Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

This hymn was sung by politicians and church leaders at the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast last Tuesday, becoming part of the dramatic conservative resignation narrative of the week. It’s a 5 verse prayer model… Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way… I come to theContinue reading “Lord, For The Years Hymn”

Yesterday I watched Chris, patiently, skilfully, carefully plastering our kitchen, creating silky smooth walls and ceiling: ‘Once the units and appliances are fitted my work will be covered over and forgotten,’ he reflected. ‘You’re like a primary school teacher,’ I said, ’teaching a child to read. She might be forgotten, but her doing a reallyContinue reading “Hidden – But Important”

Calli the German Shepherd stands on the roof of the local pub ‘The Flying Dutchman’. Frantic passers-by call pub landlord, Chris Moore, who says he gets about a dozen calls a week… The local paper reports: ‘…while Mr Moore, 46, is appreciative of the concern, he stresses the three-year-old just ‘likes to watch the worldContinue reading “Calli’s Overview… Life Goes On.”

In Austria recently we explored Catholic churches… ornate statues, beautiful symbols of faith, complex depictions of local saints… and simple confessional boxes. It’s not my religious tradition; is confession good for the soul? Prime Minister – Resign! Recent calls for Boris Johnson to stand down as Prime Minister have involved questions about honesty, integrity, respect,Continue reading “Confession Is Good For The Soul”

Our kitchen’s finally gone. On Monday Julian reminded us of what’s happening. Yesterday Richard and his mate stripped out the kitchen and electrician Andy started his work. We now have a dirty, damaged room containing workman’s tools. The old kitchen that served us well for 20 years is gone; the new kitchen that we hopeContinue reading “That In-between Liminal Place”

My friend Lenny was rehearsing at ‘The Seagull’ in an upstairs studio. At the end of the evening, coming down the stairs in the dark, he tripped. He, together with all that he was carrying, clattered down the stairs. Fortunately all that was damaged was Lenny’s pride and dignity. The incident came to the SeagullContinue reading “Who’s Responsible?”

Work on our new kitchen is finally starting this week! Our current kitchen has done us good service, but after 20 years its old, worn-out, and needs replacing. This is a philosophy that many quote: ‘I’ve had my car for 5 years; it’s old – replace it!’ ‘I remember when I first wore this shirt;Continue reading “It’s Old – Replace it!”

My hope is built on nothing lessThan Jesus’ blood and righteousnessI dare not trust the sweetest frameBut, wholly trust in Jesus’ name The original version of this hymn was written in 1834 by Edward Mote. Edward became a Christian, while still a boy, through the influence of a cabinetmaker to whom he was apprenticed.  HeContinue reading “Cornerstone”

I’ve mused on sexuality, racial issues, gun law, abortion, politics, religion in the past… issues that often cause polarised thinking and bring division. Yesterday I read Sarah Phillips’ excellent article ‘5 ways to have a better conversation about abortion’. I’ve borrowed her ‘5 ways’ in a broader application… 1. Don’t be afraid to talk aboutContinue reading “5 Ways To Better Conversations”

At our monthly Seagull Theatre Directors meeting Des was explaining the arrangements for the 1940s weekend – the craft fair, vintage clothes, 40’s music… and the many licences required… public entertainments licence, street trading licence… the ‘Non-illuminated street decorations licence’ = a licence for bunting! Des said: ‘I thought it wise to pay for themContinue reading “Wise Choices, wise words”