Out of all the members of the Trinity, God the Father is the one I’m most wary of. Sure, He’s called Father. But my mind runs to some authoritarian Dad from the Victorian ages. Perhaps He doesn’t want relationship. Instead, He looms behind His friendlier Son; Don’t make too much noise. Obey the rules. Go through the proper channels. And always, always refer to me by my proper titles: Creator, Ruler, Enforcer. Dad…? You must be joking. In some ways, this …Read More
A friend of mine, Jo Johnson, is an author, consultant Neuropyschologist and Christian (in no particular order). In this guest blog, she talks about her experience of work and faith and her new book. Thank you so much, Jo! She writes… I grew up with a strong sense of not being good enough, believing love was a reward for acceptable behaviour or looking a certain way, conditional love. As a result, even as a young child I experienced high …Read More
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!). Here’s the links… Saturday 5.10.19 Monday 7.10.19 Tuesday 8.10.19 Wednesday 9.10.19 Thursday 10.10.19 Share…FacebookTwitterTumblrPinterestGoogle+StumbleUponDiggemail
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
