Money isn’t something Christians talk about much. Generally. Unless there is a sermon on tithing when the church is running short of funds. Or an appeal for giving when there are people in need, or a building in need. We tend to skirt around the subject of finances – they are personal after all, aren’t they? What we do with our money is our business, surely?
Well yes, and no. Because as Joy Vee argues, in her challenging new book My Joint Bank Account with Jesus, there is Someone besides us who should be having a say in how we use our money. After all He gave it all to us in the first place!
A Living Relationship
I have read books and heard sermons before on good stewardship, and on generosity. You know the ones that you come away from feeling guilt ridden and ready to give it all away to the first person in need you come across. Joy’s book isn’t that. Instead, it is a gentle invitation to invite Jesus into everything, every decision, whether it be money, business, or the thousand other choices we have to make as we go through life. It is about having a living relationship with Him that flows into every part of our lives. One where we can prove His wisdom, His provision, His faithfulness to us, and find joy in it all. Even the giving!
What impacted me most as I read this book, was that every point Joy makes is based on her and her family’s lived experience. She gives really practical ideas of how to practice inviting Jesus into our everyday decisions and then backs those up with stories of God’s often miraculous provision. You can trust that she knows what she is writing about. And everything is backed up with scripture.
Easy to read?
In one sense it is a very easy to read book. It is divided up into short, themed sections, and beautifully illustrated by Anna Hewett-Rakthanee. There are questions to ponder and helpful suggestions. There is also a section at the back with questions that could be used in a small group setting.
In another sense it is not an easy book to read. It is thought provoking and challenging. It invites you to look at your life and how you manage money, to best glorify God and help build His kingdom, but not in a condemning way. As it promises – it describes a fresh way of looking at our finances with an invitation to practise the presence of Jesus in every area of our lives. That there is an adventure to be had with Jesus in everything.
I highly recommend this book to you, and not just because I know the author, and have seen the authenticity of what the book describes displayed in her life. I think it is a little book that could change lives – perhaps even mine!
MY JOINT BANK ACCOUNT WITH JESUS by JOY VEE is published by Broad Place Publishing.
You can find out more about the author, Joy Vee at www.joyvee.org
Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her heart is to share God’s heart for the broken; His love that pursues us, truth that frees us and hope that heals us. Her novels are set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, and tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. She has also published two devotionals based on the person and work of Jesus.
More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
I have been reminded today about how we so easily hold on to shame, to pain, to negative emotions. We can even let those things define us, or at the very least, steal our peace.
A woman anoints Jesus
I was reading the account of the woman who came and anointed Jesus with her tears and precious oil, whilst He was reclining at table in Simon the Pharisee’s house. (Luke 7:36-50) As I read I saw something that I hadn’t seen before. She, a known sinner, had come weeping and broken, to lavish her adoration on Jesus. He perceived Simon’s judgement of her and told a parable about two debtors, one who owned a much larger amount than the other. Which, He asked Simon, when forgiven their debt, would love the one who forgave them more? The one who owed more, he replied.
Jesus implied that the woman pouring out her love on Him, did so because she knew how much she had been forgiven. And yet it isn’t until after she has anointed Him that He turns to her and says the words, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’
Confused
I was confused. Was this woman’s act one of repentance – or one of gratitude? Did she come broken and weeping because she knew she needed forgiveness, or with tears of joy because she knew she had been forgiven?
So, I asked God about it.
The answer He gave made perfect sense. She came both repentant and thankful. She knew Jesus could forgive her, had forgiven her, but she was still sorrowful over her sin. He spoke forgiveness over her again – not just as a witness to those listening, but as a public reassurance that she was indeed free from her past. Her faith in Him had done it all – she could go in peace. She needed to accept what He had done for her.
A dog with a toy
Shame can bring such brokenness into our lives. Our sin choices can leave us thinking less of ourselves, despising ourselves even. Pain can cling to us – perhaps because of things done to us, or things we have had to endure. Offense, unforgiveness, trauma. These things can steal our peace.
As I was thinking and praying through these things, my dog was trying to get my attention. Now she is very cute, and we love her dearly, so of course I welcomed her into my space. She brought with her a battered squeaky toy in the shape of a gingerbread man – one of her favourite playthings. A game ensued. She handed it to me but wouldn’t let it go. We had to do a bit of tug o’ war before she would relinquish it, and then I would throw it some distance away. Immediately she dashed over and picked it up, bringing it back to me, and starting the whole process over again. Playful tugging and pulling, finally giving up, waiting for me to throw it, and then retrieving it and bringing it back.
Reluctant to let go
I realise God had given me the perfect illustration. Sometimes we come to Him with our burdens, the things we know we would like to be free of. We come in trust and love, but as He reaches out to take them from us, we instinctively grab on tightly and tug them back. Finally, He persuades us to release them and He throws them away. But we can’t help ourselves – we go running after them and take hold of them again. When He just wants us to leave them where He threw them!
I think this particularly applies to guilt and shame. Maybe, like that woman in Luke 7, we can’t quite believe that God’s mercy and grace are so vast that we can be forgiven, however great our sin. Perhaps we feel so undeserving of His forgiveness that we struggle to fully accept it. Holding onto shame feels right, because it reminds us of how unworthy we are, and how perfectly good He is.
But that is not what He wants for us. It wasn’t what Jesus wanted for that woman. He wanted her to walk out of the room knowing that she was free, cleansed, made perfect and whole, because of her faith in Him. He wanted her to be at peace – in the depths of her soul, and to go on living in that peace.
What am I holding on to?
So I wonder if this speaks to you, as it has to me?
What am I holding on to that God wants me to give over to Him?
Is it shame, or some other painful thing? A burden that I carry because I feel I deserve it?
He whispers,
‘Give it to me. It is done. Let it go. Go in peace.’
Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her heart is to share God’s heart for the broken; His love that pursues us, truth that frees us and hope that heals us. Her novels are set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, and tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. She has also published two devotionals based on the person and work of Jesus.
More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
AWAKENING THE LIGHT : (THE STRONGHOLD OF ENJANAN SERIES, BOOK 1)
Author: Natasha Woodcraft
Published by: Broadplace Publishing , 24th April 2026
ISBN: 978-1915034755
RRP: £12.99
THE BLURB:
In a world that spins around the Eternal Light, Shay’s people are in peril. The mysterious Nahil are seducing the four kingdoms with promises of prosperity, bringing chaos and darkness with them.
Shay has always felt invisible – a dependable son overshadowed by his brilliant siblings. But when Shay’s formidable sister falls victim to the Nahil’s schemes, it’s time for his dormant gifts to awaken, and his faith to be tested.
Will Shay embrace the light, or lose everyone he loves to the shadows?
Awakening the Light is the first book in The Stronghold of Enjanan – A Coming of Age fantasy series for Young Adult readers navigating a world of seductive quick fixes and pressure to conform, ready to discover that grace breaks through even the deepest shadows.
MY REVIEW:
Fantasy is not a genre I would usually choose. But when the author is someone who I know has an amazing imagination, and a gift for storytelling, and whose earlier books have blessed and encouraged me, I thought ‘Awakening the Light’ was worth my attention.
I am also not a teenager – the audience this book is aimed at. But just as I could, as an adult, lose myself in CS Lewis’ Narnia books and find inspiration, revelation and encouragement for my faith within them, so I found the same here.
Light versus Darkness
Natasha Woodcraft has done something extra-ordinary. She has created a fantasy world, different from our own, but so achingly familiar. Within that world she had created forces of good and evil, light and dark. She has created a family of characters who are well drawn and easy to relate to. She has described their growing turmoil as they try to hold on to what is good, and right – governed by the great light (Fa-cel) that sustains the world they live in – in the face of the creeping darkness that is subtlety infiltrating the society around them.
Her story centres on Shay – an ordinary teenage boy who carries a hidden gift – his father, mother, siblings and adopted siblings. Their lives have always been centred on stories of old, the faith of their ancestors and their own awareness of the One who guides them, protects them and provides for them. But when they are called to make a stand, to follow where Fa-cel has asked them to go, to physically fight the forces of darkness, they are forced to count the cost. Being different requires courage, faith and self-sacrifice.
A life-giving message
I know that the author’s intention was to write a fantasy book that was different to much of what fills the shelves for teenage readers today. She wanted to write a page-turning, action filled compelling story with enough adventure to hook you in but also wanted to feature characters that wrestled with real temptations and chose to live for what is right. In writing Awakening the Light, she not only drew on her God-given imagination, but on her own understanding of the challenges life can throw at those who seek to live for God in a fallen world. There are lessons about grace, about self-sacrificial love, about faith under trial, and about believing the truth when everything seems to be conspiring against it. This is a kingdom book, through and through, with a life-giving message.
‘I want to equip young people — and older ones — with a modern allegory that makes them long to be present with Jesus, the Light of the World.’Natasha Woodcraft
Awakening the Light has a dramatic and satisfying ending – but it also leaves much unresolved. That is because it is the first in a series: The Stronghold of Enjanen. I for one cannot wait for the next book – I am invested in the characters and their individual stories. I am sure that the final resolution, when it comes, will be complete and glorious.
Awakening the Light is released today and available to purchase from the publisher or via Amazon.
THE AUTHOR
Natasha Woodcraft lives in a slightly crumbling farmhouse in Lincolnshire, England, with her husband, two teenage sons, two younger sons and a menagerie of animals including goats, chickens, quail and the usual suspects – a dog and two cats. Natasha passionately believes that stories have power to communicate deep truth and transform lives. She researches ancient worlds and dreams up fantasy ones, writing into the places time forgot and the places no one has imagined yet. Her published novels explore God’s redemptive purposes for ordinary, messy people just like her.
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.
She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
As regular readers will have gathered my grandchildren are an endless source of inspiration when it comes to this blog! So often God speaks to me through them, and usually it is a really timely word. Today is no different.
A spirit of independence
Our eldest grandson is almost 5. He is at school full time and growing up quick. One of the signs that he is growing up is that he is definitely developing a very strong will. A spirit of independence is emerging – a demand to have things his way. Sometimes what he asks for is reasonable and we can accommodate his wishes. Other times his demands are far less reasonable, and even non-sensical to our adult understanding. We can’t magic up a replacement when he refuses to wear the jumper his mum has packed into his bag. It may not be the jumper he wants to wear – but until we take him home, it is what he must wear. Or get cold.
His frustration sometimes shows itself outwardly. There are loud tears and even a bit of thrashing about. He can’t, or won’t, hear what we are saying when we try to explain why he can’t have exactly what he wants when he wants it. Does it mean that we don’t love him? Of course not. Does it mean that we don’t want him to be happy? No. It just means that he has to accept that not everything is going to go his way.
Things don’t always go the way we want
Life is like that. As we grow older, more and more we have to accept that things don’t always go the way we want them too. We have our own desires, our free will, our independence, our ability to make choices for ourselves. But still we don’t always get what we think we want, even when those are good things.
We have a Father in heaven who loves us intimately, and cares deeply for us. He loves to bless us and give us good things. He also created us with free will, the ability to make independent choices and decisions. Sometimes we get it wrong. We take the wrong path or ask for the wrong things. Sometimes difficult things happen to us, or we have to experience going without the things that we think will make us content.
There are times when I have cried loudly, thrashed about a bit, railed at God. Usually, it is when I just don’t understand. Like my grandson, my understanding is limited. I struggle to see why I must endure unpleasant things. Why suffering must come to me or those I love. I know God knows why, that He sees the bigger picture, that His ways are higher than mine. And I have had to learn to trust Him, even when there are no answers.
Tantrums only hurt me
I have just navigated a season of loss with God. It has been tough, and healing is still in progress. During this time, I haven’t screamed and cried much at God, even when it really hurt. Through previous life experience I have learnt that reacting that way doesn’t actually do me any good. Just as my grandson’s tantrums only really hurt him. I am the one who suffers more if I don’t deal well with disappointment. If I do have a moment of anger or frustration, I know that God will be patient with me. He looks on in love and waits for me to work it out. If I sit in the negativity, I sacrifice the peace He is offering me. My self-pity steals my joy and can lead to hopelessness and despair.
Trusting God to know what is best
Our loving Father in heaven knows that we can’t always have all that we want. He knows that we are going to have to endure hard things, have our independence curtailed. He knows and He cares. I love my grandson, and I want him to give him everything that he asks for. I also know that it wouldn’t be healthy for him if I did. Isn’t it good that we can trust a perfect Father to know what is for our best and what is not?
After the storm has passed there is a quiet resolution. A cuddle and a few soft words and everything is settled. Our boy knows that us loving him doesn’t mean that we will always give in to him. He remembers all the love (and the things) that we have lavished him with already. He loves us and still wants to be with us.
I don’t want to be independent
I would love life to always be pain-free. Just this week we have had some more sad news. Grief has resurfaced, and the questions threaten. I have decided not to scream and rant at God, I need His peace too much. I need His loving presence close by to help me, and those I love, navigate this storm. I need to hear His soft words of comfort. He knows that I don’t like it, that I wish it could have been different. But I don’t want to be independent at the moment. I want to be fully dependent on Him, and that means using my independence, my free-will to choose to trust Him with it all.
Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Psalm 62:8
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.
She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
This blog is a little bit different for me. Usually you get my thoughts, things God has revealed to me, or a book review. But today I am going to extend an invitation to you. An invitation to engage in a year long walk with Jesus, through the gospels, one day at a time. I started ‘Walking with Jesus’ myself at the start of this year. Already it has blessed me, encouraged me, and drawn me closer to Jesus.
My friend Rachel Yarworth, who is a writer, writing coach and lover of Jesus, has done something unique, and brave, and made it available for everyone, you included. I am going to leave it to Rachel to explain more:
Rachel, can you tell us what ‘Walking with Jesus’ actually is?
‘Walking with Jesus’ is a project based on Substack, where we follow a Bible-reading plan that goes through the four Gospels over the course of a year, taking time to hear God speaking to us through His Word, and getting to know Jesus better through what He said and did. Unlike many Bible-reading plans, a key element is the community chat room where all are invited to share what God has said, for mutual encouragement and growth.
Who is it for?
Really, it’s for anyone, from people who are just interested in getting to know Jesus, to people who have been Christians for many years, and are maybe looking to get back to the beautiful basics of faith as Jesus taught.
Why Substack and not a devotional book?
I did initially consider making it into a book, as that is what I am used to, but a wise and lovely publisher friend prayed into it and introduced me to Substack, saying she felt it would be a better fit – not least because putting the year’s readings in one book would make it very large and the printing costs too expensive for people to easily buy copies. As soon as I looked at Substack I felt God was saying this was His plan, that we could make freely available to everyone (though He did also lead me to the paid option, which challenged me, but I trust Him so obeyed). It also fulfilled the call I felt to make it interactive, and community based. Books are quite a distant, one-way relationship between the author and their reader, but I wanted something more open for discussion, where I can be available to help if readers have questions, and we can journey together. The busy community chat has already become my favourite part of this project, and I hope it keeps growing.
Where did the idea or inspiration for ‘Walking with Jesus’ come from?
Toward the end of 2024 I had been through several years in a kind of wilderness where many of the things I thought I knew about faith had been stripped away, including any confidence I once had in being able to receive God’s leading. I was overwhelmed by the amount of ‘noise’ (opinions, teachings, prophetic-sounding words etc) coming from Christian circles, that exacerbated the confusion of the season I had just been through. So although I knew God was with me still, I felt in need of a kind of spiritual detox, rebuilding my faith on the only reliable foundation of Jesus Christ: Who He is and what He said – hence the pull to the Gospels. At the same time I felt my attention drawn to the practice called “Lectio Divina” – a gentle way of reading the Bible slowly while listening to God’s voice speaking personally through it. I felt those two things formed an invitation from God to build deeper relationship with Him through 2025.
‘Walking with Jesus’ seems to have two focusses – the slow meditative exploration of scripture, and personally listening for God’s voice. Can you explain what ‘Lectio Divina’ is?
I can’t claim to be an expert, but when it kept crossing my path to the point where I felt God was prompting me to look at it, I did some reading around, and learned that it is an ancient practice that translates as “Divine Reading”. It’s less about academic Bible-study – how much we can learn – and more about building relationship with God through slow, meditative and prayerful reading of small passages of Scripture. Listening to God speaking to us personally through His Word. It usually involves several steps of quieting ourselves, and consciously coming to God’s presence; reading the given passage slowly, often more than once; reflecting on what we have read, and praying into anything that challenges us from it.
How do we learn to hear God’s voice for ourselves?
We need to remember that God does not speak audibly through our ears, but internally, Spirit to spirit. It can take repeated practice to learn to distinguish His voice from all the other ‘voices’ inside us (eg the voices of our upbringing – good and bad, of the culture around us, of temptation, of those closest to us), and sometimes people give up because they don’t “hear” anything. But often it’s a case of practicing and not giving up. Initially we might receive only vague impressions or single words that seem to stand out, but the longer we practice ‘listening’ and writing down whatever we think might be from God to test it later, the more familiar we become with recognising His voice.
What are your hopes for ‘Walking with Jesus’?
I really hope that it helps every subscriber to get to know God better – that they grow in confidence in hearing His voice, and find the beauty of a personal relationship with Him that goes deeper than they had experienced before.
How do people find ‘Walking with Jesus’ and subscribe?
There are two subscription options – the free one gives access to the reading plan with weekly (every Saturday) encouraging posts and links to the community chat room. The paid version (£3.50pcm) offers the same, but the posts are every day (except Sundays). Subscriber links as well as more information here.
(or use the QR code…)
What comes next, when this year finishes?
In terms of ‘Walking with Jesus’, I’m trying not to look beyond 2026 right now, as I want to be fully present for the community of subscribers. I’ve told God I’m open to repeating the same plan with a new group in 2027, or doing further readings with the same people, or whatever He asks – He just hasn’t said yet, and I’m fine with that. In terms of wider writing, I do have a fiction book in progress that I am hoping will come out later this year, and I have several freelance writing/ editing jobs already scheduled for the start of this year.
Rachel, for those who don’t know you, can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
I live with my husband and three sons in North Worcestershire. When not home educating my youngest son through GCSEs, or helping others with their writing, I write books, blogs, and anything that will help people get to know God better. My first book – a memoir – Friend of God: The miraculous life of an ordinary person was published in 2022, and aims to gently encourage anyone to a closer relationship with Jesus, whatever their starting point. My most recent book – a devotional – Finding Jesus in the Wilderness (published 2024) was written during my own wilderness years, with the aim of helping readers navigate their own wilderness seasons and discover the treasure that God has hidden for them there. It was shortlisted for ACW’s Book of the Year in 2025, which was a huge honour. Rachel’s website (including bookshop) can be found at rachelyarworthwriter.uk
Thank you Rachel!
Join me and a growing community of others by subscribing to ‘Walking with Jesus’ now!
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.
She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
My granddaughter is 2 and a half years old. She is growing up quickly and is developing her own little character. Sweet, gentle, caring, curious, and feisty at times. She is a delight to spend time with, a real joy – and I don’t think I am biased! She is so grown up that she has recently started to come to Nana’s house on her own, without her big brother who is now at school every day.
Play with me
What that does mean is that when she comes, everything else I was hoping to do that day will have to be put aside. ‘Play with me’ she will demand, and boldly walk away to where the toys are, expecting me to follow. It doesn’t enter her head that I might refuse to play with her. Of course I won’t! She knows that. I want to enjoy her company and if that means getting down to her level I will.
Lowering myself
And it might mean literally getting down to her level. Lowering my aging stiff body onto the carpeted floor, laying down and propping myself on an elbow, or sitting with my legs bent awkwardly beneath me. Getting low enough to engage with the lego, or the jigsaw, or the play cars, or the plastic food. I have to lower my expectations too, put aside my level of maturity and understanding, to be present with her in her imaginative games.
What use would it be to suggest a 1000-piece jigsaw, when she can only manage a 24 piece? What nonsense to suggest a complicated board game, when she can only just about play animal dominos? Those might be the things that I would prefer to do, but they are too adult for her. Becoming as a child means just that. I have to put aside my adult experience, knowledge and understanding, lower myself to be able to play her games and enjoy her company. I can teach her things as we play, but only things that are appropriate for her level of understanding.
Jesus blesses the children
I was thinking about this as I read Luke 18 : 15-17 recently. It is the passage where mothers bring their children to Jesus to be blessed and are turned away by the disciples. But Jesus won’t have it – He wants the children to come to Him. He wants to bless them and be in their company. We don’t know what He said, whether He laughed with them, played with them even. In Mark’s gospel we are told He took them in His arms and held them. (Mark 10:13-16) What a beautiful picture that is! I am sure He lowered Himself to their level somehow.
But it is what He said that resonated with me,
‘Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.’ Luke 18:16 -17 NKJV
In Matthew’s account He adds this,
‘Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’ Matt 18:4 NKJV
Becoming as a child
When I think about how I have to adjust myself in order to get down to my granddaughter’s level, what Jesus said about being a part of His kingdom makes a lot of sense to me. He doesn’t want me to be childish, that is not what ‘becoming as a child’ means. He just wants me to follow His example. He who lowered Himself from heaven’s splendour to walk our sorry world. He who was willing to come down to our level, so that He could be in our company – for eternity.
Nothing compared to Him
When it comes to His kingdom, all that I think I know, however learned I am, is nothing compared to what He knows and wants to reveal to me. He wants to spend time with me, show me more of the things that are important for me to understand. That requires me to be willing to humble myself, to lower myself, to not rely on, or be proud of my own abilities and knowledge. To even put aside all the things I think I can do for Him. He wants me to have a child- like trust, that He knows better than I do, and that I am safe with Him. He might even want to change the way I think, alter the things I thought I knew. He has much to teach me.
Do I want to be ‘great in the kingdom of heaven’? I am not sure I even know what that looks like. But I do want to be pleasing to the King. I do want to spend quality time in His company. I do want to learn His ways above my own. If that means becoming as a child for that to happen, that seems a small price to pay.
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.
She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
‘The Place of Endless Lights’ (For ages 7-12yrs, Christian Fiction, colour illustrations)
Author: Katy Hollamby
ISBN: 978-1915034526 RRP £14.99 (Paperback pp269)
THE BLURB
Aria Nightingale knows one thing for certain: she can never stop running.
Sharp-clawed tunnellers have seized her town, imprisoning everyone in a fear-filled sleep. Desperate to keep her little brother safe, Aria flees.
While her brother dreams of finding the fabled Place of Endless Lights, Aria’s not sure it exists. But when desperate events force them to accept the help of the mysterious Trailmaker and a collection of talking animals, everything Aria knows unravels. The Trailmaker promises a way out, but can he be trusted? Is there truly a place where fear loses its power?
Perfect for readers aged 8-11, The Place of Endless Lights takes readers on a beautifully illustrated, faith-inspired adventure to find courage, kindness and the lights that never go out.
THE REVIEW
You know when you have been waiting a long time with great expectancy for a book to be published? You have seen it advertised, heard it spoken about, got excited to read it for yourself? That feeling is even more pronounced when you have met the author and got to know her heart, when you have seen the beautifully evocative artwork that she produces. I couldn’t wait for Katy Hollamby’s The Place of Endless Lights to be available and I was so thrilled to get a copy as soon as it was!
Weird and wonderful
With all that excited anticipation, I was not disappointed by this book. Far from it. Written for 7-12 year olds it is an imaginary tale with lots of the weird and wonderful that small children love. Think CS Lewis, or Roald Dahl! But this is more than an exciting adventure story, it is an allegory with a deep meaning, a beautiful exploration of what it means to be trapped by fear, to run and not know where you are heading. About how the smallest glimmers of hope can speak to your heart, and about finding that place of peace and joy with the One who has all the answers. I know this book was inspired by some of the author’s own experiences and is more meaningful as a result.
Vivid and compelling
The text is beautifully written, the descriptions vivid and compelling, the characters believable. Added to that are the illustrations. They are stunning. I purchased a pre-order copy with colour illustrations, and I am so glad I did! The story draws you in as you journey with the group of travellers (children and talking animals) as they try escape the encroaching darkness threatening them, as they meet the mysterious Trailmaker and learn to trust him. I loved the gentle portrayal of the Trailmaker – it was definitely Holy Spirit inspired. I won’t give away any spoilers, but there is a happy ending, a beautiful, satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion that I found deeply moving. Although I for one hope this isn’t the end – Katy definitely needs to write more!
A beautiful book for children
I do really hope this book does well. If you have small children in your life, or even if you don’t, I think you should buy it. I can’t recommend it highly enough. If they enjoyed the Narnia stories, they will love this.
You can get a copy of The Place of Endless Lights direct from Katy’s publisher, and this is the only place you can get a copy with the coloured illustrations
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.
She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
Wilderness seasons come to us all: those spiritually dry and difficult times when God feels far away and the temptation to quit is everywhere. But it’s not all bad. There are treasures hidden among the difficulties that God has brought you here to find. This book offers companionship to those who find themselves in a wilderness season – a hand to hold and a voice to encourage you to keep going. There is hope here after all. Also suitable as a Lenten devotional, where reading a reflection every day will help you to identify with Jesus’ own journey through the wilderness.
MY REVIEW
One of the really thrilling things about being in a community with like-minded Christian writers is that you get to be involved with seeing some incredible books be produced and released into the world. I was so privileged to be able to read an early version of this book when it was still in manuscript form, and it blew me away. I was so excited by it, that I wanted to endorse it, which I did, and recommend it to everyone and anyone.
Have you ever been in a spiritual wilderness season? Perhaps you are in one now? Have you ever wondered why you are there? Or where God is in all of it? Or if you will ever come out the other side?
I think most of us can associate with those thoughts and questions. Loss, long term illness, broken relationships; there are a myriad reasons why we can find ourselves struggling to connect with God. Seasons where we feel lonely, misunderstood, weary and dry.
Written from the Wilderness
This special book was written from the wilderness place; Rachel knows all about it. This isn’t an ‘I got through the other side and now I can see everything clearly’ book, it is real and raw about how it feels to be in that season. Yet it also brims over with hope.
Every chapter is full of truth and treasure, based soundly on the written word of God, and also incorporating some personal Holy Spirit inspired words of encouragement. Written as a 40- day devotional, each day tackles a different aspect of the wilderness experience. Rachel has chosen to alternate these so that alongside every perceived difficulty there is a chapter of hope. So although the wilderness might be a place of desperation, loneliness and fear, is can also be a place of romance, connection and preparation.
Get yourself a copy!
I love this book! Can you tell? It is perfect for Lent, but equally as good at any other time. I am currently reading through it a second time and it is helping me immensely. God is speaking deep words of encouragement to my soul as I face my own challenging season.
I cannot recommend Finding Jesus in the Wilderness highly enough. Go get yourself a copy – buy two and give one away! I truly believe this is going to be a life-changing book for many.
Finding Jesus in the Wilderness is available direct from Rachel at www.rachelyarworthwriter.uk, through Amazon in paperback and eBook form, and wherever good Christian books are sold.
If you want to go even deeper with this book, Rachel has also produced a helpful companion Prayer Journal, also available via her website.
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‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.
‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024by Broad Place Publishing.
More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
At the beginning of last month we had a fabulous family day out. So full of joy! We took the children and the grandchildren and visited a stunning country estate, with lush green lawns, hidden gardens, views of mountains and water, and a house full of fascinating history. The sun shone, the ice-creams were delicious, and we all enjoyed it very much. The day after I struggled to move from my bed.
That is the nature of the chronic condition I live with. I can do some of the things that I want to do, I can push myself to live a ‘normal’ life, I can spend a whole day out with my family and walk far more than I usually do. But there is always payback. This time around the payback lasted for some days, and it was painful – both physically and emotionally.
That’s life
I took my frustrations out on God, as I always do. He is big enough to take it! And as always He spoke comfort and wisdom to my soul. He reminded me that life is actually about joy and pain. The two co-exist in tension, and will do until we all enter that place where pain will be no more and our joy inexpressible. Would I have chosen not to go out for that family day if I had known what the after effects would be? No! I would not have missed it for the world. We celebrated one another and created some really special memories that day. The pain was worth it.
Was the pain worth it?
We are fast approaching Christmas (sorry to mention it!). We will be remembering the story of a frightened young girl enduring unimaginable emotional and physical pain as she carried and gave birth to the Son of God. I wonder if Mary thought all the pain worth it? The shunning by her neighbours, the distrust from her betrothed, the looks and snide comments, the exhausting journey to a distant town, the filthy damp stable where she had to give birth. I think she did think it was worth it. For the joy of being chosen to bear the Messiah, the joy of holding her Saviour in her arms, the joy of understanding that this was all so much greater than her momentary suffering.
Jesus
And then of cause there is Jesus,
‘who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,’ Hebrews 12:2 NKJV
None of us can ever fully understand the pain that Jesus endured. Horrendous physical pain of course, but then there was the heart pain of separation, the weight of sin and all it’s consequences, the betrayal, the mocking. But this verse tells us that it was for the joy to come that He endured it all. The joy of knowing me, and you, and millions of others who would find their life in Him. We were the joy He looked forward to as He submitted himself to the cross.
There is always joy
Not all pain has a reason that we can see. God knows and He sees the bigger picture. Perhaps our pain will produce something fruitful and eternal? And we have this hope – there might be pain, but there is always joy. Jesus came to turn it all around.
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, …. to comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV
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‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.
‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel is coming soon! Due for publication November 2024
More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
God often uses my experiences with my grandchildren to speak to me, but today it is dogs that have inspired me to write. I am a dog lover, and a bit of a softie, so when asked to dog-sit for friends, I agreed. There was a little trepidation as we already have a small dog, a little Jack Russell cross, who is sweet, but can also be terrier feisty at times.
Our dog is used to living with other dogs – the home she came from has a multitude – but this was going to be the first time in her short life (she is 15 months old) that she has shared our home with another dog. We made the introductions a few weeks ago and all seemed to go well. It has in fact been a relatively smooth transition for both of them since the visitor moved in yesterday. There have been no problems with feeding, sleeping, or behaviour – generally.
Dogs on Guard
This morning I was chuckling watching them. They are both exhausted from much racing around the house and garden, but for a time neither of them would lie down and relax completely. It was almost as if they weren’t sure who was supposed to be ‘on guard’, and who should be the one barking at random potential threats. They have taken it in turns to sit in the window and bark or growl, inevitably setting each other off. I found myself just wishing they would both just give in – lie down and give me some peace! They don’t need to guard the house because I am here. There is no threat.
Potential Threats
As I was thinking about this, I felt God speak into my heart. There are a lot of uncertainties in my life at the moment. Potential threats, worries about what might be. Those uncertainties are affecting several areas of my life, and they aren’t small things. I guess many of us have them. I know of many friends who feel the same struggles – walking the path of the unknown. It is tempting to be ‘on guard’ in those seasons. To take too much time to think, and worry, and try to prepare, when we don’t even know what we are preparing for!
Will You Just Rest?
This is what I heard God whisper to me today, as I watched those two little dogs taking turns in ‘guarding’ the house.
Will you just rest, child? You don’t have to keep looking for trouble! You don’t have to be on guard. You don’t have to worry about what will be, about what might happen. There is grace enough. I Am here. The pack leader is here. I can protect you, I can keep you safe, I will provide. You can leave the worry to Me.
Learn from those pups. You provide all that they need, and they look to you. They do not need to protect and guard the house, because you are there, you can see and understand more than they do – what is a threat and what really isn’t! So it is with Me. Let Me take the load, let Me be all you need, let Me carry you, let Me be the guard at your gateposts. Put your trust in Me, I am your place of rest.
Lie Down and Rest
As I write this I now have two small dogs asleep on my feet. They have given up. I am not sure for how long, but I am enjoying the peace. I wonder if sometimes God looks down and wishes we would just give up being what we don’t need to be! That we would just lie down and rest.
I also read Psalm 103 today. What a glorious declaration of what God has done for us, and will continue to do for us! He has blessed us without limit already and He will continue to bless us. To hold us, provide for us, and do what we can’t do. He knows us intimately, He knows what is coming, and how to get us through it. He is all that I need, He has all that I need. Help Me Lord to leave the guarding to You, to lie down and take my rest in You.
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‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.
‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel is coming soon! Due for publication November 2024
More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
