Solomon, in his wisdom, shares, “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel” (Proverbs 27:9). Our sense of smell profoundly influences our mood and behaviour. The aroma of gingerbread cookies baking evokes feelings of home and safety, while the stench of rotten fish triggers an… Continue reading Pro 27v9 – How do you smell?
“Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call insight your intimate friend” (Proverbs 7:4). Solomon is pleading with his son to pay full attention to wisdom and understanding for his safety and success. Without it, he is likely to be tempted into all manner of sin that will lead to his ruin! Just as… Continue reading Pro 7v4 – The best friend
Have you ever been in a situation where you meet or see someone and think to yourself, wow, that person looks familiar, maybe, maybe not? And then, if you realise who they are, you certainly can’t remember their name. Why do we remember some people and forget others? It is often those we have had… Continue reading Luk 23v42 – Do you remember me?
We don’t realise how important community is until we need it. Your community comes in all shapes and sizes, from your immediate family to colleagues, to your town and your church. We underestimate these support structures until something tragic happens, like an illness or devastating flood, as many have experienced recently in the Western Cape.… Continue reading Pro 17v17 – Do you value your friends?
Our dogs love going for walks. But, it’s not the exercise that excites them but the sniffing. It’s their ultimate entertainment – the dog equivalent of Netflix. We call it Snifflix, and they love to binge. This often results in them pulling against the leash, determined to go their own way. Recently, while walking two… Continue reading Phi 2v14 – Pulling against you
“Friends…We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.” (Acts 14:15). This wonderful message shared two thousand years ago is as true and as needed today as it was then. It’s an invitation… Continue reading Act 14v15 – Good News Day
While out on a walk, my wife and I came across a plant with the unflattering name of Snot Rose or, more pleasantly called, the poppy-flowered sundew. When touched, long silvery strands attach to your finger and stretch out as you draw your hand away. Its clever technique is to stick to insects and draw… Continue reading Col 1v17 – Divine connections
Have you ever experienced an awkward silence? I am sure you have. We all know the cringe experience, desperately trying to fill the void with small talk. It’s usually experienced with strangers or acquaintances. But when we know or love someone, there is no awkward silence. The silence is comforting, natural and more frequent. There… Continue reading Hab 2v20 – Awkward Silence
In the icy Antarctic tundra, emperor penguins huddle together to keep warm. This instinct of flocking together is wired into their DNA. I pondered this as I sat in the snowy Drakensberg mountains, feeling the bite of the frigid breeze. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have… Continue reading Rom 1v20 – The penguins
It’s the end. Friends are sharing their eulogies. My eulogies. I listen as they give thanks for what I did, and say how much they will miss me. It’s lovely to hear. No, I am not dead, but it is the end of my 40-year association with my university, where I was first a student… Continue reading Pro 15v23 – The farewell