All Posts, Blog, Cancer, On Writing, Suffering

Back to the Beginning: A Ministry of Hope

Do you ever cringe when you think about some of the things you used to do or say? As a writer, I look back at some of my earlier work and quietly chuckle to myself hoping no one will ever read it. I know I am my worst critic and perhaps deserve to cut myself… Continue reading Back to the Beginning: A Ministry of Hope

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Introducing Hope Mentoring

I am really excited to launch Hope Mentoring at ruthclemence.com! Life can be hectic, anxiety-inducing, and leave us feeling lonely and isolated at times. Hope Mentoring is for women who would appreciate regular mentoring as a space to talk, be listened to, and lovingly reminded of their ultimate hope in Jesus. It has been on… Continue reading Introducing Hope Mentoring

All Posts, Blog, Interviews & Guest Posts, Suffering

An Interview with Tim Challies

It was an immense privilege and joy to have the opportunity to speak with blogger, author, pastor and speaker Tim Challies. I have been reading Tim's work for many years, and have been encouraged personally in my own writing journey because of him. I am very thankful for his words and pastoral heart. In 2020,… Continue reading An Interview with Tim Challies

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Happy New… Day?! 5 Reflections for 2023

At the time of writing, we are six days into a brand new year. How is it going so far? Although I am late to the party, Happy New Year to you, dear reader. As this is embarrassingly late to qualify as a New Year post, I would still like to remind you that today… Continue reading Happy New… Day?! 5 Reflections for 2023

All Posts, Blog, Suffering

Dealing with Difficult Decembers

The countdown to Christmas Day is well underway. Shopping, services and sugar are a very typical expectation for this time of year. I saw a church advertise that it's having five different variations of Christmas Carol services with different kind of music. I honestly don't know what to say to that. On the one hand,… Continue reading Dealing with Difficult Decembers

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One Thing Is Necessary

Isn't that just one of the best lines ever? If my life was simplified to just one thing rather than the countless other things that demand my attention, what a blissful life that would be. I don't know about you, but I crave a simple, quiet life with plenty of moments to 'just be'. I… Continue reading One Thing Is Necessary

All Posts, Blog, Cancer, Suffering

Perspective in suffering

As I'm writing this, I'm recovering from Covid and have spent the day looking after my daughter who has also been unwell. Apart from having bone ache, a sore throat, a mild cough and a fever, it has not been too bad. For that, I am thankful. Yet, these illnesses that come upon our bodies… Continue reading Perspective in suffering

All Posts, Blog, Cancer, On Writing, Suffering

The Blog is Back

Welcome back to The Mustard Seed - the blog that I have been crafting since 2011. I had a break over the summer to think and pray about the next steps of my writing. Of course, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passed away during this time, so I popped back to write a reflective piece… Continue reading The Blog is Back

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A Royal Remembered: Queen Elizabeth II Promoted to Glory

Image by WikiImages from Pixabay Like many of you, I found out the deeply sad news of the death of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II on the 8th September 2022. As a writer, my immediate reaction is to process this enormous void and difficult change with words. In my heart, I feel a deep… Continue reading A Royal Remembered: Queen Elizabeth II Promoted to Glory

All Posts, Blog, Suffering

Stop. Look. Listen. Live.

Can you imagine for a moment that you are unable to see or hear anything? In order to navigate through life, you would have to trust those around you to be your eyes and ears. If you tried to do everything without any help, you would be stumbling in the dark and in danger from… Continue reading Stop. Look. Listen. Live.