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As a child I loved ‘join the dots’ sheets. It enabled a child who couldn’t draw create a recognisable picture and provided an enjoyable challenge. My daily blog has become ‘joining the dots’… people I’ve met, places I’ve been, stories I’ve heard, books I’ve read, daily news… thoughts going round in my head… trying toContinue reading “Join The Dots”

1778… John Newton, (friend of William Cowper… see yesterday) slave-ship captain and slave trade investor who became an Anglican cleric and slavery abolitionist, introduced a new hymn he had written for his New Year service – ‘Amazing Grace’… 1944… 6 months after D-day… the ‘Battle of the Bulge’. Casualties topped 100,000; reinforcements were desperately needed.Continue reading “The John Newton Circle”

God moves in a mysterious wayHis wonders to perform;He plants His footsteps in the seaAnd rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable minesOf never failing skillHe treasures up His bright designsAnd works His sov’reign will. Poet William Cowper (1731-1800) wrote this hymn as a poem entitled ‘Conflict – light shining out of darkness.’ Cowper’s motherContinue reading “God (still) Moves In A Mysterious Way”

It’s 31st December, 2022… Looking back over my shoulder over the past year… remembering the Mike Rutherford/Paul Carrack song ‘Over My Shoulder’: Looking back over my shoulderI can see that look in your eyeI never dreamed it could be overI never wanted to say goodbye The song describes the mixture of love and companionship, yetContinue reading “Looking Back Over My Shoulder”

Yesterday morning I received a seed catalogue in the post. Pages of pictures… different varieties of vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers… Apparently I should be choosing seeds to plant in the spring. D.T. Brown, Growers & Merchants, Premium Seeds and Plants, (Est 1908) wish to help me… I had breakfast with my friend Peter whoContinue reading “Please Help!”

I was given several books for Christmas including ‘Songs my Grandma Sang’ by Bishop Michael B. Curry… Bishop Michael reflects on his Grandma, part of the generation of Americans of 100 years ago whose grandparents were slaves and who experienced ‘a sung faith expressing a way of being in relationship with the living God ofContinue reading “Just an IDEA”

Yesterday was another family day. Grandson-Zak and Granddaughter-Hannah said, ‘We haven’t been in your musings recently…’ Zak added, ’What about my windmill…?’ Before Christmas Zak had been to Amsterdam with friends; pictures prove it… Windmills keep turning… Musing… the children’s song… A mouse lives in a windmill in Old Amsterdam. He gets a wife, hasContinue reading “Zak, Hannah & Windmills”

The royal family attend the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham. Crowds gather… TV reporters assemble… The royals smile and chat to the crowd… Apparently… ‘…Hilary Marsh, 71, from Newmarket, Suffolk, said: “I asked William if Father Christmas had been for the children and he smiled back and said, ‘They’ve had enough presents’.”’ ‘…The PrincessContinue reading “Louis And His Shorts”

Yesterday, Christmas Day, we went to church, sung carols, remembered the reason for the season… We came home and enjoyed food, presents and family. There was a lot of talking and laughter… an excellent day!! There was also rubbish to be disposed of, wrapping paper thrown out, packaging discarded, empty bottles put for recycling… AndContinue reading “Granny’s Soup”

You stepped down from heaven, humbly you cameGod of all creation here with usIn a starlit manger, EmmanuelLight of the world here to save Some think that Christmas is about presents, eating and drinking, traditions, relaxing, having a good time… Some look for a deeper meaning in family, love, special moments, memories of past Christmases,Continue reading “Adore”