Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

I had this idea. I’d lead a church service with songs, readings, prayers – the usual mix, but when it came to the sermon/homily/talky-bit I’d stay seated and silent. I wanted to see how long it would be before someone did something or said something. I’d thought of lessons to draw from it, but IContinue reading “When I Have Nothing”

When Ellie was born her parents, Yvonne and Mark, were told she had Down Syndrome and would likely never walk or talk. On Saturday model and actress Ellie Goldstein danced on Strictly Come Dancing. Ellie already has an impressive list of achievements… Gucci model, Vogue cover girl, acting in Malory Towers, launching the first BarbieContinue reading “When Good News Meets Bad News”

I first heard this old song many years ago as a teenager – Mr Google tells me it was released in 1962. Country music in general, and Jim Reeves in particular, were certainly not my favourite… but I recently remembered this song. There have been times when life has been busy. There’s been plenty toContinue reading “Where Do I Go From Here?”

Yesterday, at our Music for Wellbeing group, we sung ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ – a song I always associate with ‘Morecambe and Wise’. Geoff and Mary, a couple in their eighties, were there for the first time. I’ve known them for many years but haven’t seen them for a while. Geoff looks fit, but his dementiaContinue reading “Bring Me Sunshine”

Yesterday the BBC told me… …about Tysie Gallagher. Last January her mother-in-law, the grandmother of Tysie’s seven-year-old daughter, was murdered. Tysie said: ‘This whole year has been dark for my family…’ Tysie’s a boxer – a British, Commonwealth and WBO international super-bantamweight champion. Saturday will be her first fight in 12 months. Tysie said: ‘I’veContinue reading “Dreams, Dedication and Transformation”

This week I’ve chatted with a number of folks who are starting a new job, a course of hospital treatment, a new term, retirement… Some are eager to discover what’s coming next; others are anxious, anticipating unwelcome change. Some want to stay in the security of where they are; others want to go back toContinue reading “Next Page, Next Chapter?”

‘Freedom of Speech’ continues to be in the news almost daily. Although many say they believe in the principle, an agreed definition and understanding of what that means or how it works out in practice – in politics, religion and life in general – is unclear. My mind returned to that debate yesterday with theContinue reading “Freedom to Dance”

Yesterday Rachel and I visited Fairhaven. It’s website says: ‘Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is in the heart of the Norfolk Broads and offers 130 acres of protected natural habitat, dedicated to conservation, education, and wellbeing.’ There’s wildlife… otters, deer, marsh harriers… In particular, every time we go someone says that they’ve seen a kingfisher.Continue reading “That Elusive Kingfisher”

Last week the cast was announced for our Seagull Christmas production of Annie. It will take a team to put the show together – the children on stage… producer, choreographer, musical director… those responsible for scenery, costumes, make-up, lighting, publicity… Saturday saw the start of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. There were the ‘teams of two’ –Continue reading “The Fourth Dimension of Teamwork”

We’ve been singing this Stuart Townend song in church for many years now. I particularly appreciate it because it brings me in awe and humility to focus on the God who loves me, and the Jesus who died for me, in a simple yet profound way. How deep the Father’s love for us,How vast beyondContinue reading “How Deep the Fathers Love”