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One pair of hands formed the mountainsOne pair of hands formed the seaOne pair of hands madethe sun and the moonEvery bird every flower every treeOne pair of hands formed the valleysThe ocean the rivers and the sand I like the picture of the creator-God making the world with his hands. Complex discussions about science,Continue reading “One Pair of Hands”

Several friends have model train layouts. They often talk about their ‘next steps’ in design, purchase or construction. Receiving a delivery like this might be a shock! Yesterday we did receive an unexpected delivery… some ‘dumbbells’! The next steps in the development of a neighbour’s home gym… I received a glossy brochure: ‘Moving to aContinue reading “Next Steps”

Yesterday my brother Chris died. I appreciated the prayers and support of many – family and friends… I smiled when I saw this… a Fanta sea… a fantasy (…jokes are always funniest when you explain them)… ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen (the band not the monarch) starts: Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?CaughtContinue reading “Chris… Chance, Choice and Change”

My brother Chris died peacefully this morning. I’m sure lots of other stuff will be written and said… As a teenager I was always known as ‘Chris’s brother’. Everyone knew Chris – he was extrovert and influential… at times it felt like I was living in his shadow. Sometimes I resented it; sometimes I wasContinue reading “Chris and his God”

I’ve enjoyed ‘big but’ jokes for years… My inappropriate school-boy humour is often aware the double meaning or ‘misunderstanding’ with but/butt… ‘Should I buy these jeans?’ ‘They’re a good fit, but I’m not sure they suit you.’ ‘’Well that’s a big but…’ I snigger because I’m thinking ‘big butt’ Totally inappropriate. Some preachers think they’reContinue reading “Big Buts”

Yesterday, chatting to my friend Ian about the curse of the ‘compare our children’ competition… ‘Sophie speaks in sentences; she’s only 9 months old…’ ‘Josh’s 5 – he can do long multiplication…’ ‘Harriet read all of the Harry Potter books before she started school…’ so it continues… sport, music, hobbies, GCSEs, A-levels, universities, marriage, grandchildren…Continue reading “Insecurities”

Yesterday we received a letter from Els in Norway: ‘In February I started a new job… a project offering assistance to people working in or who have worked in prostitution, and victims of human trafficking…’ ‘…there are the heartbreaking conversations where I listen and realise that that is all I can do. And yet, moreContinue reading “Just Showing Up”

You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst.You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way.You shall speak your words in foreign lands and all will understand.You shall see the face of God and live. Robert Dufford started writing ‘Be Not Afraid’ in 1972. He wasContinue reading “Be Not Afraid”

Bob Dylan songs were part of my formative years. ‘Blowing in the wind’ was one of the first songs I could play on the guitar; I knew all the words to all the verses of ‘Mr Tambourine Man’. ‘Forever Young’ is still one of my all-time favourites… Yesterday I was reminded of the old DylanContinue reading “Something Is Happening Here But You Don’t know What It Is…”

I’ve just read: ’Faced with trouble, some people grow wings; others buy crutches.’ I understand the principle. Troubles enable us to develop courage, resilience, strength; we cope with difficulties and fly above them. The alternative is to be disabled, crippled by our troubles; we can only limp along with crutches… Christians may quote: ‘But thoseContinue reading “Wings or Crutches?”