My wonderful cousin Naomi, general fountain of knowledge when it comes to books, especially Christian ones, recently sent me a copy of 'The Ministry of a Messy House' by Amanda Robbie, after reading my blog How does God bless others through our mess? Well, blow my socks off if it didn't just put … [Read more...] about THE MINISTRY OF A MESSY HOUSE – REVIEW
Faith
Here are loads of resources and ideas to support you in your own personal discipleship, as well as building faith in your kids. In fact, it's your one-stop shop for all aspects of parenting, faith and church life!
MEMOIRS OF A PRESCHOOL MAMA (OR LETTER TO A NEW MAMA)
Tomorrow, the boy in my belly in this photo starts school. I'm not anxious for him - he'll be fine. It's me who has to adapt. You see - my baby boy, who was born approximately five minutes ago, is starting school. He's got a uniform and everything. He'll be learning important, grown-up things - and … [Read more...] about MEMOIRS OF A PRESCHOOL MAMA (OR LETTER TO A NEW MAMA)
WHY I’M SENDING MY CHILD TO A SCHOOL IN SPECIAL MEASURES
It was never meant to be the case. The kids and I often walked past the fag-smoking, obscenity-shrieking parents at drop-off or pick-up time, but I knew we'd not be living here when the time came to make a Decision. As a teacher, the school did provoke my curiosity - but there was no point wasting … [Read more...] about WHY I’M SENDING MY CHILD TO A SCHOOL IN SPECIAL MEASURES
LEADING A CHURCH TODDLER GROUP
For the last year, I've had the joy of leading a toddler group at our church along with two friends. Knowing that others may be wondering how to run or set up a similar group, I offer these few thoughts from my own experience - not because we've got it right, but so that you might learn from what's … [Read more...] about LEADING A CHURCH TODDLER GROUP
DAVID AND GOLIATH – A SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS
If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll be well aware of my slightly disturbing obsession with writing simple Bible songs for my kids. Many kids' worship songs are too long and wordy for small children (of preschool age) to sing and/or understand. And I often find that when my kids are … [Read more...] about DAVID AND GOLIATH – A SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS
CREATION SONG FOR KIDS
I struggle to find Christian songs which are easy for pre-school kids to sing and remember. Most Christian kids' songs have far too many words for tiny ones, and are clearly geared towards primary-age children. So my preference, where possible, is to re-word a nursery rhyme or popular tune with some … [Read more...] about CREATION SONG FOR KIDS
PARENTHOOD AND MINISTRY: SERVING WHEN YOU’RE EXHAUSTED
Having written about the challenges of prayer, Bible reading, meeting together and hospitality as a parent, I'm now going to focus on share something a bit personal to me: how do we find opportunities to 'minister' as parents? The pear orchard A year ago, my friend was praying and had a very clear, … [Read more...] about PARENTHOOD AND MINISTRY: SERVING WHEN YOU’RE EXHAUSTED
PARENTHOOD AND CHURCH: IS IT WORTH IT WHEN IT’S SO HARD?
This is part of a mini-series on various aspects of discipleship as a parent. I've written about the challenges of prayer, Bible reading, meeting together and offering hospitality once parenthood descends - and today I'm writing about church. Where do I start on this one? Perhaps by acknowledging … [Read more...] about PARENTHOOD AND CHURCH: IS IT WORTH IT WHEN IT’S SO HARD?
EASTER BELLS – AN EASTER SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS
If you have a tiny child in your life and you're looking for a way to sing them the Easter story, and don't mind high levels of cheese, then you're in the right place. I think there's a lack of really simple Easter songs for preschoolers and, while I know a few general worship songs which are simple … [Read more...] about EASTER BELLS – AN EASTER SONG FOR PRESCHOOLERS