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A headline in yesterday’s local paper: ‘Sewing silk knickers and a drop of Baileys help Madge hit a century.’ Madge Baldock has been celebrating her hundredth birthday: ‘A glass of Baileys a day is the secret to a long life – at least that has been the case for a centenarian from Norwich… Born inContinue reading “Silk Knickers and a Drop of Baileys”

I was brought up listening to sermons. I learnt that good sermons had stories to keep the interest, three clear points to focus the mind, and alliteration to aid the memory. When I started preaching in my early twenties, I often followed that pattern… This morning I read Jesus’ words in Matthew 10. It’s hardContinue reading “What’s in a Good Sermon?”

I was chatting to my friend Alan. Alan’s brother Ron is very well-organised. I commented that Ron ‘liked to have his ‘ducks in a row’. Alan sighed. His life isn’t as well-organised as Ron’s. He expressed concern that some of his ducks had swum away, some were lost, and those that were assembled certainly wouldn’tContinue reading “Orderly, Assembled, Well-Aligned Ducks”

Last weekend was filled with the sweet smell of success… On Saturday we watched successful, talented children singing in the final of The Voice Kids – and 11-year-old twin sisters Andrea and Shanice winning. On Sunday many of us watched the long, hard fought, entertaining Wimbledon final. Novak Djokovic was gracious in defeat; Carlos AlcarazContinue reading “Success – Smelt, Seen and Tasted”

On Saturday we visited Shawsgate, a local vineyard. Les, the owner, explained carefully the process of growing and training vines. We walked around the vineyard… saw grapes growing… learnt about the process of producing wine from grapes… tasted seven of their wines… enjoyed a lunch provided by Les and his team. Beth Moore, in ‘MadeContinue reading “Made to Flourish”

With a prayer You fed the hungry,With a cry You stilled the storm;With a look You had compassionOn the desperate and forlorn.With a touch You healed the leper,With a shout You raised the dead;With a word expelled the demons,With a blessing broke the bread. This Stuart Townend song points me to Jesus, the man ofContinue reading “With A Prayer You Fed The Hungry”

The Gift: Each year I read through my Bible, starting Genesis in January, completing Revelation in December. Yesterday I completed the Old Testament; today I started Matthew… reading the Christmas story… the gift of a baby… the gifts of the wise men – gold, frankincense and myrrh… Musing… My life’s a gift. The Box ofContinue reading “The Gift of my Life”

One morning I visited Spud, a colleague headteacher. Spud was a gentle, smiley man, loved by children, staff, parents and his local community. We talked about children, local families, complained about the ‘latest initiative’. I joined them in their school assembly… Spud talked about Mr Smith and Mr Jones, two builders who each built aContinue reading “The Building of my Life”

Life’s a garden: In my teacher training I was taught that we plant seeds in children’s lives; we provide the correct conditions for growth; we watch, tend and nurture young plants; knowledge, skills and understanding grow to maturity… Seeing children as flowers may be appropriate; calling them vegetables isn’t! Grand-daughter Hannah has recently completed herContinue reading “The Garden of my Life”

One of my earliest memories is of Dad telling me a bedtime story. As a child I had a weekly comic – Robin, Beano… I read books – Noddy, Secret Seven… I watched films – Old Yeller, Dam Busters… On television I watched Andy Pandy, The Lone Ranger… At church I heard Bible stories. There’sContinue reading “The Story of my Life”