Category Archives: Uncategorized

I’m aware that my sense of humour isn’t the same as that of other folks. When some folks are roaring with laugher I’m puzzled; sometimes I’m chuckling alone at the bonkers or bizarre. For example… …Yesterday we celebrated Edwin and Elspeth’s diamond wedding anniversary. There was food, drink and conversation… Stories were told… One year,Continue reading “Bonkers or Bizarre?”

From my teaching days… Numeracy started with counting – knowing the words recognising the numbers. Then came simple sums – addition and subtraction – using counters, bricks, animals, cars… The children learn that when you add you get more, when you take away you have less. We take that principle into life. If I addContinue reading “Adding by Subtracting”

Yesterday morning I received a message: ‘I saw a lorry this morning with the logo ‘Big enough to cope, small enough to care’. It made me think about God and what he means to me.’ Set me musing… …Reading the strange, cautionary tale of Samson. I’ve often found it difficult; this morning it seemed remarkablyContinue reading “Big Enough… Small Enough…”

Yesterday… …We attended William’s funeral. There was sadness: loved by his family and friends William was only thirty-one. There was joy: celebrating his life, and ‘William-ness’. Mum-Susan brought memories of her son with emotion and courage. Stepdad-Stephen told stories illustrating his quirky humour and brave determination. There were smiles: we heard Bobby McFerrin’s ‘Don’t worry,Continue reading “Bright Sadness”

Yesterday morning Minister-Lou told us that she’d met the Bishop of Chelmsford. I looked her up… Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani… Her brother was murdered during 1979’s Iranian revolution… she fled Iran in 1980 to the UK aged 14…now Bishop of Chelmsford… The BBC asked her about the Iran war: ‘…like most Iranians, and most sensible people,Continue reading “There’s Many Sides…”

Throughout the history of mankind there has been music; when Christians have worshiped their God they have used music. In my lifetime I’ve declared truths about God in old hymns, I’ve proclaimed the gospel of Jesus in songs of salvation, I’ve appreciated the presence and power of the God’s Holy Spirit in modern worship songs.Continue reading “Salt and Light”

At our ‘Music for Wellbeing’ group we often sing rounds or ‘quodlibets’ – songs that can be sung simultaneously. Yesterday’s included ‘Three Blind Mice’: Three blind mice, three blind mice,See how they run!They all run after the farmer’s wife,Who cut off their tails with a carving knife,Did you ever see such a thing in yourContinue reading “Mice, Vegetables and Choices”

Yesterday… …My friend Jack reminded me of Hamlet. Despairing, feeling hopeless, disillusioned with the world, humanity and his own life Hamlet says: What a piece of work is a man, how noble inreason, how infinite in faculties, in form and movinghow express and admirable; in action how likean angel, in apprehension how like a god:Continue reading “What Piece of Work is Man…”

Often when nearly-thirteen-year-old-grandson-Luca gets into our car, he presses a few buttons on his phone, and we listen to his playlist. My musical education is furthered with Bruno Mars or Ariana Grande. This week I was surprised and delighted to be hearing ELO’s ‘Mr Blue Sky’! Mr. Blue SkyPlease tell us whyYou had to hideContinue reading “Mr Blue Sky”

Our friend Tim was confessing to enjoying ‘Flanders and Swann’ songs. Songs that he learnt as a child he still remembers word for word. Their humour is still appreciated by folks ‘of a certain age’. Their repertoire included ‘The Hippopotamus Song’. The hippopotamus is presented as a happy creature; the song celebrates the joy ofContinue reading “Musing on Hippos”