This past week has seen such a joyous celebration for Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee, marking seventy years of service to the UK and beyond. It has been a wonderful nationwide occasion to gather with friends, family, and neighbours in a special season to commemorate our monarch, display national pride, and determine to choose joy after a challenging two years for everyone. Even before the … Continue reading A Very British Red, White, and Blue
I recently attended a school meeting with my daughter, who is about to go on her first school residential trip next month. As the teachers discussed the trip’s itinerary and logistical details, I couldn’t help but smile at the excitement of all the children in the room. Observing Anna’s wide grin and the classic fidgeting of an enthusiastic child sitting in a seat, made me … Continue reading Being The Cheerleader For Our Children
Relaxed and at ease, I hugged my parents goodbye in February 2020 after my one and only solo trip back home to Northern California since marriage and having kids. Without any hesitation, I waved goodbye while walking through SFO’s International terminal, as my parents and I optimistically looked forward to seeing each other again soon on our annual summer trip with my husband and our … Continue reading The Long Journey Home
Sandwiched into the story of Esther are the thought provoking words, ‘For such a time as this.’ (Esther 4:14) Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, was encouraging Esther to be courageous and do the right thing by pleading for the king to spare the lives of the Jewish people, her own people. Mordecai makes reference to Esther becoming queen and that perhaps that was all part of God’s … Continue reading For Such A Time As This
Nervous butterflies filled my stomach as I quickly checked the clock and then squeezed the rest of my practical and precious belongings into eight suitcases. A mixture of lightweight, summery clothes and shoes, not really suitable for the majority of the British seasons, took up most of the packing. This was followed by some favourite books, my journal, a cherished stuffed animal, some photo frames … Continue reading Eight Suitcases & Twelve Years Later
A few weeks ago, I had a lovely catch up with a friend of mine. Likeminded, she is an intentional Christian mother, trying to nurture and guide her children through this rollercoaster ride of life. As we shared and discussed the things on our hearts, it was wonderful to end our time with prayer. Lifting all of our ideas, dreams, challenges, and victories up to … Continue reading Stamped Onto Your Heart
Have you ever felt like you’ve been praying and praying for something to happen, a dream for the future, only to one day, feel like God’s closed the door? My husband and I have been praying, waiting, and seeking God’s heart for His wisdom, direction, and blessing on some very unique future plans, which have seemingly taken years in the making and preparation. After more … Continue reading A Closed Door, Or Is It?
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy.” Psalm 96:11-12 I was recently walking along the outskirts of an industrial estate, as our car mechanic has his shop there. Our car needed its annual … Continue reading God’s Beauty Even On An Industrial Estate
As I look around my house today, it is fairly tidy for a family with small children, although in every room there are hints of the little people who have truly made this place their own. I am shocked how Cheerios and cornflakes can manage to be found just about everywhere and minutes after I have cleaned the windows, little grubby hand prints have formed … Continue reading The House That Charlie Built
This post was originally published in April 2021 on our therapist’s website, Love Relations at: https://loverelations.co.uk/my-big-sibling-the-church-by-joy-a-mead/ For some time now, I have debated sharing this post on my personal blog. Through waiting, wondering, and praying I have realised that my main reason for not sharing was my strong fear of being judged by others, specifically by other Christians. However, the Holy Spirit gave me a … Continue reading My Big Sibling, The Church
Joy A. Mead 