by Susan Barnes | 29 May 2023 | Short Devotion
“To this they replied, ‘You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!’ And they threw him out.” John 9:34 After Jesus heals a man blind from birth on the Sabbath, the Jewish authorities investigate but they won’t accept the plain evidence in front of...
by Susan Barnes | 15 Jul 2022 | Book Reviews
As I have reflected on the issues Bessel raises, these are a few brief thoughts that I found helpful in dealing with past trauma: – Find activities where you feel safe and can completely relax. – Listen to your body, particularly if you feel muscle tension...
by Susan Barnes | 8 Jul 2022 | Book Reviews
The Body Keeps the Score : mind, brain and body in the transformation of trauma is a thought-provoking book about the ongoing effects of trauma. The book is written by Bessel van der Kolk who has spent 30 years researching, studying and speaking with people who have...
by Susan Barnes | 3 Aug 2021 | Poetry
The river’s life begins as merest drips meanders round the rocks, the stones, the grit. She grows in size, in strength, in confidence until unwelcome nudges grope and press. She hides, she seeps unnoticed, underground away from leering trees and lying weeds she...
by Susan Barnes | 18 Aug 2019 | Short Devotion
Read more of my short devotions on this blog or on Pinterest. This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:17 Jesus healed many, but not all, throughout his earthly...
by Susan Barnes | 17 Feb 2019 | Short Devotion
Read more of my short devotions on this blog or on Pinterest. “At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.” Mark 7:35 The deaf man didn’t hear Jesus’ prayer. He waited in silence, until he sensed a change and found he...