think twice about it, because when I heard the words ‘schoolies’ and ‘Scripture Union’ in the same sentence, my... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/happens-let-go-anger-pain/ In the skating world a Hardflip is a skateboard trick that combines a frontside pop shuvit with a kickflip. If you know what that is, or even if you don’t, you’re probably going to love this movie. Talented teen skateboarder Caleb (Randy Wayne – The Dukes of Hazzard) finds the skatepark a place of escape. His skills... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/movies/new-family-entertainment-lead-heart/ What do baseball and ballet have in common? Not a lot, but if Ben and Maura don’t figure it out soon, it may be too late. Married couple Ben (William Baldwin – Backdraft) and Maura (Kari Matchett – Covert Affairs), seem happily in love. With their youngest child following in his sister’s footsteps and about to leave for... » read more
The night was clear and calm after a week of weather with bouts of wind and rain. The guests began to arrive, dressed in vintage glamour costumes. It was going to be a fun night and I had been given instructions to stay outside and enjoy the party. As the Jazz band played, laughter and... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/movies/transforming-true-story-marie-heurtin/ How does a child born both blind and deaf communicate with the world? Based on the true story of Marie Heurtin, this beautifully filmed movie, set in the picturesque French countryside of the late 19th century, tells a story of a little girl who was born unable to see or hear. Trapped in her... » read more
Based on the novel by bestselling author, David Baldacci, Wish You Well is a feast for the eyes, with lush green hills languishing the screen from beginning to end, drawing the viewer into the old-world charm of 1940s Virginia. When ten year old Lou (Mackenzie Foy, Interstellar) and her seven year old brother Oz (JP Vanderloo) begin their new... » read more
Have you ever wondered if your Compassion sponsorship makes a difference? “God can take someone from the dust, to dining with kings” -Veronika. For Veronika and many like her, she has seen God do great things. She has seen ashes turned to beauty and the impossible become possible. Veronika lives in Tanzania, Africa. She grew... » read more
For busy mums, it seems there are plenty of things that keep us on the go. Besides housework, extra-curricular activities, never empty washing baskets, appointments, meals, shopping, and careers, there is also the catching up of friends, family and celebrations. It’s what I like to call ‘life in all its beauty’ – it is busy,... » read more
Genre: Documentary Directed and Produced by: Sara Hirsh Bordo Writer: Michael Campo Rating: PG You’ve heard the saying ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’, well this is also true when it comes to people, and it is certainly true in the case of Lizzie Valesquez. In this multi award winning documentary by Rising Women,... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/i-am-potential/ “It’s not about what you see, but how you see it” -I Am Potential Father’s Day is a time to honour the men in our lives who have looked after us, sacrificed for us and loved us, and what better way to celebrate than to curl up on the lounge with the family and... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/fat-boy-chronicles/ “We are all tested, but how you respond will define your life.” – The Fat Boy Chronicles If you’ve ever been a victim of bullying or watched someone suffering from it, The Fat Boy Chronicles is a movie for you. Most people have experienced bullying at some point of their lives and it is... » read more
Raindrops on roses – this is what awaited me one morning when I peered out the window at my potted rose plant, which recently bloomed the most delicious smelling, deep pink bud I have ever seen it grow. Each time I glanced its way, it had grown a little bigger and leaned in as if... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/when-calls-the-heart/ Moving to a new town is never easy, but when the beautiful and headstrong Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow) leaves behind her life of privilege to take up a teaching position in the pioneer lands of Northwest Canada, neither Elizabeth, nor the townsfolk, realise quite what they’re in for. The year 1910 was not a... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/jesus-game-changer/ In this fresh and exciting new series Jesus the Game Changer, well-known Christian communicator Karl Faase takes an intellectual look at the evidence for Jesus’ existence and his impact on the world. Speaking with a collective of academics and experts from various countries, Karl Faase investigates how, in a time when the Roman Empire... » read more
When my children were babies, I tended to their every need. I nursed them, held them and sang over them. I let them know at every opportunity that they were loved, secure and safe. As they grew, my love took on new forms. I still loved on them with hugs and comfort, but my role... » read more
With Senior’s week coming up, I thought I’d spend some time getting to know some of the retired folk who live in our area. I began by taking myself to join an aqua aerobics class. Can I tell you, I had the best time! The ladies from the aqua class had me in stitches. The... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/fading-west/ In this documentary of American Christian Rock band, Switchfoot, you can’t help but be swept away by the fun and adventure they experience as they travel the world playing music and making the Fading West album, all the while looking for the perfect wave. Their songs have become the soundtrack to thousands of people... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/whats-in-the-bible/ If you loved watching Jim Henson’s Sesame Street or the Muppet Show when you were little, you are bound to find Phil Vischer’s new series entertaining as he uses the same kind of humour and puppetry while teaching children about the love of God. With catchy tunes and hilarious characters, Phil Vischer has been... » read more
https://acc.tv/review/movies/sabina-k/ Set in Bosnia and based on a true story, Sabina and Sasa’s love is flourishing in a harsh post-war world, giving Sabina a new lease on life after her recent divorce. Sabina and Sasa had met during the war where Sabina was a nurse and Sasa a soldier. Despite Sasa being Catholic and Sabina... » read more
Grab your popcorn, pillows and your favourite friends and prepare yourself for a girl’s night in. 30-year-old Gwyneth Hayden is looking for a man, and despite her spunky personality, successful career and good looks, nothing seems to be working. Afraid of being the last of her friends ‘left on the shelf’, Gwyneth (Lacey Chabert) finds herself considering... » read more
The Jeni series is back with an action packed series three. From snow peaks to snow cones, Jeni Molitor and her co-host Casey Cole take us from the snowy Winter of Northern Michigan in season two, to the warm climate of beautiful Puerto Rico where the sun is hot, the culture is colourful and the... » read more
Arriving to interview a lady for a story a few weeks ago, I was feeling prepared. My voice recorder was charged and ready, I had my list of questions ready to go and I was early. As I stepped out of my car, my glass water bottle fell to the ground and started rolling... » read more
Genre: drama Directed by: Janet Grillo Story: Jennifer Deaton Produced by: Joey Carey, Lucy Mukerjee-Brown, Stefan Nowicki, Morgan White Cast: AnnaSophia Robb, Famke Janssen, Israel Broussard, Taylor Richardson, Sophia Anne Caruso, Rating: PG (Mild themes and course language) “She can be a lot more than who she is if you give her a chance.” -Jack... » read more
Don’t laugh now, but the thought of snorkelling has always made me a little nervous. Breathing through a pipe while having your nose blocked made the word ‘claustrophobic’ come to mind, so I never felt the need to go out of my way to try it. That was, of course, until we recently visited the... » read more
Genre: drama, biographical Directed by: David Leo Schultz Story: David Leo Schultz, Ashleigh Phillips Produced by: David Leo Schultz, Dave Mullin’s, Ryan Bodie, David Holechek Cast: David Schultz, Michael Koch, Wolfgang Bodison, James Kyson Rating: PG If you’ve ever imagined what a Christian song writer looks like, you may picture a clean-cut, well-dressed, everything-is-fine-with-the-world kind... » read more
Genre: drama, family Director: Patricia Riggen Screenplay: Randy Brow Story: Christy Beam Producers: Joe Roth, T.D. Jakes, DeVon Franklin Cast: Jennifer Garner, Kylie Rogers, Martin Henderson, John Carroll Lynch, Eugenio Derbez, Queen Latifah Rating: PG Mark Twain once said, “truth is stranger than fiction, because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; truth isn’t.” The... » read more
My family enjoys nice tasting food. Despite a few stand out failures, I can usually deliver on this, but recently we ran out of one small ingredient – salt. I had almost bought a new packet of salt at the supermarket but was sure I had a refill at home, so I left it. That... » read more
Genre: drama, family Director: Jason Winn Screenplay: Michael Buchanan, Diane Lang Run Time: 1hr 17 mins Cast: Christopher Rivera, Kelly Washington, Chris Bert, Cole Carson Rating: M (bullying themes) High school is tough, but for Jimmy Winterpock it is a whole new world of bullying and not fitting in. When Jimmy (Christopher Rivera) is bullied... » read more
As we chatted with the Madden family over the Easter weekend of 2015, none of us had any idea of what was about to take place for them in the following few days. Children’s entertainers, Russ and Helena with their four children, were beginning their ‘Go Frills’ Easter holiday tour through Toowoomba, St George, Roma... » read more
Genre: drama, action Director: Kevin Reynolds Screenplay by: Kevin Reynolds, Paul Aiello Story by: Paul Aiello Produced by: Mickey Leddell, Patrick Aiello, Pete Shilaimon Executive producers: Robert Huberman, Scott Holroyd Run Time: 1hr 47mins Cast: Joseph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Peter Firth, Cliff Curtis Rating: M In a time of rising rebellions, the truth is sometimes... » read more
Climbing Mt Coolum earlier in the year was a great idea – until we got half way up the slope to the steep incline, which is when our post-Christmas bodies decided maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. Nevertheless, we pushed forward. Now to those of you who are pretty fit, you may... » read more
Genre: music, family, drama Director: Andrew Lauer Writer: David Kauffman Run Time: 110 mins Cast: Cheyenne Jackson, Kevin Pollak, Christopher Lloyd, Christing Woods, Avi Lake Rating: PG Ben Cantor had been on this musical rollercoaster before. In the past he’d had the deal every musician dreamed of but couldn’t bring himself to sacrifice the dignity... » read more
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Twelve year olds Jessica and Dylan, sat... » read more
Genre: drama Director: Johnny Remo Run Time: 100 mins Cast: Billy Ray Cyrus, Joel Smallbone, Jennifer Taylor, Kerry Knuppe Rating: PG 13+ Take a broken vase and gradually put the pieces back together. This is the image that came to my mind when watching Like a Country Song. Jake Reeson (Joel Smallbone) is an up... » read more
The wind was rushing, the waves were crushing And high upon gusty seas The little boat came sailing Though nothing he could see. ‘I know the land is near,’ he said, ‘it won’t be far away.’ Though night was here, He did not fear For morning would bring day. And so the boat kept... » read more
Standing at the service desk of a retail outlet recently, I was struck at how constantly the phone was ringing and how frazzled the attendant was, trying to keep up with each demand. “Gee, you’re busy!” I said to the attendant when there was a break. “Yeah, it’s been crazy this morning,” she replied. She... » read more
Genre: drama Director: Brandon Dickerson Run Time: 104mins Cast: Wes Cunningham, Amy Acker, Tony Hale, Jeremy Sisto, Robyn Lively, John Billingsley Rating: PG Sometimes the most challenging journeys bring us to the greatest prize. On the verge of fame and fortune, Thomas Fisher is living a musician’s dream. With a killer record deal and a... » read more
Perched beside the ocean in a tree set way up high, Sat a nest, held strong in branches, with four baby chicks inside. The mother bird was very near with food to satisfy The little chicks grew bigger as each sunny day went by. — She gave her babies lessons, She taught them wrong from... » read more
Genre: Family, drama Director: Nikita Zubarev Distributed by: Heritage Films Run Time: 85mins Cast: B. Bradenton Harper, Blade Yocum, Dariush Moslemi Rating: PG Life can be difficult for teenagers as they transition into adulthood, but throw a couple of tragedies into the mix and you’ve literally got to sink or swim. Things just aren’t going... » read more
What if up was down, black was white, left was right and out was in? Sounds a little like the world we live in don’t you think? It seems that with every passing trend, there is a new one to follow. What once was unthinkable is then accepted and then not accepted, and the cycle... » read more
Genre: Christmas, Family Directed by: Harvey Kahn Studio: Hallmark Run Time: 90 minutes Cast: Eric Mabius, Kristin Booth, Crystal Lowe, Geoff Gustafson, Rob Estes Rating: not rated Christmas – my favourite time of the year! And one of my favourite things to do at this time of year is to watch Christmas movies with my... » read more
Have you ever heard of the gag: pull my finger? Bound to get a few giggles from kids in the school yard and the odd dad or two, this gag is set to fool the unsuspecting recipient into pulling the taunter’s finger, only to be followed by an unpleasant sound and smell, looks of disgust... » read more
Genre: Family Directed by: Gary Wheeler Studio: Swirl Recording and Film Inc. Run Time: 90 minutes Cast: Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Loretta Devine, Gregalan Williams, Esai Morales Rating: PG Distributed in Australia by Heritage Films How many times have you taken your family to a movie and chewed your fingernails hoping that it wasn’t going to impact... » read more
It took years before I could drive past the school and not think about it. Even now it is still not far from my thoughts. Since we heard the first reports of the missing teenager in December 2003 and saw hundreds of volunteers in their orange vests scouring the bush beside the highway of our... » read more
Genre: Satirical Comedy Directed by: Will Bakke (Riot Studios) Run Time: 1 hour 33 minutes Cast: Alex Russell, Zachary Knighton, Johanna Braddy, Miles Fisher Distributed in Australia by Heritage Films Believe Me, this movie got the discussions going in our house! Out of my two teenagers, one said it was funny and thought-provoking,... » read more
From where I sit, I can see the sky. As I look, there are two beautiful eagles circling way above every other bird. Strong, powerful creatures that fly as much with confidence as with elegance, and seem to own the air that they live in. Our property is often nick-named ‘Eagles Ridge’ or ‘Eagles... » read more
The Island of Port Vila, Vanuatu was an adventure to visit. Kissed by the sun in the midst of Winter, the locals were happy and the water was sparkling. A beautiful sea playground and delight for snorkelers, it’s aqua coloured waters and natural settings were a treat for any who chose to pass that way.... » read more
We have a pet goat called Bono and a sheep called Raphi. We’ve had them since they were babies. They’re pretty cute and on a good day they graze on the hill which creates a peaceful scene for us to gaze upon from our lounge room windows. At most other times, however, Bono the goat... » read more
Trembling with excitement the athletes nervously walk through the entrance to the Olympic ramp as the name of their beloved country is enthusiastically announced across the microphone. “Australia!” The athletes enter the stadium to a crowd of thousands of waving arms, roaring cheers and ecstatic clapping. Lights in all different colours flash across the stadium.... » read more
His face drained white when he heard the news. His brother was on his way with 400 men. It was time to arrange the camp and set up strategies to protect as many as possible. The camp was split into two. If one group was attacked the other might escape. Provisions were made for the... » read more
Ten thousand women packed the Qantas stadium in Sydney for a weekend in March. Most men would have run for the hills! But this Hillsong Colour conference for women was special, touching the hearts of most, if not every woman there. As I listened to speakers – including Brian and Bobby Houston, Dawn Cherie, Sheila... » read more
This is not a story about politics. This is not a story about Gough Whitlam, Paul Keating or the Labor or Liberal Parties. This is a story about The Lady of the House, Queensland’s first female Member of the House of Representatives (1980-1993), her life, her journey and those she met along the way. Her... » read more
Ok busy mums, it’s time for a coffee break. Put away what you’re doing and take a breather. You’ve made it to the end of another busy day. Yes, it was a great feat in organisation. Clothes were washed, children were delivered to activities, meals were made, floors were cleaned, bills were paid, shopping was... » read more
Why hello there. So nice to see you. You look exhausted, come sit with me a while. Take off your shoes, wipe the sweat from your brow. I see you’re still pushing your wheelbarrow around. Your load has grown since last I saw you. It must be heavy. No wonder you feel tired. Let’s see... » read more
After a very difficult and challenging year, we decided to have some time-out during the holidays by taking our little sailing boat on the river for some short runs. My husband had spent a good part of the month restoring the little ‘Mirror’ sailing boat. He’d carefully mended it, cleaned it and painted it. He... » read more
Being thankful in all circumstances can sometimes be challenging. Within 48 hours we ran out of tank water, had an eight hour power outage and to top it off, a magpie flew into my house and pooped all over my floor, lounge and curtains. Frustrating? By all means! But so ridiculous that I had to... » read more
Walking into the studio of David Hart was surreal. It was very neat and ordered and there were pigeon holes for every category of artwork, but his paint-splattered shoes gave away some secrets of an artist in his element. The vibrant colours of his famous flower and dragonfly paintings captured my attention, as well as... » read more
The decision to join the local fencing club as a 16-year-old was not usual for a teenage boy living in Australia in the 1960s. This choice proved to be a wise one that would lead him on a quest to unexpected places where he met legendary characters, thus changing the course of his life. Rebecca... » read more
As soon as a baby takes it’s first breath, it is wholly reliant on others to keep it alive. Whether a child makes it to birth, lives only a few hours or a lifetime, there is a purpose for that child to be here, it is a gift to be treasured. With life comes trials,... » read more
Recently I had to give myself a good talking to. I was becoming overwhelmed with the amount of terror saturating my social media sites, on the news and in conversation. The barbarism and evil that we are seeing is so foreign and shocking to our way of life, that it concerned me as to how... » read more
I don’t normally drive in my pyjamas. In fact, it was the first time I’d ever done it. Apparently for some of my friends it’s a regular occurrence, but dropping my teenage daughter off at 6.15am for school camp in my pyjamas was not what I had in mind. Yes, I could roll off the... » read more
We recently had a big family gathering for my husband’s side of the family. We do this once a year, not so much as a ‘Christmas’ function but more so that we can meet up with family we wouldn’t normally see. It is a great occasion and I am always amazed at how much difference... » read more
Most parents know the feeling of worry deep down in the pit of your stomach when your child is sick. A temperature on my babies would send me into a flurry and a cough would keep me up during the night praying it wouldn’t turn into a chest infection. For parents Deon and Katrina, a... » read more
Lasagne – it should be easy to make. It usually is, until you realise you are missing one simple ingredient – lasagne sheets. I was sure there was more in the cupboard and it was too late to go to the shops. The night of the lasagne disaster was a typical one in our household.... » read more
As we were driving home from school last week, I was listening to my children sing with great fervour: “Let my words be life, let my words be truth. I don’t want to say a word unless it points the world back to you,” (‘Words’ by Hawk Nelson) It got me thinking how so often... » read more
