Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

Schools are often seen as both the problem and solution to many headlines… Not enough engineers in industry? We need better science teaching! Teenage pregnancies? Inadequate school sex education! Obesity? More sport and dietary education!  Ill-disciplined teenagers? Bring back the cane and school discipline. Young people today can’t read/ do arithmetic/ hold a conversation!! (UsuallyContinue reading “Education… the Problem and the Solution.”

Not-so-new-minister Lou has been with us for a year now. She’s asked: ‘What sort of church we should be?’ and ‘What should my part be in it?’ Some of my earliest memories are in church – the Sunday morning ‘Breaking of Bread’ service, attending Sunday School… I’ve attended church all my life, I haven’t ‘wanderedContinue reading “Answering Lou’s Questions”

Yesterday we drove back from Yorkshire. The wedding’s over; back to normal. But we come back with wonderful memories – of the wedding itself, of time spent with family, of recalling other family weddings and past events… Family and friends have memories of Hester and Chris over many years that make Friday’s wedding even moreContinue reading “Memories…”

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonderConsider all the worlds thy hands have madeI see the stars, I hear the rolling thunderThy power throughout the universe displayed We sung this hymn at Chris and Hester’s wedding. I’ve heard and sung these wonderful words many times… the meaningful solo, the power of a largeContinue reading “How Great Thou Art”

Yesterday was great-niece-Hester’s wedding, celebrating Hester and Chris’ love for each other… We heard about great-niece-Lucy and Pete’s wedding plans… It was good to chat to other young people in love or hoping for love… Meeting up with many relations we appreciated family love… Joanna Jepson writes powerfully and lovingly about her brother’s Down Syndrome:Continue reading “Perfect Love in an Imperfect World”

Having enjoyed a few days in Derbyshire, yesterday we drove to our Airbnb in Yorkshire, described as a ‘delightful rustic stay with a little luxury’. At a family meal last night Lauren, who’s from Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, explained that Ballycastle is famous for yellowman, dulse, and the Lammas Fair. I hadn’t heard of any ofContinue reading “Generosity and Gratitude”

Yesterday, with Grandson-Luca, we enjoyed ‘Bonkers Illumination Golf’: ‘This isn’t crazy golf, this is bonkers golf…it’s a fresh and unique blend of family-friendly fun… Bonkers is set to transform your leisure time into an extraordinary adventure… Enjoy indoor golf… with each hole beautifully illuminated for a captivating experience…’ It was certainly fun; I think IContinue reading “Bonkers Illumination Golf”

This morning’s reading: …prophets and priests alike,    all practice deceit.They dress the wound of my people    as though it were not serious.“Peace, peace,” they say,    when there is no peace. Things were bad in Jeremiah’s Israel. The harvest failed, war was imminent, there’s no way back… but priests and politicians deceive the people, saying there is peace. Bad thingsContinue reading “When Bad Things Happen…”

I’m musing on familiar words I read this morning… This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look;    ask for the ancient paths,ask where the good way is, and walk in it,    and you will find rest for your souls.    But you said, “We will not walk in it.” The Lord says: I’ve learnt, I’m continuing toContinue reading “At The Crossroads”

Friends whose politics is ‘green’ frequently refer to sustainability – relating to the environment and energy. They talk about pollution, natural resources, recycling, future generations… We consider the sustainability of our life-style. Children and families are on holiday – we need financial sustainability – not spending beyond our means. We want emotional sustainability – soContinue reading “Sustainability – with Eric, Dorothy and Jerry”