Most of us want bigger, better, more abundant lives. Yet we aren't willing to do the serious inner work to break our existing limiting beliefs and painful stories to create room for the Spirit to fill us with the gifts of true transformation. It's reasonable. We are instinctually pleasure-seeking-pain-avoiding creatures. Comfort is what we seek. Society seems allergic to patience and we’ve gotten used to immediate outcomes and instant notifications on our mobile phones. Yet, building a better life best happens incrementally, day by day, one day at a time. In Silver Linings, Terry Lees explains that doing the inner work is a process of self-discovery, self-acceptance and liberation. It creates a shift within your field and allows you to develop a true sense of inner strength.

Jesus teaches: “Should anyone press you into service for one mile,* go with him for two miles” [Matthew 5:41]. When Jesus spoke these words, the country was under Roman occupation, and the law allowed Roman soldiers to compel Jewish civilians to carry their luggage or heavy armour for one Roman mile – about 1.45 kilometres. After carrying the luggage for one mile, the unlucky civilian could legally drop the load and refuse to carry it further. Jesus was alluding to this Roman practice.  Going the extra mile is a firm commitment and willingness to do more than one is required to do. Terry Lees investigates what is required of us in this present day, when we too are called to go the extra mile.

The prodigal son was impetuous, selfish, self-centred. He wanted it all and he wanted it now. He stupidly squandered all he had – his wealth, his talents, his gifts. Deserted by his fair-weather friends, he spiralled into despondency, left to his own devices, meagre though they were. Humiliated, driven to despair, scratching through the mud for food, he likely considered suicide as the way out. Yet, at his lowest ebb, his thoughts turned to home. Coming home is the essence of being and belonging and in Silver Linings, Terry Lees highlights that it is a lifelong struggle – this desire to return home. And yet, the father is always there with his total, unconditional and abundantly generous love. 

Despite his belief in the love of God, Terry Lees admits he once harboured the feeling that he did not always deserve that love, that he was not worthy, nor had he earned it. Terry saw himself as a sinner and, in truth, unable to fully accept that God could love him unconditionally, unreservedly. Terry could look to the man on the Cross and feel forgiveness yet could not – or would not – fully understand the depth of the meaning of the Cross. By the grace of God, that changed. Join Terry in Silver Linings as he outlines the slow, imperceptible process of change and conversion, which led to major transformation.

One of the teachings of Jesus is: “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” [Matthew 18:3]. When Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to be presented, they met two elderly adults who were able to look at the world with the awe and wonder of children – Simeon and Anna, both of whom experienced God’s presence in the baby Jesus. In Silver Linings, Terry Lees explains that when we have the wonder and awe of a child, we are more open to learn. He claims it’s never too late to regain the qualities we had as children, to live our lives in wonder and awe.

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.

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.