Catrina Benham's Blog

Sitting in my kitchen/conservatory eating my porridge this morning, I looked around and what did I see?   Dog hairs on the sofa, chipped paint on the walls, long cobwebs hanging off the light, a messy garden through the dirty windows, mud splatters on the walls where wet dogs have shaken themselves dry, and the list goes on. I found myself thinking of the 15 women who'd been in my kitchen last Saturday, realising that they must have noticed all this dirt and mess too. Within 3 minutes (by the end of my porridge!) I was grumbling, worrying what people thought of me and feeling discontent THEN I remembered my preach from a short two weeks ago which (surprise surprise) was all about discontent and grumbling....and about changing perspective, giving thanks and "learning the secret of being content". THEN I remembered: - the evening this week when a friend and I had our hair done in this same space - and we laughed and chatted and shared the real things that ar

We're excited to announce that Sheffield-based Christian singer-songwriter Philippa Hanna will be joining us at REAL in June! So, something a bit different this year - the session after lunch on Saturday will feature Phillippa singing her inspirational music, coupled with telling us her faith story - she is a lovely "real" performer, really friendly and normal! You'll love her easy storytelling style, and of course, her great music. Just another great reason to get your ticket and invite your friends to REAL ! To find out more - perhaps also start listening to her songs - check out these links: Philippa Hanna talks here about her 'Folky fairytale' of an album. Here she is, singing I Am Amazing Check out Philippa's music, videos and events at www.philippahanna.com  

Don't Grumble! Paul says he has "learned the secret of being content". So how do we also learn to be content, when, like the Israelites in the wilderness, we are often inclined to grumble? Grumbling : to complain quietly; to mutter in discontent "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13 “ Joy is always a function of gratitude – and gratitude is always a function of perspective. If we are going to change our lives, what we’re going to have to change is the way we see.” Ann Voskamp What's the recipe for contentment? Change our perspective, L ook for the good and give thanks. It was great to chat, pray, ea