I am thankful for everyone who bought books and gave donations for my book ‘Love songs for healing and hope.’ (available on Amazon, and directly from Handsel press). I wanted just to say that since the book promotion evening in November, the amount raised so far is £400 each for the charities Quiet Waters and Richmond Hope. An additional £100 was raised each for Epilepsy Connections and Community Veterans. Thank you to everyone for their generosity and encouragement.

In the first months of a new year, i feel God calling me onwards. I feel privileged to tell my husband’s story, and to also seek to encourage those who are carers, who are traumatised or grieving. There seems so much sadness in the world, connection and telling our stories in safe places seems more important than ever.

Sometimes we wonder if we can ever make a difference. I am so flawed, and get things wrong so often- it can be so dispiriting. Then I remember the story of the widow in Mark 12:42-4. She gave two mites as her offering- a very small amount, but she gave all she had, and Jesus saw her generous spirit. Sometimes we do what we can, and it seems so very little, but if we prayerfully commit it to God, we pray that somehow He can use it to help others, and for His glory. This story reminds us that every small thing we do has significance and matters.

Our purpose on earth is to live in God’s love, and to share it with all around us. If we can find ways of doing this, opportunities to connect and serve and love, then we need to take them. None of us knows the number of our days- every day is a gift, so may we use our time well, and spread the love of Jesus in every way we can.

Gracious God, we see the heartbreak and suffering in this world, the pain of illness, the rawness of grief. Lord Jesus, in the midst of it all, you bring healing, reconciliation and hope. Call us, use us as your servants to do what we can to share in your ministry, through creativity and prayer, listening and sharing our stories. Holy spirit, help us to bring encouragement, to help just one other person each day, so they know that they are not alone, and that God sees and loves them so much. May we live out your purposes each day, and find peace as we do so, Amen