Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

Musing on gratitude in our problems; when suffering or sad I change my perspective; I ‘Give thanks in all circumstances’ St Paul also talks about ‘Giving thanks to God for everything’ (Ephesians 5:20). Men and women through history, have taken this further step, expressing gratitude for, as well as in, the toughest of situations. It’sContinue reading “Gratitude for the Problems”

Good friends, Peter and Annie, have a neighbour, a convicted paedophile, who is often verbally abusive to those who walk past his house. They have both suffered from him in the past and haven’t always responded in a way that reflects their Christian faith… Recently Annie, walked passed this man’s house and was subjected toContinue reading “Gratitude – Really?”

Musing on Acts 4 this morning… Persecution, Prison: The disciples are persecuted; some have been imprisoned. Peter, Power: Peter’s cowardice becomes bravery; he speaks powerfully about Jesus. Priests, Persuasion: The wise Gamaliel persuades the priests not to execute the disciples. Punishment, Perseverance: The disciples were flogged; they would still keep their faith whatever. Priorities, Perspective:Continue reading “Gratitude in the Problems”

Yesterday evening we were out walking on Pakefield Cliffs. I was grateful. The sea, the beach, sunshine, a gentle breeze, pleasant people smiling and saying ‘Good evening’… Children and grandchildren had joined us for Sunday lunch. There was conversation and laugher. I was grateful. I don’t take family for granted. Later we walked through KirkleyContinue reading “An Attitude of Gratitude”

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?Were you there when they crucified my Lord?Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.Were you there when they crucified my Lord? I have heard so many versions of this song… It is a song that calls us to be there as Jesus is crucified – notContinue reading “Were You There?”

I was walking beside the sea yesterday. On the water’s edge was this stone with ‘harmony’ written on it. Life’s rhythm has a time for sowing, a time for reaping; a time for weeping and a time for laughing… Life’s melody, our words and actions, priorities and character, creates beautiful tunefulness or tuneless monotony… HarmonyContinue reading “Harmony”

I’ve been writing my daily musing for 5 months… 150 musings later it’s time to review… to muse on my musings… Listening I’ve been more conscious of my ability to listen – listening to the world of Covid 19 and Black Lives Matter; listening in conversations with friends; listening to the ‘still small voice’ thatContinue reading “Musing on Musings”

Statler and Waldorf were the two old men who sat at the back of the Muppet Show, watching and criticising. I like: Statler: Wake up you old fool. You slept through the show. Waldorf: Who’s a fool? You watched it. The Greek philosopher Socrates is tributed with saying: ‘The unexamined life is not worth living’Continue reading “The Unexamined Life”

Steve and I were talking about Toys-R-Us – the massive store stocking dolls, train sets, lego… Pets-R-Us – that sells pets and all related to pets’ wellbeing…. We mused on the notion of ‘Churches-R-Us’… Choose Your Church Churches-R-Us is a vast warehouse containing all the churches you could possibly imagine. Some people have never been;Continue reading “Churches-R-Us”

We play ‘Go Compare’, with our marriage, family, money, popularity, reputation, looks, talents… Looking at those we think are better than us we feel inadequate, deflated, useless… How do we create a new mind-set where we aren’t feeding our low self-esteem by constantly comparing ourselves with others? Musing on ideas that have helped me: KnowContinue reading “Go Compare – Towards a Solution”