Category Archives: Uncategorized

Today, 14th February, is St Valentine’s day… Valentine was an Italian priest, imprisoned for aiding Christians persecuted by Roman Emperor Claudius II… he performed ‘outlawed’ weddings… Marriage was seen to be an obstacle to recruiting new soldiers and a distraction to existing soldiers! Whilst in prison he taught the jailer’s daughter. He sent her aContinue reading “Facing The Challenge?”

I’ve had many tears and sorrowsI’ve had questions for tomorrowThere’s been times I didn’t know right from wrongBut in every situationGod gave me blessed consolationThat my trials come to only make me strong I heard this Andrae Crouch song for the first time a week ago. It resonated with me then; it’s stayed with meContinue reading “Through It All”

For Christmas Our Grandson gave us ‘The Little Book For Really Brilliant Grandparents’. It contains short stories, examples, advice… ‘Have fun – make your grandchildren laugh. Remember that ‘boring’ is far worse that ‘batty’… ‘Our kids can probably survive without our advice, but they need our affirmation…’ …Rebecca started university last September. She’s had oneContinue reading “Affirmation”

In ‘Why we kneel, How we rise’ West Indian cricketer Michael Holding talks to Hope Powell about her experiences of racism. Powell, became England Women’s football manager in 1998, the first black coach of an English national sporting team: ‘As a black person, when you have an opinion, or you disagree with something, some peopleContinue reading “Speak Up or Remain Silent?”

When we lived in Kent the roads were busy; most road-users went quickly; many journeys were through urban areas; we were close to the M25 – motorway driving was the norm. Driving in Suffolk we’re constantly aware of cyclists and senior citizens in their buggies; we’re on the lookout for horses from local stables; it’sContinue reading “It’s Different”

Musing… ‘walking through life’… the physical activity… the picture of life’s journey… Walking Determinedly: Bryson, a nine-year-old with cerebral palsy from Newmarket, had an operation on his spine year ago. Last summer with effort and determination he walked to school. On Monday he achieved a “dream come true”, visiting Chelsea FC… Yesterday I was withContinue reading “Walking Through Life”

Yesterday was Andrew’s funeral. Together we remembered his life and his long, happy marriage to Hilary… Before… We thought of his early life in Bournemouth… love of Bournemouth FC… contact with Boys Brigade… young Christian faith… After… We’re very sad… his illness and death, grieving for and with his family… his sure and steadfast hopeContinue reading “Before, After, And The Bit In Between”

The government keep referring to their ‘Levelling up Agenda’. I didn’t know much about it. I looked it up… Part of the Conservative 2019 election manifesto… last week a ‘White Paper’ was published. It includes regional investment – levelling up the rest of the country with London and the South-East… improvements in primary education, high-qualityContinue reading “The Levelling Up Agenda”

I have climbed the highest mountainsI have run through the fields…But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for. Life’s a journey, a race, a battle, a game… In this old U2 song it’s a quest… I spent my working life in education, encouraging, developing… I’ve been a learner all my life, enjoying learning aboutContinue reading “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”

Last August world famous artist Banksy came to Lowestoft. He painted a picture a couple of miles away in Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad: three children standing in a boat… ‘We’re all in the same boat’. Last night of the news they were discussing rising costs… A man, running a  foodbank said: ‘We’re all inContinue reading “Same Storm, Different Boat.”