Hi everyone I thought I would upload these photos of the Northern Lights taken by my friend the other night, she lives about 30 mins from me. I had never seen them before because of the light pollution where I live but even with the light pollution, it was so vivid even I could see it. I stood in my back garden in the freezing cold and watched them for ages. In a previous post I asked how God speaks to you and I realised the other night that nature is when I feel him, he doesn't speak to me as such but I feel him and that is good enough for me. I thank him every day for the environment he has created for us. He is the ultimate artist.

Hey everyone - I owe you an explanation for why I've been quiet the past few weeks. I've been in this VERY STRANGE mental fog that's hard to put into words. It's like everything I normally do - posting, creating content, engaging - suddenly feels like I'm trying to push through a wall. The passion's still there. The desire's still there. But as far accessing it, it's been a real struggle... I've been praying through it, had others pray with me, trying to understand what exactly this is. Maybe it's spiritual. Maybe it's a mental thing. Maybe it's both?? AHonestly, I'm still working it out. But here's why I'm sharing this: I don't want you thinking I've abandoned this community or lost heart in what we're building. That couldn't be further from the truth. And if I'm being real, I'm curious if anyone else has ever experienced something like this before - where your mind and body just seem to hit pause even though your heart's still fully engaged. If you have, I'd genuinely appreciate ANY and ALL feedback of your experience and how you overcame it. In the meantime, please don't let my silence stop you from posting, encouraging each other, and keeping this community alive. That's what we're here for - to sharpen and support one another. I LOVE YOU ALL. I'm working through this. And I'm grateful you're here.

I’m sure many of you know the answer already - Jesus. But I was pondering that tonight and I was hit by the sheer magnanimity of that statement. Life is hard. Complicated. And wrought with challenge after challenge. Possibly hundreds of choices everyday, leading to infinite outcomes. That is a TERRIFYING thought without Him. (Pause and really ponder your life for a moment…) I am overwhelmed thinking about not having Jesus to follow. 😭 Think of all the people without the sure ability to follow Him without fear, knowing how good He is? How safe He is? How sure and faithful and loving and saving He is. That no matter how many times I mess up, He will always right me. 😮‍💨 Without finding fault or getting angry or condemning me. And without ever leaving me alone to fend for myself - either physically or emotionally. Life is difficult with Him. It’s impossible… doesn’t even exist truly without Him, that’s just living Hell. Anyways, I was hit with the vastness of this seemingly simple thought and wanted to share it. I also cannot imagine how many people tonight do not have that hope, and even more with all the heavy things going on right now. And we are covered in the hope and peace of Jesus that comes not from this world - but only directly from being in Him and loved by Him.

Most people think Rome persecuted early Christians because Rome hated religion. That's not really what was going on. Rome had room for religion. Rome was drowning in gods. Temples, shrines, festivals, sacrifices, household idols. The issue was not that Christians had beliefs. The issue was allegiance. Rome could tolerate private faith. What it could not tolerate for long was a public people whose highest loyalty did not belong to the state. Now, to feel why that mattered, you have to picture how Rome held the crowd together. They used a rhythm. A system. Keep people fed, and not just fed, but fed for free. Grain distributions meant survival was tied to the system. Life stayed smoother if you stayed compliant. It quieted unrest without needing soldiers on every corner. Then keep people entertained. Games, festivals, spectacle. Loud enough to drown out reflection. Then keep desire active. Always something to crave next. Status, pleasure, comfort, approval. Keep people chasing. Keep them busy. Busy people do not ask big questions. And wrap all of it in ritual so participation feels normal, not forced. Altars. Processions. Public sacrifices. Honor the emperor. Not because everyone believed deeply, but because participation was the signal. It told the empire, I belong. I'm safe. I'm one of us. That's how you manage millions. Not by persuading every individual, but by shaping the crowd. Then Christ broke the rhythm. The gospel did not just give people new opinions. It moved the center. It rewired loyalty. And once loyalty shifts, it shows up in public. It changes what you do. What you refuse. What you will not say just to keep life easy. Because Rome's religion was not just spiritual. It was an economy. Temples moved money. Festivals moved commerce. Idols had supply chains. Craftsmen made statues. Vendors sold offerings. Trade groups often had ritual meals and offerings tied to the gods, and participation could affect your reputation and your ability to work. So when Christians stopped bowing, they also stopped buying.

Hey all hope you are all doing well! I have a question as I've seen a lot of comments from Christians about times God spoke to them and I'm curious as to whether that has happened to any of you and if so, could you describe what happened and how you knew it was God speaking to you? I'm just starting a journey toward faith and let's just say the journey is meandering somewhat because I've never had a 'religious experience' that has made 100% sure that God is real for me personally. And by that I mean I do believe in a creative force far beyond my comprehension, that created the universe, but I guess I don't see God as a being or entity that hears me every time I pray or speaks to me when I most need it. So, I'm very curious as to whether this has happened for anyone and what is it that makes God so personal to you? I'm happy for anyone to DM me if you are not comfortable doing it on a public thread. Many thanks :)