Ever think about the words to some of the Christmas songs we hear this time of year? I was thinking about Silent Night recently, in particular these well-known lyrics: “Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is quiet. . .” The song goes on to describe a very pregnant Mary and the birth of […]
Author: Steph Penny
Drive Me Crazy
Two weeks ago I took my car in for an ordinary service. When I collected it at the end of the day, I started to drive away when I heard a distinct chainsaw-type sound emanating from the engine. I decided it was not yet time to leave the mechanic’s shop. The problem lay with a […]
It Takes a Village
It’s funny how people talk to you once you have a book published. Since the launch of Surviving Singledom I’ve had people approach and tell me of the book they want to write, asking for my advice. Suddenly I’m a mentor to a whole bunch of aspiring writers, even though I feel I’ve just begun […]
Close Encounters
I can’t believe it’s happened. One week ago today, I launched my new book Surviving Singledom. Amidst the fairy lights and red balloons, amidst the strumming of acoustic guitar and vocal chatter, the book was launched. It was a wonderful night in many ways. About 40 people attended in the end, a number which pleasantly […]
A Story of Self-Publishing
I was recently asked, “What prompted you to turn your story of prolonged singleness into a book?” I thought this was a good question, as many of us experience lengthy periods of singleness or “late” marriage (relative to Christian early marriage) but not many of us write books about it. The answer is that I […]
Behind the Book
I was asked recently, “What inspired you to write a book about your singleness experience?” In my somewhat descriptive answer I told of how God used a shopping trip to spark the beginning of my writing journey. Today I will share part of that story with you. Come back with me to a time 7 […]
Surviving Contentment
Recently I was asked by a young lady, “What do you say to a single person who is struggling to be content with their singleness?” I have several answers to this, but before I share how I did respond, let’s have a closer look at this challenging and complex question. We struggle with contentment. Even […]
No Fear in Death
A friend of mine died recently. He was a member of our church and sang on the worship team. I didn’t know him all that well, however I had served with him on the worship team so I knew him a little. I found out last weekend at church that he had died. We – […]
Tiptoe through the Tulips
This stunning photo was taken while on holidays recently. It was a sight to behold: dazzling colour in the midst of vast stretches of green fields. One could hardly believe that such vivid colours were possible. The air was cool but not cold. There was the slightest hint of rain, and indeed, a few drops […]
My Island Hideaway
Ps 32:7: “God’s my island hideaway, keeps danger far from the shore, throws garlands of hosannas around my neck.” (MSG) This little verse nestled in the middle of Psalm 32 gives poetic imagery of the rest that God’s children can find in Him. We often talk about resting in God and the peace of God; […]