Richard Tetley, 71, of Capalaba has drawn on a lifetime of experience and his faith in writing the book Life Under Repair.
The book will be launched at 10am on February 29 at the Capalaba Community church of the Nazarene, Elwyn Street, where Mr Tetley is church secretary and a board member.
Mr Tetley said he was well known for his works of poetry and decided to write the book following a suggestion by his church minister.
It took him one year, a year in which he became stronger in his faith and reflected on a life well lived.
Life Under Repair is 20 short stories about faith and inspiration
"The book is 20 short stories of faith and inspiration. Everywhere you look, you can find inspiration and confirmation of your faith," he said.
"You wouldn't think you could write something about weeds in a garden. I just need that one word and I can write around it. Weeds grow anywhere but trees need to be nurtured and fertilised.
"It's like coming to a T-intersection. One way may be easy and the other hard going, but it is often the rocky way that leads to heaven," he said.
Mr Tetley also talks about the peace in the eye of the storm, relating his message to simple life analogies.
Mr Tetley said that if a bridge broke, we would be in a hurry to repair it, but that doesn't always happen with broken lives.
"We don't repair a life because of anger and upset and jealousy. We all make mistakes and we need to ask for forgiveness to repair. Reparing a life should always be a first priority," he said.
A former railway signalman and later computer technician, Mr Tetley has three step children and eight grand children.
"They are a blessing to me, Amen. Life's pretty good and as a former signalman, I have a gold pass to travel anywhere on the train around Queensland. You don't get better than that," he said.
In the forward of the book Minister Phil Cropper said Mr Tetley had skillfully encircled his insights in a book that was funny, contemplative and offered peace and guidance.
He said rapid change and upheaval meant people needed to check their moral compasses.
Life Under Repair will be available at the launch for $12. It can also be purchased directly from Mr Tetley on 0427 136 502 or through Amazon books (Kindle edition $4.36).
