SEVEN POINTS OF LIGHT ‘Contrast is what makes photography interesting,’ states Conrad Hall and what better way for the beginning photographer to create contrast than the use of light and shadow. Morning light produces tender beautiful light and is sought by photographers. To catch early-morning light calls for an early rise, when the alarm is set, warm clothes worn. Our camera bag is packed the day before. The colour is soft, delicate and mysterious. The hard angles in the la

Poetry by Gwen Leane

Thursday Brew with Gwen Unbowed by Adversity Ramrod stiff, like a soldier on parade Pride in every limb, Unbowed by drought or flood, Through countless years, the eucalypt grew tall. A chaotic spread of trash Lay about its feet Rotting down, providing nutrient Against the day of want. A king amongst its kind, An ageless living column, A home for bird and possum Shade and shelter for the traveller I sat beneath this sovereign gum Listening to its heart beat strong I hear

A story from the life of Bruce and Gwen Leane about the their adventures and finding mateship alive in the Australian outback.

Poetry by Gwen Leane - From Another World

Poetry by Gwen Leane

What does it mean to discover God-given creativity? Or to uncover purpose later-in-life - Nana Gwen tells us about her personal journey...

A reflection by Nana Gwen on the phrase ‘no longer’ and how faith in Christ transforms our lives from darkness, slavery, and striving into freedom and light.

“A good cook should be able to use whatever ingredients are to hand and make a feast fit for a king.” That was my sister Doris's motto, acquired by her stint as a Defence Force Cook. Doris had undertaken to teach me how to cook. Teaching me to cook left her frustrated and me feeling like an Emu trying to be a swan.

A family of four, Dad, son, Mum and daughter, strode along the jetty into the setting sun. There was a purpose in their stride and the set of their shoulders. Father and son marched ahead, while mother and daughter brought up the rear. All were laden with crab-nets, fishing rods, buckets of food, bait and bags.

A reflection on mosaic art, broken pieces, and how God’s love restores what feels rejected, inspired by creativity, faith, and a life of service.

This Thursday, Nana Gwen reflects on religious stereotypes, tradition and the false images of God by using Jesus and the Gospels as our lens.

A Photo Essay by Gwen Leane

Digital photography has changed the way we snap our photos. My wife takes photos, many photos and I cry, ‘The cost, the cost, the cost! What about the cost of film and development?’ But she laughs, and says, ‘This is the digital age, don’t you know.’ and continues on her way happily snapping. If the snaps aren’t good she just deletes them and that is that.

‘Look that’s a lizard isn’t it, sitting on the guide’s shoulder?’ The children stared in fascination and amazement, having never seen such a creature before. Drago is an Inland Bearded Dragon and looks like a miniature dinosaur. He doesn’t look very handsome and is downright fearsome when he puffs out his and body and beard.

A heartfelt reflection of the masks we wear to hide our pain, and how God calls us to live unmasked and truly known.

My daughter, Diane, found a picture of a patchwork quilt and loved it, many years ago. The feature of the quilt consists of twelve crocheted squares, twelve inches square. Diane did not crochet but I did and so I made the squares for her.

A heartfelt reflection on the span of eighty years compared with eternity, and how our choices shape where we spend forever. Gwen reminds us that five months of prayer and church in a lifetime is not enough — true life is found in a living relationship with Christ, who offers us everything as joint heirs with Him.

A reflective Thursday Brew with Gwen about her 1978 writing class — faith, free will, and why God allows suffering. A testimony of how everyday encounters can strengthen faith and inspire writing.

Set against the vast Australian outback, Gwen’s short story follows Jacki, a girl raised in secrecy by a boundary rider. When tragedy strikes, her hidden identity unravels, leading to a powerful moment of survival, revelation, and hope.