I was anxious at the beginning of lockdown for a number of reasons - I couldn’t go to work; I no longer had a routine; holidays and flights were cancelled; I couldn’t spend time with friends and loved ones. The things that seemed to bring purpose and meaning to my life were quickly removed. To…
Peace, Perfect Peace (In Coronavirus Times)
Peace is mentioned over 250 times in the Bible. In Greek, the word for peace is ‘Eirene’; it refers to quietness, rest, peace among people, and the Messiah’s peace. In Hebrew, the word for peace is ‘Shalom’; Shalom describes completeness, soundness, and welfare. In the Old Testament, peace usually refers to peace with others, peace…
Have You Lost Your Sense of Wonder?
My sense of wonder is just a little tired ~Lost by Dermot Kennedy~ When I first listened to the song ‘Lost’ by Dermot Kennedy, this lyric resonated with me. I thought to myself, ‘I know that feeling’. It’s a hard feeling to describe, but I’ve felt it many times in my life. Dermot Kennedy put…
Teach Us, O Lord, To Number Our Days
Whether we like it or not, the Coronavirus has brought death to the forefront of our minds… Whether we like it or not, we currently have an acute awareness of our own mortality and the mortality of our loved ones… Before I became a Christian, the idea of death troubled me greatly. All…
Does Regret Have a Place in the Vocabulary of Christians?
We all make mistakes dear, so just put it behind you. We should regret our mistakes, and learn from them, but not carry them into the future ~ Mrs. Allen speaking to Anne in ‘Anne of Avonlea’~ Does regret have a place in the vocabulary of Christians? My instinct is to say no. But…
The Strength of Weakness
Lately I’ve had trouble sleeping…. Lack of sleep is such a reminder of how weak and fragile my body is, and how weak and fragile I am – I run out of energy more easily; my mind is slower; my patience runs out more easily; I’m more emotional; and to be honest, I’m a…
Step Into A New Day
This New Year has felt particularly significant for me. It’s simply one day turning into the next, from yesterday to today, yet it feels so weighty – like there’s a great significance. The new year brings an opportunity to reflect on the year that’s been and choose what to carry into the new year. I…
Grateful for 28, Hopeful for 29
This week I turn 29. For me, my birthday is always a point for reflection. I like to spend time reflecting on what was good about the year, what was hard, and the lessons that God has taught me throughout. Personally, I think that taking time to reflect is an important practice, especially as a…
Dealing with Disappointment
When I finished my undergraduate degree in 2013, I signed up for a training and discipleship programme called Relay with Christian Unions Ireland (CUI). As a relatively new Christian, I was excited for the opportunity to study the Bible more deeply and get to grips with the Christian faith. It was a great year of…
Called to Sing
Have you ever wondered why singing is such a big part of church and the Christian life? The reason is simple: In God’s Word, the Bible, we are called to sing. We are called by God’s Word to sing praises to Him; to sing songs which acknowledge who He is; to sing songs about what…
