Following Jesus Exhibition and Stanzas of Grace and Light Book

After months and years of creating

Inspired by my love of God

Then weeks of doubt and fear

Worrying it wasn't enough

I am finally pleased to share

This exhibition and new book launch

Following Jesus art exhibition and Stanzas of Grace and Light poetry book

Today I am thrilled to share that my new book of Christian poetry, Stanzas of Grace and Light, is available to buy directly from me, I'll even sign it.

Alternatively you can buy Stanzas of Grace and Light:

Online from Lulu who will ship it to you anywhere in the world in the most climate friendly way possible.

As a digital book on Google Books.

By the start of April Stanzas of Grace and Light will also be available at all good bookshops, please do ask your local one to get it for you and support their valuable business.

And very soon, Stanzas will be available online from Google Books as an audio book. It is all recorded and waiting to be approved. If you have bought the physical book and are visually impaired, or otherwise prefer audio books, just get in contact with a photo of you and my book and I'll email you the audio book for free.

Edited and published by the wonderful Ink Gladiator's Press, from hundreds of poems I've written over the years, this book features 52 poems that journey through the sacred milestones of the year—from the hushed cradle of Christmas to the triumphant joy of Easter and the fire of Pentecost. Whether you’re seeking the heart of Jesus or the comfort of the Holy Spirit, these meditative verses are designed to ignite your devotional life.

Reviews are starting to come in from readers, here are a few:

"'Stanzas' features exquisite poetry and artwork to savour as we meditate on the Holy Trinity as she guides us through Christian seasons of reflection and celebration. Emma carefully and prayerfully explores themes of God, faith, adversity, and the diversity of creation. Her artwork complements her words, with her interpretations of the cross being especially captivating." MO

“As an English literature student I have spent far too much time dissecting poetry and as such often find it difficult to sit for any length of time with collections of poetry. I started from the point that “I promised to do this” So one cup of tea and a hobnob later I find myself staring at a page, and realise that I’ve been there for a while. I had decided to read through the section of poems for Lent, after all it is the right time of year, and found myself reading and re-reading “Acceptance”, it is one I think I am going to keep coming back to. Browsing through the titles and reading at random, I found other poems which grabbed my attention, some because they have a personal relevance and others because I can see how I will use them in leading worship or for reflection on retreats. Unlike many of the books of poetry on my shelves, I can see myself needing a spare copy for when this one falls apart through use.” PC

“As I have read Emma’s book of poetry, the first impression that resonates over every piece is light. That light dances with Hope through many of the poems. In some, there is candid, authentic grieving, with deep wisdom. Over and again, I hear Emma’s choice to seek strength from the One who is able to comfort, in the valley of the shadow. I am encouraged. Emma’s poetry reflects the beautiful art she creates. These poems give a portal to revealing how Emma is able to create such beauty with her art, in the midst of daily pain and so many limitations. One can read of Emma’s deep walk with God, which inspires her! Emma encouraged many with her the astounding beauty of her art and her words. It is a blessing to walk alongside Emma as she shares her heart.” LR

Jesus' birth, life as a refugee and teenager

At the very same time, and complimenting the book, my new exhibition Following Jesus launches in the Art Space at St Nicolas Church Earley.

Jesus' Ministry

"Over the last few years I have been developing a series of paintings about Jesus, primarily as a form of personal prayer but also as a way of sharing the gospels and encouraging faith conversations. Early last year I was asked to share online the 6 paintings and poems about Holy Week and Easter; I was inundated with requests from church leaders to share these with their congregations and gave permission for them to do this digitally. By the end of Easter over 600 churches around the world had shared at least one of my paintings and poems and were telling me how helpful they were. Encouraged by this response I have spent the last six months curating 17 of my paintings about Jesus to become the exhibition “Following Jesus”."

Jesus' death and resurrection at Easter

After spending a month at St Nicolas the exhibition will start a tour of churches across Berkshire, before travelling further afield around the UK. If you would like to host the exhibition in your church then please let me know.

Alongside the exhibition I have created an art book, a printed and digital Zine, greetings cards and A4 art prints which bring poems and prayers together with the paintings.

"God of Light" Art Print

Limited edition prints of the original paintings are also available to purchase.

And it doesn't end there. I am in the process of writing reflections for the paintings which will be available as audio or in print: and these will become a small group course for churches to use.

Please pray for me as these two huge projects launch, that they will be received well, that my energy will allow me to be present as needed, and that people will discover God in a fresh way through my creativity.