Faith Archives - Joy Margetts

Blog Tour, Book Review, Books, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Faith, Kingdom books

BOOK REVIEW: POLISHED ARROWS by Jenny Sanders

May 24, 2024May 22, 2024 joymargetts

Being a writer of Medieval fiction you would think that I might know a thing or two about the crafts of fletchers, bowyers and arrow smiths. I thought I did too, until I read Jenny Sander’s new book, Polished Arrows.

Front Cover Image of the book, Polished Arrows, showing an archer with a bow and arrow primed to shoot.

But Polished Arrows isn’t a book solely describing the art of arrow making. Jenny has done her research and it is thorough; every step of the transformation of a stick to a lethal weapon is described in detail. But not as a research aid to history writers! Instead she carefully and cleverly uses each step of the process as a framework to describe the redemptive, refining processes that God wants to take each one of His followers through. In order that we might be as effective as possible for Him.

Maximum Impact

The question the book asks is this – as Christian people, how do we have maximum impact in a world that needs to see that God is alive and well? Jenny takes as her inspiration this verse from Isaiah 49:2

He made my mouth like a sharp sword;
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow;
in his quiver he hid me away. ESV

Our expert arrow maker is a God who loves us, wants the best for us, and has so much grace available for us, that we too can become as polished arrows in His quiver. The process is not easy, and there are no short cuts. From coppicing to stripping, removing of knots and imperfections, to being polished and fitted with flight and arrowhead. Each arrow making stage corresponds to a different stage of the formation of our Christian character, under His skilful hands

Biblical Examples

Each step of the process is given its own chapter, and further illustrated by a biblical example of men and women who God took and moulded for Himself. Chapter one, for example, talks of Coppicing, the process by which sticks are chosen for their potential and cut and taken. For her biblical example Jenny takes the Apostle Paul, whom God chose and called when he was still Saul the persecutor. The most unlikely choice from our human perspective. But God knew what Saul/Paul would become in His hands. He saw his potential as a formidable weapon for the Kingdom.

Polished Arrows is a challenging read. Deep, thought provoking, and well grounded in scripture. It can be read as it is, or used as study aid for individuals or groups, with helpful discussion questions included. It is a call to spiritual maturity, a reminder that we are called, not only to be different, but to represent God and His truth, and to advance His kingdom. To be weapons of warfare in His hands.

If you look at society and wonder how you can make a difference, how you can be most effective for God, then this book is for you.

Photo of Author, Jenny Sanders — Jenny Sanders

Polished Arrows was published by Instant Apostle on 17^th May 2024. RRP £12.99

Available where all good books sold. For more information about Jenny and her writing, go to www.jennysanderswriter.co.uk

If you would like to win a free copy of Polished Arrows then do sign up to my newsletter, and you will automatically be included in this month’s free giveaway draw.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian blog, Christian Writer, Faith, The Word of God

CLOSE ENOUGH TO HOLD HIS HAND

May 16, 2024September 26, 2025 joymargetts

Holding On

I have two grandchildren and they are a delight. Not that I am biased in any way! My grandson is 3 now and quite the little chatterbox. He is bright, and imaginative and sweet natured (most of the time). My granddaughter is just over a year old, and is already developing her own, very different character. She gives you such a hard stare at times it makes you want to crumple. I think she’s going to be a feisty one!

She is trying to walk now and wants to be on her feet all the time. She stands and takes tentative steps holding onto things, but has not yet been brave enough to try to walk on her own unaided. When she wants to move from one spot to another, instead of crawling, she will look around for someone she trusts and hold out her hand. If one of us responds to her, offering her our hand, she will use it to steady herself as she stands and then will walk with you to where she wants to go. She doesn’t walk anywhere without holding on to the hand of someone stronger and steadier than herself.

Photo of two small children watching Tv. The smaller one is kneeling with his arm supporting the smaller one who is standing leaning on the TV cabinet.

His Hand

It made me think of how I am with God. I know He is there, and I know He is infinitely stronger than me. He loves me unconditionally and I can trust Him fully. His wisdom is unsearchable. His guidance, His understanding and His protection are there for my safety. I know all this and yet sometimes I forge ahead in life, without waiting to take a hold of His hand first.

His hand offers me strength but is also is there to direct me. If I am walking close to Him, close enough to hold onto Him, then I will not stumble, fall or step off the path that He wants me to walk on. As the song says ‘He will hold me fast’.[1]

When I am feeling unsteady, weak, vulnerable, unsure of myself, it is perhaps natural to hold out my hand to God and ask Him to help me. But what about when I am doing well? When I feel confident, strong, in control? I wonder even in those times if God is still waiting patiently for me to reach out a trusting hand. How often have I set out on a path, without thinking of reaching out for Him first?

Close enough to Hold His Hand

There will come a day, very soon probably, when my granddaughter will find she can take steps on her own. When she will stop looking for a hand to hold on to. We call it growing up. We will applaud and celebrate it as an important milestone in her development.

But didn’t Jesus ask us to have child-like faith?[2] The faith that trusts without question in the one we know loves us. The kind of faith that knows we can’t walk through life on our own without risk of falling, or being led astray. His hand is strong enough for us to hold on to in every season, good and bad. He desires that intimacy, that connection.

And I need to remember that I am better walking close enough with Him that His hand is always within easy reach of mine.

Phot depicting an adult man's hand with a small child holding onto his finger.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

[1] Keith and Kristin Getty, ‘He will hold me fast’

[2] Matthew 18:2-4

Christian faith, Faith

EXHAUSTED BUT STILL GOING…

May 1, 2024April 30, 2024 joymargetts

EXHAUSTED BUT STILL GOING…

That phrase could sum up my life, quite easily. Living with the chronic effects of M.E., I am always tired, often exhausted, in fact. But life goes on, and so must I. And there is much to get out of life and enjoy, even with the limitations my health condition enforces. I love my family, my church, my home life, and, of course, my writing. I also love the vision God has put on my heart to build a community of encouragement for writers who want to write for His Kingdom. *

STILL IN PURSUIT

I was reading in the book of Judges today, about Gideon and his 300 strong warrior band of God selected men. They had won a great victory but God hadn’t finished His dealings with Israel’s enemies and told them to pursue the stragglers.

Judges 8 verse 4 says this:

When Gideon came to the Jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit. NKJV

Here is the same verse from The Passion Translation,

Totally exhausted, Gideon and his three hundred crossed the river Jordan and continued to pursue the enemy

The Hebrew word translated exhausted means just that, ‘faint, weary, parched, famished‘. At the end of your physical endurance. Yet still those warriors kept going, because God still had work for them to do.

KEEP GOING UNTIL YOU DROP?

I wanted to pause and think on that.

Is God actually asking us to push ourselves to the place of exhaustion in His work? We hear too many stories of church ministers and missionaries working themselves to the point of burnout and collapse. I really don’t believe that is God’s heart for any of us. Those called to full time Christian work, those called to pursue Christ’s victory in every day life, those who have been given a vision to spearhead a work for Him, a calling to follow. He doesn’t want any of us to fail! To fall exhausted in a heap. But He does want us to keep going, even when it is hard.

WE ARE NOT ALONE

So what does that look like? I had to ask God that question, feeling particularly disappointed about another battle I was finding myself fighting from the place of exhaustion.

The key is Him. If we believe we are at the centre of His will for us, even when it feels tough, when it feels like a fight, then we are not alone in the battle. We have those He has placed around us – our own 300 – those who walk with us, pray for us, encourage us, and help share the burden. But most importantly we have Him. He is in command, He is our strength, He is our victory.

Gideon and his 300 won extra-ordinary victories, over enemies that vastly outnumbered them. It was nothing to do with how good at fighting they were. God found Gideon hiding in a winepress, lacking courage and confidence, and yet He still used him to set a nation free from oppression. It was all God’s power. It was all Him.

So when I feel exhausted and weary, that is good. Because in my weakness is His strength.

Photo of a lake surrounded by trees and rocks with a blue sky above/

WEAK PROUDLY

As I am writing this a song has come on from my playlist that sums this up perfectly – Jillian Edwards’ ‘Weak, Proudly’. Do go have a listen. It is at the end of myself that I realise my need of Him. His strength is made perfect in my weakness. In our insecurities about ourselves and our ability to keep going, is the reassurance that we don’t have to – without Him covering us and making up for our insufficiencies. We can be proud that we know our weaknesses!

JUST KEEP GOING

Twice, in his New Testament letters, Paul writes these words to the early church, a people struggling under persecution and hardship,

…let us not grow weary while doing good Galatians 6:9

… do not grow weary in doing good 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Don’t give up. When it feels exhausting make sure you aren’t on your own. Make sure you have people around you to help and encourage you. But most important make sure that you are walking close to God, leaning into Him, giving Him your weaknesses in exchange for His strength. He will not walk with you on a path He has not given you to walk. That will become unbearable and unsustainable. But if you know He has asked you to pursue something, if you feel His hand on it, and know it is a victory that He wants to give you. Then keep going! And find your rest in Him.

*for more information on Kingdom Story Writers follow the link www.kingdomstorywriters.co m

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Faith, The Word of God

A PARENT’S FAITH

April 11, 2024April 10, 2024 joymargetts

If you follow and read my blog you will know that I often hear God speak through my interactions with my grandchildren. I love being a grandparent, it is a joy and a privilege. But before I was a grandparent, I was a parent. And I still am! My children might be grown now, but they are still my children. I love them dearly and continue to want the best for them.

THE CHALLENGES

Being a parent is a wonderful God gift. But it isn’t always easy. You do your best to care for your children, and to teach them the best way to live. As a Christian parent you try to show them a real living faith, and point them towards Jesus. At each stage, from baby, through to toddler, schoolchild, teenager, and young adult, there are challenges! Even when they are grown and left home, even when they have children of their own, still the challenges of parenting don’t end. I am blessed to still be needed by my children, to still have involvement in their lives. But when I see them struggling, when I watch them make life decisions that aren’t the wisest, when I don’t see all my prayers for them answered, being a parent is hard.

Image of a photo of an adult with their arms around a child in a hug. — Image courtesy of Canva

God spoke to me in a really special way about that this week.

A PARENT’S FAITH

There are two stories close to each other in Matthew’s gospel featuring parents. In chapter 15 a Gentile woman, a mother, humbles herself before Jesus, pleading for healing for her daughter. She has to persist, but Jesus acknowledges her and honours her faith, and her daughter is healed instantly.

In chapter 17 a father has brought his son to Jesus’ disciples to be healed, and they have failed to do so. Jesus steps in, and heals him, with an ensuing discussion about faith. In Mark’s version of the story we have the phrase from that desperate father’s mouth that resonates with us all, ‘Lord I believe; help my unbelief!’. But it was the father’s simple words in Matt 17:15 that jumped off the page for me as I read it this week, ‘Lord, have mercy on my Son!’. I know the heart behind those words. The desperation, the longing, the hope.

Image of a painting of a woman on her knees, with her hands clasped pleading before a figure representing Jesus. — Image Courtesy of Eastgate

GOD HONOURS PARENTS

In both of those Gospel stories Jesus responded to the faith of parents, on behalf of their children. This is such a beautiful truth. God honours parents. We know this, He wrote it into the Ten Commandments! I believe He has a special place in His heart for parents who pray in faith for their children.

I asked God about this and I heard His whisper in response,

‘I love to hear the prayers of parents. I know the pain of loving a child, and seeing that child suffer. Yes, I do have a heart for parents; I have a special place for their tears.

The faith of parents in a powerful commodity in my Kingdom. Don’t ever give up believing for your children, even when they appear faithless. I hear your prayers as you bring them close to me. I call forth your faith and I will respond to it. Don’t give up! Don’t think I haven’t heard. I will answer. I love your children, even more than you do.’

If you are a praying parent, take these words for yourself, and be encouraged! If you are not a parent, but pray for children in your life and family, He hears those prayers too, and sees your faith. Thank you, Father!

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Book Review, Books, Christian Writer, Faith, Kingdom books

BOOK REVIEW: THE PERFECT COMPANION by Jo Sheringham

March 27, 2024March 13, 2024 joymargetts

Image of front cover of The Perfect Companion, showing a silhouetted figure pushing another figure in a wheelchair, against the outline of a cathedral facade. Colours are muted pinks and greens.

A BEAUTIFUL BOOK

Sometimes a book comes across your path that is just so beautiful, that you feel honoured to be able to read it. And when you get to read it before most other people do, it is even more of an honour. I was asked by my publisher to read and potentially endorse Jo Sheringham’s book, and I was so pleased I said yes. I loved what Jo had created and this is what I wrote to endorse The Perfect Companion.

‘It is a gifted writer who can write a book that is both gentle and soothing and yet also profound and deeply soul stirring. With The Perfect Companion Jo has done just that. Amongst her lyrical descriptions of cathedral spires and nesting falcons are carefully crafted believable character studies. She takes us inside the minds and hearts of her main protagonists; we live out the challenges to their faith walk with them, we learn from the scriptures they learn from, we see the things God reveals to them, both in the supernatural and the natural, and we share their doubts and uncertainties. This is a beautiful book, about ordinary people bring called by God to live out their faith more openly, to rely on Him more closely, to open up their hearts to those in need around them and to see God respond when they step out. I believe this book is God inspired. It speaks to us all, when we get bogged down in the ordinary, to not forget just how extraordinary we can be in God.’

ORDINARY OR EXTRA-ORDINARY?

It is a quiet kind of book. A story of an ordinary spinster woman, and those whose lives connect with hers. Of a clergyman stuck in his own ordinariness. And of a moment where God breaks in and gives them both a glimpse of something extra-ordinary, that has life-changing implications for both of them. The power of the story is that it is so relatable, and so touching. The characters are so real, you half expect to meet them walking down the street. People like you and me, going about our every day lives, with problems to face, and joys to experience. And yet always with that gentle call to live more aware of what God can do in and through our lives.

Image of back page of book with blurb text

DEEP AND PROFOUND

Although this is a fictional tale, it includes some beautiful passages that share deep and profound truth. The book is constructed around a familiar liturgical blessing that begins ‘Go forth into the world in peace’. In the chapter headed ‘Hold fast that which is good,’ Maggie the central character has a revelation. Whilst imaging that goodness (in this world) was something fragile that she had to fight to keep hold of she suddenly saw it differently

‘Goodness was not a trail of fraying fabric, worn out and past its best, but rather a solid handrail, pinned into rock, with practical hand grip-holds; more than enough to climb a mountain or bridge a gap. Goodness would not fail because she did. That which was good in her life was from God.’

This spoke deeply to me. God is good. All good comes from Him. Maggie could trust her handhold on goodness, because God is unfailing in His goodness. It was He she was holding on to.

It is my privilege to highly recommend this book to you.

The Perfect Companion. Published by Instant Apostle on 15 March 2024.

Available where all good books are sold, and direct from the author at https://www.josheringham.co.uk/

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Christian Writer, Faith

HOLD MY HAND

January 1, 2024January 1, 2024 joymargetts

New Year

As one year ends and another year starts it is good to take time to reflect on the year past, and think about what the year ahead might hold. I usually love this time of year. I love the new start feeling that the New Year brings, and the opportunity to put what has passed behind me. But this year feels a little different, I am a little less excited and expectant I suppose.

2023 was a mixed year for us. There were moments of joy and unexpected blessings; new babies, new books, new puppy, new ventures. But there were also moments of sadness and worry. And behind the highs and lows the relentless every day stresses, coping with family demands, work, relationships, finances, health, not to mention the horror of suffering happening all over our broken world. It has left me weary but not disheartened.

He is faithful

As I sat with God today I came with a thankful heart – for the blessings and the favour, but also for His faithfulness. His presence, provision and strength that has been a constant. That He has stayed true to His promises and been all that I have needed through the highs and the lows, and the every day of the year just passed.

I also came with questions. What do I need to know, heading into 2024? What did God want to say to me today? He kindly reminded me of something that happened a few days ago.

A wild walk

My grandson loves his grandad. They have a special relationship. He is only 2, and his grandad is much older, but has always been a bit of a child at heart. They love spending time together, and they especially love walking the dog on the beach. One day last week they went out to walk, but the weather was still a bit wild, as a fierce storm had just blown through. The tide was high and the flat sand hidden so they had to walk on the stony part of the beach. The waves crashed a little higher and noisier than normal, and instead of running ahead, or playing with the dog, the boy held out his hand to be held by his grandad. They still came back from their walk glowing and happy, but it had been a little harder. Still with great excitement my grandson told me all about his walk and showed me the stones he had carried back in his pocket. He had still loved being with his grandad.

Hold My hand

As I talked with Jesus, I saw a clear picture of what 2024 might look like for me, for my family, maybe for many of us. There are good things ahead, but sometimes the walk might seem uncomfortable, disconcerting, scary even. We only need to reach out our hand, and Father will be right there to hold on to. And He will walk with us, and it will be worth it all.

This is what I heard Him whisper to me,

‘2024 will be a big year for you. You will look back at it with amazement. But it will also be a year when you need to hold on to me. Don’t be afraid because it will be an extra-ordinary exciting and joy-filled experience. Even when you feel unsure and uncertain. When you fell like you might slip and fall because of the uneven stones beneath your feet, or feel that the waves are crashing a little too close. I AM with you and I will bring you safely through it. And your face will shine with the good gifts that I have deposited into your hands. You will be so alive in me! I love you my child. Walk with me.’

As usual hearing His whisper calmed my soul. So while I might not be heading into the New Year with my usual expectant excitement, I can look up and see that He has good things in store for me. For all those He calls His own. And I will hold out my hand and hold on to the One who loves me and who wise, strong and good.

Mercy and truth have met together;
Righteousness and peace have kissed.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
And righteousness shall look down from heaven.
Yes, the Lord will give what is good;
And our land will yield its increase.
Righteousness will go before Him,
And shall make His footsteps our pathway. Psalm 85:10-13 NKJV

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, and Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Book Review, Books, Children's fiction, christian fiction, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Faith, The Word of God

BOOK REVIEW: JOY VEE – Two Fabulous New Children’s Books

September 26, 2023July 24, 2024 joymargetts

I am very pleased to be able to recommend these two new books by Joy Vee. Joy has such a gift for writing stories that are engaging, relevant, and more than anything, full of truth and life. Her characters and their adventures draw you in, but it is the lessons that they learn, and the deep spiritual truths behind those lessons, that stay with you. And that is whether you are a child, or an adult reading these books with a child. The wisdom that Joy’s books carry is God-given and I believe has the power to be life transforming.

Left Out Sienna?

Left Out Sienna? is the Joy’s third book featuring Sienna and her family (following on from The Treasure Man, and Love From Sienna). Sienna is used to having great ideas and a group of friends to share them with. But when she finds those friends pulling back from her, lying to her and excluding her, she is forced to confront what it feels like to be left out. Along with the hurt she is feeling she also has to examine her own part in the breakdown of her relationships. With the help of her amazing Kid’s Church leader, her Mum, and words that God Himself wrote, Sienna begins to learn a very important lesson. One that applies to us all, whatever age we are.

There is a scene in the book involving boxes, boots and doughnuts. I won’t spoil it for you by saying more, but it has stayed with me. If only we could learn alongside Sienna that what God says about us is far more important than worrying about what others think of us.

This is a timely book for a generation of children growing up under the bombardment of internet influencers telling them what to look like and how to behave to fit in. It is a balm for every one of us who has grown up knowing what it feels like to be rejected or sidelined. I loved this book so much. A simple story that carries profound and potentially life changing truth.

Benaiah and the Kindness Tree

This little book for younger readers is just gorgeous in every way. From Lee Dixon’s stunning full colour illustrations to Joy’s beautifully told tale, it is just lovely. Benaiah discovers what he believes to be a very special tree, and comes to beleive that a leaf from the tree carried in his pocket has the ability to make him super kind at school. But is it the tree making him kind, or is there another reason why Benaiah finds it so easy to be both grateful and kind? And how can his friend Kaiyah-Rose learn kindness too?

Photo of inside pages of Benaiah and The Kindness Tree, with colourful illustrations and easy to read text.

Benaiah’s simply told story is designed to engender conversation about being kind, and how to make kindness a habit. It also points to the One who is ultimately kind, good and loving to show us how. As a parent I wish there had been more books around like this one when my children were small. As a grandparent I now have the joy of sharing this one with my grandson. He may be little, but little people can learn big truths; truths that can help them live life to the fullness and impact them to be the people God calls them to be.

For All the Family

Joy’s heart in writing her books isn’t just to produce well written Christian story books for children. Each book she produces is a resource – a means for helping families to talk through big issues and to seek God’s heart together. They can also be adapted for use in teaching Sunday school classes. At the end of Left Out Sienna are suggested questions to discuss relating to each chapter in the book.

With Benaiah and The Kindness Tree, Joy has gone one step further. On her website there is a whole page with downloadable pictures and resources for parents and educators. You can find that here https://www.joyvee.org/kindnesstree

All of Joy Vee’s books are available on Amazon.co.uk but can also be found on Joy’s website https://www.joyvee.org/shop where you will find Left Out Sienna priced at £7 and Benaiah and The Kindness Tree priced at £7 for the smaller book, and £10 for a larger sized book. Both versions of Benaiah and The Kindness Tree come with a free Audiobook.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. ‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel ‘The Bride’ will be published on 20th October 2023. She also has her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional called ‘Christ Illuminated‘, being published by Kevin Mayhew this autumn.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Faith

THE BEAUTY OF BEING AT REST IN JESUS

August 9, 2023August 8, 2023 joymargetts

One day last week I was in the garden and noticed a sudden fluttering of butterflies. I don’t know if ‘fluttering’ is the correct term for a collection of butterflies, but if it isn’t, it should be! They were dipping and dancing, enjoying the warmth, showing off their spectacular wings.

I noticed one butterfly in particular. A beautiful tortoiseshell with stunning markings. It was sat on the flowerbed, it’s wings spread wide, just resting there, enjoying the warmth of the sunshine. Unusually, nothing deterred this lone butterfly from it’s sun basking. Not me, nor the bouncy puppy I was playing with on the nearby grass. I was really taken by the ability of this creature to just rest and at the same time display its most beautiful side.

Photo of a butterfly resting on a flower, with its multicolored wings spread wide

Two sides

My understanding is that most species of butterfly have two sides to their wings. The upper side is beautifully decorated, to attract and appeal to a potential mate. The underside is much more muted, often designed to camouflage the butterfly from predators when its wings are closed. If that tortoiseshell had felt threatened in any way. If its rest had been disturbed. It could have closed its wings to hide itself against the colour of the soil of the flowerbed. And I would not have enjoyed the beauty of its widespread wing display.

Rest in Jesus

God used this little episode to speak something really profound into my heart. Did you know that God offers us a place of rest? A place where we be a peace, where we can give Jesus our anxieties and worries and fears, and choose instead to trust Him and all that He has promised?

Jesus said,

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 11: 28 -30

Entering His Rest

How often we forget. We get caught up in our anxieties, we let stress rule in our minds and bodies, we fail to enter the rest He offers. Give me the bad stuff, He says, and take in exchange my peace, my joy, my grace. When we do that. When we can to keep entering His rest, even when tough circumstances surround us and we feel threatened. That is when we display the best side of us. The beautiful side that looks most like Him.

When we forget to take those things to Jesus, when we let the things of life overwhelm us then we are much less beautiful. Like that butterfly closing its wings under threat – our reactions, our responses, our behaviour and words can be much less appealing. We can say things we don’t mean, lash out, complain, criticise, and get trapped into negative ways of thinking. And yet God offers us His rest all of the time.

Restoring our Souls

The Psalmist knew it. (Psalm 23: 1-3) It is God’s heart to lead us into His rest, He wants to restore and revive our souls – our minds wills and emotions. Our part is to allow Him to do that by choosing to enter His rest. It is a thing we must purpose to do, regularly, especially when difficult things threaten us and cause us to worry. Has He not promised to supply all we need? To be our defence? To vindicate us? To protect us? To give us wisdom when we need it? Either we choose to believe what He has promised us, or we don’t.

Photo of a wide still river with green trees and grass surrounding and mountains in the distance. The words of Psalm 23:1-3 are displayed over the photo

His rest doesn’t mean doing nothing (although it can sometimes). It is a state of our hearts and minds, a choosing to obey and not worry. A choosing to be thankful and to trust Him. That rested place can continue through all that we do. Jesus offers to share His Yoke – a yoke indicates that there is work to be done – but only the work that is done out of a place of our rest in Him. And in partnership with Him.

When I am at rest in Jesus, then like that butterfly, I display the very best side of me. The side that looks most like Christ. The side that is most attractive to others.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride’, will be published on 20th October 2023.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Faith, The Word of God

ROOTS THAT KEEP GROWING

May 27, 2023May 26, 2023 joymargetts

ROOTED

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

I read these verses a few days ago, and it got me thinking about roots. Plant roots. The word ‘rooted’ in this scripture comes from the Greek word ‘rhiza’ or root. The same word from which we get ‘rhizome’ – the underground ‘stem’ of a plant, the main part of the root which sends out root shoots. Just as the above ground stem of the plant which shoots out leaves and flowers, branches and fruit. Plant roots keep growing.

Image contains a diagram of a plant root system — Image courtesy of earth.com

LOOKING BACK

I love looking back, and I guess reading this verse made me do that. Thinking about the people and things that established my faith in Jesus. My parents, the faithful Sunday School Leaders and Bible Teachers. The stories and truths of the Bible. I can look back at the roots or origins of my faith and be so grateful. I’m sure we can all look back to where our faith journeys began and be thankful for the things that established us.

Ultimately it is Jesus our faith is rooted in, of course. Our belief in Him, His death and resurrection, His mercy and grace, His forgiveness and His gift of eternal life.

ROOTS IN THE PAST

This last week our church came together to give thanks to God for the journey our church has been on in the 18 years since we began meeting together. It was part of a celebration as our founding pastors step back and a new couple takes on the reins of leadership. I was honoured to write a potted history of the church and to present that, with contributions from others who have walked the journey with us. It was so good to look back at our ‘roots’, the things that became established as God revealed to us what sort of church He had called us to be. Those things are now foundational to our identity as church. Things that we can build on going forward.

But I really felt God say – don’t neglect your roots!

ROOTS IN THE PRESENT

Roots don’t stop growing. From my limited understanding of botany, as long as the plant keeps growing the roots keep spreading. New root shoots are sent out looking for water and nutrients in the soil as the plant grows. These also provide stability for the plant as it increases in size. This is why tree roots can actually grow considerably wider and deeper than the tree itself.

If we want to continue to grow and flourish in our faith. If we want to be strong to withstand the storms thrown at us. If we want to produce fruit that is of lasting worth, we can’t just see our roots as the things of the past! We have to keep our roots healthy and growing. We need to ‘walk in Him’. To keep pursuing Him. The nutrients of His living word, the Bible. The water of His Spirit. We have to keep going deeper. This is true for us as individuals as much as it was a truth for our church as it enters a new season.

Photo of ripe cherries hanging from a tree branch — Image courtesy of Canva.com

ROOTS DON’T STOP GROWING

It’s tempting to look back and say ‘wasn’t that great’, ‘didn’t we start well’. Our roots are strong now and we can let them be.

But ROOTS DO NOT STOP GROWING, whilst the plant stays alive and thriving. They demand our attention. So we can be thankful for all we have received but must always be yearning for more. It will make as strong and keep us fruitful.

“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” Matthew 13: 23

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com

Bible, Christian Writer, Faith, Grief, Jesus, Seasons of life, The Word of God

A CONSTANT HEART

March 10, 2023March 10, 2023 joymargetts

UPS AND DOWNS

Image shows a tiny hand of a newborn baby grasping an adult's thumb

A little over a month ago I posted an emotional blog about the loss of our dog, and our grief over it. Our feelings of sadness at the time were really intense, coming on the back of a difficult few months. And then suddenly, within weeks, everything changed and joy replaced grief. Busyness replaced loneliness, and the unwelcome quiet was replaced by the longing for a little peace! Life is like that. You can step from sadness to joy in the matter of weeks, and then sometimes back to sadness again. Or worry, or excitement, or frustration, or fulfilment. Sometimes the ups and downs can leave us feeling pretty storm-tossed!

GOOD THINGS

Image shows a phot of the author signing a contract

In the last month some really, really good things have happened in our lives. Firstly we welcomed our second grandchild into the world. She came early, and came tiny, but she also came healthy and everyone is doing great. We are overjoyed to be invited to be so involved in our grandchildren’s lives – it is such a privilege. They are a delight to be with, and being a grandparent is one of the greatest joys of my life.

A second thing that brings me joy (and not a little anxiety) is my writing. In the same week that our grandchild was born, I signed a contract with my publisher for a third novel, that will be out later this year. This is exciting, and I am thrilled, but it also brings with it pressures, deadlines, stress. Publishing a book is a rollercoaster ride all of its own.

A CONSTANT HEART

Life is never all about one kind of emotion. We have to learn to navigate the seasons, or sometimes, the moments that we are in. We need to guard our hearts to ensure that extremes of emotions don’t derail us. That we remain constant, in our faith, our trust in God, our belief that He is in control, in being who He has called us to be.

One passage of scripture that always speaks to me is from Matthew 14: 13 – 21. Jesus hears about the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. That he dearly loved John, and deeply grieved his loss is evident. He goes away by Himself to find a deserted place to be alone, with the Father, to process His loss. Only He is not alone for long, because the crowds follow Him. Did He send them away? No, v 14 tells us that He was ‘moved with compassion’ seeing how many of them needed to be healed. So after hours of healing and teaching them, does He send them away to find food for themselves, as His disciples suggest? No. He feeds them – and what a 5,000 guest party that was! So in a matter of a few hours Jesus grieved, was filled with compassion, poured Himself out, and then celebrated an extraordinary miracle. All the time He stayed right in the centre of God’s will for Him.

A STEADFAST HEART

Jesus’ example is hard to follow. I’m not saying that we should not take time to grieve, or to celebrate, but that whatever life throws at us, we can still seek to be at the centre of God’s will. We can listen to Him, trust Him, look to the needs of others, and keep our hearts constant. Or steadfast, as the Psalmist did – always finding a reason to praise. Psalm 57:7

Image contains the words of Psalm 57:7 against a background of abbey ruins and green leaves.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self- published a short novella, ‘The Beloved‘ as both a companion to ‘The Healing‘, and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available to buy on Amazon Kindle.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com