Silver Linings: Spirtuality in Life

How often do we get the opportunity to hear our own “eulogy' while still alive? “Dad, this is going to sound a lot like a eulogy.”  These were the opening words of an eldest daughter at a family birthday party gathering to celebrate her father's 80th year. A gathering of daughters, sons, grandchildren, great grandchildren, a sister, in-laws, nieces, nephews and close friends who travelled from far and wide to be together under one roof to celebrate a major milestone in life. In Silver Linings, Terry Lees shares a deeply touching and emotional occasion for he and his wife, as he explores family, the foundation of human identity, the cradle of life and love, an honour bestowed by God.

Do we ever really stop to reflect on the air that we breathe? Or do we just take it for granted? Air is the first essential need of life on earth. Besides the need for oxygen in the air for breathing, air plays an important role in human life and nature. All living beings, plants and animals are dependent on air for the generation of life energy. The same air that gives life to and sustains humans gives life to and sustains the rest of Creation.  In the busyness, the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the simple act of breathing. Yet, scripture remind us of the sacredness in every breath we take. In Silver Linings, Terry Lees reminds us of our commonality with all living things, and of the fact that all life comes from and is sustained by God.

Contrary to popular belief, God and science are not irreconcilable opposites and the Catholic Church is not in conflict with scientific theories on creation. Far from seeing science and faith as incompatible, the Church considers that they can and should coexist, illuminating different aspects of the same truth. In fact, the Big Bang theory was first proposed by a Catholic priest and astronomer, Georges Lemaître, in 1927.  And the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth." Join Terry Lees in Silver Linings as he takes us on a journey to the stars and explores why science may be able to give the answer and explanation of how the world and universe was created and why “the heavens declare the glory of God.”

It's said that laughter is the best medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. In Silver Linings, Terry Lees highlights that laughter is an amazing gift from God.

Anthony de Mello was an Indian Jesuit priest, spiritual teacher, writer, and public speaker, de Mello wrote several books on spirituality and hosted numerous spiritual retreats and conferences. He continues to be known for his storytelling which drew from the various mystical traditions of both East and West and for introducing many people in the West to mindfulness-based practices.  In Silver Linings, Terry Lees draws from some of Anthony's short stories to share.

The Act as-if technique has been used for centuries by philosophers, spiritual leaders, and motivational speakers to help people change their behaviour, achieve their goals, and improve their lives. The idea behind act as if' is simple: if you want to change something about yourself, start acting as if you have already changed.  In Silver Linings, Terry Lees draws on the teachings of the straight-shooting St Paul to show how we can surrender to God by acting as if we are who God says we are.

How often have you heard the statement: "If only there were more hours in the day?" Time favours no one. We all have the same amount of time each day - 24 hours or 1440 minutes or 86,400 seconds. We are all equal in that respect. No one receives any more or any less. The Ancient Greeks spoke of time as chronos and kairos, both Greek words which mean time, yet they imply different things. Yet, what is time?  In Silver Linings, Terry Lees seeks to respond to this question, while investigating chronos and kairos and how they both influence our lives.

"Always Look on the Bright Side of Life," a tongue-in-cheek comedy song written by Monty Python member Eric Idle, first featured in the 1979 Python film Life of Brian and was a Top 10 hit in the Australian Music charts. It is a theme song for optimists. An optimist is a person who engages in positive thinking and looks on the bright side of life. An optimist is inclined to be hopeful and to expect good outcomes. Faith is described as the substance or assurance of things we hope for but have not yet received. In Silver Linings, Terry Lees explores the strong connection between optimism and faith. Terry concludes that by maintaining an optimistic outlook, rooted in unwavering faith and a conviction of our own abilities, we unlock the potential for achievement.

In Silver Linings, Terry Lees shares two stories about the Good Shepherd. One story is about a priest teaching a group of young children about the Good Shepherd, while the second recounts a Shakespearean actor who would always end his performance with a dramatic reading of Psalm 23 with the incredible ability to bring the verse to life. Terry poses a question aimed at the listeners of Silver Linings: What is the Good Shepherd calling you to do?

The song “G'Day G'Day” written by Rob Fairbairn and sung by Aussie icon Slim Dusty captures the essence of the Australian way of life. Its lyrics celebrate friendship, connection, and inclusivity. In Silver Linings, Terry Lees shares that he says “g'day” a lot. It is a typical Aussie greeting, an abbreviation of ‘good day,' used to signify good morning, good afternoon, good evening.   What might be construed as surprising is that g'day is the first word Terry utters when he opens his eyes upon waking each morning!  It's part of his prayer life and the way he greets God every day!  Terry shares how nothing is out of bounds when he talks with God.

In Silver Linings, Terry Lees shares a poem about a man named Ben and his way of praying. Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. Terry recounts that life is more than a journey, it's an adventure, an epic one, much like the turbulent thrilling quests of Indiana Jones! And there are journeys within the journey. The road is not always smooth.   Terry Lees encourages us to check-in with Jesus today.

Christmas Day celebrates the life of the most extraordinary man who ever lived. Yet, just who was Jesus? In Silver Linings, Terry Lees share two articles that provide answers you might not normally expect to find in traditional media but, in these cases, that's exactly where they were published. They are inspirational in reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. Terry explains that it is in the light of the stable and the sight of the child that we realise for what we must spend our efforts in this war-torn, confused, exploitative world: Whatever we have done or hope to do, we must make this world better. As we celebrate Christmas, Terry Lees encourages us to pause for a moment to offer thanks for this year and for our own lives.

In Christmas Gifts from God, Terry Lees explains why he loves Christmas, his favourite time of year, a time to be with family, foster love, togetherness and sharing, reaffirming and strengthening of the positive values that bind us together. It's a time to celebrate life, the past year, remember when's, share stories, laugh together, create new and lasting memories. Christmas is a time of giving and receiving. Yet, Terry shares that as he's grown older, the Christmas gifts he's become more aware of, are those from God - the message of Bethlehem: love, forgiveness, salvation. Terry speaks of the humanity of Jesus, one of us, of the extent of the love of God and of the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas Gifts from God is compelling listening.

In Silver linings, Terry Lees shares a touching story of what happened when a young boy was told “There is no Santa Claus.” It is a story which highlights the meaning of Christmas is a time of joyful giving. As Jesus teaches: Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. [Luke 6:38]. Nobody sees Santa Claus but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see.... Thank God! He lives, and he lives forever.

In Silver linings, Terry Lees shares: Years ago, one of my loved ones shared an amazing experience. Due to a crisis in her life, she felt depressed, suffering low self-esteem.  While at work filling the cereal shelves of a supermarket, a loved one came across a small card deliberately placed. The front side read: To the person who finds this card. You are LOVED … On the rear was written: …and you have incredible value. Those few words, a simple gesture from some unknown Good Samaritan, sent her spirits soaring, resulting in a complete change of attitude that lifted her from depression to positive expectancy and joy. You are LOVED … and you have incredible value. Terry claims that your relationship with yourself is the most defining factor in shaping the kind of life you live. Listen as Terry explores love.

“I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!" Charles Dickens wrote these words in his famous story, A Christmas Carol. first published in London in December 1843. The first edition sold out by Christmas eve. The story captured the imagination of the British public at a time they were exploring and reevaluating past Christmas traditions and it led to a revival of the Christmas holiday. It also inspired the concept of family gatherings, seasonal food and drink, and a festive generosity of spirit. In Silver Linings, Terry Lees examines how, with just a few weeks to go, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

Eagles are born with big, heavy wings. They learn to fly without actually flapping their wings. They do this to conserve energy. Instead, they rely on wind thermals, a gust of wind that will rise from the atmosphere. The wind lifts the eagles and with a mix of flying and soaring they rise. Their wings are spread straight out, and they soar with perfect ease on the wind currents. In Silver Linings, Terry Lees claims we are all made to fly high in life, that we need to take leaps of faith at special times in our lives. We learn to reach into the deep reservoirs of ability and potential that is within us.

The blessed Feast of Christmas was established over 2000 years ago to honour and glorify the birth of the most important Man who ever lived. In Silver Linings, Terry Lees speaks of the real Santa Claus and of the true meaning of Christmas, as he recalls a flood of memories from his own childhood. He shares too the excitement of his young granddaughter and her desire to make Christmas extra-special for her family.

It's Christmas time and leading up to Christmas, Christmas songs abound. You hear them on the radio and television, in shopping malls and stores, as you're wandering the grocery aisles or waiting to get your car serviced. They flow from concert halls, school auditoriums and church sanctuaries. In Silver Linings, Terry Lees shares that at Church or at home, it is the familiar and beloved Christmas Carols that express so simply and eloquently the true meaning of Christmas. No matter how often we sing them during the days of Christmas, the Carols never fail to inspire.

Nelson Mandela, the first black President of South Africa and the first President to be elected in a fully representative election, spent 27 years in prison, right up until apartheid ended. He had every reason to hate the people who put him there and his captors. In Silver Linings, Terry Lees shares a remarkable true story of Nelson Mandela, as told by former US President Bill Clinton, that highlights why Mandela was such a great human being.  Terry Lees explains that letting go of resentment and hate towards others is the not a weakness – it is in fact the strongest, most empowering thing you can do for yourself. Thinking negative thoughts about the one who wronged you will not harm that person in any way, shape or form…the only person it hurts is you.

People of faith believe that God is always with us. At some times we fail to recognise God's presence. “Footprints in the Sand” is frequently framed for display in living rooms and bedrooms. You can buy keychains and tea towels and decorative plates featuring this well-known piece of writing. It's not scripture, but “Footprints in the Sand” does offer hope for those who recognise God's promises between the lines.  In Silver Linings, Terry Lees explains that Footprints in the Sand is one of the most beautiful writings on the love God has for us. God is everywhere, every time and with everybody. 

Have you heard the story of the millionaire who gave away everything he owned to become homeless and happy?  He told of having no regrets about walking away from a lucrative shearing business that made him a "millionaire" to sleep under a tree in a Launceston Park. It's a remarkable true story and you can hear about it on Silver Linings. Terry Lees explains that for some people, less is more because they can live life without feeling trapped by emotions of the past. Terry offers insight into where we can find lasting happiness.

Relationship begins with people. Interaction with other human beings is something we crave and need in our lives. We rely on the strength of human relationships to survive and thrive. We are born into the world vulnerable, weak, and in need of physical and emotional nurturing. Immediately, we reach out to secure our first relationships. We also leave the world vulnerable and weak and, just as in infancy, we reach out for support from those around us. The level of support we get will often be based on the strength of the relationships we have created throughout our lives.   In Silver Linings, Terry Lees asks, in a world full of people, what can be more beautiful than knowing how to form healthy relationships and establish deeper connections with those around us?  What can be more powerful than looking at people around you and understanding that by being kind, loving and helpful towards them, you are also being kind, loving and helpful towards yourself?

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself who you are? Not who you think you should be, but actually who you already ARE. Life Coach Allanah Hunt teaches Once upon a time you were free to think, feel and behave in a way that was a true reflection of you. It didn't last long as very soon, people started telling you what you should think, what you should believe, how you should feel and told you what the rules of acceptable behaviour are. Somewhere inside of you though, perhaps buried very deeply, is a spark of the person you once were before the world started telling you who you should be.   In Silver Linings, Terry Lees claims the more authentic we become, the more we are authoring our lives, and not simply living someone else's script. And the more authentic you become, the greater is your sense of well-being.

How do we spend our time on the planet? Do we fill it with mindless activity, or do we consider it a precious gift? In 1,000 Marbles, author Jeff Davis shares a modern parable about discovering and appreciating life's finite nature.   In Silver Linings, Terry Lees shares how the concept of 1,000 Marbles is quite personal for him and how he applied it to The Saturdays of My Life. Terry teaches how to get your priorities right and make the Saturdays of your life count.

“Most of us long for stronger, more creative and rewarding ways of loving each other.” Bestselling American author and spiritual leader Marianne Williamson says: Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learned here. Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. The real miracle is the love that inspires them.   Join Terry Lees on Silver Linings as he shares the message of love. It's not a pipe dream – as crazy as things can get, love can abound in your life. Love is for better or worse. Love is our natural state. Love is what we are born with, the sheer joy available in this present moment when we are open and receptive to the world.

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. A spiritual mentor came into my life several years ago, not long after I experienced dramatic turmoil in my life. She played a momentous role in my spiritual transformation and development and as is the nature of such things, accomplished the purpose for which she was sent and then moved on from my life.   Join Terry Lees on Silver Linings as he highlights how every journey changes us wherever we may go and how we need to make our own way as we live our own lives.

Touch is the first sense by which we encounter the world, and the final one to leave us as we approach death's edge. ‘Touch comes before sight, before speech,' writes Margaret Atwood in her novel The Blind Assassin. ‘It is the first language and the last, and it always tells the truth.' Join Terry Lees on Silver Linings as he highlights how science is now beginning to provide an account of why touch matters so much and how a better world is often just a hug away. Terry talks too of the saving touch of Jesus.

Why do people believe in God? For most people in the world, the answer seems obvious: Because it is self-evident that God exists. From the point of view of the believer, the really puzzling question is how anyone could not believe. Although many people in industrialised societies have abandoned traditional organised religion, many still confess to some sort of spiritual belief, such as a life-force or divine spirit that pervades nature and humanity.  Spend some time with Terry Lees on Silver Linings as he shares how our lives can be transformed by listening and learning God's voice and how God, as a patient and loving Father, is willing to teach us slowly if necessary.

On New Year's Eve 1999, the eyes of the world were on Sydney and 2 billion people from around the world watched as the city to soon host the Olympic Games, welcomed the new millennium January 1, 2000. Sydney celebrated before any of the other great cities of the world and during the ‘Y2K' computer bug fear. Sydney put on a display of fireworks never seen before. The world marvelled as Sydney Harbour was engulfed in spectacular fireworks.  Ending in a crescendo, as the smoke cleared, through the haze, the distinctive illuminated copper-plate lettering style of the word Eternity appeared, in 18-metre-high letters on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Sydney crowd cheered in delight as the rest of the world looked on bewildered. For those who did not understand the significance of those millennium celebrations … Terry Lees relates the story of Mr. Eternity – the Sydney Legend, the most famous graffiti artist in Australia's history. Silver Linings can inspire you towards the achievement of your dreams, to grow, expand, and meet the challenges of your daily life.

Everyone feels sad sometimes, just like everyone can feel joyful, angry, proud and a range of other emotions. Everyone has feelings, and those feeling are always changing. Sometimes we feel happy and sometimes we feel sad. Whatever the feeling, it is real and a part of living.  Feeling better can involve taking one step or many. Terry Lees offers some tips that may help you to give your pain a voice and offers support from the best-selling book of all time, the Bible. Silver Linings can inspire you towards the achievement of your dreams, to grow, expand, and meet the challenges of your daily life.

On Christmas Day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But just who was Jesus? Jesus was the perfect man. No mind but an infinite mind could have left behind those things which Jesus gave the world as a heritage. You are invited to listen to the Christmas Day Silver Linings podcast as Terry Lees elaborates on Jesus and the impact his life had, and still has, on our world. Silver Linings can inspire you towards the achievement of your dreams, to grow, expand, and meet the challenges of your daily life.

Saint Nicholas who had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for the mythical Santa Claus we know today. So, even within the real meaning of Christmas, we can still leave room for that mythical Santa Claus, provided we acknowledge the real reason for the season. There's a poem by Warren D. Jennings, Santa's Prayer on Christmas Eve, in which Santa does exactly that. As we rejoice and celebrate this wonderful season of Christmas, let us remember that Jesus is the reason for the season and not forget to thank baby Jesus for coming into our lives. Silver Linings can inspire you towards the achievement of your dreams, to grow, expand, and meet the challenges of your daily life.

Do you know the story of the real Santa Claus? Yes, there is a Santa Claus. However, we know him more as St. Nicholas. Stories commonly told today about Santa Claus are based on legends surrounding the life of St. Nicholas, considered a patron of children for his generosity to them during his lifetime. The image of Santa Claus has been popularised through television, movies and children's story books. While some dislike the idea of gift-giving at Christmas, believing that the lavish celebrations are not in line with their faith, or that Santa has become a symbol of materialism, others believe that it continues to honour the life and deeds of Nicholas, an individual beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need. Hear the story from Terry Lees on Silver Linings, which can inspire you towards the achievement of your dreams, to grow, expand, and meet the challenges of your daily life.

A Legend is a very old story or set of stories from ancient times, or the stories, not always true, that people tell about a famous event or person. One such Christmas legend is that of the Candy Cane. And, you might be quite surprised to discover that this sweet Christmas treat is a special reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. The candy cane is a long-time Christmas tradition, used as decorations on Christmas trees and also one of the most popular of all Christmas treats.  Although no one is quite sure if the legends of the candy cane are true, the beauty of the legends is such a reminder of God's love for us around Christmas. In these legends, it was ways that the candy maker could share the story of Christmas and still today, we have candy canes as a reminder of the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Silver Linings can inspire you towards the achievement of your dreams, to grow, expand, and meet the challenges of your daily life.

At Christmas, Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Traditional Christmas decoration often can be admired, and festive celebrations can be joined in most countries, even in many of the countries where Christianity is not the religion of the majority of people. Christmas trees are a popular decoration as are tiny sparkling lights in windows and on walls. God wants something else from us at Christmastime. God wants us to slow down, feel the love, the togetherness, and to rejoice and celebrate the birth of His Son. It is a time to sing Glory to God in the highest …… Silver Linings can inspire you towards the achievement of your dreams, to grow, expand, and meet the challenges of your daily life.

In his book The Song of the Bird, Anthony de Mello relates the story of the tiger and the disabled fox. Some people have the view of spirituality as mostly sitting and waiting on God. The problem is that if God only acted directly, why would I need others?  It's my experience that most often the way God provides for me is through other people who have shared their love, generosity, and support with me. God has used “the tigers” in my life to bless me time and time again.   If God tells me to follow the example of the tiger, then I need to get on with life, to LIVE life day by day. I need to be alert to the needs of others – to have the eye of the tiger. I need to be willing to open myself up to other people, to be willing to receive from them, which is an act of radical trust in God and the humanity that God chooses to work through.  Silver Linings can inspire you towards the achievement of your dreams, to grow, expand, and meet the challenges of your daily life.

What is it in us, as we move into adulthood, that takes away the joy of living in the present moment as we did when we were children? Happily, though, we can learn from children. Young children are masters at living in the present moment. They are also such wonderful teachers. Even in the Old Testament, through the Book of Proverbs, we are encouraged to live life one day at a time. Yet who better to learn from than Jesus, who lived for the day and wants us to do so too. Live one day at a time. Silver Linings presents inspirational stories with focus on action principles, encouraging you to make decisions that positively affect your life. There are messages that speak to the human heart.

The young Check-out cashier suggested to a much older lady that she should bring her own grocery bags, because plastic bags are not good for the environment. The woman apologised to the young girl and then sighed, "We didn't have this 'green thing' back in my earlier days." The young clerk responded, "That's our problem today. You folk didn't do enough to save our environment for future generations." The older woman proceeded to give the young cashier examples of how the older generations were far more caring of the environment that those of today.   The Environment is by far one of the issues most of us take for granted. What most of us forget that by being Green or environmentally aware ourselves is only the beginning; we often overlook the need to influence and affect people around us to be aware and lead environmentally mindful lifestyles. We can all do better to care for God's creation.   Silver Linings offer suggestions in a simple basic way for living a relaxed and balanced life through the power of attitude, thinking, and creating your own stress-less life.

Frolic in the Rain Rain is a blessing after a drought, a symbol of God's love and teachings to spread over the world. It's always very special when the wet season comes and the rain pours down upon this parched land of ours, setting the dry rivers running and bringing a new freshness to the environment. The ancient roman philosopher, Seneca, said: Life is the fire that burns and the sun that gives light. Life is the wind and the rain and the thunder in the sky. Life is matter and is earth, what is and what is not, and what beyond is in Eternity. Make time and take the opportunities to make memories every day. Remember, every moment in life is an act of faith.   Episode transcript and more writings, reflection and prayers are available for free at https://ministryoftheshepherd.com.au

The Seed in the Mud Sometimes, struggles are exactly what we need in our life. The seed buried in the mud believed it had no chance to grow. Life isn't always fair, but, without a struggle, there can be no progress. The wise Apostle Paul reminds, that hardship develops perseverance, and perseverance develops a tested character. People who have overcome obstacles are more secure than those who have never faced them. It is often the struggles that help us grow strong, stand tall and make a difference in life.   Episode transcript and more writings, reflection and prayers are available for free at https://ministryoftheshepherd.com.au

Ask – It's That Simple "Young man, you'll never get anywhere in this world unless you ask for what you want from life!” This was wise advice, I never forgot, from the boss in my first public service job in Canberra. One of life's fundamental truths states: Ask and you shall receive. The world responds to those who ask. Most people in this world, however, never really achieve or receive what they hold in their dreams . . . because they just never ask... People who've mastered the art of asking know what they want, are clear about their vision, purpose and goals. They are passionate about what they are requesting. They act even when they feel fear. They are persistent - if at first they don't receive, ask, ask, ask until they do. God will always give us good things. Our job is to understand what is good, so that we know what to ask for.   Episode transcript and more writings, reflection and prayers are available for free at https://ministryoftheshepherd.com.au