Back to school – for some, it’s great. But for others, (parents/carers and kids), it’s a nightmare. So what can you do to help an anxious child? Recognise that fear takes different forms. For one child it’s an obsession with getting everything ‘right’ … for another, indifference and refusal to try. As adults, we can take a step back. What is the child communicating with their behaviour? Are they trying to get attention because they need reassurance? Are they opting …Read More
Another stunning guest post, from Lizzie, who is training to be a curate. Thank you, my friend. “How many kids do you have?” Until recently, I’d have thought this was a pretty easy question. Mr 7 and Little Miss 1 have, after all, spent the day bouncing around like lunatics – you’d almost think it was nearly time for the 7 year old to go back to school – very much here, very much present. The truth is, for …Read More
We’re on holiday this week, so here’s one from the archives… One of the hardest things about doubt is admitting it’s there. Like inviting a flood; if I don’t believe this, then what about this and this and this? Does God hear my prayers? Does He care? Is He even there? It’s all well and good if you’re a self-proclaimed atheist. In this situation, the only way is up. But what if you’re the leader of a home group? …Read More
Dear 13 year-old me. First, the good news. There is an adult you and she’s doing ok. You will survive your exams. You live in a world without social media. In a few years, you won’t care so much about what everyone else thinks about you – but there’s some work for God to do first. You have a daughter AND a lovely husband. (NB: when the ‘love of your life’ dumps you, don’t panic. He’s not the One). You …Read More
Joshua 23:11: “Be very careful to love the LORD your God.” tell Him what you love about Him make a point of saying thank-you for the big and little things you take for granted sit in silence together keep talking. Before you go to anyone else, tell Him listen – really listen – to Him. (Don’t assume, limit or caricature Him). remind yourself of why you first fell in love share a good book. eat together. spend time with …Read More
– You say that you’re fine; but you know that you’re not – You’ve said ‘I’ll get better’ but you’re just getting worse. – Everything is terrible and it’s all your fault – Acting recklessly or putting yourself in danger – Forgetting to do big things that matter; like washing or eating – Not being able to make sense of anything – Finding basic tasks impossible – Using drugs, alcohol or damaging …Read More
1. It’s a chore. No! Thankfulness isn’t an exercise like flossing, to make you a more rounded person. It’s a whole new way of looking at the world. It’s a command and a habit and an opportunity. It is more than writing a list before you go to bed – though this might be a help. It’s risky and thrilling and it changes you and the people around you. 2. It’s based on the good stuff you’ve got. Thankfulness is much …Read More
In Hebrew, the word for ‘shame’ goes beyond feeling embarrassed for yourself. It’s about hoping in something foolish; (false gods are sometimes called “shame”). It’s the anguish you feel when both you and the things in which you have trusted, are exposed. Idols are “things of shame” – false sources of confidence and identity. But their shame is contagious – they make us shameful too! Here’s the cycle: We go to shameful things to feel OK. They make us feel even more shameful, so …Read More
Glen and I waffling about my new book, (part of a series called The Evangelist’s Podcast, where he interviews folks about their faith). Plus bonus material on the antibacterial merits of garlic. Share…FacebookTwitterTumblrPinterestGoogle+StumbleUponDiggemail
A few days ago, I was taking Ruby for a walk. It was mid-afternoon and she was building a tower of pebbles on the beach. My phone (which had been off all day), buzzed with an urgent question from my publisher. So I tapped out a two sentence reply. In the time it took me to type, Ruby ran behind me and tripped over the pebbles. It was my fault. I’d taken my eyes off her and she could have been hurt. …Read More
