The dependency of a child

Recently some friends of mine gave birth to a beautiful baby boy and it is so amazing to see how close he is to his parents. He cries and he is tended to, he is hungry and is fed. Even when he lies still in his slumber, his family looks on adoringly, waiting until he stirs and they can step back in to the roles they were given. In contrast, when we look to the ‘animal kingdom’ we see that most mammals after being born are up onto shaky legs and searching for their food. Insects, reptiles and the like, are almost fully self sufficient as soon as they are born. Looking back nostalgically to primary school and learning about the food chain and which animals eat which, to gain position. We learnt that human beings are at the top and every animal is below us. Thus making mankind the dominant species on Earth.

Where has all the trust gone?

Have you noticed recently a big question that’s hidden in the headlines of so many journals and newspapers around the globe “Where has all the trust gone?”. I was recently stirred and provoked to think about this question when I read a business article published by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), called “The Truth About Trust”. It caught my attention and in an extraordinary way refreshed my thoughts on ones perspective of life in the business world and reminded me of the reality of the world that we live in but even more so what my world would be like without God in the centre - without a God whom I trust with my whole life and whom I believe holds the times and the seasons of life in the palm of His hands.

Everything Must Go - Jesus Christ Superstore

On Wednesday night at CityGroup we had a great time of worship, teaching and discussion. We began our new mini-series Everything Must Go - The implications of being a missional church. Around candle lit tables we sang, listened and threw out thoughts and questions, all incredibly helpful and challenging stuff. The audio of the talk will not be made available but I hope to be able to capture some of what we looked at here.

My Grandad’s chair

My Grandad always sat in the same chair in his lounge. It was his chair, his cushion beside which was his table sat, upon which he could place his drink, TV remote, newspaper and gold half-moon glasses. The chair would be positioned in the optimum TV viewing position. Centre room, 7ft from the TV and 2ft from the door, that way tea could be taken without any TV sight-line infringement. Nobody touched the chair, not even moved it. In a way I am glad the chair was never moved, who knows what kind of museum dust gathered around the carpet indentations would be revealed underneath.

Peace through it all

I find it amazing how life can throw us into turmoil due to a phrase spoken. I went to see my Doctor the other day who said “You need to have more tests”. Only 6 words which have put me on a journey of further revelation into more of God’s character. For about 30 seconds I felt utter despair then I felt a voice breaking through saying “You are My child, I am here and have gone before you. Trust in Me” (yes, I did write ‘felt a voice’ - it wasn’t an audible voice).

'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?" Romans 8:35

In the every day things

Since becoming a wife and a full-time mum I found it increasingly impossible to have a set space of time to read the bible and pray. There came a particularly busy time in my life and I was getting frustrated because i loved to be on my own with God for a good hour or so in complete quietness without interruptions.

Pain and suffering, where is God?

At this point in time I can honestly say with my hand on my heart I truly believe my God is right in the middle of any and all pain and suffering. It sounds glib but I assure you this conclusion came after a long struggle, being angry at God and the world and questioning His goodness and painful experiences. Read on to find out more.