You saw me crying in the chapelThe tears I shed were tears of joyI know the meaning of contentmentNow I am happy with the Lord I return to Elvis this morning – unapologetically… at a time when the immediate future of churches and chapels is uncertain… Life sometimes seems complicated and heavy. Elvis comes toContinue reading “Crying in the Chapel”
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Wilberforce and Pakefield
I’ve continued to enjoy John Pollock’s biography of William Wilberforce, who led the campaign against the slave trade. I’ve been fascinated to read of his faith. Equally at ease with Methodists and Quakers he spent much time encouraging Anglican clergymen: ‘He saw the role of clergy as that of reconcilers, harmonizers and quieters…He did notContinue reading “Wilberforce and Pakefield”
Thankful
Some days we forget to look around usSome days we can’t see the joy that surrounds usSo caught up inside ourselvesWe take when we should give Coronavirus has bred two mutant brothers – groaner-virus and moaner-virus. They’re both highly infectious, travelling very quickly from person to person, bringing symptoms of negativity, self-centredness, anger and confusion.Continue reading “Thankful”
To Have and to Hold…
Jean’s husband Trevor has dementia. She can only see him once a week for 30 minutes, at his Suffolk care home, due to the pandemic visiting restrictions. Jean says the lack of interaction has affected her husband’s illness: ‘I call it torture of the heart. I took a vow and that was to have andContinue reading “To Have and to Hold…”
Fresh eyes
I worked with Jane for many years – an excellent teacher, a popular member of staff, a good team player. I knew her husband George too – strong, confident, always cheerful. They were both good people and seemed happy together. They moved away. They were divorced. I learnt that for much of the time thatContinue reading “Fresh eyes”
It Will End In Tears…
Boris announced yesterday that national lockdown restrictions will end on December 2 to be replaced with ‘regional tiers’. People wait to hear how it will affect their local shops, pubs, gyms, restaurants, businesses… spectator sports and public worship (strangely linked!)… and what will happen at Christmas. Lockdown will end with tiers… It remined me ofContinue reading “It Will End In Tears…”
That’s Me – Father Damien
I sometimes play a very childish game. I read the description of a product off its packaging and say, ‘That’s Me’. It started years ago when I had some Bournville plain chocolate that was described as ‘Rich, dark and really rather smooth.’ Yesterday the Cheddar cheese was ‘extra mature’ and the wine was ‘full-bodied andContinue reading “That’s Me – Father Damien”
Will Your Anchor Hold?
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,will your anchor drift, or firm remain? I’ve known this old hymn all my life, loving its imagery and old fashioned language. In recent years, living in a seaside town, and attendingContinue reading “Will Your Anchor Hold?”
My Generation
People try to put us down (talkin’ ’bout my generation)Just because we get around (talkin’ ’bout my generation)Things they do look awful cold (talkin’ ’bout my generation)I hope I die before I get old (talkin’ ’bout my generation) In 1965 Pete Townsend and the Who weren’t and didn’t want to be like their parents. TheyContinue reading “My Generation”
Three Billy Goats Gruff
Yesterday’s local sports’ headlines included ‘Rupp and Skipp in the Canaries’ engine room’. For the uninitiated or disinterested it referred to Lucas Rupp and Oliver Skipp, who play football for Norwich City. I like the idea of a canary with an engine. ‘Rupp and Skipp’ reminded me of a song I heard many years agoContinue reading “Three Billy Goats Gruff”
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