HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Celebrating a special weekend

my mother aged 4

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND SPECIAL

This weekend, January 22nd, is my mother's birthday.

My mother had an amazing relationship with the Lord and was always praying for my sister and me, and for all her grandchildren. She would often ask her grandchildren what they needed prayer for; and even just the other day, my son was telling me how he missed Granny saying she was pulling up her prayer socks for him when he had some thing or situation he needed prayer for.

with 3 of her great-grandchildren (my 3 eldest grandchildren) on vacation in France

Because I watched as an out-of-control car swept my 90-year-old mother away and ran her over. We were standing beside her car – she was still feisty at 90, living alone, driving the old ladies to church (ie the 80 yr olds!) and this out of control car ran off with her down the road and her life was ended in the tragic and traumatic event. 

But over the years I have learned to give thanks for her life and witness. For all that she taught me about the Lord and walking with Him day by day no matter what. And out of the tragedy has come SCENT OF WATER, a book of pictures and words and poems and reflections for those who grieve.  It was only published a few months ago and already I’ve received amazing feedback of how it’s helping and blessing those who’ve lost a loved one.

SO to celebrate and give thanks for her on her birthday weekend, there's a special discount available for SCENT OF WATER.

If you're wondering what to say to someone who is going through a time of grief ...

If you're going through mourning a loved one yourself ...

If you're supporting or counselling others in grief ministries ...

... then this gift book is a wonderful present.

ONLY FOR ORDERS PLACED ON JANUARY 21, 22 or 23

sorry - USA SOLD OUT

There is a special offer for readers in the UK and the USA

a generous 20% discount on Scent of Water.

Retail price: £14.99/$20

DISCOUNT PRICE: £12.00/$17
(+ p&p)

To pay by credit card 

ENTER DISCOUNT CODE AT CHECKOUT: 

BIRTHDAY 

ORDER HERE

To pay by PayPal or Bank transfer

or to mail a check (USA only - I'm still here!)

email me for details 

Irene Mabel Lanston Walter

22.01.1920

-

23.09.2010

giving thanks for her life, her witness

and her love for her family

DONE with 21, RENEW for 22

NO NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS!

instead -

JUST. 4.TODAY

I've had it with New Year Resolutions. It's setting myself up for failure and that leads to the downward spiral of that little voice that says, you're not any good, you never were any good, you never will be any good. And that makes it all worse and leads to depression.

RELIEF!

I don't have to make any resolutions.

NONE.

Freedom!

What I like is a RHYTHM OF LIFE.

Doing more of what brings joy and peace and life and restoration. And it sounds so much more enjoyable.

So this year, I'm doing "JUST FOR TODAY." And it has only 4 things that I want to do - Just.4.Today. I can't cope with a long list. I can't set huge goals for the distant future. I've learned enough about myself to know that it just doesn't work for me. But I DO need to know what energises me and what helps and what I want to choose to do.

I need to set the bar low. Achieve that and I feel good and raise it a notch. Set the bar high and I set myself up for failure. But I can choose to do just four things just for today.

1. Time with the Lord first thing in the morning to read, reflect, journal, pray. And plan my day.

2. Arm weights for 3 minutes before the morning shower

3. A good walk every day out in fresh air in countryside

4. Making good choices for what I put in my mouth

And that's it.

Just For/4 Today.

Done is better than perfect. Because I'm so good at procrastinating until it's perfect - which it never is!

My rhythm of life varies according to the 'season' I'm in. And what's written into my rhythm of life gets done. What I vaguely think about doing doesn't. That's just how I happen to be wired.

What about you? Do you make New Year Resolutions? Schedule things? Have a rhythm of life?

My verse for this year - Phil. 3:13. Determining to reach out more for Christ.

More on this in my regular emails, so fill in that annoying pop-up form on here and the emails will slip quietly and, I hope, encouragingly, into your inbox on Sunday afternoons every other week.

Begin 2022 with REFRESH : Wellness for the WHOLE Christian Life.

Ready to start 2022? Needing to be refreshed and discover wellness for your whole Christian life?

I’m excited to share this with you - a new resource called REFRESH. It’s a devotional journal for helping us to develop our wellbeing. I asked the author, Jo Acharya, to tell us a bit about herself and her journey and her journal. Read on …

Tell us a little bit about yourself, Jo 

I live down in Sussex with my husband Dan, who took the photos for Refresh, and our cat Dillon. I work as a music therapist with people with learning disabilities, and Dan and I also help to lead a small group at our church for adults with learning needs. I’ve found I really enjoy trying to explain what the Bible is saying in simple language that everyone can understand.

I also have cystic fibrosis, so I’ve spent a lot of the last two years shielding! During this time my appreciation of the outdoors has really grown - going for daily walks (always leaving my phone at home!) has given me such a sense of calm and a break from the stresses of everything that’s going on.

Why this new book and why now?   

I never planned to write a book at all until one day when I was looking for a present for a friend. I’d seen a few ‘wellness journals’ in the shops which had advice on holistic wellbeing and reflective questions to keep track of emotional health, and I thought she would appreciate something like this with a Christian perspective. But I couldn’t find anything. I really felt it would be helpful to a lot of people to look at what the Bible says about living well, not just in obvious ‘spiritual’ areas but also in everyday things like rest, looking after our bodies and managing our emotions. I don’t think God sees a divide between these things – our whole lives matter to him and he wants to be involved in it all.

The question of what a healthy life looks like is a subject that’s relevant to all of us, but I especially wanted to reach people who might be struggling with their faith or with physical or mental health, and those ‘on the edges’ of Christian community. Living with a chronic illness I know how much energy it can take to keep up with a daily devotional, so I gave Refresh a weekly format and made it as gentle and flexible as I could.

I started the book before covid hit, but with all the challenges of this period I feel like Refresh is now more relevant than ever, and I feel even more strongly that God was in this idea from the beginning.

What helps you most with your own spiritual wellness?

 In this last couple of years I’ve got better at setting aside regular times to meet with God, but it’s definitely still a work in progress. I’m also trying to sit quietly and listen to God more, rather than just rush away after I’ve said my bit!

Recently I’d been finding my time with God really valuable and inspiring. Then last week I found myself bored and distracted reading the Bible, and feeling as if I was praying to thin air. At times like that it’s so easy to get despondent and give up, but if there’s one tip I would give it’s to just keep going. Our spiritual walk can be tough sometimes – and often it has more to do with how we are - tired or stressed or low in mood - than the quality of our relationship with God. I think it's important to be aware of how we’re doing and try to give ourselves time to rest or talk things over if we need to. But if this is where you’re at, do keep coming to God as well. Tell him you’re not feeling it! Ask him for help. I’ve found that when I persevere, it’s usually not long before I come out again into a richer season of faith.

Thank you, Jo! And thank you for giving us this lovely resource - I’m sure it will be very helpful for so many people.

And thank you too for providing a free giveaway signed copy. READER - if you’d like to be entered into the giveaway, sign up on the pop-up menu on this site (by January 1st) and on January 2nd you’ll be sent the info on how to enter. Plus some other free surprises and discounts!

Jo Acharya's first book, 'Refresh: a wellness devotional for the whole Christian life' is published on January 5th; available from all good bookshops. Signed copies are available now from  valleyofsprings.com, where you can find Jo’s regular blog as well as 'easy read' resources for people who find reading hard.

She’s also on social media at facebook.com/valleyofsprings and instagram.com/valleyofsprings 

To order your own copy of the REFRESH journal click on the image below:

I’m thinking this would be a great way to begin this new year: REFRESH for 2022.

PREPARING TO PREPARE

Christmas is excitingly on the horizon! I’m always excited at Christmas but this year, aren’t we all even more excited than ever? The thought of celebrations, family, get-togethers, after it was all just about cancelled last year, is worth looking forward to! Whether there’s shortages - No Turkey! Not The Most Wanted Gifts! - we all want to be together, to celebrate, and to have some wonderful times. We want to sing carols again; wonder at the crib; light lots of candles; remember and recall again the wonderful (full of wonder) story of the birth of Emmanuel.

However you celebrate, whatever you hope to do, I wonder whether you’re looking forward to Advent as well?

Are you ready and prepared for Advent?

Actually - isn’t Advent the time of preparing for Christmas?

Well, yes - but ARE you prepared to prepare?

Advent is the four weeks that lead to Christmas Day, starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It's a popular misconception that Advent always begins on December 1st; this year it begins on the 28th November, the first Sunday in Advent. It was traditionally a time of fasting and penitence, to prepare us for the coming of Emmanuel, God with us. These days it’s more a time of feasting and indulgence as we open our daily little doors and consume the chocolate - or gin or whisky, or whatever is hidden in your Advent Calendar.

Advent is all about anticipation. The word even comes from the Latin word for “arrival,” signifying that all-exciting Christmas count-down. Are you ready for the anticipation and excitement to begin?

I like to have something special to read each day during Advent and I usually look for a new book that will whet my appetite for Christmas - spiritually that is; the food appetite is already raring to go! And this year is no exception. With either appetite.

So I was delighted to be invited a few weeks ago to the book launch of Jo Swinney’s Advent book, THE WHOLE CHRISTMAS STORY.

Top: Jo (left) being interviewed by her editor, Olivia (right)

Bottom: Me clutching my own copy of the book! Happy early Christmas indeed!

Jo answered a few questions for us.

Jo - you said this book was born out of adversity; and that you drew some of the pictures. Tell us more about the journey to write the book.

BRF invited me to write a daily devotional book for Advent and Christmas a few years ago. I love worming my way into the Bible and finding out what it really means so I was very happy to be asked to write this one.

But shortly afterwards, my parents Peter and Miranda Harris, the founders of A Rocha (a Christian charity working for the protection and restoration of the natural world and the environment) were involved in a devastating car accident in South Africa, in which my mother died. The writing was put on hold; and then Covid came and one thing led to another, so it truly has been a time of adversity and trauma for me and my family.

And yes, I did do some of the drawings! The crib on the front cover is mine, and I’ve done some of the inside illustrations too. My friend Dan drew the large golden thread into a circle and I did the crib to show that the Baby is sitting inside something much larger.

Who did you have in mind when writing this Advent book?

Well anyone really. I’ve tried to use language that isn’t alienating for non-believers, although of course it IS about the Bible and about a Christian religious festival. I think about a friendly person and the sort of questions they might have and then I want to answer those questions. I don’t assume too much, but I don’t want to be patronising either.

Can you sum up the thread of the book for us to give us an idea?

I think the advantage of this being an Advent book is that it is focused on Jesus and intentional about that; but I wanted to do the lead up to Christmas a bit differently. I wanted to broaden it out into what I like to call ‘Shalom Wholeness.’ I don’t want to force Christmas into where it isn’t, but I DID want to go from Genesis to Revelation - on a journey, an adventure, really, from a garden to a garden city. But it’s not a heavy Bible commentary or heavy, theological Bible study! So each day, from December 1st to January 6th (Twelfth Night, the twelfth day of Christmas - ed) there’s a short Bible passage, which I then chat about briefly, followed by a question for the reader to ponder and a little prayer. I’ve deliberately tried to keep it simple and short so that it’s easy to read and to use.

What’s your favourite part about writing and what do you not like about the writing process, Jo?

My favourite part is actually starting to put words down! I start with a spider gram and it goes out in all directions, then I group the ideas and from that I get the structure. I do sometimes panic that I’ll get bored with the story or the writing though! Generally I enjoy the actual writing, but I dread the public launch and then how it’s received. Oh, and I hate the editing; I get bored if I read anything more than once - except the Bible of course!

Finally, who is your favourite author?

Definitely Eugene Peterson.

Thank you, Jo. And thank you for helping us to prepare to be prepared!

There are 4 copies of THE WHOLE CHRISTMAS STORY in a giveaway in my email fortnightly newsletter that will be coming out on Sunday November 14th.

To find out how to enter, you’ll need to be on the list to have it slip into your inbox that afternoon. Simply fill in the annoying popup menu on here and not only will you get that email, you’ll be sent my downloadable ebook, ‘5 Ways to Experience God,’ PLUS some other special offers too. You can always unsubscribe at any time. I’d love to have you join me in this wild amazing adventure with God!

And there’s a regular (most days but not Every. Single. Day!) Thought For the Day to help us too, on my closed Facebook page, SPARKLE AND GO DEEPER. You can ask to join it here and then you’ll be part of this lovely group of women from all across the world as we learn and discover ways to help, inspire, encourage and strengthen our daily walk with the Lord. Do join us, we’d love to see you there! 💛

And one more way to be prepared - start your Christmas gift shopping NOW!

WALKING BACK TO HAPPINESS is ideal for anyone who loves walking, anyone who loves travel, anyone who loves France, food, coffee, ice cream …. or just a good story really! So that’s most people. It’s available on sale from my website, or as an audio book, or on Kindle. Full details here. NOVEMBER OFFER: use code FIFTEEN at check out for 15% off anything purchased on the website.

SCENT OF WATER is a beautiful hardback gift book to give to anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. It has poems, pictures, thoughts, daily meditations, to dip in and out of; plus a special section for those particularly difficult occasions such as the first Christmas or New Year without the loved one. It has been endorsed by Debbie Thrower for the Anna Chaplaincy; it is dyslexic-friendly; and it is already proving to be a blessing to many. Available as a hardback from the website or as an ebook. Full details here. NOVEMBER OFFER: use code FIFTEEN at check out for 15% off anything purchased on the website.

Hardback available as a signed copy from the website

ALL SOULS October resources

Are you having an All Souls Remembrance Service

this coming weekend?

Do you need a resource to have available for those who are grieving

the loss of loved ones?

SCENT OF WATER - words of comfort in times of grief

It’s a helpful little book to give to someone who has lost a loved one. When the words won’t come and perhaps God seems far away; when the grief threatens to overwhelm. There are daily devotionals to dip into, beautiful photos for reflection, meditations to ponder. And a section for those special days such as the day of the funeral, the first Christmas or the first anniversary. It’s produced as a lovely gift book, and there are matching gift cards to give with the book for you to add your own words of sympathy. And it’s dyslexic friendly.

It’s been described as

'A simple, non- demanding devotional, of maybe a single line from scripture and a word that spoke into my pain …. Alongside her heart cries are the gentle words of God, the reassurances, the moments of strength for the weary soul, the thankfulness. It is just so beautifully moving to read. And to return to, over and over again.'

'Your short reflections and lovely illustrations are just what I need as I recover…’

SPECIAL OFFER AND DISCOUNT FOR CHURCHES THIS WEEK

- on sale or return

Scent of Water, published by Sarah Grace/Malcolm Down, is a hardback gift book, with beautiful illustrations, reflections and meditations, poems and devotionals. A book to give, to receive; to dip into, to return to again and again.

PACK OF 10 books plus 10 bookmarks (on sale or return) just £10 a copy (RRP £14.99) £100

(retail value £149.99; if you are selling them, you could discount to £12.99)

Matching gift cards normally £1.25 when bought with the book.

PACK OF 10 cards with envelopes £9.50. (to sell, or to give a card to each attendee)

It’s a helpful little book to give to someone who has recently lost a loved one. When the words won’t come and perhaps God seems far away; when the grief threatens to overwhelm.

There are daily devotionals to dip into, beautiful photos for reflection, meditations to ponder. And a section for those special days such as the day of the funeral, the first Christmas or the first anniversary.

It’s produced as a lovely gift book, and there are matching gift cards to give with the book for you to add your own words of sympathy.

This offer is available NOW. Order now and your books will be despatched to arrive by Friday October 29th at the latest.

Hit reply to order! Please include

- your name,

- mailing address,

- exact order details (ie how many books and/or cards)

You will be invoiced for postage Postage is payable when ordering (£11.50 per 10 books) and is non refundable. Payable by BACS or PAYPAL.

the small print:

- Books will be despatched via Royal Mail 48 hour tracked delivery on receipt of postage payment

- Any returns must be sent via Royal Mail 48 hr tracked delivery to arrive by November 6th. Sender is responsible for cost of postage. Or keep them as a handy resource for future funerals.

- Books sold will be invoiced and payment to be made by BACS or PAYPAL.

Many have already found this a wonderful help and resource. Why not have it available at your service for All Souls, either to give or to sell, as a way of showing your support and God’s help to those who mourn.

If you have any queries, either email me or call me on 07870 497365. I’m available at any time (but not Monday 2-5pm as I’m on chaplaincy duty in Bath Abbey!)

RUMMAGING FOR GOD

How can we look back with God in order to move forwards? Penelope Swithinbank shares from her years of spiritual direction how she helped someone recalibrate her decision-making process as she discerned her movements towards and away from God through the prayer of examen. I love the hands-on nature of Penelope’s exploration of this prayer practice, which can enrich our lives. - Amy Boucher Pye

Laura twisted her fingers and heaved a deep sigh.

‘I really don’t know what to do,’ she said. ‘I think my job’s about to be made redundant; my parents aren’t well and maybe I should move closer to them, but I love my job, my church and my home here. How do I know what God’s plans are for me? What if I step out of His plans?’

As her spiritual director/counsellor, I felt God nudging me to give Laura a challenge. I suggested to her that for the next month, four whole weeks, she should ask herself two questions last thing at night.

First, a question of consolation. ‘What am I thankful for today?’ ‘Where have I known true joy today?’ Or, ‘Where did I see God at work?’  

And then a question of desolation. ‘Where did I fail God today?’ ‘Where was I not at peace today?’  ‘When or where was I not content, not filled with God’s Spirit?’

I suggested Laura jot down her answers to the questions, just briefly, so that in a month’s time she’d notice any patterns, anything important, anything that the Lord wanted to point out or suggest to her. Laura agreed to the challenge and was ……

click here to read the rest of the story….

7 Ways to Pray by Amy Boucher Pye is out now.

You can buy Amy’s wonderful new book here:

If you’d like to have a go at the 7 ways to pray, Amy has a 7 day devotional which you can download for free here

SCENT OF WATER

Do you ever wonder what to say to help someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one?

Or maybe you’ve lost a loved one yourself?

SCENT OF WATER - words of comfort in times of grief is a lovely gift book to give, to receive, to dip in and out of as you appreciate the words, the pictures, the reflections and the quotes.

Full details and order form for signed copies

7 WAYS TO PRAY - autumn, a giveaway, a sneak preview, & thoughts on a new rhythm of life

Can you believe we're over halfway through September already?

Life has picked up speed again, don't you feel? Certainly the traffic around here is exceptionally busy again, rush hour has returned especially at school pickup time, and I've already had SOS calls from family members needing me to help out with school runs, overnights, even the privilege of attending induction day at secondary school with one grandchild. Home group has started again properly (ie not online but together for real! but lateral flowtest required that morning to attend) and Pilates, and I'm having to make sure there's SOMETHING written in the diary a couple of times each week otherwise I could have every moment filled! I've composed a new rhythm of life for this season and I'm absurdly pleased with it!

What's your rhythm for this season?

Is it working?

Does it need tweaking?

I posted this on social media a few days ago:

How might the leaves be inspiring you this season? As we thank God for the glorious autumn colours, listen to the promptings of His Spirit​​​​​​​:

Learning the freedom that it's ok to change, let go, be in a different season. And learning to live in the NOW and not worry about what lies ahead. Lots of deep breaths to stop the anxious moments, and lots of fresh air and exercise to keep me sane. You?

I'm so excited by a new book I read a few weeks ago

and even more excited to tell you I have TWO COPIES to give away!

7 WAYS TO PRAY by Amy Boucher Pye is a wonderful new resource, because its delightful personal style and readability draws you in and then helps you to connect with God. There are stories, suggestions, examples to try and even some new ways to pray! I can't recommend this book highly enough for you.

AND there are a LOT (and I mean a lot! Wow, Amy, you've done so much to help us pray; thank you!) of online resources too - you can find a long list on Amy's website that includes interview videos, home group resources with leaders' guides, questions and videos for each week, a free YouVersion daily devotional journey, AND it's featured on the Big Church Read. There is so much to help us in our prayer life from this book and all these resources!

Amy says:

Dear lovely readers of Penelope’s regular missives I’m so honoured to be featured in this newsletter! Although I’ve known of Penelope for many years, it was this summer when I joined her for a day of her Winchester-to-Canterbury pilgrimage that I got to know her so much better. She’s the real deal. We’ve had many things in common over the years – both being based at the Falls Church Anglican in Virginia for a season (but not at the same time); both living a short distance from each other in North London (but not really knowing each other); both with hearts geared towards God through prayer; both so enjoying the privilege of leading retreats and me now joining her as a spiritual director. That day walking in the glorious (and humid) English countryside gave me a new appreciation for this woman of God.  Penelope has encouraged me in this new book, 7 Ways to Pray. I suspect she’s led many individuals and groups in most of them at some point, so to have her endorsement means so much. I hope that this new book-baby can be a conduit of God’s grace in your life, that you might encounter him in new and surprising ways. 

- Amy

Interview with James Catford:

I especially appreciated Amy's video interview with James Catford, who had a career in commercial publishing before leading Bible Society for fourteen years. He now serves as Chair of SPCK and also the US renewal ministry Renovaré, founded by Richard Foster. He is a consultant to American Bible Society, a columnist for the magazine Preach, and lives with his wife Sue in London. He speaks movingly of experiencing God in his life and in particular shares how to practice the presence of God in our daily lives.

There are 2 different book covers - one for the UK and one for the USA.I've the UK version for you; the one on the right is USA.

GIVEAWAY

I have TWO FREE COPIES of 7 Ways to Pray in a giveaway for you! In order to enter, sign up on the pop-up form on here and details for entry will be emailed to you. But BE QUICK - entries close at midnight Wednesday Sept 22nd (BTS)

Available to readers anywhere not just the UK!

Pitch Your Tent in the Land of Hope

I'm speaking at a Women's Breakfast Event in Newbury on Saturday Oct 9th. It's the first speaking engagement for nearly 2 years due to Covid; this event itself has been postponed several times! Please pray for the right words, for the Lord to be at work, and for women to know new HOPE as we choose to pitch our tents in the land of hope. Ive been studying HOPE in Scripture all year and am looking forward to sharing some of what I've been learning!

Sparkle and Go Deeper

(Almost) Daily thoughts and inspiration to help you go deeper with God.

I began this closed Facebook group in January and we're already over 100 members. But I've been pondering recently whether to close it as I wasn't sure whether it was helping anyone! And then a Vicar I meet with for Spiritual Direction told me this past week of the difference it has made to her over the summer - both in her own personal walk with the Lord and in her parish ministry. My own despondency, at seeming lack of making a difference and helping others, was suddenly turned to thanks and praise as I heard how the Lord was using it to bless others! It's worth carrying on, even if it's only one person it helps. Be encouraged - you never know who you might be helping as you respond to the little nudges and prompts the Lord gives you!

You can ask to join SPARKLE here

A sneak peak at future giveaways!

Coming over the next few months! Don't miss the emails and don't miss the Giveaways. Especially with Christmas coming up.

On the evening when there were 100 days til Christmas I went to the book launch of The Christmas Story by Jo Swinney. We had mulled wine, mince pies, twinkly lights and crackers! And what an advent adventure this promises to be. I'm looking forward to reading it!

Autumn, books, rhythm of life, giveaways, Christmas, Advent ..... what spoke most to you as you read? Do hit reply and let me know.

A FAVOUR TO ASK:

Authors have to ask; and I really don't like doing so. But could you, would you, write a brief review (2 sentences is fine!) and post it (you can copy and paste!) EVERYWHERE you possibly can? Amazon, Eden, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Goodreads ....

for WALKING BACK TO HAPPINESS and for SCENT OF WATER. It really does make a huge, huge difference in the life of a book, and I would be extremely grateful. Thank you!

And if you're thinking of Christmas gifts, these are all available as signed copies,

if you order through my website

While I was editing this post, a Vicar from North Norfolk rang me to order 20 copies of Scent of Water! He had been a copy by a mutual friend; and he’s spent the afternoon reading it, weeping over it, thinking of all the people he knows who might well find it helpful as they grieve - whether for loved ones who’ve died, for pets, or indeed their own lost life maybe due to a cancer diagnosis or similar. ‘It’s so creatively beautiful,’ he told me. ‘Loved the gorgeous photos and the creativity. It’s balm to my soul And I’m not even grieving!’

High praise indeed. Thank you, Ian!

HOW TO JOYFULLY ACCOMPLISH A REMARKABLE IRRESISTIBLE RE-ENTRY!

Re-entry

Not from outer space - although it might feel as epic as that. No, I'm thinking of re-entry after the pandemically challenging time, after the lazier days of summer, after what was a change from the normal rhythms of life - whether from being on vacation or working from home or having the kids around all the time.

Read on: this bit's longer than usual, but it's something l feel strongly is for someone who really needs this to help them into a special time of re-entry, re-freshment, re-newing . Maybe that's YOU?

It's September and I'm feeling as though it's a re-entry, and re-entries are, in my experience, often tough and challenging. Mostly because I'm cross and frustrated and wishing it wasn't re-entry time but that there were still days and days of summer ahead.

I get out of sorts (understatement) and always have when returning from lovely holidays and special times. Post-holiday-blues, and they turn me into a snappy, disgruntled, miserable wet blanket. I'm guessing you too may know what it's like to be jolted into a re-entry, to have expectations and hopes and fears that make you disgruntled. Although you probably aren't as snippy snappy as I get.

You expect to re-enter in a state of refreshed revived excitement and anticipation and instead there's piles of dirty laundry, stuff to get ready for re-entry into whatever, nothing in the fridge and the dishcloth is as stiff as a board. Oh, and there are hundreds of emails to answer and a full schedule ...

Let's re-phrase.

A fresh start: a re-set.

That sounds better already. Because - it's September: a new term, an aroma of autumn, anticipation of new things. It always seems to me to be the best time to have a fresh start and re-set. January is dire - the joy of Christmas has departed, the weather is bad and the thought of new year resolutions is enough to have me scurrying for hibernation.

But September and its promise of sharp pencils and blank exercise books (are either of those still used by the young?!) and new classes, fills me still, even all these years later, with a sense of purpose and excitement and adventure. And determination and anticipation.

You too?

So what might joyfully help to re-set at this re-entry? I need something remarkable and irresistible, something that makes a huge difference in how I am, how I approach life again, how I re-set. And I'm sharing with you what I've discovered because it's an age-old practice that has made such a difference in the lives of so many people over the centuries. Many use it for reflection daily; but I've discovered that a weekly, slightly longer practice helps me to re-set, re-focus, re-enter. It's a way to notice, to reflect, to 'loosen our grip on even our most well-intentioned expectations and to simply attend to what is,' (from Sacred Ordinary Days) especially in these days of push-pull and uncertainty and dangerous exhaustion.

Why not light a favourite candle, sit in your sacred space (info on this is included in The Spice Retreat ** see below for a very special offer) take a deep breath and join me in a weekly Examen? You might like to journal during or afterwards - with words or pictures or mindmaps or doodling.

REFLECT AND RE-SET

• Seek the Lord Ask Him to draw near to you as you draw near to Him. Allow your breathe to slow and deepen, and your heart, mind and body to relax and rest. You might concentrate on the candle flame, or fresh flowers, or the Cross. Invite God to be with you and in you, by the power of the Spirit.

• Rejoice and Recall  Look back at the previous week with gratitude as you notice all the good gifts and blessings God gave you, some of which you may not even have noticed before now. Think about what went well, where you felt alive and when you were at your best and energised. Be thankful for all those good things, moments, blessings, family, friends ..... 

• Review and Receive. When were you near to or far from God's presence this past week? Where might you have failed God or not put the things of the Kingdom first? Where were things not good? Were there some really bad days? Don't judge yourself; just hand this all to God in humility and sorrow and receive His forgiveness and love. 

• Resolve and Reset  for what lies ahead. Invite the Lord into the week to come.  Ask for the grace to be near to God's Presence throughout the week. Pray through your diary/schedule - I like to do this with the pages open before me, and specifically invite the Lord into whatever lies ahead this week. If there are things which I know will be difficult, I ask for grace and strength and His presence to go with me. If there are times of joy I ask to be fully present in them and to know His blessing at that time. Finally I ask for a spirit of hope for the coming days (HOPE has been my word for 2021, but it's good for anyone at any time!) and for the fruit of the Spirit to grow in me during the week ahead. 

Here it is for you to print out and keep in your journal and/or bible to use regularly (whatever regularly might mean for you - daily, weekly, monthly. There's no right or wrong, just whatever's most helpful)

Based on the Examen, a centuries old way of ending the day in prayer and noticing, this next poster is one of the freebie downloads from The Spice Retreat ** to help with a daily noticing and reviewing.

Have you tried praying a daily Examen? A weekly Examen?

How has it helped and what difference has it made?

** THE SPICE RETREAT​​​​​​ **

A SPECIAL INVITATION & OFFER

to help with your re-entry and re-setting

Another way to re-set and re-boot might be to discover the YOU God intends you to be. September is such a good time to be intentional about re-entry, about a new start, about discovering new things.

I'm extending a special invitation to you to be a part of this next cohort for THE SPICE RETREAT.

At 25% discount as this is the last group for 2021.

The Spice Retreat is a 6 part course (5 weeks plus the prep week) with led reflections and prayers as well as input (on videos), journals for you to print and use, and other downloadables, for you to do in the comfort of your own sacred space. Full details are here.

The SPICE RETREAT has:

-       5 weekly sessions, of 50-60 minutes each, recorded and available to be accessed at any time. These include input, guided times for reflection, and other specials such as led meditations, contemplative prayer, imaginative prayer, lectio divina, and various ways to hear God speak into your life. Plus a pre-session of preparation, making 6 weeks in total. You will have forever access to these 

-       Downloadable weekly journals, that you can keep, personalise and use at any time

-       A retreat handbook to enhance the SPICE RETREAT

-      A guide to retreats and times with the Lord, and suggestions for how to make the best use of your Sacred Times and Spaces.

-       Optional One-on-one Spiritual Direction/mentoring sessions. These will be online with me via Facetime/Whatsapp/Zoom. (your preference)

What previous SPICE girls have said after taking the course:

'The spice retreat was an oasis in my week and for that matter day as I worked through some of the things in the journal.'

'This course spoke to a journey I was already pursuing about being the best – the real me, rather than a good all-rounder who was getting worn out doing too much else that took me away from my true desires and calling for this time. I longed to develop the contemplative and what comes out of that and can now do so.'

'Exceeded my expectations. Such a rich resource especially with the SPICE journal handouts each week.'

THE SPICE RETREAT is ready for you with

an irresistibly generous 25% discount.

Enter code SEPTEMBER at checkout for any level of the SPICE RETREATS

and you'll receive a 25% discount.

There's no hidden extra price, so why not take advantage of this and do The Spice Retreat now. You can choose when to do it and it will slip into your inbox every Sunday evening for the next six weeks, starting Sunday September 12th.

Sign up by midnight (BST) Friday 10th September. Here's the signup link

You know I don't do pressure, merely extend an invitation for you to join this last SPICE GROUP of 2021. I'd like to help you make it the best third of 2021!

There's a very special GIVEAWAY from a very special and well-known author on my next newsletter - look out for it on September 19th. (you’ll need to sing up on the popup menu on here to receive it! The monthly free giveaways are only for subscribers so don’t miss out)

And let me know how your re-entry is going and how you've decided to make this third of the year the best yet.

May you know the hand of God leading and guiding you every step of your journey,

SPICE RETREAT weeks 2 - 4 resources

Weeks Two, Three & Four

Resources for participants.

And don’t forget to look back at the resources on week 1 - you might find something there that now resonates more than it did at first.

Sarah Grace is a psychotherapist who has had her own traumas to cope with. From her own experiences and those of her clients, she has learned to find freedom through a transformed life in Christ. She is also a publisher (an imprint of Malcolm Down) and published my own Walking Back to Happiness and is now working on my next one! I highly recommend her book. Here’s the blurb:

Do you want to feel confident and comfortable in your own skin? Reading this book can turn confusion into clarity, fear into peace, anxiety into creativity, doubt into trust. You will discover confidence in your path ahead and find new freedom in your everyday life. The challenge of unpacking our personal journey and seeing what is really going on emotionally is a privilege that each of us can go through if we choose to. When we decide to really get to know ourselves improve ourselves and feel comfortable in our own skin the ripple effect to others is contagious. So often we are afraid of appearing self-centred but who else is going to do it? We need our own journey. Sarah Grace shares how she and others have gone there and hopes you can too. Journey with Grace so you don't have go there alone.

A good read for these strange times! John writes about simple graces in a series of practical, ready-to-implement practices for putting yourself back together. These simple steps will enable you to begin recovery, help you focus on what matters most, disengage from the tragedies of this broken world, and discover the restorative power of beauty. Things such as the one minute pause; using creation to help us appreciate God; being kind to ourselves; unplugging from technology. This will top up your soul with renewed goodness and joy!

Two things are for sure. One is: you have a soul. The other is: if you don't look after this one you won't be issued a replacement. Bestselling author John Ortberg’s classic that will help readers discover their soul and take their relationship with God to the next level.

Let go of broken identities and live the life you were made for. In this powerful book, Jo examines Biblical figures and shares her personal story as she invites you to turn to the One who knows you intimately and loves you deeply. He sees all you’ve struggled to hide. He hears the voice inside you that others have silenced. He knows the potential and purpose that no one valued. He longs to redeem the story of your life and set you on the path to reclaim The Dream of You. 

Jo is geat - highly recommend her and her book!

Written a while ago, but still a goodie! Ebook top, paperback below.

If God has a perfect vision for your life, why does spiritual growth seem so difficult? John Ortberg urges you to recognize your brokenness, understand that God is the project manager, and follow His directions. The author first helps gauge your spiritual health and measure the gap between where you are now and where God intends you to be. 

Debbie has considerable insight into what constitutes resilience: the ability to cope, to stay on course, to bounce back. In this helpful book she considers what is required for physical, mental and spiritual durability, interweaving biblical teaching, prayers, with personal anecdote, and sound advice.

An inspiring, practical guide to finding rest and getting closer to God. Top link is ebook, lower link is paperback.

Sabbath-keeping not only brings physical refreshment, it restores the soul. God commands us to "remember the Sabbath", but is it realistic in today's fast-paced culture? In this warm and helpful book (Also available on Audible) Shelly Miller dispels legalistic ideas about Sabbath and shows how even busy people can implement a rhythm of rest into their lives - whether for an hour, a morning, or a whole day. With encouraging stories from people in different stages in life, Miller shares practical advice for having peaceful, close times with God. You will learn simple ways to be intentional about rest, ideas for tuning out distractions and tuning in God, and even how meals and other times with friends and family can be Sabbath experiences. Ultimately, this book is an invitation to those who long for rest but don't know how to make it a reality. Sabbath is a gift from God to be embraced, not a spiritual hoop to jump through.

Shelly used to host The Sabbath Society and you can find more about it here She sadly died in the autumn of 2020 following a rapid cancer diagnosis.

Kindle/paperback.

Liz Carter is lovely! She also has had to endure a lot including ill-health. She writes powerfully about contentment, based on Philippians, even when things do not go according to plan. There is an excellent chapter on contentment with the body and another on contentment in brokenness.

There is also a 6 week Bible Study available:

Each of the above authors are known to me and I’m glad to be able to recommend them to you.

Kindle/paperback

An invitation for overachievers to discover what it means to rest as God’s daughters without compromising their God-given design as doers. To learn how to embrace their God-give personality and also discover how - and when - to rest and retreat.

Kindle above, paperback below

This is a beautiful written book, exploring the theology of walking and how it changes us. If theology sounds heavy, this is not! Using Biblical texts, personal anecdotes and secular quotes, this book shows us why walking is ‘so unspeakably good for heart, soul and body.’

Jesus invites us to walk with him - moving at the speed of our soul. This book has only just been published and it’s on my To Be Read pile. I’ve read other books by Mark and loved them and am excited to read this. The cover says “part theology, part history, part field guide, God Walk reminds us of the physical, spiritual, curative, relational and emotional benefits of walking and offers practical ideas for adding this life-changing habit to our lives … as we slow down and travel at the speed of our souls.”

One of my favourite books, which helped to bring me out of PTSD. “In this expressing of gratitude for the life we already have, we discover the life we've always wanted ...a life we can take, give thanks for, and break for others. We come to feel and know the impossible right down in our bones: we are wildly loved - by God. Let Ann's beautiful, heart-aching stories of the everyday give you a way of seeing that opens your eyes to ordinary amazing grace, a way of being present to God that makes you deeply happy, and a way of living that is finally fully alive. Come live the best dare of all!”



Sheridan’s book “The Making of Us - who we can become when life doesn’t go according to plan” is a beautiful account of losing our identity only to discover who we really are. He walks from Lindisfarne to Durham and along the way he discovers peace and who and what God intends for him.

I wrote this book 20 years ago, and my belief that we are designed by God and designed for purpose is still strong! As it says on the back cover, “Penelope believes God has a plan for each of us, tomboy or princess, whether we have short fingers or large ears, blonde curls or grey layers. She believes he chooses, calls and equips us to be women of integrity and influence, just as he made us. This book helps each of us to be different, by being free to be ourselves - as women designed by God.”

There are a limited number of pre-loved/pre-read copies available at a discount. Signed by the author! To order, click here

With personal examples from the author's life, and reflections on the inspirational life and writings of Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen, this book helps you understand more about becoming who you are, based on the life of Jesus, and becoming the person that God created. It has some helpful thoughts about the True Self and the False Self.

And a wonderful resource for your prayer life: GODSPACELIGHT is a website with a marvellous array of helpful ideas, suggestions, prayer resources, and a regular blog. There are a number of lovely creative prayer ideas on the right hand side of this page which you might find very helpful as you spend time with God in new and restorative ways.

There are some affiliate links in this blog post. If you click through to buy one of the books, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

A BOUYANT HOPE FOR TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY

We all imagine we know the story of Noah and his Ark. But what about the WOMEN in the Ark? And what about Day 50? (and you thought there were scarcely any women and it was only 40 days?)

Jocelyn-Anne Harvey has written this exclusive add-on to her book just for you, my lovely readers!

Aboard the Ark: Day 50

I hear you say, ‘I thought it rained for forty days and nights?’ Yes, it did, though it isn’t the length of the journey. When we examine the Genesis chapters, we realise the Flood story has many depths. One of these depths is the journey was a lot longer than forty days. Another is that it wasn’t just about Noah. There were seven other people aboard and four of them were women.
            We read in Genesis 6:18 about a family being saved, but because the women aren’t named, I think our attention is drawn to Noah. True, he’s a central character, but this doesn’t diminish the reality of his wife and daughters-in-law, nor their role. In my recently published non-fiction book, Not Knowing, but Still Going, I’ve explored more about what the four women experienced and how this can encourage us with our lives today. 
            I think Day 50 on the ark could have been of those harder times. If Emzara[1] had a journal, I can imagine her describing those unknown feelings. The unknown wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling for her; ever since Noah spoke those strange words, she’d encountered many different forms. However, at this point she really didn’t know what was going to happen next. Why? Because on Day 30 Emzara knew the torrential rain pounding against the ark would cease. God told Noah this (Genesis 7:4). On Day 41 the family experienced confirmation that what God spoke was true; the rain had stopped. But they didn’t walk out into sunshine under a rainbow’s banner. Neither did God tell them how long the flood would continue, and they’d have to stay aboard. All they could do was wait. 
            We can empathise with Emzara. I’m sure we’ve all had waiting seasons. Sometimes we know the end date, like how long the Flood’s rain lasted. Often, we don’t have any milestones or markers. Stuck on the ark they were between two worlds. The pre-flood earth had disappeared. The post-flood landscape yet to be revealed. Other than the water’s sloshing sound there were no signs. As the days passed where did Emzara’s hope come from?
            When I’m waiting, I’m drawn to Scripture, reminding myself of who God is and finding encouragement in the experiences of others. Emzara couldn’t access this; those stories weren’t written. They were for the descendants her daughters-in-law birthed. The ones who God revealed Himself to as Yahweh. 
            Though we have the Lord in our lives it doesn’t mean waiting is easy for us. When I’m waiting for something to happen, waiting for change, I’m self-conscious. Strange, because when we’re not waiting, we’re so caught up in the action we don’t need to be introspective. Think about when you’re driving and the traffic flows. You don’t feel each mile. But it’s another story when there’s red lights ahead. You sure feel each little movement!         This kind of waiting reaction makes me think of ‘Be Still, and know that I am God!’ (Psalm 46:10). There are states of stillness. It doesn’t mean we’re going to be statues and stay frozen in the same spot. Here, the Lord asks us to still ourselves. It speaks to me about the self-effort we want to make while we wait and our inner feelings.
            Emzara couldn’t force the ark’s progress. She couldn’t clamber out of the ark’s window when danger surrounded them. We can’t force progress either. Trying to find a way or desperately honking the horn so we can get ahead of the car in front. Yet when we’re still in our uncertainty, the certainty of God comes through. 
            Yes, we’re still waiting. God doesn’t say, ‘Be still, and know all the answers.’ But like Emzara experienced, He is working while we wait. Though we may have no circumstantial signs, no viewpoint, there is change. For Emzara something happened, roughly three and a half months after the rain stopped the ark settled against the mountain peaks (Genesis 8:4). A sign of God’s hand.
            The door didn’t open – the women had more waiting – more stages of the journey ahead. But God hadn’t forgotten them. Whatever you’re waiting on God for today be encouraged that He will never forget you. Let’s allow ourselves to stop trying, fighting and attempting to make those changes. Let’s rest in His grace. Let’s still ourselves amidst the unknowns of our wait because He will make Himself known.

[1] Emzara is the name I gave to Mrs Noah in my book. It is also the name used in the Book of Jubilees, a Jewish text.

Jocelyn-Anne with her new book! Jocelyn-Anne loves the Lord, learning and literature. She has a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester, and her flash fiction has been published. Having taken the leap from her senior HR role in the UK Government, Jocelyn-Anne can identify with those walking through uncertain times, and she is passionate about supporting others through theirs and helping them develop. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her in a coffee shop with friends, exploring coastal paths or trying out recipes.

THERE ARE 3 SIGNED COPIES of the book in this month’s giveaway!

To find out how to be in the giveaway you’ll need to sign up (on the popup on here) and the emails will slip into your inbox on Sunday evenings (fortnightly)

If you can’t wait that long, or you’d just like to purchase a copy anyway, or even get one to give to a friend, the book is available in all good bookshops and online Christian booksellers. Or click below to buy it.

I really enjoyed reading this book and it’s an easy read. Based on the Biblical account, there is a lot of historical research, lots of valuable insights, and also the intriguing idea of trying to imagine what it was like to be one of the women on the Ark. It leaves you with a lot to consider, not least what it’s like to be in lockdown not knowing when the end will be in sight! For that’s what it must have been like on the Ark. I found myself pausing to ponder, and appreciated that the chapters end with a prayer, a Chapter Contemplation section, and some blank journaling pages. So it’s not a book to be read and put away; it’s one to use, to dip into, to write in and to learn from.

The book delves into the human responses and the practical issues that are hidden within the story of the Ark. Helpful themes include what to do when you’re not sure what to do, waiting, family, human frailty. And throughout the book, Jocelyn-Anne is honest with us in sharing her own struggles and mistakes, grounding her contemplations in Scripture and personal experience. I found the underlying theme of what to do when you don’t know what to do or don't know what’s ahead, particularly helpful, and was hugely encouraged to realise you should keep going and trust in God because he has everything under control. 

Do read this helpful new book!

Join me for one taster day of pilgrimage

THE PILGRIM’S WAY

I'm walking The Pilgrims Way as my retreat/pilgrimage for this year. It's been a pilgrim route since the 12th Century, and can begin either from Winchester or from Southwark London, the routes joining near Rochester in Kent. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales tells of pilgrims journeying from Southwark - and telling bawdy tales each evening!

My solo pilgrimage is more of a retreat, as well as time with others. Leaving Winchester Cathedral on Tuesday June 15th, aiming to arrive at Canterbury Cathedral on Tuesday 28th June, and with a day off to rest and sleep on Tuesday 22nd! (I'm not doing the extra day to go up Rochester Cathedral.) Along the way I'm staying in a mixture of b&bs and the homes of friends and fellow clergy. There are a few days when I'll be joined by friends - plus the Taster Day for you. 

More details about this are below.

Each day will have a rhythm: prayer and reflections, praise and worship, listening to podcasts, silence and solitude; time for retreat and time for enjoying my surroundings. Most days will be 10-12 miles, plus whatever the (hopefully short!) extra to reach my accommodation. Do wave me on as I pass if you happen to live or be in the area: Hampshire, Surrey and Kent

Tues June 15th         Winchester – Alresford (with Kim)                     9 miles

Weds 16th                Alresford – Alton                                                 12

Thur 17th                 Alton – Farnham                                                  11

Friday 18th               Farnham – Guildford                                           11

Sat 19th                    Guildford – West Humble/Box Hill                   13

Sun 20th                   West Humble-Merstham                                    10

Mon 21st                  Merstham – Oxted                                                10

Tues 22nd                   (DAY OFF Oxted)   

Weds 23rd                Oxted – Otford                                                      12

Thurs 24th                Otford – Halling                                                   13

Fri 25th                     Halling - Thurnham                                             12

Sat 26th                    Thurnham - Charing                                             11                              

Sun 27th                   Charing – Chilham                                                9

Mon 28                     Chilham – Canterbury                                           7

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I'm very excited - and daunted! - to be doing this retreat/pilgrimage in mid June, along the ancient PILGRIM'S WAY from Winchester Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral. It's been called England's Camino, and it was a route taken in medieval times from the shrine of St Swithun to the tomb of the murdered Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. Chaucer has his group of pilgrims doing the alternative route from Southwark (London) down to Canterbury, telling their Tales as they went. The Pilgrims' Way was created when Henry II, racked with guilt over the death of his one-time friend Becket, walked barefoot to Canterbury in 1174. People have been walking it since around 1172 and 'famous' pilgrims include Louis VII of France, Alexander II of Scotland, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and, more recently, Hilaire Belloc. But the Romans knew this route too and so it’s an ancient National Trail!

I'm backpacking my way along the 140 miles for two weeks, staying with various friends or b&bs along the way. Taking time with the Lord in a daily rhythm of prayer, silence, solitude and sometime companionship.

I'm inviting YOU to join me for a group day.

• Maybe you've never done a pilgrimage and wonder what it's like.

• Maybe you haven't time for a longer walk but can take a day out.

• Maybe you'd like to experience a pilgrimage retreat day with others

• Maybe you've heard that pilgrimage is becoming more popular and are wondering where to begin!

• Maybe you want an adventure, to try something new.

• Maybe you need to leave something behind or take time to pray and reflect and BE.

Here's what you will experience:

• A day of pilgrimage, walking 10 miles along The Pilgrim's Way.

• A daily rhythm of walking, praying, reflecting

• Times to pause and pray

• Times of silence, sometimes with led reflections/spiritual exercises

• Times of talk and laughter and joy!

• Ancient churches, dating from the 11thC, one with 12thC wall frescoes

• A walk down Quality Street and some beautiful views

When:

• Monday 21st June. Midsummer's day!

• 9.45am start, finishing about 4.30pm

Where:

• Merstham – Oxted.

• A short up and down stretch, in Surrey. Both places have railway stations.

You need to bring:

• suncream/waterproofs (for the extremes of the British weather!)

• good footwear

• plenty of drinking water

• a picnic lunch

There is no charge for the day, you just need to organise your own travel to and from the Walk, and bring a packed lunch.

You could drive to Merstham, and walk, and then take the train back from Oxted. You could have a friend drop you and pick you up. Whatever, how ever, you'll need to organise your own travel to and from the day.

There are only 7 places available. If you would like to be considered, please email me asap, tell me why you'd like to come, and include a short paragraph about yourself.

I’ve used the Cicerone guide to The Pilgrims Way to find the route, and estimate mileage. I’ve read ‘Knowing Anna’ by Sarah Meyrick (the story of a group walking from Guildford to Canterbury in memory of Anna) and ‘On the Pilgrims Way’ by J. Nelson Kraybill (an American who also walked from Guildford to Canterbury and had conversations about Christian discipleship, with friends, along the way). There are lots of amazing churches, some steep climbs (Box Hill!), gorgeous scenery, old villages, the M25 (which follows the old pilgrim route so that part follows the North Downs Way instead) a couple of vineyards ....

Watch a short video about our 10 miles

Do please have a think/ponder/pray about whether you’d like to come and walk with me for a day.

I'm praying for the Lord to bless us in and through this special day as we walk and pilgrimage together, and for Him to meet with each of us in special ways. Do pray about whether to join us - and email me asap.

Full details will be sent nearer the time.