Christmas is a joyous season for most of us. It's a season of joy; a time to enjoy family and friends; a time to be happy. But what if it’s also a season to grieve? What if you're in a season of grief this Christmas? Grief comes to all of us. Grief is an intense [...]
I have lived in Ghana, Zambia and Burkina Faso for the last 12 years. We originally moved to Ghana because my husband accepted a position with a company there. Because we were going to Ghana, I went for a full medical check-up, which included a mammogram. To my horror, I found out that I had [...]
I have been on a cancer journey with my husband for 8 years In fact, in the space of 10 days, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, my wonderful father died, and my daughter lost a long awaited IVF pregnancy. It was a traumatic time. To his credit, my husband is a very determined man. [...]
I was standing at my kitchen sink washing dishes My mood was dark as I pondered a couple of mean spirited people in our church. "How could they be so critical?" I said to myself. We were pastoring a large church in Australia, working hard, doing our best, and all this couple could do was [...]
Read 1 Samuel chapter 1 so that you can better follow this story. Some background to Hannah's story Hannah was in a polygamous marriage. Her husband, Elkanah, had two wives, although Hannah was his favourite. However, in a society that valued a woman’s ability to bear children almost above all else, Hannah was childless. This [...]
All occupations have certain disciplines that go with being good at what you do. For example, anyone involved in the medical profession develops the discipline of regularly washing their hands! (One should hope so!) There are personal disciplines too, which if not developed, can result in disastrous consequences; the discipline of brushing your teeth before [...]
Do you read about the amazing things other women have done with a sinking heart? “Why can’t I do something like that?” “She’s obviously got more faith, talents or opportunities than me.” The truth is that each of us has a unique life and God opens different doors for us all. Remember Psalm 139 that [...]
Depression falls into one of two categories: you either struggle with depression or you live with someone who is depressed and struggles with depression We have that in our household. According to the World Health Organisation, 350 million people, of all ages, suffer from depression. One in five women are diagnosed with depression and are [...]
