A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11
I’m a creative type, so when I encountered Jesus for the first time, I picked up a pen and started journaling everything that I was feeling, learning and discovering. That’s how ‘apples of gold’ was born, as a place to talk about Jesus, faith and life. When I first read the words from Proverbs 25:11 they really spoke to me, as so often we use our words to wound and hurt, to criticise and tear down, rather than to encourage, build up or pour out love. I wanted my writing to be words that would bring life to those who read them and using that proverb as a focus, helps to remind me always to put Jesus at the centre of my writing.
All that nice soppy stuff said, I’ve got to be honest, I fail at that daily. I get ranty, cross, wound up and that often comes out in my blog. Someone once told me that the Greek word for ‘frustration’ is the same as the word meaning ‘vision’ (though I’ve got to be honest I have never found any evidence of that!) so who knows, maybe frustration is a good thing, feeding my passion and drive? I should probably say that what I write here is purely personal, it doesn’t represent my church, nor the Church of England.
And that personal perspective comes from the life I am surrounded by – I’m a 40 something Vicar in the Church of England, wife and mum of 3, based in Mid Sussex. Although I spend a lot of time inside the church, I’m also passionate about encouraging people to get outside the walls of our church buildings, to share God’s love amongst our communities.
I do love to chat, so feel free to comment, it’s always good to discuss other people’s views so do join the conversation here or on social media.You can find me there on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram .
Just a little thing, and a bit dull, but feel I should say… I am a creative type so I do value the stuff I put together, whether it’s in words, photos or pictures, however I also recognise that it’s all God-given. So I’d love it if you want to share anything I’ve written/created/photographed/drawn, but I’d really appreciate it if you drop me a line and ask first. Thanks.
Jules xx
13 Comments
Sue
May 27, 2015 at 3:13 pmHey, Jules, you’ve migrated to WordPress. How’s it going? Sue
Jules
May 27, 2015 at 3:41 pmHi Sue, yes all good so far, getting my head around the differences but loving the functionality! x
Jonathan Petersen
October 19, 2015 at 7:54 pmI’m writing to invite your blog to join the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²). If you’d like details, please email me. Thanks.
Lahna Pottle
January 8, 2016 at 1:53 pmHi Jules, we’d love to talk to you about an exciting opportunity coming up towards the end of January. Please email back for more information!
Lahna Pottle
Christian Aid Week Fundraising Officer
Elizabeth Neep
January 14, 2016 at 12:18 pmHi Jules,
Here at SPCK Publishing we love your blog! It would be great to be able to send you news about our forthcoming titles from time to time. Please do drop me an email if this is something you would be interested in.
Thanks and best,
Elizabeth Neep
Publicity Executive
SPCK Publishing
Jules
January 14, 2016 at 12:33 pmah, thanks Elizabeth 🙂
will email you
thanks
Jules
Jane Wheeldon
June 27, 2016 at 7:53 amI’ve just taken the first steps on my journey and have also just found your blog so am looking forward to following it. I too am a mum of 3 in my forties
Jules
July 1, 2016 at 2:05 pmThat’s great Jane, hope the journey goes well. Do let me know if I can help or advise with anything.
Jules
Helmut Egesa Wagabi
October 10, 2016 at 4:52 amThis is actually the best way of getting out the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. Keep it up.
Rachael Salmon
July 19, 2017 at 9:35 amI’ve been dipping in and out of your blog for a bit now, and really like your style of writing. It kind of feels like the way I think!
I’ve been dipping my toes into the stream of vocational exploration (with a mind to ordination) for about ten years now. Eighteen months ago I started paddling – I went to see my DDO and had subsequent meetings with an ADDO, and the Bishop. The Bishop sent me away saying I wasn’t BAP ready yet (a relief tbh!) and to come back when I’d had some focus time. That was a year ago. So just last week I went back to the ADDO who agreed it’s time for me to venture in up to my waist. Am just waiting for a call from the Bishop’s office so I can find out if it’s time to swim in the murky waters of going to a BAP… And in the meantime I’ll keep coming back here for your brilliant writing and inspiring thoughts on being someone who loves Jesus very very much!
Jules
August 8, 2017 at 4:10 pmThanks Rachael, glad it’s been so helpful to you. Hang in there & hope all goes well for you at BAP 🙂
Clare Neves-Scott
June 14, 2018 at 3:59 pmHi Jules. I found your article on the Discernment Guide as I was trolling through the official St John’s website for vocational papers and got frustrated as I was looking for something less academic and more personal and practical and…voila, I found your guide and your blog. Thank you times a million and yes God does send the right message at the right time. I really thought I was going mad after my first meeting with my DDO. She is super lovely by the way, but I did the South African thing of kissing on the cheek with the handshake and felt that it was an inappropriate move to make. I started to wonder after she lovingly but firmly led me through what was going to happen in this year and coupled with the inappropriate greeting, I started to doubt something I was sure I had to do, I am called and will continue to believe this no matter what, so thank you for your incredible help and stunning humour.
Jules
June 14, 2018 at 8:08 pmAh Clare bless you, so glad has been helpful for you, makes it all so worth while to get comments like this! Praying the process goes well for you, hang in there! Jules