This is an interesting question. What makes you feel nostalgic? To be honest I had to look up the word again to make sure I was on the right track. You will be pleased to know I was!

Nostalgia is a “feeling of pleasure and also slight sadness when you think about things that happened in the past”. This is a feeling I have every now and then. Especially when I see things from the past.

1. Old photos are things that can make me feel nostalgic. Especially old family photos and ones of when my kids were young. That takes me back. Photos of old cars I have owned or old houses I have lived often take me back too.

2. Old songs are another thing that can take me back. We have a local radio station that plays hits from the 80s and 90s. Often I know all the lyrics and I sing along. I get mentally transported back to my old house, my old job or people I used to know at the time. I heard Pat Benatar’s song All Fired Up the other day and it took me back to sprint training sessions on my bike!

3. Old furniture is something that takes me back to old times. I saw an old dressing table that my Nanna had in someone’s home recently. It took me back to the 70s. We have an old kitchen table and chair set from my grand parents when they were married. Some days I close my eyes and I can see it in their dining room.

There are other things I guess that take me back in an instant, but these are the main ones. It is funny how things can take you back in an instant to times past. It does not take much and we are back there mentally.

Sometimes my nostalgia can make me feel sad as the true definition of the word suggests. It makes me long for times gone by. Mostly though, I am happy to be reminded of the good times and the people I have known and loved in the past.

This is a really great question. I have had a few really positive men in my life over the years, so I cannot just narrow it down to one.

1. My grandfather Bob – He was there for me when my Mum and Dad split up when I was 8. He passed away when I was 13, but that 5 years really helped me a lot. Even though he was in his late 70s we played a lot of cricket and footy together.

2. A workmate Graham – He was a nice middle aged Christian man who used to talk to me about Jesus and pray for me at work. He eventually invited me to church and a Bible study at his home. He was the one that gave the tract that led me to Jesus!

3. Pastor Andrew – He impacted my life spiritually more than most. He challenged me in a positive way to take my faith seriously. He recognised my gifts and gave me opportunities to preach my first sermon. This changed my life and opened the door to ministry.

4. My father-in-law Pete – Pete was a good man. He drove a truck for his job and knew how to build things. I remember building a patio at my house. We just talked all day as we worked. Pete had a love for nature, reading, singing and more. In many ways he became the Father I never knew. Now he is gone to be with the Lord, I think about him often.

These are four men that really impacted my life. I could not imagine where my life would be without them. In their own way they have each encouraged me to be a good man and be a blessing to others.