Every now and then, I land for a couple of days in the town that I grew up in. My parents are there, and all the families of the kids that I went to school with; while the kids of my generation have pretty much all grown up and moved away for university or...
Dance It Out.
I really love dancing. No; probably not the kind of dancing that you have in your head, though. I’ve never trained in ballet; I’ve never set foot in a dance studio, or learnt any kind of structured choreography. I’ve never attempted tap, or attended a salsa lesson, or spun around with a partner. That’s...
A Hot Chocolate Story.
As a youth worker, hot chocolate plays a massive role in my life. It’s the go-to for a weeknight treat, and it’s an easy people-pleaser. It’s a bringer of comfort, and peace, and joy. There’s something about hot chocolate that puts people at ease, and some of my favourite conversations have been had over...
Just Love: How Introverts Can Be Great Leaders.
In the years I have under my belt of being called to working intentionally and directly with people, I have discovered a quirk in my character. I don’t believe this trait is rare; it is true of many leaders and pastors – but it is not something that we rush to discuss openly. It...
Chasing the Fireworks
Bonfire night is one of my favorite nights of the year. It’s the simple pleasures: I love the chilly night air, getting dressed up so snugly and standing in a field with the people that you love, hot chocolate in hand. I love the excitement of knowing that the fireworks are about to start....
Seek Peace and Pursue It: Emily Roper
“Seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14 (NIV) I have this verse blu-tacked to my bedroom wall in my little apartment in Amman, Jordan. It is placed by the light switch, directly next to my bedroom door, so I have to pass it every time I leave. I can’t walk out without it...
God is Not Ignoring You
Story time: It’s 10:09 am on a Friday morning, and we’re stuck in traffic. The meeting that we’re supposed to be at started nine minutes ago, and yet we’re still crawling over the busiest road in Cambridge, in bumper to bumper traffic. Now – I’m not a “morning person” at the best of times,...
He Loves Your Church Face.
I had a little chat with God at church this morning. Having youth work in my blood, I sit at the back of the hall, on some raised seating that looks over most of the congregation. I looked around during the final song in our time of sung worship, and cracked out a smile...
What If What is to Come is Greater than What We are Leaving Behind?
“Harry watched the girl and her mother disappear as the train rounded the corner. Houses flashed past the window. Harry felt a great leap of excitement. He didn’t know what he was going to – but it had to be better than what he was leaving behind” Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone: JK...
You Don’t Have To Do Anything.
I have a wise, old friend; currently rocking life on the other side of the world, but for some months he lived just around the corner from me, and played the role of friend-who-sorts-me-out-and-points-me-back-towards-Jesus-when-I’m-having-a-crisis – and he played it well. He reminds me of grace, and wakes faith up in me, and challenges me...