It may not be a pretty picture, but this is my best ever loaf of sourdough bread – light and airy – made from white and rye flour, flecked with caraway seeds. After so many mediocre attempts, success at last. The recipe for my new starter came from an Italian guy on You Tube. All I have from his lesson are memories and a few scribbles that I jotted down as I watched. Still, it was enough for me to learn a new way of doing it with less precision than before – more intuition and more by sight rather than by weight. One day, when I’m more experienced, I’ll write a recipe for how it’s done.
Breakthrough #2
Ever since we moved to Moorooka, we have struggled with a very heavy, dragging Crim-Safe screen-door; even the repairman failed to make it slide smoothly. Now it glides so well it almost falls off the other end when I open it. All it took was a few frustrating hours with screwdrivers and pliers, and new runners. Getting it down was the easy part, putting it up was a long and arduous task. Fearing I might never get it back on the rails and align its locking mechanism, I phoned for help from one of my sons. Then, while waiting for him, I worked it out. Before he arrived the job was done. I can’t believe how good it is and only wished I had fixed it long ago. So, if you’re about to throw in the towel with some unresolved issue, give it another go.
Breakthrough #3
When I was re-reading Luke’s account of Christ’s crucifixion, I noticed a link between the thief on the cross and the Roman centurion who was keeping watch of the execution. Neither of them know Jesus’ name, so they referred to him as “this man“. Here’s what they came to see and believe. The thief: “This man has done nothing wrong.” The centurion: “Certainly this man was innocent.” And, in Mark’s account of the same scene, the Roman executioner concluded, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (References: Luke 2:41, 47 and Mark 15:39)
A quotable quote
If you are not sure what I am saying and have doubts about whether it is true, at least be sure that you have no doubt about your having doubts about this. Sometimes doubting your doubts is the beginning of wisdom. Saint Augustine
From a favourite hymn
You fearful saints , fresh courage take/ the clouds you so much dread/ are big with mercy, and shall break with blessings on your head.
From William Cowper’s God Moves in a Mysterious Way.
A creation observation
The moon is full again. What a wonder it is as it waxes and wanes, month after month, serving as a timepiece for people all over the earth. By it, those without access to weather stations and medical centres, know when to plant their crops and when to expect the birth of a baby. It’s a teller of seasons and signs, just as we are told in Genesis 1:14-19.
From the soundtrack of my life
Chariots of Fire was one of the first films I saw after my conversion. What I surprise it was to see such a positive portrayal of a Christian – standing strong in the face of opposition to his faith and principles! As well as being a great story, it had an Oscar-winning soundtrack from the Greek musician Vangelis. His music was an integral part of the whole experience and one I have relived many times ever after. If it’s unknown to you, catch the movie and the music on SBS On Demand, and you’ll discover why it is still so lauded. (You Tube clip: https://youtu.be/CSav51fVlKU)
In My Life 
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