Neil Stott recently spoke in Wellington on "Christianity in the Workplace". He is the founder of 'The CD Store', the third largest music retailer in New Zealand, but still makes time for his wife and family of four children. Via email, we explored the heights and depths of his taste in recreation and leisure activities.

MJ: So, Neil, what is your all time favourite way to relax and chill out?

Neil: I really enjoy sitting around the table with great friends, sharing a good meal, and talking about life. I also enjoy, very rarely, a game of golf !

MJ: Have you read any good books lately?

Neil: I've recently finished 'Birdsong' by Sebastian Faulkes - a stunning novel about life in the trenches during World War One. Makes me appreciate that our life in NZ in these times is so blessed and privileged...

MJ: Are you listening to a particular band or group or artist at the moment?

Neil: Just in the last week or so I have been engrossed in Matt Redman's 'The Father's Song'. Prior to that I've been thrashing Third Day's 'Offerings'. I have been hugely encouraged by the spirit of 'worship' and 'submission' to our awesome God that is so evident in these albums. I think that many of us underestimate or don't appreciate the significance of true worship. As we 'submit' through worship, the Holy Spirit does meet us as God has promised. As well as the spiritual response, I also love the emotional response that these fine worship albums draw out of me !! A great place to be ...

Plus they are very talented musicians and I totally enjoy the quality of many of the outstanding Christian artists around today.

MJ: Do you enjoy movies?

Neil: I love movies, but have a terrible memory so don't tend to remember them for long. The one that has impacted me recently was 'Saving Private Ryan', which again (as in the 'Birdsong' novel), has opened my eyes to what war is really like. It has also helped me get into perspective that our lives in Christ are for eternity. The short time here alive on earth is really a drop in the ocean, but an important opportunity that we all need to use well to prepare for the eternity part !! The time of our death (which is different for all of us) is not the real issue. The big issue is what we have done with the time we do have on earth. Do I have a strong relationship with my Creator? Have I developed an intimacy with Christ? Have I received the salvation which Jesus is offering?

MJ: What brings beauty into your life?

Neil: Mostly my family !! I love having the kids lined up at the breakfast bar in the mornings and the innocent banter that occurs at breakfast time...

I also love the mountains, especially being high up Mt Ruapehu on skis and looking back up at it. Huge and quite majestic really!

MJ: And your favourite place to hang with God?

Neil: Probably in the car by myself on a long trip with 'Sonicflood' turned up loud!!