Uncategorized – Nurturing Growth, Encouraging Rest

I have moved!

Just a note to let you know that I have moved from here to Substack. You will find me here where you can subscribe for free to make sure you don’t miss upcoming retreat information as well as exciting news about my books, coming in 2026!

Retreats 2025-26

Early release of dates for two upcoming retreats (both in Waringstown): Saturday 21 February 2026: Beauty from Ashes On the theme of Loss and Disappointment – for anyone who has suffered loss, whether that is recent or not-so-recent. Saturday 18 April 2026: Come to the Table Looking at several tables which are mentioned in Scripture, withContinue reading “Retreats 2025-26”

Twixmas

Twixmas is officially now the period between Christmas and New Year. It is not necessarily a time to eat Twixes (although it could be a good opportunity to empty those Christmas selection boxes before the New Year). For some, ‘Twixmas is all about curling up under a blanket in cosy PJs with a festive film,Continue reading “Twixmas”

Resources on Depression

Welcome to my blog! If you are looking for something on Depression, you will find my story, as well as several other articles, on my other blog. Just click this link and it should take you to it.

Autumn retreats

Some friends have asked over the past few months to let them know when I am offering retreats which are open to anyone. So I am just letting you know that I am hoping to offer two in the autumn – one of which many of you have already taken, the other which is aContinue reading “Autumn retreats”

Ready to retreat?

Are you a church leader, part-time or full-time, paid or voluntary? Is a half-day retreat something that would interest you – the opportunity to spend time with others, in Scripture, in personal reflection and in group discussion? I have been invited to lead a retreat on Thursday 4 May in Waringstown. The two sessions areContinue reading “Ready to retreat?”

A darkened room or a party?

‘I just need an evening to myself!’ ‘Let’s invite a crowd of our friends round for a barbecue!’ If you have ever expressed one of these desires and had a friend or a spouse or other family member say the other, you will understand something of the conflict between the needs of an introvert andContinue reading “A darkened room or a party?”

“Fearing Bravely”

Some parts of this book made me smile and some parts made me squirm. As Christians, we all know that Jesus calls us to love God and love our neighbours – but the author helped me to seriously think through the question of ‘Who is my neighbour?’. Just when you think you’ve understood whoContinue reading ““Fearing Bravely””

‘The Good Life’ retreat

God is our good Father and he gives us good gifts. But what does it mean to live a good life? What is goodness anyway? The bible actually says a lot about goodness, right from the first pages about creation. In the verse quoted in our picture, God tells us that the good life isContinue reading “‘The Good Life’ retreat”

What are you craving?

While some of us have thrived on so much time alone over the past 18 months, most of us have eventually begun to crave contact with friends and family. We have longed for a hug, a coffee, a chat, or a meal together with those we love. Now that schools and colleges are getting startedContinue reading “What are you craving?”