Storm lessons on air and in print

Today's Health and Wellbeing section of the Guernsey Press featured my book Through the Storms; a manual for when life hurts. In addition, tomorrow morning, Friday 28th February, at 11am I will be on the JKT chat show on BBC Radio Guernsey to talk about the book. I don't like the self-promotion that goes along with all this publicity but I do want my book to be in the hands of people who need it.

As I recorded another interview this afternoon with a UK station I found myself almost overwhelmed with gratitude that I am still alive and able to share my story. The interviewer was from a part of the UK that has been inundated with flood waters during recent stormy weather and once again I felt for the dear folk affected. Storms are no respecter of status, education or ability, but strike all of us at times we are probably least expecting. Certainly that was my experience, and I just hope that this book, now fully published, will give hope, encouragement and comfort to many.

Once again, you can order it here online at Amazon.co.uk where you can get the paperback or Kindle versions. Alternatively, try your local bookstore. In Jersey there are some at Waterstones in St Helier, and in Guernsey at the Lexicon bookshop. If you want a signed copy then email me at throughthestorms750@gmail.com and I will gladly send you one.

When Streets Become Rivers

Raging floods have hit Britain this week and more rain is threatened. Storm Dennis has moved away but in its place torrential rain has saturated soil and swollen rivers beyond tolerance. An Environment Agency boss, David Throup, who manages the area of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, tweeted that the River Wye has hit levels not seen in 110 years. According to the BBC, the Agency has said that there is still a "heightened flood risk" in the Midlands with five severe warnings - meaning there is a danger to life - still in place near the Welsh border around the rivers Lugg, Severn and Wye.

Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes in the worst-affected areas, which include south Wales, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. You can only imagine the distress and sadness of the people whose lives are affected, and whose homes are inundated with mud, flood water and sewage. Suddenly, the issue of climate change becomes less of a theory and more of a daily reality.

Life's storms are very real. In a moment, what was chugging along nicely can be turned on its head. Where once were security and familiar circumstances there can come uncertainty and chaos, bringing with them fear and apprehension on a grand scale. For me it was the sudden onslaught of devastating chronic ill health. Along with it came a flood of problems like - how will we pay our rent? Who will provide food for our family? Will I even survive?

Thank God that we don't have to face life's storms alone. God says 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.' (Isaiah 43:2). The storms of life can be endured and overcome when we know the active, manifest presence of Almighty God with us. That's why I am thrilled to have published this week my latest book 'Through the Storms; a manual for when life hurts'. If you are going through devastating storms right now, or you know someone who is, get a copy of this book for yourself or to give to them. Click here to order one in paperback or Kindle format. Or you can email me to obtain a signed copy at throughthestorms750@gmail.com

Don't wait till the waters rise or the floods come. Remember the motto of the Scouts movement; 'Be Prepared!'

When storms just keep coming!

Like the famous red London buses, storms go missing for a while, and then they come one after the other! Last weekend we shuddered under the onslaught of Storm Ciara, then yesterday I took the photo here during what I understand was Storm Inez and now we are expecting to be rocked by Storm Dennis! Thank God for sea defences is all I can say!

Sadly, though, for many around the UK, especially in places like Pately Bridge in Yorkshire, flood defences were overwhelmed. Homes and businesses have been flooded, and not for the first time. My heart goes out to those dear folk who have suffered this all before, and probably can't move because of the record of flooding in their area.

But, there can be no argument with the warning that comes from the old motto of the Scout movement. 'Be Prepared!'. Our nearby island of Jersey is thinking about the possibility of spending over 200 million pounds on beefing up their sea defences by 2050.

Jesus told of the need for builders to erect their homes on foundations of rock, not sand, because when the storm comes they will not be washed away. Elsewhere the Bible says 'that rock was Christ!'. Certainly, my own experience through the storms of the last couple of decades has been that knowing Jesus and his love and power have kept me in the most appalling circumstances. If you would like to receive a copy of my latest book Through the Storms then email me at throughthestorms750@gmail.com or click here to pre-order online.

Preparing for Stormy Weather

We are bracing ourselves for Storm Ciara expected in the Channel this weekend. When storms hit, it is best to be ready. Sea defences are a vital part of the infrastructure near my home on the West Coast of Guernsey. Here, we are exposed to the huge swells that roll in from the Atlantic, driven by powerful westerly gales. If combined with a high tide, this can produce flooding and causes huge seas to crash over the sea-walls.

Being ready means you don’t wait until the storm comes before you prepare. Life has plenty of storms to throw at us. In my case, 22 years of agony with frequent hospitalisations and surgeries. In the aftermath of my physical storm I now wrestle with mental ones – as waves of PTSD hurl themselves against my defences. Your scenario will be different, but even if all is calm just now, getting ready is still wise.

My book, Through the Storms; a manual for when life hurts, is written as part of personal storm defences. It doesn’t presume that things are rough for you just now, but offers insight, advice and encouragement for when they are. It also gives you a resource in your hands to offer others as they battle with the elements.

Contact me on the form below, or email me at throughthestorms750@gmail.com to order your own signed copy today. £8.99 plus £1.75 p&p in the UK. Or, you can pre-order the book at Amazon by clicking here https://amzn.to/2SfwRSO.

As a good scout would say, 'Be prepared!'.