Category Archives: Uncategorized

Bad News Bad news makes the headlines. Stabbings, shootings, prejudice, racism, rape, injustice, violent conflict, political confrontation… Coronavirus-world with its sickness, death, unemployment, loneliness, despair, fear, isolation, domestic abuse… And marital infidelity, family arguments, out-of-control children, dishonesty and greed of national celebrities or local gossip. It is easy to be negative… Good news Recently weContinue reading “Good News”

Sister Mary Robert was quiet and timid. Avoiding conflict or drawing attention to herself, she has hid behind her spiritual vocation and her Mother Superior. Influenced by the loud, outgoing club singer Deloris Van Cartier, she is inspired to become a stronger person and pursue her dreams. In the musical ‘Sister Act’ she sings: IContinue reading “Life-changing Decisions – Mary Robert, Amos, Martin.”

Lead us, Heavenly Father, lead us,O’er the world’s tempestuous sea;Guard us, guide us, keep us feed us,For we have no help but thee;Yet possessing every blessingIf our God our father be. James Edmeston was born in Wapping that would become part of East London docklands. Edmeston, a trained surveyor and architect, would have known aboutContinue reading “Lead us Heavenly Father Lead Us (James Edmeston 1791-1867)”

Emily Ackerman’s debilitating illness led to much time being spent in bed or a wheel chair. Identity She challenges me about issues of identity: ‘It’s as if the well world puts sick people into a box, slams the lid and slaps a label across the top. Labels carry a simple message. Once they’re on, theyContinue reading “‘The Amazing Technicolour Pyjama Therapy’”

Yesterday I met to Gary, a paramedic. Dealing with patients, visiting homes, entering hospital, negotiating coronavirus, he has to take ‘calculated risks’. I met David, an HLTA in a local school. Social distancing, the distressed or troubled young child, necessary physical intervention… calculated risks. I met Rob, whose care work with adults with significant mentalContinue reading “Calculated Risks”

Musing on Hosea 11… and the prodigal son in Luke 15 Families Families come in different shapes and sizes. In families we gain identity, security and love. I have three brothers. Between us we have three parents. I have three children and three grandchildren. I only have one wife. We talk of ‘the family ofContinue reading “Families”

Telling the story of Jesus and Peter, John Ortberg says: ‘If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat’. He expressed a familiar belief. We should dream big dreams; we can be anything that we want to be; we can be that extraordinary person who achieves the extraordinary. ChristiansContinue reading “It’s OK to be ordinary”

Initial Musings: Starting well is easy – a diet, a hobby, a marriage… We have little control over our start to life. Finishing life well may mean many possessions, a comfortable relaxing retirement, holidays, a long life, a pain–free death… Some lose their way, losing employment, family, identity, purpose or direction for life. Longing toContinue reading “Finishing Well”

Upside-down world Tables outside local pubs and cafes are upside-down… Coronavirus has turned individual lives upside-down. Distanced families, home schooling, bereavement, sickness, mental health, unemployment, cancelled holidays… Coronavirus has turned the world upside-down – global pandemic, national debt, international trade and travel… The Black Lives Matters movement would turn the world upside-down, re-considering racism, prejudiceContinue reading “Upside Down”

Now thank we all our God,with heart and hands and voices,who wondrous things has done,in whom this world rejoices;who from our mothers’ armshas blessed us on our waywith countless gifts of love,and still is ours today. During the Thirty Years War (1618-1648) German pastor Martin Rinkart served in the walled town of Eilenburg. Refugees cameContinue reading “Now Thank We All Our God”