Lessons from life Archives

Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Lessons from life, The Word of God

WHEN BEING TIRED IS NOT AN EXCUSE

May 21, 2026May 29, 2026 joymargetts

Is being tired an excuse?

We regularly have our grandchildren over. One day a week we pick them up from school, keep them through dinner time, bath them, and then take them back to be put to bed at home. We love it, however exhausting it can be. They seem to enjoy spending that time at our house, with us, too.

Last week they (aged 5 and 3 years) weren’t playing together very nicely. Both of them, at some point, were less than well behaved. There were tears. In exasperation I asked, ‘Why are you both being so naughty today?’

The reply, from the 5-year-old, was swift.

‘Because we are both tired.’

Inwardly I smiled, as I thought about how quickly children pick up on what adults say about them, or to them. He wasn’t wrong. They were both tired after a day of school. We know that when they are tired, they are less able to regulate their emotions, or their behaviour.

My reply, however, has stayed with me since.

‘Well, Nanna is tired, and she isn’t being naughty!’

Image shows two small children sitting in an old aircraft cabin, smiling at photo taker.

When I am tired…

Later, having had time to think about it, I realised that in fact I too can be less than well behaved when I am tired. It is when I am tired that I don’t react well, say things that are unthinking, or just plain unkind. Usually to the ones I love most. When I am tired, I am more likely to look for comfort in things that don’t actually do me any good. I might watch something on the TV, or read something online, that is escapist, but not helpful. When I am tired, I forget how much I have to be grateful for, and focus on the negatives in my life. When I am tired… I make excuses for myself.

I was talking to God about this because I don’t like it. I don’t like letting myself down, or letting Him down, or letting others down, even when I am tired. I am not a perfect person by any means, but I do know the difference between right and wrong, and usually I can make good choices. I also know that He is doing a sanctifying work in me. He is good at pointing out things that need to change in my character and giving me the grace to repent and do better. I want to be the person He is making me to be, even when I am tired!

An explanation but not an excuse…

What He showed me is that being tired is not actually an acceptable excuse for saying or doing things that hurt others or myself. It wasn’t an excuse for my grandchildren. It was an explanation. The two things are different. Being tired might explain why behaviour is not optimal, but it isn’t an excuse. At least it shouldn’t be.

My grandchildren also know the difference between right and wrong. They are perceptive enough to know when their behaviour is not great. Usually, they are good at doing and saying the right things, but they are still young. They still have much to learn about what can be excused, due to tiredness or any other stressors, and what cannot be. We can make allowances for their immaturity.

I am a lot more mature than they. In years anyway! I have had a lifetime of walking with Jesus, and He has done some beautiful work in refining my character over the years. I know what His standards are, as set out in His Word, and I try to live by them, with His help. Yet still I can slip up, particularly when overtired or stressed.

There is still work to be done…

I heard Him whisper to my soul.

Beloved, I know your struggles and your disappointment with yourself. I know how tiredness can affect you, and I understand. I just ask you to be aware of this, of how you can slip back into unhealthy ways, when you are tired. Not to use tiredness as an excuse, but see it for what it is, a weakening of your defences, an opening for the flesh or the enemy to creep in.

I love you, just as you still love your grandchildren, even when they don’t behave as well as you know they can. You can see their bad behaviour and understand the reasons for it. You see them as needing to grow and develop in their awareness of what is and isn’t acceptable. I am not done with you, my child. When tiredness causes you to slip up, that is revealing the areas of your heart where there is still some refining work to be done. Don’t become disheartened, just bring those things to Me and we can work on them together.

Image shows a white cloud in the shape of a heart, on a blue sky background. Text reads 'Above all else. guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4: 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. She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian blog, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Lessons from life, The Word of God

WHAT ARE YOU SAYING? (the power of words)

April 21, 2026May 20, 2026 joymargetts

What are you saying?

Do you ever get the feeling God is trying to tell you something? Perhaps you only really get it when He uses several different sources to say the same thing? I guess when He does speak this way, then you really need to take notice, and respond appropriately.

My grandson’s ‘naughty’ words

My grandson is almost 5, and being at school every day he has picked up some unwelcome habits. One of these is to take great pleasure in using ‘naughty’ words. Now I am not talking expletives here, more ‘toilet humour’ – a fascination with certain body parts and functions. Funny more than shocking, to him particularly. And generally used for effect – most noticeably to get our attention, or wind us up.

Sitting at the dinner table last week he suddenly started saying such words, on repeat. I admonished him gently, as did his grandfather – we know his parents are trying to discourage the behaviour. He persisted – so I went into bargaining mode. If he wanted an icecream after he had eaten his pasta, he needed to stop using words that weren’t nice. He reacted to that by placing his hands over his mouth, his eyes grinning.

‘It’s hard not to say it,’ he said, through his fingers

‘Why not try saying something nice instead? I replied. ‘Like ‘thank you for my dinner, Nana’, or ‘I love you Nana’’?

He proceeded to say both, really sweetly and genuinely. It was a precious moment – especially when he continued to tell his grandad that he loved him too, and his sister – a bit more reluctantly. Hearing those words from his lips was just lovely.

Photo of a young boy exploring a full size model of an aeroplane

Be careful what you say

A few days before this, we were visited by some dear friends, both of whom hear God and love to share what He is saying. Whilst praying with us before they left, one of them looked at me pointedly and said, ‘I think that God is telling you to be careful what you say over yourself.’

I pondered on this. I do have a tendency to speak negatively about myself, especially because I live with a long-term debilitating health condition. It is all too easy to label myself; ‘I am always tired’. Or to complain about my limitations; ‘I hate that I can’t…’ Unfortunately, I do also have a tendency to talk about my circumstances in a negative way, or even about other people who have made my life difficult.

I knew God had a point. I resolved to do better.

God takes what we say seriously

And then today I read from Matthew’s gospel, chapter 12 v 33 -37. Jesus’ words struck me again – what we say is really important – what we let come out of our mouths comes from the overflow of what is in our hearts. That is a sobering thought.

‘For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks’ v 34

‘A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things’ v35

Jesus also warns about idle, careless, fruitless words in these verses. He takes what we say very seriously.

What we say reflects what is in our heart. So, when I label myself, complain or moan – is that how I really feel? Does that reflect a lack of faith in God’s ability to heal and help me, to provide for me, to give good things? Is that the position of my heart or am I just not thinking about what I am saying in the moment? Worth thinking about.

What we say has power

‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue’ Prov 18:21 tells us.

I know that our words have power.

God’s word spoke creation into being. His Living Word (Jesus) brought salvation into the world. With a word Jesus could still a storm, heal, bring the dead back to life. We are made in His image, and temples of His Spirit, and what we say can change things – for good or bad.

Image shows a woman holding both hands over her mouth

What am I saying?

God repeating His message to me has reminded me that what I say can affect things. It can affect my own faith, it can affect the faith of others, it can even invite the enemy in.

‘Why not say something nice?’

What a difference it would make if I chose to always speak life over myself and my circumstances. Or speak encouragement, truth, love into the lives of others.

Perhaps there are times when I just need to stop speaking, put my hands over my mouth, and whisper through my fingers, ‘It is hard, God.’

I think He knows.

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

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

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Lessons from life, The Word of God

GOD CAN HANDLE OUR QUESTIONS WHY

March 22, 2026March 21, 2026 joymargetts

My eldest grandson comes to play at Nanna’s house with his younger sister at least once a week. They love coming. They love the toys, the snacks, our garden, and our company. This last week they came as usual, but things were a bit different. Having injured my back and being still in recovery mode, I was not as active as I usually am. I couldn’t get down on the floor to play or join in kicking the ball in the garden. I was cautious and careful and less present. Our boy must have picked up on this. As the time came for last cuddles before we took them home, he came bounding over, and as he usually does, proceeded to try and climb up onto my lap. That was too much for my poor aching body, and I gently repositioned him to sit beside me on the sofa instead.

‘Oh Nana,’ he said with exasperation. ‘Why do you have to be so old?’

Frustration

Now I could have taken offense. I am in fact the youngest of all four of his grandparents – by some way! But in that moment, I did actually feel old. The pain in my back and legs has left me hobbling and exhausted, acting older. He wasn’t wrong.

I could have been angry at his disrespect. I dare say if his parents had been there a rebuke would have followed. But instead, I smiled, laughing to myself. He wasn’t being rude; he was just as frustrated as I was that we couldn’t have our usual cuddle and voiced it in a way that made sense to him.

I don’t think he was expecting me to answer either.

As I drew him closer and tucked a cosy blanket around him, he leaned into me as we watched a favourite video together. I knew he wasn’t really upset with me, just with the circumstances. He still loved me and knew that I loved him.

Photo of two small children sitting on a rug in the garden with a grandparent

Asking God ‘why?’

As I have been mulling over this little incident, God has been speaking.

How many times have I asked God ‘why?’. How many times have accusations against Him popped into my mind? When things happen that I don’t like, or don’t understand. When He doesn’t seem to be answering my prayers, or responding in the way I want Him to? Even in the last few weeks where the back pain has limited what I can do, made me feel really low, gone on longer than I hoped. When people have been praying for my healing, and it hasn’t seemed to have made any difference. There have been times when the temptation to blurt out my exasperation at God has found voice.

Psalm 22

I love the Psalms, because the Psalmist is so human. So many times we hear him ask questions of God and be honest about his feelings. This last week I read Psalm 22 again. It is well known to be the Psalm that foretells much of Christ’s suffering on the cross. Jesus quoted from it as He hung in agony,

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?

The Psalm talks of intense human pain, but it is not all negative. In fact, the verses describing suffering are interspersed with ‘buts’ as the Psalmist reminds us, and himself, of the character and faithfulness of God.

But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
Our fathers trusted in You;

But You are He who took Me out of the womb;

From My mother’s womb
You have been My God.

And it ends with a celebration of answered prayer,

For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden His face from Him;
But when He cried to Him, He heard.

Image of a Bible open to the book of Psalms

God can handle it

Now I would not dare to compare my back pain to the suffering that Christ endured, but I do take comfort from His Word. I have endured tougher times than this before and I have questioned God. But my testimony has been that He is faithful, He does answer prayer, He does deliver and heal, He can be trusted.

So, if in a moment of exasperation, I want to cry out ‘Why, God?’, it is OK. God can handle it. He won’t take offense. He might gently chide me but not in anger. He won’t punish me by pulling away. Instead, He pulls me closer and holds me tighter. He whispers words of understanding and love. He reminds me of His goodness, His faithfulness, the hope I have in His promises. He asks me again to trust Him, and I find my peace restored when I make the choice to do so. When I put down having to know the reasons why, and just lean into His love.

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Grief, Healing, Jesus, Lessons from life

EXPLORING INDEPENDENCE

March 7, 2026March 6, 2026 joymargetts

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.

Image shows a small boy wearing overalls and a woolly hat. He is grinning.

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

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Lessons from life, The Word of God

THE ONE WHO COMFORTS BEST

February 20, 2026February 19, 2026 joymargetts

Our grandchildren are amazing, and being able to spend time caring for them is a real honour. My littlest grandchild is only 8 months old and only very recently has his mum started leaving him with us. He is an easy-going little chap, and we are loving getting to know him and his foibles. He is eating solids now, and loves his food – often, if tears threaten, giving him something to ‘gum’ on will rapidly divert him. He does nap too – especially in the pram. He can be quite content with us for an hour or two, especially if his big sister and brother are around. But when mummy walks back into the room, everything changes. He sees her and his little face crumples. He wants to be held by her and nothing and no -one else will do.

Like a weaned child

I was meditating on this. While we could care for our grandson’s needs, bring him a measure of comfort, keep him entertained, we could never replace the love and trust that exists between him and his mother. The one who he has looked to, to meet his needs for all of his short life. The one who nurtured him in her womb and has carried and protected him since.

It made me think of that verse in the psalms,

‘Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me.’ Psalm 131:2 NKJV

The picture is of a small child who has been well cared for. Fed and provided for by one who loves them unconditionally. In the context, the Psalmist is talking about trusting God and not being worried about things too troubling or profound for us.

Image shows a young woman holding a small child

Finding comfort

I hope it is OK to imagine myself as a child being held by God. Sitting in the lap of a Heavenly Father who loves me and knows me better than anyone else does. Knowing that when I am with Him, I am safe, protected and all my needs are met.

When we are going through difficult times, we look for comfort. During a recent bout of illness, I found comfort in watching Netflix, snuggled under a blanket on my sofa! We can find comfort in food, in hobbies, in nature. Sometimes we reach out to a loved one, or friend, and they prove to be kind and loving, wise and comforting. God has surrounded us with things that bless us, good things many of them.

The One who comforts best

I have come to lean, through all the tough things that I have gone through, that however good those comforting things or people are, there comes a point when only one place of comfort will do. There will come a moment where I will be driven back to the greatest place of comfort and security. I go back to God, back to my Father, and I lean into His embrace and I listen for His words of reassurance. I know I can trust Him fully to know just the right things to say and do to bring me back to a place of peace and contentment. To comfort and quieten my soul.

I wonder is His the face you long to see above all others? His the embrace you want to lose yourself in? His the voice that will quieten all your cries? I hope that you have found Him to be the God of all comfort. He has loved you and known you since before you were born. He has lavished you with good things, fed you and protected you. He is the place of safety, and will prove Himself faithful.

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Devotional thought, Grief, Lessons from life

QUESTIONS GOD WON’T ANSWER

March 28, 2025March 28, 2025 joymargetts

I am currently living through one of the most difficult seasons of my life. Grief, loss and uncertainty are my constant companions. I am saying goodbye to dear loved ones, and experiencing the loss of other things that have given my life stability and certainty for many years. I have questions. Lots of them. The ‘why’s?’ The ‘why now’s?’ The ‘when’s?’ and the ‘what will it look like?’ And the big one, ‘what will my life look like when all this has passed?’

A child’s question

Those of you who read my blog regularly know that my grandchildren teach me so much. My nearly 4 year old grandson has lots of questions. He wants to know ‘why?’ an awful lot. He needs to know exactly where he is going, who will be there, what we will be doing, and for how long! A few days after my dear father went home to be with Jesus, my grandson was visiting his great nanna’s home with us. He got his toys out as usual, sat eating his usual snacks, and then suddenly realised something was different. ‘Where is great granddad?’ he asked.

Now as the grief bubbled up to the surface at his innocent question, it would have been easy to change the subject, ignore his question, lie even. But that wouldn’t have been the right or healthy response. His question was valid and needed an honest answer, however hard that was for us. He deserved to have his question answered, even if it made him sad too.

Limited understanding

He is not yet four, with limited understanding of life’s pain, and with a soft and innocent child’s heart. He had just noticed that there was someone missing, who had always been there. Sitting in a chair in the corner, with a ready smile and warm hug. Did he need to know all the details of how my father had died? Did he need to know about the trauma surrounding his unexpected passing? Of course not. We told him that great grandad got very old and tired and went to be with Jesus. We had to explain, in response to more questions, that yes he was going to be staying there, that he was really happy to be with Jesus in heaven, and that, yes, we were sure he had a really comfortable bed to sleep in there.

A ‘need to know’ basis

His parents chose not to bring our grandson to the funeral because he did not need to know what cremation was, to see the coffin containing dad’s earthly remains, or have the role of the funeral director explained to him. He did not have to see us all in tears. He did come to dad’s Thanksgiving Service and he loved it – the joy and hope and love was palpable. He got to be with family he loved and played with some of his great grandad’s ‘toys’ (military models that my dad collected and painted) as what he called ‘the show’ went on around him.

Photo of a young boy watching a butterfly displaying its coloured wings on a wooden railing.

Questions God won’t answer… for my good

God spoke to me really clearly through this. I may not be a nearly four year old, but to him I am His beloved child. I have questions, and sometimes wish I had all the answers, but God knows that I cannot cope with knowing all that He knows. He knows that would hurt and harm me. He loves me too much to not expose my already fragile heart to more that it can take. He always acts to protect His own.

His ways are higher than mine, His understanding infinite, whilst mine is finite. Yet there are certain things He does want me to hear and know. Like the reminder of the promises written in His word, the reminder of His constant presence and provision, the reminder of His unending love for me.

God whispers His answer

I know there will be a time when all my many questions are answered, or perhaps when I will no longer need answers. When I see Him face to face and nothing else matters any more.

My questions are valid, and God does not brush them off. Instead, He whispers to my heart,

I know, beloved, and I have you. You need to trust me, that I have all of this, and that I am with You. I see your pain, I hear your heart cry, and it moves me deeply. Please know that every promise I have made over you and your life, are yes and amen. This season will end, as surely as spring follows winter. I give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

All your questions are answered in Me.

Image of a deserted shingle beach with blue sky above and the words of Isaiah 61:3

‘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. ‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023 and her latest 40 day devotional, ‘Because of the Cross‘ was published 7 February 2025

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

christian fiction, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Kingdom books, Lessons from life, The Word of God

‘ER AR OO?’

November 28, 2024November 24, 2024 joymargetts

A couple of weeks ago we had the joy of going away for a few days with the children and grandchildren. All weekend the son-on-law was quipping about things he was doing, or we were discussing, ending up in my blog. He was right, but this one isn’t about him. I’m not sure if he will be pleased or disappointed about that! His time will come. My family are a source of endless inspiration for my blog it seems.

Photo of a small boy and small girl sitting on the fender of an old railway engine

No Escape

Being with two small people 24 hours a day is great fun but also exhausting. It was tiring enough when we were fit young parents. Now that we are not so fit and not so young, it is doubly exhausting. And there is no escape. We had forgotten that. No room is off limits to inquisitive toddlers – not our bedroom at 7 am in the morning, or the bathroom it seems.

‘Er ar oo?’

‘Nana, ‘er ar oo?’ the little one called from behind the locked bathroom door. ‘I’m here!’ I replied, hastening to finish what I had gone in there to do. There was a pause of quite a few seconds, in which I though she had given up and gone away. In fact she had gone for reinforcements – her brother – and then there was a crash of toy diggers against the door, and the repeated refrain, a little louder this time. ‘Nana, ‘er ar oo?’ .

‘I’m here’, I said, also a little louder, and resigned myself to the fact that I had been discovered in my temporary hiding place. I paused before opening the door – it was necessary, to save everyone embarrassment – and in the moments it took for me to make myself relatively decent, the voice came once more, and even more insistently. ‘NANA, ‘ER AR OO?’

Just behind the door

I love my grandchildren with a fierce intensity. I love that they want to be with me, and that a closed door is no barrier when they decide to find me. We will remember that sweet little question for a long time. It made my heart swell to hear it. I wondered afterwards if she asked the question repeatedly because she couldn’t hear my reply through the locked door. Or was she just making sure that she had my attention – making sure I knew she was there and looking for me? Wanting me to come out and love on her … and play toys.

Where are You God?’

I wonder if there are times when you go to our Heavenly Father, and call out to Him. Repeatedly perhaps. Have you ever felt that there is a locked shut door between you and Him? Or perhaps you have been listening out for His answer and not hearing it? I have experienced that. When life gets tough sometimes we become more aware of God’s presence and peace. But sometimes in those difficult times, it actually feels like He has hidden Himself away. We knock and knock, but He doesn’t seem to be listening.

I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

The Stranger

My latest book, The Stranger, was inspired by a time in my life where I felt I had lost contact with the God who had always been there for me. I couldn’t feel His presence, I couldn’t hear His voice. There seemed to be a barrier between us, and it was awful. Despair came calling and the temptation to abandon all that I have ever believed in was very real. Where are You, God? I called. Why aren’t you stopping this pain? Why have you left me here in this pit? Do You even care?

Just behind the door

I wrote The Stranger because I want to spread hope. The central character, Silas, goes on the same journey as I did all those years ago. God might have seemed silent and distant at the time, but I think now that He was answering my cries and I just couldn’t hear Him. Or wouldn’t hear Him. There was a huge solid wall between us. One that I had built. A seemingly closed door made up of accusation, fear, doubt, disappointment, anger and grief. When I stopped banging and yelling. When I repented for the case I had built against Him, then gently the door began to open. I began to hear Him again. First through the words of loving friends, then through the truth of His Word, and finally in the depths of my being – that still small voice that I long remembered and held dear.

I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matt 28:20

He had never abandoned me. He was just the other side of the door calling out, ‘I’m here, beloved, I’m here’.

If you would like to read Silas’ story in The Stranger, you can now buy a copy where all good books are sold, in the UK and the US. Or via my website at www.joymargetts.com.

‘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 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

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

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, christmas, Devotional thought, Jesus, Lessons from life

JOY AND PAIN

November 7, 2024November 6, 2024 joymargetts

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.

Photo of a family with three adults and two small children walking down a gravel path between grass and trees

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.

Photo of a stately home with grass and trees in front of it, water and mountains behind and a blue sky above.

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

‘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

Christian faith, Christian Writer, Lessons from life, The Word of God

LEARNING TO TRUST

July 15, 2023July 14, 2023 joymargetts

It is well over a month since I last posted a blog. I have been busy and in a good way. In the last month I have organised and co-hosted a very successful Christian Writer’s Retreat, and finished two book manuscripts, both of which will be published this autumn. But the last week has been dominated by just one thing. Well, one puppy, to be exact.

Image of a small puppy, white with black facial markings, sitting on a small plaid blanket

Puppy Supervision

Those of you who have followed my blog know that we had a dog called Monty, who was a unique character, and was my companion for the last few years when I was stuck at home by myself for a great deal of time. We lost Monty in January, and we weren’t sure if, and when we would replace him. We actually got to appreciate the freedom of not having a dog to tie us down. But then we met out neighbour’s litter of puppies. And we fell in doggy love.

Image of a small puppy asleep in itd bed

Effie came home to live with us a week ago. She is not Monty. She is a Jack Russell cross, as he was, but she is dainty and sweet, and generally well behaved! So far! She has brought much love and laughter into the house. But her needs have meant I have had little time for much else but puppy supervision. Except for when she is sleeping, as she is now…

Learning

We are trying to train Effie. She is responding fairly well. She has intelligence, but is also beginning to display some terrier attitude. The really lovely thing is that, even after just a week, she has attached herself to us, and to me in particular. She follows me about, and loves cuddles, and comes to me when she is unsure of new things or people. She knows I will feed her, and settles down to sleep when I tell her it is time. It made me think about how God deals with us.

Loved

Now of course we are not dogs. We are His beloved children ( I John 3:1) and those whom He delights in (Psalm 147:11, Zephaniah 3:17). I delight in Effie, even when she misses the training mat, or chews the corner of a book. So God doesn’t change the way He feels about us dependent on how well behaved we are. His love for us is unconditional.

Like I want the puppy to learn what is good for her and what is not, so does God want us to learn. He has given us His Word, and His Spirit to help us. Like I do with Effie, God sometimes has to step in with a ‘No’. He moves to direct us away from unacceptable behaviours that can lead us into trouble. We know what it feels like to feel the check of His Spirit convicting us. God also lovingly provides all that we need – food, rest, safety, the feeling of being accepted and loved.

A Love that can be trusted

Image shows the front cover of a book, entitled The Bride: will love's power turn betrayal into belonging? The picture is of a medieval couple holding hands, surrounded by a floral design.

Some of these themes are explored in one of the books I am having published this autumn. The Bride is all about how God loves unconditionally. And how that love has the power to transform lives and heal hearts. I write fiction, but I write out of my own experience of God. I have come to understand that I have a Father who loves me unconditionally, but who wants the best for me. I know that He is the Lover of my soul, my place of safety and the one I have learned to trust.

Just as a certain little dog is learning to trust me.

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 www.joymargetts.com

Bible, Christian Writer, Faith, Grief, Lessons from life, Seasons of life, Thankfulness, The Word of God

FILLING IN THE CRACKS

July 9, 2022July 8, 2022 joymargetts

We have been renovating the house for over a year now. Bit by bit, we are completing rooms: when time, energy and finances allow. We have recently finished (almost) our lounge. We were particularly pleased with the rich teal blue paint we painted the walls with. It is a soothing calming colour, warm and yet bright, and frames the sea views beyond our windows wonderfully.

Image shows steps leading downed into lawned garden with field beyond, and blue sea and sky in the distance.

Damp patches

Teal Blue paint above window showing damp patch

Living by the sea is amazing, but it also means our house is at the mercy of the wind and rain. The price we pay for our stunning views is crumbling, cracked rendering on the front wall of our house. After a recent rain storm we realised the weather had permeated the render, and damp patches had formed in the newly painted window reveals. It was deeply frustrating to say the least.

So last weekend my husband took to the cracked render and used a thick gloopy substance to fill in the visible cracks in the render. Is this the perfect solution to our damp problem? No of course not. If we had the money we would have the whole of the front of the house re-rendered – banishing the old cracked render to the skip. But it is just not possible at the moment. We have to wait for the complete solution. But in the meantime, filling in the cracks will (hopefully) prevent further damp damage to the inside of the house.

Filling in the cracks

Outside view of top of window with cracks in the render above

Filling in, or ‘plastering over’ the cracks has negative connotations. We use the term to describe concealing surface problems rather than dealing with the root issues. But when the only solution to the root problem is in God’s hands and timing, there are times when filling in the cracks is all we can do. And it can really help to protect and prevent further damage.

Life is full of cracks. As a family we have experienced our fair share. Life happens. Things come against us that damage us and threaten us and leave us vulnerable, and crying out to God. I am a believer in miracles. I have seen God do so many and I have experienced them myself. But sometimes the truth is that we have to wait for our complete solution. Sometimes the healing isn’t immediate, the broken heart isn’t quickly mended, the breakthrough not obviously apparent.

Strengthening Ourselves

just like our complete re-render will solve our water ingress problem long term, in the same way I believe God the Redeemer will make all things beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). He has promised to work all things out for our good (Romans 8:28), and to finish what He has started (Philippians 1:6). Those are things we can anchor our hope in. In the meantime… we can actually do our bit to fill in the cracks.

We can use things that strengthen ourselves in the Lord. A thankful heart. Worship, even when it is difficult. Reading and trusting His Word. Praying, and pouring our heart out to Him. Loving others well. Being obedient to His ways. Declaring His truth and promises over our cracked situations. All these are really effective in protecting ourselves spiritually and emotionally. And effective in preventing further heart damage. I for one, just now, am grateful for these tools He has put in our hands.

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, will be published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022

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