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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Hands up if you are a list-maker! I gather there are quite a few of us out there. Don’t you love the feeling of when a plan comes together? You have made the list, set out the program, planned the date and everything is going according to plan. You are loving the feeling of being... » read more
When I fell pregnant with my first baby, I wanted to give her a gift. I chose a very cute teddy bear cross-stitch pattern, bought the required threads, needles and accessories and began to stitch. By the end of my pregnancy, I had finished my project. What began as a few threads of tiny coloured... » read more
Can you hear it? That nag-nag-nagging? “You can’t do that,” it says. “You’re not good enough. You’ll never be able to accomplish what you set out to do so why try? Just give up now.” Bullying is one of my pet-hates. Whether it is in a school yard, one sibling to another, or an adult... » read more
Have you ever had a plan for life or something you really felt was God’s plan for your life? We dream, plan, design, act and work towards this end, and hope that one day it will be so. Well, sometimes things just don’t turn out the way we plan. Five years ago all our ducks,... » read more
Someone recently asked me, “if there was one verse in the Bible you could give to your children to remember, what would it be?” Well, I thought about this and decided that there were just so many to choose from. The Bible as a whole gives the best picture of God’s wonderful love for us... » read more
Deuteronomy 11:19 ‘Teach them (God’s words) to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up‘. Horse-drawn carriages, glamorous costumes, the grandeur of the old buildings, a slower pace of life, an era we never lived in –... » read more
As we waited for the paramedics to arrive, my daughter clutched my shoulders as she struggled for breath. A very bad reaction to a migraine was having a spiraling effect on her. The instructions from the call centre were to keep her calm. I wanted to cry as I looked at her white frightened, clammy... » read more
As if almost in an instant, their worlds were turned upside down. Super storm Sandy tore through the suburbs and cities of the U.S. eastern coast leaving devastation and destruction in its path. Even the warnings given could not prevent the event from happening, but could only hope to prepare some in advance for what... » read more
My seven-year-old son recently brought me to tears. Although as toddlers, my children have brought me close to tears by using my brand new lipstick to draw pictures on the mirror, or painting the walls with nappy cream or pouring litres of milk on my white carpet, this time was different. These were tears that... » read more
For Father’s Day this year, my husband (along with most other fathers in our circle of friends) received the Avengers movie, much to the excitement of our children. Super heroes are big in our house, with costumes galore and heroic acts often being performed on our deck. It reminded me of a conversation between two... » read more
If someone had told me that three weeks ago a crazed drunk person would chase my car up the street with a crowbar, or that a year ago I would survive a head-on collision leaving me with injuries that would require weekly treatments, I think I would have been tempted to curl up in a... » read more