I’m grateful for the background I’ve been given, from the very conservative Bible church that gave me a start in my spiritual life in the US, to the quiet charismatic awakening within; to overseas work and worship mostly in South and Central Asia; to living in intentional Christian communities and embracing spiritual direction as a way of life – both giving and receiving. I was in my early teens when I realised that God wanted a relationship with me, and I responded.

I’m married and have 3 adult children. I’ve been blessed with a NZ wife who loves Jesus (and me!) and who has been a very special companion to encourage and challenge me in my own spiritual life as we’ve grown together in a more contemplative understanding of prayer and living.

I’m energised in my life with God through nature, music, scripture reading, imaginative contemplation and silent prayer with a prayer phrase, and I’ve appreciated the rich experience of God holding me in a dark night. I’m touched by outpoured gold from an eclectic assortment of authors on the spiritual life such as Nouwen, Rohr, Manning, May, Merton, Peterson, Young and Laird, to name a few.

Years ago, I was struck by the thought that God has all the time in the world for me, that I’m never tiresome or boring, but instead a delight to be with. In spiritual direction I seek to show that sort of generosity to someone coming to me.

I want to hear the stories of others and together with them probe where God might be at work in those stories. It’s usually through the narratives of work, relationships and life in general, but it may also be through exploring a dream, or perhaps what seem to be barren landscapes. That has been my experience in receiving spiritual direction, and I enjoy giving others the opportunity to share too.

I believe that nothing is beyond the realm of God’s interest, so anything can be brought to our session and aired.