Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

Apparently, the expression ‘Winner, winner, chicken dinner’ originated a hundred years ago in the United States… back-alley gamblers or Las Vegas casinos? No one’s sure… The phrase remains, to celebrate a victory or success. On Saturday Peter Swift was crowned the world sausage throwing champion in Harwich, Essex. After ‘Sausage Marshals’ carefully measured and recordedContinue reading “Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner…”

On Saturday morning at our Men’s Shed it was really good to see Chris. Formerly a trawler-boat captain he’s now an eighty-something great-grandfather who’s lived in Lowestoft all his life. A few months ago, Chris was in hospital on life-support; we didn’t know if we would see him again. On Saturday he was there, recovered,Continue reading “The Returning”

Later this morning I shall be going to church. There will be the usual familiar pattern of songs, prayers and sermon. Before and after the service I shall chat to folks. I know what to expect; I know who to expect. This morning’s worship will include the Matt Redman song ‘Heart of Worship’… I’m comingContinue reading “The Heart of Worship”

Yesterday… ‘Singing for Health’… remembering November 5th, Guy Fawkes, fireworks, bonfires… singing enthusiastically about fire… Jerry Lee Lewis – You shake my nerves and you rattle my brainToo much love drives a man insaneYou broke my will but what a thrillGoodness gracious, great balls of fire Then Johnny Cash: Love is a burning thingAnd itContinue reading “Love’s Fire, Choice Through Imperfections”

My friend Des works hard to make our Seagull Theatre work smoothly. He often tells me about the latest projects he’s working on, the grants he’s applying for, his ideas and plans for the future. At the end of our conversation, he’ll often say, ‘Onwards and upwards.’ Yesterday we disposed of some old sofas. WeContinue reading “Onwards and Upwards”

Last weekend was Halloween. Many remembered and celebrated the scary and frightening… things that go bump in the night. For most it’s a bit of fun, an excuse for dressing up, a theme for a party. For some there are links with supernatural dark forces… The old English prayer, ‘From ghoulies and ghosties and long‑leggedyContinue reading “Things That Go Bump in the Night”

At our church Home Group last night, we considered Malachi’s question from two-and-a-half thousand years ago, brought to us on Sunday: ‘Where is the God of justice?’ Yesterday… King Charles’ tour of the Caribbean has been dominated by calls for apologies for slavery and demands for reparations from affected nations… Prime Minister Burnham, attending theContinue reading “Where is Justice?”

Soon after our Men’s Shed started ten years ago, we decided to have our own polo shirts and sweatshirts. The green shirts with gold ‘Lowestoft Men’s Shed’ showed we all belonged together; our embroidered names showed our individuality. The ‘named shirt’ became a bit of a joke. We suggested that if the older men, forgetContinue reading “The Same but Different”

In my Bible reading notes this morning, Cliff Keys wrote, ‘Personally I have found the children’s address in many services is often the only bit of the service that everyone understands – but that may say more about my preaching than I care to think about.’ The mnemonic ‘KISS’ reminds us ‘Keep It Simple, Stupid’.Continue reading “Keep It Simple, Stupid”

When I was a student in the late sixties my friend Dave had The Beatles ‘White Album’ that we often listened to. One of my favourite tracks was Paul McCartney’s song ‘Blackbird’. On Friday Caroline, who used to be a professional violinist with the Royal Opera Company, visited our ‘Singing for Health’ group – andContinue reading “Blackbird”