UK Gov Wants Sunday Schools Regulated By Ofsted

If you have grown up with Christian parents who attend church weekly, Sunday School and in some cases Sabbath school may have been a major part of your life. It is the go to place to get a church based education in a child friendly space at a child friendly pace. Full of activities, singing and learning the Word. I attended Sunday School up until I was 16. By that time I was fully engrossed in main church services and Sunday school was not enough.

The UK government is targeting faith schools and have included Sunday schools. Any Church or religious organisation that offers education to children for more than six hours a week will be required to register with Ofsted. Also if someone complains about the education given by church sunday school Ofsted would have a legal right to step in and make demands of the church or religious institution. This proposal is said to be to ensure that British values are taught and to ensure no one is being radicalised. 

Christian Charities have given a join statement to oppose this move. As it would interfere with freedom of religion, privacy and family life and more. 

"The government says Ofsted will only inspect churches for 'British values' compliance if there is a complaint. However, the scope for vexatious complaints is considerable, especially in the current climate of aggressive secularism and religious illiteracy. The experience of some Christian schools is that inspectors themselves can be ignorant of or hostile to Christian beliefs and practices."

You can read the full article on the Evangelical Alliance Website.

Mary Mary Discuss Groups Future and Solo projects

Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell of gospel duo Mary Mary appeared on TBN the other day. They discussed the groups future as well as their solo projects. Tina also sang her new single Speak The Word from her debut solo album It's Personal.

Throwback Thursdays | Sounds of Blackness

The Sounds of Blackness had the world jamming and singing to inspirational and gospel melodies as far back as the late 60s. They were fully established as a group in their own right under the leadership of Gary Hines. Their 1st album was released in 1991 called "Optimistic".  Notable singles was the title track Optimistic and Testify.

The collective of singers and musicians went onto feature on movie soundtracks and release more albums in their own right. They have released music since 1991 and their last studio album was released in 2011.

I have their album "The Collective" which is full of their classic hits and album favourites over the years. There is something about their song Spirit feat Craig Mack. Also "I believe" with the lead sung by Ann Nesby. I can listen to these on repeat. They really do encourage you and uplift your spirits all while reminding you to keep the faith.

To read more about their achievements around the world take a look at their website Sounds of Blackness You will also find up to date news on where they are performing and new music offerings.

What is your favourite song(s) from Sounds of Blackness?

Reversing Unforgiveness

I have previously discussed the "Divine power of forgiveness " a few years ago. It is one of those things that we as humans whether Christian or not grapple with.  So what do you do if you have been dealing with unforgiveness?

Here is a snippet from an article by Dr Wyatt Fisher who is a Christian Psychologist:

Unforgiveness hinders prayers and true intimacy. Think about it. If we gather hurt upon hurt and never let any of it go, the walls we build don't come down easily. The only way to connect with others is to be open and vulnerable. And being vulnerable means processing our pain and forgiving the people who hurt us. Yet, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Some hurts are so deep they feel like they will never go away. 

Because of the way romantic relationships work, unforgiveness blocks blessings. Apologies left unsaid and pain left unhealed can totally destroy the fellowship we have often spent months or years developing. Soon we find ourselves running away from one another instead of confiding, hoping other people will provide that safe place we feel has been lost. If we want to preserve true intimacy and grow closer, we need to learn to forgive and this article will show you five steps on how to do it today.

To read the full article on Unforgiveness and disocver the Top 5 Steps for reversing it today click here.

Also to read my previous article on Forgiveness click here.

Ultimately pray about it and seek counsel. Speak to your Pastor or someone you trust so that you can move from a place of pain to a place of healing and continue living the fab life God has blessed you with.

Briana Babineaux | Keys To My Heart Review

Briana Babineaux has gone from being the young girl singing her heart out to gospel songs shared on youtube to a singer with a record deal. Still praising God in her music.

The album starts off with an intro highlighting how she became known. The millions of views her renditions acquired some of them she is accompanied by equally amazing singers in their own right.

The albums first single is " I'll Be The One" which sings about giving of ones life to service and standing in the gap, giving your all to God. Kind of like a self declaration, a commitment of faith and fellowship with God.

My favourite song on the album is "Love You Forever".  This is a song about loving God regardless of your situations. Declaring that the Lord deserves your all. Something about this song just gets my spirit in the mood to get my praise on. Its such a mellow song too. I have had this one on repeat daly since buying the album. Another song to highlight is Bri's very own version of the gospel classic "Holy Spirit".

Overall this is a lovely debut that showcases her vocal talents very well. I do love seeing her impromptu videos on youtube where she belts out songs. A truly anointed singer with an album worthy of a purchase. 

So do purchase the album which is available on iTunes, Amazon mp3 and where digital music is sold.

A Moment of Reflection

Artist  - Henry Battle

I am just sat down in the quietness of my home as the kids are in bed and thinking about a few things. Well many things. Though one thing that came to my mind was that a few years ago I belonged to a very diverse group of friends. Many of whom since 2012 (my Baptism year) have dedicated their lives to Christ. Yet when I look around me now at the friendships that once was many have faltered or the dimensions have changed. Some for the good some for well that is to be seen.

Friendships of late I find perplexing. In fact any type of relationship really. This is even more after receiving a prophetic word. As an over thinker it boggles my mind at times but I feel that is only because I won't just accept a few things knowing that in my heart the way things are, are how they are supposed to be. Every time I think to myself does God have his hand in all of this I am brought back to the word I was given about relationships. Somehow I feel there is more changes to take place. 

I get these nostalgic moments when one person would feel for an impromptu prayer meeting. We would all meet up and pray the house down. Even those who did not feel like they were prayer warriors they would be encouraged to keep at it. We set a goal we were focused. We were well lit for Christ in that moment and beyond. Whoever was feeling weak was showered with love etc. I appreciate those moments for what it taught me. Unity in Christ is powerful.

Another moment is praying in the rain. Three friends and myself, after attending a prayer meeting type situation at church. We were talking about a few things, prayer being one of them. We ended up praying out in the rain in the car park. That rain came down on us like it was joining in the prayer session along with us. It was an experience that opened my eyes to a few things. You know when people are praying for you, their words impact you. My Pastor always emphasises how powerful words are indeed.

Up until that moment I always thought I had fully swung open arms when embracing my Lord. Yet clearly this event and breaking down at a friends house showed me I often hold back. Its the scars of life that cause me to hold back hold on. Feel like I need to keep myself together no matter what happens. All of this being so deep rooted in my heart, my mind, my conscious its hard to decipher and work on. However God has shown me I can let go and let Him take charge. 

I still feel I have a whole lot of growth in this area. Pray for me! When it comes to letting go and letting God I got to rinse and repeat until it sticks to me differently.