Rejoice greatly and shout for joy!
‘“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy” (Isaiah 35:1). Spending an afternoon in the garden with my grandchildren brought unexpected joy. As we worked, my grandson discovered tiny snails and shared them with his sister, who excitedly named them and took them home. Amidst the simple beauty of spring’s arrival, my heart rejoiced. Spring symbolises hope and new beginnings. Just as crocus shoots break through the soil, God renews our weary hearts. Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds us that He is always doing a new thing, making a way in the wilderness. Jesus, too, experienced a wilderness season, yet He overcame temptation, fulfilling His mission. We face trials, but we are never without God’s grace. His mercies are new every morning. As we step into each day, let us rejoice in the promise of resurrection and renewal.’
Surprised by God’s ‘blackmail’ to stop smoking
Aubrey writes: ‘Moving into a new home was chaotic - boxes everywhere, toddlers running around, and a landlady waiting for rent. I knew I had stashed my cash somewhere safe, but no matter how much I searched, I couldn’t find it. Frustrated, I stepped into the bathroom and prayed, 'God, help me find that money.' Suddenly, a strong thought came to mind: If you quit smoking, you’ll find that money. I was stunned - this wasn’t what I had prayed for! I stormed out, refusing to obey, but after more fruitless searching, I knew I had no choice. Angrily, I went back, sat down, and declared, 'All right! I’ll quit smoking! Now where is that money?' But the voice pressed further: ‘How will I know you are serious?’ Reluctantly, I found all my cigarettes, soaked them in water, and threw them away. Still frustrated, I walked to my jewelry box and, for the umpteenth time, opened it. This time, I lifted the top section - and there was my wad of cash, right where I had placed it! God had spoken, and I couldn’t ignore Him. From that moment on, I never smoked another cigarette - I didn’t dare.’
Key changes to benefits in welfare shake-up
The Government has announced major welfare reforms aimed at cutting costs and encouraging work. The changes include stricter eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), reduced incapacity benefits, and new work incentives. From November 2026, PIP eligibility criteria will tighten, making it harder to qualify for support with daily living tasks. However, those with severe, lifelong conditions will no longer face reassessments. Incapacity benefits under Universal Credit will freeze at £97 per week from April 2025 and drop to £50 per week for new claimants in 2026. Young people under 22 will lose access to incapacity benefit top-ups, with funds redirected to training programs. To ease fears about job loss, those trying work will not face automatic reassessments. The government is investing £1bn to help disabled people and those with long-term conditions to enter the workforce. See
49 years jail for family murder and shooting plot
Nicholas Prosper, 19, has been sentenced to 49 years in prison for murdering his mother and two siblings and planning Britain’s deadliest school shooting. The former school dropout meticulously planned a massacre at his old primary school, intending to kill thirty children and teachers. On 13 September 2024, Prosper shot and stabbed his family before heading towards the school. His plot was thwarted when police in a passing car noticed him acting suspiciously and arrested him. The court heard that he was obsessed with mass murder, child abuse, and online gore content, idolising past school shooters. He forged a gun licence to buy a shotgun and ammunition, using a loophole in UK firearms law. The government has now pledged to tighten gun laws in response. Prosper showed no remorse, expressing regret only that he had not killed more. The judge ruled that he might never be eligible for release.
