At World Conference in April 1984, W Wallace Smith introduced an inspired document that was to become Section 156. In 156: 9(c) we read “Do not wonder that some women of the church are being called to priesthood responsibilities. This is in harmony with my will.”

This was eight years after the approval of World Church Resolution 1141 (April 1976) which was designed to slow down the growing movement at that time for women to be considered for ordination. WCR 1141 stated “…consideration of the ordination of women be deferred until it appears in the judgment of the First Presidency that the church, by common consent, is ready to accept such ministry.”

Some years ago I started a sermon with the statement “I understand that some of you think I have some weird ideas! Only some of you? I must be slipping!” I then went on to talk about what seems to be contradictory ideas. For example, we are living on a giant beach ball called Earth, rotating at considerable speed. According to the law of centrifugal force, we, and every other non-anchored item, should be thrown off the surface of the beach ball, also at considerable speed. But we aren’t. That is because there is an opposing (contradictory) force called gravity, which, thankfully, keeps us on the surface of this beach ball. There are ways of escaping, but only briefly…

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a Sunset Reflections service at the Green Cathedral, led by Wendy Ballard. As the light softened over the water and the evening settled into stillness, I shared some thoughts about where I have glimpsed God in my life recently. It was such a blessing to pause and consider the many ways I have felt God’s presence near…

Going! Going! Gone! These words signal that you’re at an auction. And if they’re directed at you, there’s a good chance you’ll be smiling. Jennie Lonsdale was indeed smiling as the successful bidder at a fundraising auction, winning an invitation for herself and two friends to have lunch with Tim Costello at Dromana Estate Restaurant. I was fortunate to be one of those friends, along with Ben Smith, invited to join Jennie and Tim…

It was only after my doctors discovered I had a severe leaking Mitra valve in my heart that I realised more than ever the important part my heart played to keep me alive.  Fortunately, this impairment was found, and very quickly I had two Mitra clips inserted in my heart to stop the leakage…

It wasn’t much, but Woolcott Avenue has been home since we first landed in Australia, wide eyed, filled with anticipation, and ready to embrace the biggest adventure of our lives. Having made our arrangements from the other side of the world, I felt an enormous wave of relief when I walked through the door and discovered a space that was clean, comfortable, and wonderfully located. It was going to work just fine…

At last year’s Woodlands branch AGM, we were about to abolish the position of Earth Stewardship Co-ordinator when I was inspired to volunteer. In that instant I knew exactly what I needed to do, so when another member asked, a little skeptically, “That’s fine, but are you actually going to do anything?” I was able to reply, “Yes—we are going to create a large-scale community art project to promote climate awareness and action.”

On my recent trip to Victoria, I experienced hospitality woven together with generosity and care. I noticed it in the simple kindness of a cup of tea offered before I even thought to ask, in the generosity of meals that drew us into fellowship, in the quiet space provided when work needed attention, and in the unhurried conversations that lingered long after the day’s events. Every new connection came with a spirit of welcome that left me thankful for the relationships we are building together…