Category Archives: Uncategorized

I’ve read the end of Nehemiah. Having rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem they’re rebuilding its community: ‘These were the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth…’ The list continues. Name after name after name… I enjoy reading the Bible. StoriesContinue reading “Meremoth”

My friend Patrick regularly uses the expression ‘twaddle and poppycock’ – to refer to an opinion, allegation – or anything that he regards as meaningless nonsense… Apparently twaddle is of unknown origin. The only suggestion is that it’s linked to the idea of ‘twiddling your thumbs’…pretty valueless Poppycock comes from two old Dutch words ‘pap’Continue reading “Twaddle and Poppycock”

The council have decided; public opinion is divided. The beach huts on Lowestoft sea front will be built. This new ‘two deck construction’ is certainly controversial. Some think of them as a hideous eyesore, others say they are beautiful and contemporary. Either way they will be built and we must live with the consequences. TheContinue reading “Living with the Consequences”

The BBC news last night discussed unmarried mothers in post-war Britain. Considered to be ‘fallen women’  and unsuitable mothers, their babies were taken from them at birth and given to ‘suitable parents’ who could adopt them… When I was young, a good Christian family who came to our church lived round the corner from us.Continue reading “Fallen Women”

I learnt a new saying the other day: ‘You might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb.’ It’s first recorded in a 1678 collection of proverbs – when the punishment for any theft was hanging. If you might be hung anyway then make the risk worthwhile! I like the ‘total commitment’ approachContinue reading “Totally Committed”

St. Drogo, Sister Frances & Andrew Greystone Drogo was born into a noble family in Northern France but lived in humility and austerity as a shepherd. A penitential pilgrim, he visited various sacred shrines, suffering hunger, thirst and physical discomfort. Drogo contracted a debilitating and disfiguring disease. Because his deformities scared those he met heContinue reading “Out of the Comfort Zone:”

We seek your kingdom throughout every sphereWe long for heaven’s demonstration here.Jesus, your light shine bright for all to see.Transform, revive and heal society. This song is unashamedly and explicitly Christian. It isn’t like old hymns – theology, God’s greatness, the work of Jesus, personal salvation…; it isn’t like modern worship songs – personal experienceContinue reading “Thy Kingdom Come”

Hello darkness, my old friend,I’ve come to talk with you again,Because a vision softly creeping,Left its seeds while I was sleeping,And the vision that was planted in my brainStill remainsWithin the sound of silence. ‘Sound of Silence’ has been a favourite of mine for many years. Paul Simon’s haunting melody, simple harmonies and well-crafted lyricsContinue reading “Silence and Conversations”

Franklin Graham, son of the late evangelist Billy Graham, was due to lead an evangelical rally in Blackpool in 2018. Graham’s views on same-sex marriage are summarised in a BBC interview: ‘Marriage is for a man and woman and that is what the Bible teaches.’   Local complaints about this ‘bile spewing preacher’ led toContinue reading “Franklin Graham”

In school assemblies we used to sing: ‘The journey of l may be easy life may be easy, may be hard, there’ll be danger on the way…’ Musing on my journey… Sometimes there’s sunshine, green fields, a gentle stream, birds, butterflies, a clear path, and all is well. I feel good, progressing purposefully and cheerfully.Continue reading “Travelling companions”