One place it happens to me is in a shopping centre. When another woman around the same age as me passes by, I give them a quick up-and-down scan. It’s just a two-second appraisal. And as I look at them, I see that they’re doing the same thing with me—a quick sideways glance.
What are we doing? We’re comparing ourselves with each other. How does my figure match up with hers? Does she look more or less stylish/cool/effortless than me? Do I look as good as her without having spent the money she clearly has? On all these measuring scales, do I win, compared to her? Or lose?... continue reading
Hairdressers are dangerous places for women to be. It's not so much the washing, drying and cutting that's the problem. Nor even the colouring and styling. But the sideways glances in which most of us indulge.
I guess you know what I mean. There are the "oh her hair looks gorgeous" glances -" I wish I had her curls or her volume or her ability to carry off that cut". Then there are the "Seriously? You honestly think bright green hair suits you?" glances as we stifle a smirk. The imaginary glances, "I bet she just rolls out of bed in the morning looking stunning". Or the introverted glances, "I love my new hair, I feel amazing now". Or alternatively, "bring me a paper bag NOW".... continue reading
1. Jesus is ____Why does human life matter?
Why should we help Children in Need? Why support Cancer Research? And why does it matter if we “terminate foetuses” or hasten the death of the terminally ill? They are only bodies, after all, complicated bags of cells with things we call reactions and emotions bubbling out of the soup which is life. Or at least, they are if there is no God.... continue reading
The UK has been rocked by recent allegations that the late Jimmy Savile, popular TV personality and charity campaigner, was infact one of the nation's most prolific paedophiles. The stories are shocking. The impact, devastating. The number of children hurt and the extent of the involvement of other celebrities is, as yet, unknown. So how, as Christians, can we pray? Here are our 10 thoughts…... continue reading
Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life—

    of whom shall I be afraid?

When evil men advance against me

    to devour my flesh,

when my enemies and my foes attack me,

    they will stumble and fall.

Though an army besiege me,

    my heart will not fear;

though war break out against me,

    even then will I be confident.... continue reading
All this week on the blog Adrian Watt's has written a brilliant series on his experiences of planting a church in Bradford, in Yorkshire in England. So this week's blog offer is 50% off Gospel-Centered Church by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis.
It's a great workbook thinking through 'how to do church'. To get this great offer simply put in the code gcc50 at check out. This is available in the UK, the USA and our Australian website.
We also have the following titles on our UK website that are very helpful on how to do church...
With the code 'church30' you get 30% off these titles too!
All this week on the blog Adrian Watt's has written a brilliant series on his experiences of planting a church in Bradford, in Yorkshire in England. So this week's blog offer is 50% off Gospel-Centred Church by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis.
It's a great workbook thinking through 'how to do church'. To get this great offer simply put in the code gcc50 at check out. This is available in the UK, the USA and our Australian website.
We also have the following titles on our UK website that are very helpful on how to do church...
With the code 'church30' you get 30% off these titles too!
Would you mind doing me a favour? I’d like you to get out your mobile phone please. Yes, now would be good if you can... Got it? Great. Thank you.
Now flick to your sent box for your text messages. And read through the last 20. I’m guessing they’ll be a fairly representative sample of how you use your mobile. Take a look and see what kinds of things you’re texting …
My last 20 text messages fall into these categories:... continue reading
