Category Archives: Uncategorized

Yesterday the BBC told me… …about Tysie Gallagher. Last January her mother-in-law, the grandmother of Tysie’s seven-year-old daughter, was murdered. Tysie said: ‘This whole year has been dark for my family…’ Tysie’s a boxer – a British, Commonwealth and WBO international super-bantamweight champion. Saturday will be her first fight in 12 months. Tysie said: ‘I’veContinue reading “Dreams, Dedication and Transformation”

This week I’ve chatted with a number of folks who are starting a new job, a course of hospital treatment, a new term, retirement… Some are eager to discover what’s coming next; others are anxious, anticipating unwelcome change. Some want to stay in the security of where they are; others want to go back toContinue reading “Next Page, Next Chapter?”

‘Freedom of Speech’ continues to be in the news almost daily. Although many say they believe in the principle, an agreed definition and understanding of what that means or how it works out in practice – in politics, religion and life in general – is unclear. My mind returned to that debate yesterday with theContinue reading “Freedom to Dance”

Yesterday Rachel and I visited Fairhaven. It’s website says: ‘Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is in the heart of the Norfolk Broads and offers 130 acres of protected natural habitat, dedicated to conservation, education, and wellbeing.’ There’s wildlife… otters, deer, marsh harriers… In particular, every time we go someone says that they’ve seen a kingfisher.Continue reading “That Elusive Kingfisher”

Last week the cast was announced for our Seagull Christmas production of Annie. It will take a team to put the show together – the children on stage… producer, choreographer, musical director… those responsible for scenery, costumes, make-up, lighting, publicity… Saturday saw the start of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. There were the ‘teams of two’ –Continue reading “The Fourth Dimension of Teamwork”

We’ve been singing this Stuart Townend song in church for many years now. I particularly appreciate it because it brings me in awe and humility to focus on the God who loves me, and the Jesus who died for me, in a simple yet profound way. How deep the Father’s love for us,How vast beyondContinue reading “How Deep the Fathers Love”

This  morning I read Jesus’ familiar story usually known as ‘The Prodigal Son’. A boy demands money from his parents and leaves home. He has a great time until his money runs out. Hungry and alone he decides to return home. His father welcomes him with joy and affection… I paused at the point whereContinue reading “The ‘I Will’ of Determined Action”

Yesterday was full of conversations… at our church community café, emails and texts, an evening at the pub… …Many stories… Children happy in their new school term… wedding dress shopping… a son who’d caused much worry now doing well and being promoted at work… complications with a routine operation leading to hospitalisation… a grown upContinue reading “The Gambler”

When I was a boy as a cub then a scout I learnt and recited vows and promises – which were always accompanied by the appropriate salute. Some say the salute originated with medieval knights removing their visor with their unarmed right hand; others say it points back to military subordinates removing their headgear inContinue reading “Improving my Saluting”

Over the weekend there have been auditions for our junior Seagull Christmas production of ‘Annie’. Today thirty-two children and young people will have received the good news that they’re in it… but they’ve had to audition, and auditions are tough. Annie is the story of an optimistic young orphan girl who sings: ‘The sun willContinue reading “Good News – But at a Cost”