Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

Reading Psalm 82 started me musing on, ‘Attack is the best form of defence’: I was amused and mildly irritated by the apparent Americanisation of the phrase… for example – ‘the best defense is a good offense.’ Not only is the (correct!) English spelling of ‘defence’ changed but ‘attack’ is abandoned for the more American-favouredContinue reading “Attack is the Best Form of Defence”

On Sunday we considered Acts 6. The church distributed food to the widows and needy. There’s a complaint: traditional Hebraic Jews are getting more than Jews who embraced a broader Greek culture. Jesus had always included prostitutes, tax collectors and social rejects. Here the Jesus Community was to include – as equals – folks withContinue reading “Acts, Jamie, Inclusion and Messiness.”

Last night saw the final televised debate between Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer, before next Thursday’s general election. Questions from the audience led to angry, combative, passionate exchanges on taxes, migration, the betting scandal, Brexit… The best question came from a Robert Blackstock: ‘Are you two really the best we have got to beContinue reading “Are You Really The Best?”

Yesterday evening there was the football. England played their third match of the Euros. England started the tournament as favourites. Football fans know the skilled players, their successes last season. There were high hopes. We watched the game play out – a boring performance with little excitement and no goals. It’s a team that barelyContinue reading “Lessons in Disappointment”

…Reading Psalm 69 this morning: 1 Save me, O God,    for the waters have come up to my neck.2 I sink in the miry depths,    where there is no foothold.I have come into the deep waters;    the floods engulf me.3 I am worn out calling for help;    my throat is parched.My eyes fail,    looking for my God… …Reflecting on recent conversations… gents who areContinue reading “Miry Depths, Deep Waters and Other Metaphors”

Tens of thousands of people were in Lowestoft this weekend for the ‘First Light Festival’. Our local paper explains: ‘The multi-arts festival – celebrating the first midsummer sunrise in Britain’s most easterly town – had dozens of international acts, award-winning performers, live music, DJs, poets, comedians, fashion parades, workshops, wellbeing zones, art, unique sculptures…’ YesterdayContinue reading “Monday Morning Blues”

It’s the middle of summer. This morning the sun is shining. I look out in the garden – green grass, red salvia, yellow roses, purple violas… birds at the feeders, squirrels chasing around… No-one sings ‘What a wonderful world’ like Louis Armstrong.. I see trees of green, red roses tooI see them bloom, for meContinue reading “What a Wonderful World”

My friend Bob sent me an email: ‘I wonder if  you  could  do  me  a  favour  Can  you look over my book…’  He’d attached a document… A number of years ago my friend Peter said, ‘Can you help me with my book?’ Peter was brought up in Southwold, Suffolk, he’d joined the British Merchant Navy,Continue reading “Telling the Story, Learning the Lessons.”

Last night Rachel (the good lady-wife) asked very politely, ‘Have you remembered to contact Rod?’ I hadn’t. This morning, she asked, ‘Have you contacted Richard about our leaking conservatory?’ I hadn’t. I thought of other things I must do today… too many to hold in my tiny mind… I need a list! Six people IContinue reading “I Need a List!”

Three recent conversations with older friends went in a similar direction, raising similar questions… Health: Each started with health issues – the heart condition, prostate cancer, knee replacement… local doctors, our local hospital, good caring professionals, the future of an overloaded, underfunded health service… Humour: We moved on to humour – often totally inappropriate, relatedContinue reading “Getting Old…”