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Four stories from yesterday… Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, wrote of David Amess, the murdered Southend MP: ‘David’s robust kindness came from his Christian faith. He was a devout Christian…  I will endeavour to remember David… by loving my neighbour, by cultivating opponents with persistent kindness… David Amess didn’t wear his faith on his sleeve.Continue reading “Faith – Sleeves & Hearts”

Every time I tried to make it on my ownEvery  time I tried to stand and start to fallAnd  all those lonely roads that I have travelled onThere was Jesus I first met this song a year ago; it’s remained close to me through this past year. At times there have been doubts and difficulties,Continue reading “There Was Jesus – Again”

I’ve discovered various stages in the hearing process I hear… sounds are made… I know someone’s speaking I listen… I’m aware of what’s said – I can repeat the words I understand… there’s meaning… the words make sense I perceive… I recognise context, body language, implications I respond… I reply, change my attitude, act orContinue reading “Hearing And Understanding”

Doctors are told that they must do better. Health Secretary Sajid Javid will create a public league table of performance. ‘More data and transparency’ will apparently drive up standards across the country. Reflecting on teachers I’ve worked with… on conversations with police officers, doctors, nurses and other public servants. Committed to their work they striveContinue reading “You Must Do Better”

We’re surrounded by ‘Lifestyle Choices’ that we make… If I do this, have that, think this way… then I will feel fulfilled, be happier, stay healthy…. Sometimes it’s about exercise… …I enjoy hearing from friends who continue to leave their warm beds early in the morning and swim in the cold North Sea. I enjoyContinue reading “Lifestyle Choices”

We had our church home group here last night. Folk arrived around 7.30; the last car was pulling away around 9.30. Then we saw it. ‘Someone’ had left their phone behind! Rachel messaged his wife – ‘He’d forget his head if it wasn’t screwed on!’. I took the phone round to his house. I returned.Continue reading “Memory and Forgettery”

Last week we had a meal at the ‘Mill Wheel’ at Hartshorne. The building dates from the 17th-century. Originally a corn mill it subsequently became a water-powered screw mill, a corn mill again, a saw mill… Abandoned around 1945 it was converted into a pub and restaurant in 1987, retaining and restoring the huge 23ftContinue reading “Life’s Wheel Keeps Turning..”

Jo and Allan (daughter and son-in-law), have a new wall built at the front of their house. It looks good. Grandson Zak says: ‘Why has our house turned into a castle?’ Paul Simon in ‘I am a Rock’ says: I’ve built wallsA fortress, steep and mightyThat none may penetrateI have no need of friendshipFriendship causesContinue reading “Building Walls”

The road is long, with many of winding turnsThat lead us to (who knows) where, who knows where?But I’m strong, strong enough to carry himHe ain’t heavy – he’s my brother Musing on having brothers… being a brother… My brothers have been on – and are on – a long, winding road. What’s round theContinue reading “He Ain’t Heavy – He’s My Brother”

Yesterday it was announced that Maria Ressa has been awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize – the first person from the Philippines to receive it. She was awarded the Prize jointly with Russian Dmitry Muratov for ‘their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.’ Ressa has courageouslyContinue reading “Truth & Trust”