Show Notes

Introduction to God’s Rollercoaster 

The God's Rollercoaster podcast is hosted by Hazel Woodward. Hazel lives in Oxfordshire, England. She loves to learn about people’s stories, sharing in their journeys and fostering the belief that not only do our ups and downs make us who we are, but we should hold on to those things and be proud of our journey.

Come and join us – enjoy the ride!

In This Episode: Series 1, Episode 9 - Be Still 
 
Today's episode is the final one in Series 1 of the God's Rollercoaster podcast. Ending on a positive note, this episode focuses on how four guests have clung on to the rollercoaster ride of faith, with the understanding that God will walk beside them, regardless of what life throws at them.  Through worship music, Lydia and Matt tell us how they have gained new perspectives, using song lyrics to create visual representations that aid and support their faith. Matt shares his experience of God speaking to him with His perfect timing, reminding him that he was not alone in a time of sad reflection. This brings reassurance, and confidence that God has plans for each of us, and if we can trust in Him, we do not need to understand the hows or the whys.  Next, Lena shares her experiences of lockdown and how God helped her to be calm, enabling her to see the positives in situations that could have otherwise felt very stressful.  Finally, Caspian shares his experience working as a youth leader during the pandemic, and how a change of location has impacted his life and work positively. He shares the moment where he committed to giving his life to Jesus, and how rewarding he finds his role helping young people to feel unconditionally supported and loved by God and the youth group community. 

Trigger warning 

This episode includes discussion around baby loss, depression, lockdown and work stress. 

Resource Links 

• Today's guests refer to stillness and trusting in God. The following verse explores this: Psalm 46:10 'Be still, and know that I am God...' 
• Matt's worship music is available at  MJB Worship 
• Our guests work or worship at The People's Church Banbury 
• Lydia and Matt referred to the following worship songs:
  • Oceans - Where Feet May Fail by Hillsong United
  • New Wine by Hillsong Worship 
  • Surrounded (Fight My Battles) by Upperroom 

Show Notes

Introduction to God’s Rollercoaster 

The God's Rollercoaster podcast is hosted by Hazel Woodward. Hazel lives in Oxfordshire, England. She loves to learn about people’s stories, sharing in their journeys and fostering the belief that not only do our ups and downs make us who we are, but we should hold on to those things and be proud of our journey.

Come and join us – enjoy the ride!

In This Episode: Series 1, Episode 8 - A Gift From The Lord
 
Today's episode follows Jill, Claire and Ilona as they share stories of their encounters with God. We hear how our guests talk to God, and the spaces and activities they feel most at peace, giving them the clarity to pray.  We learn how people suffering from dementia are impacted by the power of singing, and how God talking from spirit to spirit enables song when our mind or body are less cooperative. We also discuss how God created children, and as a gift from the Lord, they are cherished in His eyes even before they are born. Ilona shares her son, Oscar's, simple prayer and how God's obvious answer to it allowed him to see God's presence tangibly. Next, Claire tells us what positives she has found during lockdown, from new connections, exercising and plans for a cookery club. She also shares the highs and lows of a recent diagnosis, and how her time with God in nature brings her happiness and calm during challenging times.  
 

Trigger warning 

This episode includes discussion around dementia, autism, alcohol use and lockdown. 

Resource Links 

• Psalm 8:2 mentioned in this episode explores the importance of children praising God. 
• Guest, Jill Newman is a former primary school music specialist who has written songs for schools/churches for Christmas, Easter and Harvest, which highlight the Christian focus behind each season. There is also a set of values - based songs for Collective Worship. Scores, lead sheets, lyrics and teachers' notes are free to download, see www.seasonofsinging.com. 
• Jill's  Season of Singing YouTube channel includes lyric videos of her songs. 

Connect with us 

• Have a question for Hazel or a suggestion for a topic for us to cover on the podcast? Tell us about it at hello@godsrollercoaster.co.uk
• Join our mailing list here
• Visit our website, Facebook or Instagram

Credits 

Host: Hazel Woodward
Producer: Waymaker Consulting and Raindrop Sound Design
Editor: Waymaker Consulting
Music: Raindrop Sound Design

Show Notes

Introduction to God’s Rollercoaster 

The God's Rollercoaster podcast is hosted by Hazel Woodward. Hazel lives in Oxfordshire, England. She loves to learn about people’s stories, sharing in their journeys and fostering the belief that not only do our ups and downs make us who we are, but we should hold on to those things and be proud of our journey.

Come and join us – enjoy the ride!

In This Episode: Series 1, Episode 7 - God In the Dark Times

In today's episode, we hear from Matt and Lydia as they share their walk with God, and how their faith grew and developed with them. Matt tells us about how his love of music was born and how a special sibling relationship shaped who he is today, enabling him to understand how people are feeling, without relying on words to communicate.  Lydia and Matt share the devastating story of the death of their first daughter, Evelyn, 55 minutes after an incredibly traumatic birth. During their amazement and fear, physical pain and mental anguish, Lydia and Matt share how they turned to God in their desperation, praying for Him to help them. They share a personal and emotional account of their faith journey following Evelyn's death, channelling a fierce mother's love, learning to understand and connect with God and finding peace and shedding fear after some desperately dark days. 
 
At the end of the episode, Matt plays his song 55  a deeply raw and emotional song that he composed as part of his memory and love for Evelyn. 
 

Trigger warning 

This episode includes discussion around autism spectrum disorders, baby loss, post-natal depression and suicidal thoughts. 

Resource Links

• Sands provides bereavement support services both nationally through its Freephone helpline, mobile app, online community and resources, and locally through a UK-wide network of around 100 regional support groups
• Listen to Matt's song, 55, here

Connect with us 

• Have a question for Hazel or a suggestion for a topic for us to cover on the podcast? Tell us about it at hello@godsrollercoaster.co.uk
• Join our mailing list here
• Visit our website, Facebook or Instagram

Credits 

Host: Hazel Woodward
Producer: Waymaker Consulting and Raindrop Sound Design
Editor: Waymaker Consulting
Music: Raindrop Sound Design