were the whole realm of nature mine
Nothing makes a Brit cower in awkwardness like public praise and appreciation! For some reason a simple public acknowledgement for work well done causes us to reach for those awkward phrases that deflect and look for the nearest exit. Something within our culture and our identity frowns on public recognition. I suspect it has something … Continue reading Receiving Praise
Life is full. About 9 months or so ago I realised that "busy" was fast becoming my stock answer to "how are you doing?". I don't know if others noticed but I was definitely getting bored of this reply! So I decided to stop. Life is always busy, the real question is with what. I have started preferring the word "full"! It may just be code for busy but at least it feels like a more interesting answer! In my "full" life, managing work life, home life, raising two little girls under the age of 3 and running a school of ministry on the side I have been on an intentional pursuit to understand rest...
We are now almost 2 and half years into the adventure that is parenting! It is an absolute privilege and one of the most fulfilling things. At the same time it can also be deeply challenging! Before you switch off, fear not this is not an excuse for a jolly good moan about being a … Continue reading Cos I Said So!
I wanted to share some thoughts today that have occupied my mind for a long time now. They now undergird so much of my thinking about God and therefore my approach to so much...
Once again we find ourselves in a season of reduced sleep, being sicked upon, late night cuddles, endless nappies and much talk of bowel movements. The amazing thing is we wouldn't change it for a moment. We welcomed the beautiful Abi into the world just over a month ago and she is amazing!
I love when things are done well. Yet this desire I find within me for things to be done well must be kept in balance. I believe at its heart it is God-given. Like many God-given desires it must find its healthy expression. Unchecked, this desire can reveal an internal pressure to perform to gain … Continue reading In Pursuit of Excellence
I have been reflecting recently on how we have to be so careful in Christian leadership about the view of God we present to others. If we are not careful we can unwittingly creating the impression of a distant or somehow mystical and ethereal God.
The words appraisal, review or feedback are enough to send many running for the hills! Most people do not have a great experience of structured feedback. Most jobs, including my own, include a degree of feedback as part of performance goals and personal development. I am on a journey this year to embrace feedback. As … Continue reading Facing Into Feedback
I came across this fascinating quote from C.S. Lewis the other day. It grabbed my attention as it is a topic I have spent much timing thinking about personally. Lewis is writing a letter to someone who was challenging his perspective on the problem of evil. In the letter the gentleman attempts to redefine what it means … Continue reading Does Good Mean Good?
What do the two trees in the Garden of Eden have to say to us today?
