Helen

Asking Questions

Every stage you pass through as a parent involves some things you love, and some that you want to move on from as soon as possible. With my son, I am in a phase that I both love and hate – and I think many will sympathise: the ‘Why?’ phase. I have to be veryContinue reading “Asking Questions”

The Canal and the River

I have long been fascinated by the River of Life in the Bible. I love how it meanders through the text, first in the creation story, followed by shadows and hints of it in the earthly rivers, appearing in glorious beauty in the Psalms, Ezekiel and Isaiah, before becoming the centrepiece of the new heavensContinue reading “The Canal and the River”

Moving into a new era

The next few days mark the end of my (Helen’s) time working for a wonderful ministry – Christian Music Ministries (CMM). I have been working for CMM either as an intern, part-time or full-time since 2005, and have been a volunteer associate for even longer. This ministry, and all the friends I have made asContinue reading “Moving into a new era”

A personal prescription

Yesterday I was listening to a podcast from the team at Wild at Heart. They were talking about the upcoming summer. We all tend to use the summer to go on holiday, go adventuring and invite people round for barbeques. That is great, but this year they urged us all to remember that this isn’tContinue reading “A personal prescription”

Aligning with Christ

Ephesians 4:11-13 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attainingContinue reading “Aligning with Christ”

Breaking the bondage of shame

In the last blog post I talked about how shame lingers. Even the most lightweight of mistakes can leave my cheeks burning red and my insides curling up and trying to hide. Even though I know I am forgiven. One of the people who blew it spectacularly and then had to come face to faceContinue reading “Breaking the bondage of shame”

I am enough

I had to preach on Sunday about the cross. And as I was praying about the talk, I felt Jesus say three simple words about himself: “I am enough.” His cross is enough. His passion is enough. We all get things wrong and make mistakes, and because of the cross of Jesus we can knowContinue reading “I am enough”

Learning to love myself

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the LordContinue reading “Learning to love myself”

The breaking of the wave

2020 has been a tough year for so many reasons. Tonight we leave it and move into 2021. As I was praying this morning, I felt like 2020 was a bit like the dying part of a wave where all the water is dragged back and sucked up before the new wave breaks. It hasContinue reading “The breaking of the wave”

Face to Face with the King

We join the crowd lining a glorious avenue of trees. The day feels fresh and new, and the world is young again – colours dazzle, and all of the senses we never knew had dimmed are renewed with vigour and life. Anticipation and excitement hang on the air as the crowd look down the roadContinue reading “Face to Face with the King”