Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

This morning I read John 15 – the chapter where Jesus says ‘I am the good shepherd’… When I started teaching there were two possible career paths for me. My emphasis could be on the academic – teaching and learning, the school curriculum, exams… Alternatively I could concern myself more with the pastoral side ofContinue reading “The Pallium“

https://www.facebook.com/thebandbyoungtheatre/videos/694262078382288 Last night we saw a local youth theatre performing ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ – an excellent production. In ‘Somewhere that’s green’, Audrey, a poor girl with an abusive boyfriend, working in a rundown shop, dreams of being happily married… I’m his December BrideHe’s Father, he Knows BestOur kids watch Howdy DoodyAs the sun setsContinue reading “Somewhere That’s Green“

Halloween – Here… Yesterday I helped Ferne prepare for this morning’s ‘Pumpkin Heroes’ event at our church. On my way home I passed this house – preparing for Halloween, next Monday! Some enjoy it: ‘It’s an excuse to dress up and have a party.’ ‘I enjoy the scary films.’ ‘It’s just good fun!’ Some object:Continue reading “Halloween Musings…“

The new Lowestoft bridge is finally taking shape. This third crossing, across Lake Lothing, was discussed many years ago. Local people have been campaigning for it for decades. Plans were first approved in 2015 and construction on the Gull Wing bridge began in 2021. Earlier this year this 380-tonne bridge section arrived from Belgium; lastContinue reading “It All Takes Time“

On Friday we visited Sheringham Park. In the Spring the rhododendrons are spectacular… ‘Rhododendrons don’t flower in October,’ I said. I was wrong. There were flowers throughout the park. ‘Rhododendrons Don’t In October’ became Rhodio – a new word meaning ‘a totally unexpected event.’ On Saturday we enjoyed a long beach walk… I kept lookingContinue reading “Rhodio“

Last week I read these words. I remembered the old hymn… At even, ere the sun was set,The sick, O Lord, around thee lay;O in what divers pains they met!O with what joy they went away! Once more ‘tis eventide, and weOppressed with various ills draw near;What if thy form we cannot see?We know andContinue reading “At Even, Ere The Sun Was Set“

Yesterday … …Andy Flannagan wrote of ’the soap opera of personality politics’ for ‘Premier Christianity: ‘… we must resist this temptation to create pantomime villains and comic heroes…’ Boris Johnson is returning to London from his Caribbean holiday in his bid to return to Downing Street. …The US congressional panel investigating last year’s Capitol riotContinue reading “Pantomime Villains & Comic Heroes“

I used to be bored by politics. The last 10 years have changed all that. ‘Unprecedented’ has become a cliché, and the daily soap opera acted out in Downing Street and Parliament lurches between tragedy and comedy. Wednesday’s episode included conflict, resignations, un-resignations, a chaotic vote on fracking and a ‘joke’ that 10 Downing StreetContinue reading “Conflict, Continuity and Consistency“

On Sunday at church… today I read… the story of ‘The Prodigal Son’… The son who takes his father’s money, spends it, and in desperation feeds pigs. .. The turning point comes when he says to himself: ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger.Continue reading “I Will…“

It’s autumn; the seasons are changing; four signs: …Our apple tree has done well this year. Some apples have already been enjoyed by the family in pies and crumbles; some are stored for later. …Yesterday I was raking leaves that have fallen from our horse-chestnut tree in front of our house. …Recently we’ve had ourContinue reading “Changing Seasons“