Facebook has been one way that I have kept some connection with my former students. So this post is mostly for them.

I loved teaching and tried at every turn to make learning fun. This may or may not have worked for you.

Over the years I enjoyed writing nonsense poetry often to share with you all in the classroom. My latest little book, ‘Just Playne Nonsense’, is a collection of these. Each member of the 15 in my ‘Playne’ family has a delightful idiosyncrasy. Following each nonsense poem I have detailed where the idea came from and included colourful pictures.

It’s a trip down memory lane and I hope it brings back good memories for you too. It’s probably me just being sentimental and goofy!

‘Just Playne Nonsense’ is available for $22 on Amazon, or $20 from Barossa Valley Christian bookshops, and from me - amthurlow@bigpond.com

The killer for me is the $12 postage for one book. (Surprisingly it’s the same $12 flat rate for up to 5 KILOGRAMS of books!! That's a lot of books!!)

I’ve added a picture from the book of ‘Jane Playne’, who is a self-confessed bookworm, and after a week of being harassed by young kids, exacts her revenge! Might remind you of our end-of-year special days and water fights too! Take care, Andy (aka Mr. Thurlow)

https://www.amazon.com.au/Just-Playne-Nonsense-Andy-Thurlow/dp/1763523179/ref=zg_bsnr_g_4898317051_d_sccl_4/356-6085456-7398202?psc=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawKQw5FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtYnA5Y2lGaU5RU3pzWjBMAR4jlFHd22PoXAi2cxmXH7HLnToxcwtfeiS3r7R-l4NGwZi37D8quCCbcXCn7Q_aem_3T23T-o1hL4t_P6pULi4bA

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

Read 2 Corinthians 6:3–7:1

We live in this world. We have constant interaction with people of the world. We have powerful influences around us, wanting us to conform to the world. We can’t avoid having relationships with people who don’t share our faith. In fact, we are encouraged and challenged to build relationships with them, serve them and be Christ to them.

So, how are we supposed to understand Paul’s words about not being yoked together with unbelievers?

There may well be people we should not associate with, not because of who they are, but because of the evil influence they may have over us, especially in our faith. Any association with unbelievers that threatens our desire and ability to confess our Christian faith is to be avoided.

And more than that, those who have been saved by God’s grace through Jesus Christ can’t live like those who don’t know or keep God’s holy will. We can’t participate in their ways of life or share in their values or faith systems.

We have a much higher calling – one that challenges us to think carefully about how we interact with the world and to be bold in standing our ground in the face of temptation.

This call is from a gracious God who has committed himself to us and gives us all that we need to be able to grow to become the people he still wants us to be, reflecting his love and grace in all that we do.

Loving Lord, keep us holy. Please help us identify those things and those people in this world that may hinder our relationship with you. Surround us with your grace so we can grow to become more like you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark Lieschke is a retired pastor living on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He served in parishes in South Australia, New Zealand and New South Wales before being elected as bishop of the LCANZ’s NSW and ACT District. Mark enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, walking on the beach and relaxing.