We’re getting there! We nearly have a new (sane) president of the US, we’re vaccinating our vulnerable at a rate of more than 2 every second (bravo NHS!) and my new Lent book, Broken Bits & Weirdness (But God Still Loves Us) is almost ready for publication (yay!) [UPDATE – published Jan 2020]
Here is a sample chapter in pre-publication state so that you can ‘try before you buy’ as they say. A clickable link to a free 12-page PDF is below.
This sample study looks at Peter and the events of Holy Week, but you could use it at any time of year. The other chapters are Naaman, David, Ruth, Jonah, Cyrus and Martha (undated, use any week), plus the second thief for Good Friday and Thomas for Easter Day.
All of the chapters have the same format and the same range of resources, so there is enough for daily devotions, or you can select the activities for weekly groups.
There is something for the sporty, arty, bookish, thoughtful, outdoorsy, toddlers, wrinklies, bored teens, busy grown-ups and anyone else I have not mentioned. The pages are large format (US letter size, approx A4) so that you can access the colouring pages and labyrinths easily. The typeface is large and clear to facilitate reading.
This is a great resource for youth groups, family devotions, sermon series, Bible study groups and Messy Church. The colouring pages are photocopiable, and if you buy the Kindle version, you will get a link to download the pages to print at home if you want.
And if you fancy something different, how about The Big Story. This best-selling Lent study book traces the whole Bible as one connected story from Genesis to Easter.
A year ago saw me in the weirdest job interview ever. I was sitting on my sofa throwing chemicals into a candle flame while pretend-talking to a class of children on zoom. (Covid makes us do strange things.)
The interview was for the Faraday Institute, Cambridge, a hub of brilliant Faith and Science resources (do go check them out, HERE for Faraday and HERE for Faraday Kids).
Sadly, I was a close second for the post, but the person leading that interview was the lovely Ruth Bancewitz, and she’s the lass behind the most gorgeous science book I’ve ever seen.
It’s called Wonders of the Living World and it plopped onto my doormat a few days ago. The subtitle is ‘Curiosity, Awe and The Meaning of Life’, which encapsulates the tone of this book perfectly.
It has chapters featuring highly-qualified scientists in various spheres (interesting bios at the back), all of whom have a strong personal Christian faith. And, despite the common trope, they (as I) find no contradiction between faith and Zoology, faith and Theoretical Physics, faith and Paleobiology.
Each chapter takes us on a journey exploring the unimaginably complex jungles of our cells, the Map of Life, living ecosystems, the total weirdness of water etc. The scientists are top of their fields, but we don’t need to be emeritus professors of whatsit to understand them. Like knowledgeable safari guides, they lead us along, pointing out the interesting animals to see along the way to collective “Oooh”s and “Ahhhhh”s.
But best of all are the pictures! Of course there are charming photos of daddy seahorses cuddling their babies, of course there are penguins – how can any book about the natural world not have penguins? But capturing my eye on every page are the huge hand-painted illustrations by Danny Allison. Here are some for your to feast your peepers on.
Ain’t they gorgeous?
Have you ever seen a science book SO DARNED PRETTY?
This is my new favourite book.
Perfect for yourself, great as a pressy. Give this to your sceptical friend who says, “Well, I don’t believe in God because I’m a scientist.” Give it to your church friend who says, “Well, I don’t believe in science because I’m a Christian.” (Seriously, I’ve heard that. It was at a Bible study group and the three of us sat opposite her on the sofa just looked at each other. Between us we had five science degrees.)
Published by Lion and available in hardback, paperback and kindle from Amazon, Eden (hardback only) and your favourite bookstore. (If they haven’t got it, ask them to order it in.)
Funny story: The day the books arrived (last Sat) I was due to be giving a little spiel at my local writer’s group. I was going to mention the new book, but was not expecting my author copies for a week or so.
Wanting something to show them, I spent the half-hour before the meeting printing out the front and back covers on my inkjet and then carefully glueing them together and folding them around a similar-sized book.
The result looked a bit naff on printer paper instead of nice glossy card, but I reckoned it would pass muster over Zoom.
Of course, the doorbell rang about half-an-hour into the meeting and I scuttled back to my screen clutching a reassuringly weighty box.
I had the cram my excitement down and listen politely to the speaker (very good, BTW, I’ll be featuring some of this books here shortly) until coffee-break time.
Then I grabbed my teenaged daughter and made a quick-and-dirty unboxing video (see below) during the break and had shiny, new copies ready for my show-and-tell. Phew!
Available in Paperback and Kindle from Amazon worldwide, and from Barnes & Noble etc and your favourite bricks-and-mortar store.
This is the third and final round up of Advent devotionals, this time focussing lovely books just for you.
The book suggestions come from a post on The Hope Filled Family by my friend and fellow ACW (Association of Christian Writers) member, Lucy Rycroft. She goes into much more detail than I have space for here, so I recommend that you pop over to her blog for more information on these books and many others. All are by ACW members.
Naturally, I’m going to mention my chart-topping Advent book first, Walking to Bethlehem, now re-issued by a new publisher, with updated insides. The new version will be available from Amazon shortly and from your local bricks-and-mortar store shortly after that.
But just before we get to the recommendations, exciting news! My latest book, ‘So You’ve Finished Writing, Now What?’ is out TODAY! (Paperback and Kindle) Here’s the obligatory blurb:
You’ve finished the writing – brilliant! Well done. Now you have to get your words out there, into the sweaty mitts* of your readers. But how?
Best-selling non-fiction author, Fay guides you with humour and helpful insight through the maze of the editing process and out into the wonderful world of publishing.
Whether you write books, articles, poems or self-help guides to frog wrestling, there are ways for you to get your words out there. So what are you waiting for, the credits?
Perfect for new authors, aspiring authors and anyone who has ever pressed ‘send’ and then spotted the typo. Which is all of us.
Fay writes popular and academic non-fiction, both indie and traditionally published. This is her seventh solo-authored book, many topping their respective charts. She has been involved in book and magazine production since the 1980s and has taught layout and editing courses.
* Eeew!
You can see me being all excited about getting my author copies on thos post – Whoop!
What must it have been like to be Mary, from her teenage encounter with an angel, to the awesomeness of realizing her crucified son is alive again?
Using a fictionalised ‘Dear Diary’ style excerpt from Mary’s diary, this takes a new look at the traditional story. Each day features a Bible passage, a devotional and a prayer, plus a quick note from Mary at the end.
The Advent Creative Retreat Activity book is the newest of a series of Retreat books written and illustrated by Mary & Mark Fleeson. It’s an A6 20-page book with readings, prayers and activities split into sections to help you take time out with God.
This book from the takes us through Advent with Hope, Prepare, Joy, Love and Life with prompts to write or draw your responses. Perfect for adult, teens or older children, this is part activity book, part devotion.
So many of us are overwhelmed with life and struggling with many things – illness, grief, mental health issues – and long to take time over Advent to reflect, but find that we only have capacity for something bite-sized.
This book is designed for those who are finding life tough and who need to be uplifted by hope, with one page per day for easy access. Each day you will find a short piece of poetry, a Bible passage, a short reflection and a prayer.
‘Christmas: God’s Promise Kept’ explains, in simple terms, the story of the Old Testament and how it points to Jesus. Each day focusses on an Old Testament prophecy and its fulfilment in Jesus’ birth, life, death or resurrection.
Linking the Old Testament to its fulfilment in Jesus, this book helps us to see the Christmas story in the way that the original characters would have seen it. Short, easy-to-read, and perfect for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the Jewish background of Christmas.
Penelope Wilcock invites you to listen in on twenty-five conversations she’s had with Jesus about the Christian journey and the meaning of Advent. Get ready to be surprised and challenged, as you hear Jesus’ own take on the original Christmas and what it means for our world twenty centuries later.
These imagined conversations with Jesus are beautifully written and captivating. Each day starts with a scripture reading from Old or New Testament and links this with our daily lives in a creative and powerful way. This is not a traditional Advent devotion, there are no ‘discussion questions’ or commentaries, but it is a lovely way to reset our tired minds this Advent.
64 devotions (Celtic Advent, November 15th to Epiphany, January 6th)
A collection of reflections, personal stories and warm humour, this is a compilation from 33 different authors, whose styles and points of view make a refreshing selection box to take your from mid-November to early January.
Starting with creation in Genesis and ending with the new creation in Revelation, this book takes you through the whole Christmas story with Bible studies aimed at adults and older teens. Perfect for those who want to link the traditional Christmas story to the rest of the Bible.
“Advent is a time to remember and reflect on the Christmas story and the baby at its heart. But the virgin birth, the manger, the mysterious eastern visitors and their portentous gifts – all these hint at a much grander narrative. Come and explore the whole Christmas story, and find your place within it.”
Affiliate links take you to Amazon where anything you buy helps to support the free resources I give away on The Reflectionary. No information about you is passed in either direction and the price you pay is the same. Many are also available from your local Christian bookstore or from Eden.
This is the second round up of Advent devotionals, this time focussing families, children and all-age.
The books come from a post on The Hope Filled Family by my friend and fellow ACW (Association of Christian Writers) member, Lucy Rycroft. She goes into much more detail than I have space for here, so I recommend that you pop over to her blog for more information on these books and many others. All are by ACW members.
Naturally, I’m going to mention my chart-topping Advent book first, and I have exciting news! Walking to Bethlehem is about to re-issued by a new publisher, with updated insides (and typos corrected; my apologies!). The new version will be available from Amazon shortly and from your local bricks-and-mortar store shortly after that.
Affiliate links below take you to Amazon where anything you buy helps to support these free resources. No information about you is passed in either direction and the price you pay is the same. Many are also available from your local Christian bookstore or from Eden.
But just before we get to the recommendations, have you ever thought about writing yourself?
Perhaps you have a half-finished story lurking at the bottom of your hard disk, or an idea for some Advent devotions, or a collection of poems that is bursting out of its notebooks.
If so, I suggest two things:
First, why not join the Association of Christian Writers? They’re a welcoming, friendly bunch, with local groups meeting in person and on Zoom. I have found their helpful advice and encouragement a true joy.
Secondly (and no apologies for the plug), why not get my newest book: So You’ve Finished Writing. Now What? It’s available as Kindle pre-order right now, and paperback on Nov 1st. You can buy from Amazon or from your local bricks and mortar store. Ask them to order it if it’s not on their shelves.
Here’s the obligatory blurb:
You’ve finished the writing – brilliant! Well done. Now you have to get your words out there, into the sweaty mitts* of your readers. But how?
Best-selling non-fiction author, Fay guides you with humour and helpful insight through the maze of the editing process and out into the wonderful world of publishing.
Whether you write books, articles, poems or self-help guides to frog wrestling, there are ways for you to get your words out there. So what are you waiting for, the credits?
Perfect for new authors, aspiring authors and anyone who has ever pressed ‘send’ and then spotted the typo. Which is all of us.
Fay writes popular and academic non-fiction, both indie and traditionally published. This is her seventh solo-authored book, many topping their respective charts. She has been involved in book and magazine production since the 1980s and has taught layout and editing courses.
Each day has a very short Bible passage and imaginative reflection, plus a plethora of optional extras including photocopiable colouring (not just for children), labyrinths, Bible paperchains and Christmas family traditions.
by David Sims (Author), Becky Rawlins and Hope Gwilliam (Illustrator)
Large-format paperback
New out this year and perfect for every sort of family, including those with additional needs.
This A4 illustrated book has plenty of space for writing or drawing your own responses to the Bible passages, and is full of creative ways to all the family with the Christmas story.
You may run screaming at the thought, but Advent Sunday is less than 4 weeks away. Now is the time to think about what you’d like to read in the run up the the World’s Biggest Birthday Party.
In this first post, I have a bunch of Advent devotionals suitable for small groups, so that you have time to choose one for your Bible study or youth group. Next time I will have titles aimed at families, children and all-age, and after, for individuals.
The book suggestions below come from a post on The Hope Filled Family by my friend and fellow ACW (Association of Christian Writers) member, Lucy Rycroft. She goes into much more detail than I have space for here, so I recommend that you pop over to her blog for more information on these books. All the books are by ACW members.
Naturally, I’m going to mention my chart-topping Advent book as well. It’s not aimed at groups, but you wouldn’t expect me to miss it out, would you?
Affiliate links take you to Amazon where anything you buy helps to support these free resources. No information about you is passed in either direction and the price you pay is the same. Many book are also available from your local Christian or secular bookstore or from Eden.
Each day has a very short Bible passage and imaginative reflection, plus a plethora of optional extras including photocopiable colouring (not just for children), labyrinths, Bible paperchains and Christmas family traditions.
Based on the four candles of the Advent wreath, these short devotions come in four groups of six. You could use them every day of December as personal devotions, or each group for a weekly Bible study. This is a good introductory book for those new to the faith
This beautiful hardcover Advent book by a father-daughter duo is a lovely way to connect with the Christmas story through art.
Each day has a colour painting and a reflection based on Scripture readings, plus a prayer. There are questions at the back if you are using this book with small groups.
Looking at the different ways that people meet God throughout the Bible, this book takes you from Advent to Epiphany through different artefacts. Perfect for daily devotions or for small groups using the questions and groups materials at the end of the book.
Starting from the busyness and bustle of our modern Christmas, Lucy leads our thoughts to ‘The Reason for the Season’. With gentle humour and homely wisdom, suitable for both individuals and small groups, and extra resources available from the author.
A brand new book based on the four songs of the Nativity by Zechariah, Mary, the angels and Simeon, this is perfect for an Advent Bible study group. It includes ideas for icebreakers, worship and interactive responses, so you can choose whatever suits your group.
A selection of studies based on people who had to wait: Sarah, Isaiah, John the Baptist and Mary. You can choose appropriate chapters for Advent, and perhaps finish the book in the New Year.
Not following the Nativity story, this is an alternative to other Advent studies, and excellent way to explore the human story of those who waited for the birth of Jesus.
To comfort you in your distress, here is a lovely Christmas resource for you. It’s a book by fellow of the ACW (Association of Christian Writers) member, Howard Webber.
Howard is a retired Salvation Army minister and his new book, Gift Beyond Measure, is a treasury of original poems for Christmas.
Published October 1st, 2021, it is available as paperback and Kindle from Amazon, Eden & other bookshops, and from the author himself.
In the preface, Howard explains how the book came about.
“Having been unable to find Christmas cards that convey a clear message of what Christmas is about, I commenced writing pieces of poetry each year for the cards that I then created. Through the years many recipients commented that I ought to publish them together in a book.”
Many poems focus on the mystery of God in our world, contrasting the majesty of heaven with the dust and dirt of the manger. There are down to earth and accessible, relating the timeless story to our lives in the busyness and bustle of the season.
There are poems from different points of view, including a school nativity play, Joseph’s reaction to Mary, and the Lamb of God become shepherd.
Several poems remind us that the child born at Christmas is the Lord who would die at Easter.
A slim 83 pages, and enhanced with thoughtful calligraphic illustrations, you could use these as Advent reflections, read one out in a service (contact the author for permission) or give the book as a gift.
Here are a couple of my favourites.
If Only
I wish I’d known what I know now, I could have known it then. For I was there when he was born, I lived in Bethlehem.
I’d heard of an unmarried girl, Arriving nine months gone, And how there was no room for her To have her little one.
I’d heard she had a little boy, and laid him in a trough. I wish now that I’d offered help, I’d heard they weren’t well off.
But like so many in that town, I kept myself away Except to moan about the noise When shepherds came one day.
If only I had realised Who lay there in that shed, I would have opened up my home And given him my bed.
(c) 2021 Howard Webber. Reproduced with permission.
The School Nativity
Boys in dressing gowns surrounded the manger; Dolly wrapped in tea towel in the straw; Girls with plastic wings Picks her nose and loudly sings As a wise man drops his myrrh upon the floor.
The village crowd into this school performance; Parents smile whist teachers start to flap, as Mary fails to say Lines she’s practiced every day, and her brother shouts, to prompt her, from the back.
We find these school nativities amusing, The things they do, the way they get things wrong. yet what we fail to see Is the script for you and me That’s been waiting our attention for so long.
So when your splitting slide are sore with laughter, Recovering, while they sing Silent Night, Remember, in the hay Lies the one who wrote the play, Who is waiting, still, for us to get it right!
Another Wednesday, another morning spent fixing tech.
For reasons unknown to mortal man (certainly to this mortal woman) the database behind the previous incarnation of this website turned up its toes and died.
So here I am, rewriting. Again.
Fear not, faithful reader, all the content will return. It just might take a while.
To comfort you in your distress, here is a lovely Christmas resource for you. It’s a book by fellow of the ACW (Association of Christian Writers) member, Howard Webber.
Fay Rowland - Author 