We all want beauty; something so bright we fall to our knees before it. Something bigger than us; the kind that makes us shield our eyes but look and look and look again. We never grow out of this yearning; but it takes different forms. The newborn reaches for her mother’s earring. The toddler, transfixed by Christmas lights. Teens, scrolling furiously through pages of Insta-perfection. The bible says we’re made to worship and it’s beauty that captures our hearts. But …Read More
There are times in our lives when everything seems wrong. A workplace that demands everything; but gives nothing back. A relationship on the rocks; or no relationship at all. A baby who refuses to sleep; a scowling teen who won’t meet your gaze. Maybe it’s something you can’t talk about – or something you can’t see. Bruises; inside or out. Loneliness; depression; pain or grief. Sadness that smothers; thick crests of anger that die, quick as they surge. Hold on, friends …Read More
It was a great privilege to be asked to do Prayer for the Day for Radio 4. Each day for this coming week I’ve recorded a 3 minute devotional that goes out early (5:45am early!). Tune in Monday-Friday of next week for the other five prayers but you can listen here to the first one. And the words are below… Good morning. My daughter has a toy dinosaur called Derek; and where she goes, he follows. She told him she loved …Read More
Thank you Sharon, for another great post – this time on depression. Make sure you look out for her powerful book, “Wrestling with my thoughts” (A doctor writes about her own mental health struggles), which will be coming out in January, published by IVP. Autumn Days Comfy hoodies, pumpkin spice lattes, cosy evenings indoors, rustling leaves, spectacular colours… For some people, autumn is a favourite season. But others have a different experience. The darker mornings and earlier sunsets squeeze …Read More
How do you know when the Holy Spirit is working in your life? you have incredible dreams and visions you’ve given up on all your old sins and are temptation-free. Things you’ve wrestled with in the past are completely resolved you know you’re exactly where God wants you to be and doing precisely what he wants you to do you’ve never felt closer to God others look to you as an example of faith and strength. you go to a …Read More
Guest post by Glen “I can’t pray. Where would I begin?” I understand this sentiment very well. I have thought it and felt it often. But it’s not right. The truth is I can pray, I do pray, I am praying all the time. I don’t need to start praying. In reality I can’t stop. What do I mean? Well consider these famous verses from Paul: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with …Read More
This is not the blog post I planned to write. The one I planned was short and snazzy. It had a catchy title, ‘Questions you should never ask.’ Or, even better: TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD STOP SAYING TO HURTING PEOPLE, RIGHT NOW! A neat list of questions to make you quiver. The kind that, when asked of you, make you fold yourself into tiny triangles. Missiles, like these: Don’t you think it’s time to move on from your grief? Why aren’t …Read More
This is one from the archives. But it seems appropriate as September looms and I start obsessing about new pencil cases and Getting Everything Right. Perfectionism porkies: 1. It makes me into a better person. Actually, no. It makes me a real pain to be around. Grumpier. More critical. More self-focused. And lonely (because ‘friends’ are actually competition). 2. It helps me perform. The reality – it stops me even trying. 3. I feel better knowing that I’ve done my …Read More
Sometimes when my mum visits, she leaves me one of her holiday magazines. ‘Home and Hearth’. ‘Ladies and Lunching’. ‘Kitchens and Catteries’. Top tips for cutting back the ivy. 101 uses for bicarbonate of soda. Beat the menopause. And features on The Woman Who Has It All. I’d like to be one of these women. They find vaccines for diseases and start their own businesses. They storm across the West End stage and speak at power lunches. I will never …Read More
I’m reading a great devotional for busy mums. It talks about the importance of coming before God in silence and stillness. Yes, I think. Yes. But how? Noise is the tapestry of my days. Toys that sing when you step on them. The hum of the washing machine; car horns honking; the chatter and clatter of dishes and children. No breaks and no off switch. No time for anything else. That’s not quite true. It is possible to carve out …Read More
