Got Some Goals for the New Year? Great. Just Don’t Forget This
I can be a real dreamer. There’s always a book, a media project, a life ambition waiting in the wings. So when BBC Radio 2 asked what my hope for the new year was, my mind automatically went down the path of goals and ambitions. But something wasn't right. There's more to life than career
Do You Need a ‘Fallow Year’? The Ancient Art of a Year of Rest
'You reap what you sow' is a powerful principle describing the way much of life works. Plant a seed of goodness, kindness or faith, and a harvest of it will follow later. But the metaphor assumes the seed is sown into healthy soil. What if it's not? What happens when we keep trying to get
Four Reasons Why You Should Try a Social Media Fast
I’ve just completed a four-week social media fast. My time offline left me more energised, clearer in thought, and less annoyed, depressed and jealous (this might be a revealing post!) Here's what I learned and why I think it's worth scheduling a periodic social media fast into your calendar too.
In a Fast Food World, Are We Losing the Art of Sacred Meals?
When was the last time you had a truly special meal where you left the table changed, uplifted, fulfilled? You came burdened but left lighter (at least emotionally). Your soul was filled, not just your stomach. We need more of these sacred meals. But what is it that makes a meal truly sacred? A few
The Day Jesus Messed Up His Nice-Guy Image
In his famous painting ’The Light of the World’, Holman Hunt depicted Jesus in a white robe holding a lantern, knocking gently on a door that represents our heart. With blond beard, flowing hair and serene face, the Saviour is presented as a meek, mild soother of souls. Nice image—but the Holy Week of Easter
What My Great Grandmother Taught Me About Living Dangerously
My Great Grandmother Alice was one brave woman who can teach us a thing or two about facing our problems. Her husband Walter was a good man, but with one vice: he liked his drink too much for her liking. Here’s the ingenious way she dealt with it.
The One Question the Dalai Lama Couldn’t Answer. Can You?
I once went to hear the Dalai Lama give a public talk. He spoke on the importance of compassion, then took questions from the audience. The last question came from the MC: “Your holiness—what is the meaning of life?” The audience leaned in as he stared at the ground, quietly thinking about his answer…
How God Redeems Broken Dreams (New Video Live from London)
Dreams. We all have them. But by our 40s, some of us have had to watch our dreams die. Yet even those broken dreams can become something beautiful. In this video I explain how sometimes the 'wilderness' - the dark and barren place of longing and loss – is in fact the best place for
Are Angels Real? These Stories Will Get You Wondering
When I raised the topic of angelic encounters with my social media friends, I was expecting some nice stories about lights in the sky and perhaps a few kind strangers. Instead, their stories truly opened my eyes…
I’m Suffering. Is God Punishing Me?
Ever since writing Resurrection Year I've received hundreds of emails from people sharing their broken dreams and heartaches. In some, I've noticed a subtle belief that their trials are divine retribution of some kind—a punishment for their mistakes or wrongs. If you've ever felt the same, you're not alone. But the feeling needs to be