Advent Devotionals for a Happy Christmas. Reflect on The Life Model's 19 Skills

Ten years ago, I had it all—a pocketful of masters and degrees, 30 years of ministry experience, and a life filled with purpose. But in a single moment, everything changed when a car mowed me down, nearly taking my life.

The months that followed were filled with physical agony and recovery, but the true battle was yet to come. I found myself suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which muddled my memory, body, and reactions. I had to relearn how to thrive in a world that suddenly felt unfamiliar.

But in the midst of my struggle, I discovered a blessing in disguise. The Lord led my wife Ruth and me into a world where Christians understood our trauma and helped us learn skills to heal. They had tools that worked for the broken-hearted and the down-heartened, insights that could help all of us journey closer to God.

As Ruth and I put their teachings into action, we experienced a transformation. We connected in new ways to God and each other, and our trauma diminished—Ruth's panic attacks ceased, and my PTSD vanished. Our lives changed for the better, and we developed a winsome, joyful, God-empowered approach to faith relevant for the 21st century.

In December 2023, as we faced an influx of new people to our church, I wanted to share the secrets we had discovered over the last eight years. I sent daily email devotions for my congregation for each day of Advent, and the response was overwhelming.

With the encouragement of my amigos, Rev Dr. Andy Pike and Rt Rev Dr. Bill Atkinson, I decided to publish these devotions in a book that introduces you to the precious insights that have changed my life—insights I pray will change yours, too.

"Advent Devotionals for a Happy Christmas" is now available, offering a guide to the 19 skills taught by Jim Wilder of the Life Model. Join me on this journey of redemption and discover how to thrive in the face of life's challenges.

Mike Jones, Luton April 2024