In the current issue of Day by Day with God
Find out more about Day by Day with God May to August 2013:
The Editor writes
Inviting writers to contribute to Day by Day with God is an immense privilege. Contributors come from different backgrounds; their ages and circumstances vary, but each one is invited to contribute out of her living, daily relationship with God.
As Commissioning Editor I am given insights into the situations some face as they come to write the notes. Sometimes there is a request for an extended deadline as life throws up an unexpected event - perhaps illness or bereavement affecting a member of the family. The joyful events like special holidays, a new baby or family weddings are normally planned well in advance, so contributors don't accept writing assignments that clash with them.
It takes around a year for the editing, printing and distribution process of Day by Day with God to be completed. Then, when the notes are used, a few readers write to say how the contributions have touched their lives. Often, the notes written under the most difficult circumstances touch lives in a special way. A contributor who is holding on fast to God for herself is often the one who has the most treasure to pass on to others.
This set of notes is no exception. Contributors have been facing a range of different circumstances as they have written their sets of notes. Some share what they have been going through, so that you can learn from the lessons they have learned. Others are not able to share so openly, but they have gained special insights from God which they pass on to you as readers as they unpack the daily readings.
May to August is a period when many readers are able to take time off, away from normal routines. Summer brings a different pace to life and this set of notes includes two contributions that invite us to take a break or rest, so that God can refresh us. Only God knows what the future holds; he has plans to do good, even when situations seem bad. We have to hold our plans lightly as life doesn't always turn out as we plan. But we can make plans to take time out with God, day by day, and also for special times to listen more closely to what he has to say.
We like to hear how you use the notes, whether you use them alone or in a group, and how God speaks to you through them. Do write or send an email to BRF!
In this issue:
The test of time
Catherine Butcher
1-11 May
Sharing faith
Fiona Barnard
12-25 May
Praying as Jesus prayed
Margaret Killingray
26 May-8 June
Wisdom for women in Proverbs
Lucinda van der Hart
9-22 June
Hosea 23
Amy Boucher Pye
June-6 July
Meeting God in the dark times
Heather Coupland
7-20 July
Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs
Sue Rinaldi
21 July-3 August
Vision quests and journey markers
Caroline Kimber
4-17 August
Rest
Wendy Bray
18-31 August
About the contributors in this issue:
Fiona Barnard is a TEFL teacher and staff member of Friends International. She works with international students, encouraging local Christians to reach out in friendship and witness.
Amy Boucher Pye is a writer and editor living in North London. She is writing her first book, tentatively entitled Beloved Am I. An American by birth, she delights in all things British, especially her husband and children.
Wendy Bray was, until recently, a full-time writer and speaker. However, for the time being, most of her writing is in essay form, as she is currently an ordinand in training for Anglican ministry. Wendy is married to Richard and has two adult children.
Catherine Butcher has edited Day by Day with God since 2003. She loves using words to help Christians grow spiritually and put faith into practice. She and her husband Adrian have two teenage children and live in Sussex.
Heather Coupland loves working alongside her husband, who is a vicar in Kingston-upon-Thames. Her passions are mums-and-toddlers groups, ministry to women, going on retreat and spending time with her daughter.
Lucinda van der Hart is a journalist and mum to two toddlers. She has written The Pregnancy Book: Spiritual and emotional survival for first-time parents (IVP, 2010), and a year-long devotional for mothers with babies, Soul Food for Mums (IVP, 2011). Lucinda runs a support group for mums in her church.
Margaret Killingray is a part-time member of the faculty at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. She is married to a retired history professor and they have eight grandchildren.
Caroline Kimber lives in Eastbourne and shares the home of a friend and a cat called Finn. She attends a community church and is part of the prayer and pastoral teams.
Sue Rinaldi travels internationally as a worship coordinator, singer/songwriter, communicator, creative consultant and trainer. A regular contributor to magazines and Bible reading notes, she has also written a book called Trend.