Given the choice between a Newsnight special report and ‘Katie Price: The Next Chapter’, all too often I’ll hit the button marked ‘brain to manual’. I tell myself that it’s not doing me any damage – I’m watching ironically, after all. But I’m not sure that’s true. Scripture for example, tells me to think about whatever is pure and lovely and right. Now, no-one’s suggesting we embark upon a mental diet of the shipping forecast, Songs of Praise and The God Channel. (Maybe ... Read More

Overheard in a clothes shop. The scene: two women, shopping together.  For the first few moments, they are completely focused upon the task at hand, rummaging  in silence along the racks. The dark-haired one spots a red skirt and triumphantly brandishes it in front of the other.  Then she speaks; ‘Ooooooh, look what I’ve just found – isn’t it lovely! What do you think?’ Her friend glances up and coos appreciatively.  ‘Yes – it’s  absolutely gorgeous.  And just your shade’. Brunette turns.  ‘No, no – not for me! ... Read More

What’s the problem with Harold Camping and his infamous end-time predictions? We’re (hopefully) agreed on the fact that he’s deluded. The question is, why? Is it because he claimed to know a date even Jesus says He doesn’t know?  There’s that. Is it because he misled thousands of people and cost them many thousands of dollars?  That too. Is it his taste in novelty ties? (Just checking you’re still with me) Is it because he made a (pretty big) mistake?  Oh yes. But there’s another bigger problem and it’s this: ... Read More

Part of developing an eating disorder stems from being the sort of person who thinks in extremes. At least for me. I’ve always thought in opposites (use of the word ‘always’ is a case in point). Even as a little girl, the world looked good or bad, right or wrong, black or white. When I worked at school, it was through the night, determined to get the best grades. When I took up running, I bought the complete kit and dedicated hours to perfecting my technique. When it came to losing weight, I ‘d either do it ... Read More

What constitutes Life and what constitutes Death? There’s always a battle going on between God’s definition and mine.  Wisdom says this: Whoever finds me finds life and receives favour from the LORD. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.  (Proverbs 8:35-36) Jesus says He is life – real life.  And failing to find Him is death – real death.  But when I examine my fears and my dreams I find another definition of life and death going on.  I fear the opinion of others because it feels ... Read More

So, apparently men are genetically programmed to have affairs. Actually, that’s not quite true. Sexy men, manly men, ‘real’ men – 100 per cent prime beef men, they’re the ones ‘driven’ by testosterone to seek solace in far-flung beds. And cars and hotel rooms and…oh, never mind. But make no mistake, we’re not talking about Travel Lodge. According to Dr John Gray, author of ‘Men are from Mars’ (or is it Uranus? Moving on..) – powerful men have a higher than average level of ... Read More

When I was born, I missed getting that vital component known as ‘emotional intelligence’.  You know, the filter that  tells you when to speak and when to shut up?  Doesn’t work. I’m permanently bruised from being elbowed, nudged and kicked under tables, but it makes no difference.  In my world, Red lights always mean Go. As soon as a topic is designated ‘off-limits’, that’s my cue. Part of it is coming from a straight-talking culture, where you learn to say it like it is.  ’It’ can ... Read More

It’s our wedding anniversary today.  And we’re thinking about what we’d say to ourselves on that morning. What we’d want to say to others in the same position.. DON’T DO IT!!!! (I know, hilarious. Sorry.  Though in point of fact, that’s exactly what the taxi driver said to Glen on the way to the church.  ‘She’ll drain the life out of you.  Wait till you’re fifty and get a twenty-year old blonde’. And he hadn’t even met me. A similar thing happened at our reception in Australia.  One of Glen’s friends rocked up to ... Read More

What is the one thing about yourself that you would like me to know? Who do you love and how do you show it? What makes you angry? What would make life unbearable if it was taken away? What event in the past would you undo and how? What would you do if money was no object? What is God teaching you right now? What makes you worthwhile? What’s the one thing you really don’t want to do? How and when will you do it? Whose opinion matters most to you? How do you measure success? What can’t you stop?  Why not? What do you tell your friends ... Read More

According to figures released this year by B-eat (the UK Eating Disorder charity), images produced by the media have a large role to play in eating disorders. Well, no kidding, Sherlock. But wait a sec. The images they’re talking about aren’t in the perfume ads. They’re not promoting fashion or celebrity or breakfast bars. They’re the pictures used to highlight the effects of eating disorders. The ones accompanying the articles that are supposedly designed to stop people going down the same route. Not only have ... Read More