Colin Timberlake.. Not Justin.
Stories of Hope
Colin and I grew up together at Camberwell Salvos and were best mates as teenagers. The richness of this friendship is evident as we share even after many years of no contact. Colin is the senior psychologist at Growth Psychology in Geelong and as he shares about his life you can tell he has thought deeply and honestly about himself and has wisdom both from study and personal experience.
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Bug-a-salt - Fly killer - and the other values salt.
Stories of Hope
The bug-a-salt fly killer gun has great potential for the development of men's groups. But salt is also a descriptor of a useful and interesting life. This podcast deals with both aspects of this wonderful element.
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Michelle Sheppard. Muma Mish.
Stories of Hope
Michelle is a transgender woman who has two daughters and lives in Melbourne. She works as an advocate for transgender and diversity issues within the transport department. I am friends with her partner Cara and we shared a meal together recently where I met her for the first time. She is warm, open and well humored. I liked her a lot.
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Get out of the comfort zone.
Stories of Hope
For the power of community to be fully realized, we cannot stay safe and comfortable. We need to learn how to suffer a bit and give ourselves away in healthy and sustainable ways.
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Kevin Beach. From Rugby to a wheelchair and back.
Stories of Hope
Kevin Beach grew up in stable and loving family and was a Rugby player in Queensland and also in the UK. Life took a tragic turn when, mid career, he was struck by a car and had both his legs smashed up. Drinking got out of control and he ended up at a Salvo Rehab, which is where we met. His courage and resilience to reinvent himself and find a rewarding and stable life is inspirational.
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Gods helpers
Stories of Hope
People fulfill the loving purposes of God in all sorts of ways and Jesus didn't seem to mind what their background was of even what they believed. He valued their hearts and their service. I once took three guys fresh out of recovery to help me serve at an evacuation centre in Rockhampton after a flood. They did an awesome job and shone brightly with love and dedication. They came home to a hero's welcome.
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The eclectic Matt Reeve.
Stories of Hope
Matt Reeve is a husband to Clare, Father to Sadie, Matisse and Darby and a Salvo officer. His Mum and Dad fostered babies for 25 years and his sister died tragically at just 43 year of age. He knows about grief and service and the sort of practical spirituality that is so highly valued in the Salvos. Listening to his story and his practical wisdom will do you good.
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You can't bottle a spiritual experience.
Stories of Hope
Profound moments of the divine happen every now and then, often when we are in the midst of suffering. I am experiencing the grief of losing my mother just before Christmas and although this is really sad and emotional, there have been wonderful unexpected moments of love and hope.
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Nadine Crawford. Random Parkrun friend
Stories of Hope
I met Nadine at a parkrun a few months ago and we chatted for about 15 minutes, but knew we could chat forever if we had the chance. We became linked on Strava and ended up running together the other week. Her experiences with parkrun, the church and Africa makes for an interesting story.
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Realistic expectations
Stories of Hope
The lovely Sue and I have come to know what to expect from each other. That is how any relationship tends to function. Our relationship with God and the mysterious forces of love is a bit the same. At some level this relationship requires us to know what to expect from God and to know what God expects from us.
info_outlineThere have been times when I have spoken before big crowds and been seen to do amazing work only come home to the lovely Sue who is cranky with me for being a jerk. Integrity and character is found in the simple and the everyday goodness and kindness of our relationships and service.