Category Archives: Uncategorized

In my Bible I’m reading the book of Hebrews… This morning one sentence stood out: ‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.’ Consider… Today is the first day this month with nothing written in my diary. No activity. No time when I must be somewhere. Nobody expectingContinue reading “Encouraging Love and Helping Out”

Some days my musing is random and rambling…Yesterday’s started with jolly Father Christmas, dressed in red and white, ho, ho, hoeing his way through hopeful children and anxious parents. Sometimes he identifies as Santa Claus… …Then there’s speculation about whether there’s a Mrs Christmas, and the nature and number of his elf assistants… who IContinue reading “Obama’s Elf”

From around 1890 penny-in-the-slot machines were used to sell postcards, chocolate, cigarettes, domestic gas… A penny’s inserted, the penny drops, the goods are supplied… The phrase ‘The penny dropped’ indicates that someone has finally understood or realised something. Last night son-in-law-Allan and I were enjoying a quiet drink, talking about family, friends, his work, theContinue reading “The Penny Dropped”

On Saturday we watched the 47-year-old blind comedian, Chris McCausland, win the Strictly Come Dancing final. His professional dance partner, Dianne Buswell, had done an amazing job teaching him from a nervy start to his confident and ultimately winning performances. He explained how, particularly for those living with sight loss, his journey broke down barriers…Continue reading “Imperfect is Special”

Peace is one of the great Advent themes … Isaiah’s prophecy of ‘The Prince of Peace’… the angels’ announcement to the shepherds of ‘Peace on earth’… Jesus’ promise: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you’… ‘Sleeping in heavenly peace’. 1915 on Christmas DayOn the western front the guns all died awayAnd lyingContinue reading “Christmas 1915”

Yesterday’s Lowestoft Journal told of a seafront restaurant with an interesting plan. It’s introduced a ‘phone jail’ for guests to lock away their smartphones while they enjoy their meal. There’s a cost: Danielle High, restaurant owner, offered a 5pc discount for guests who surrender their phones – so she’s losing income; phone-dependent customers are havingContinue reading “Plan, Cost, Benefit!”

At this time of year we’re often reminded of Santa’s naughty list and nice list. Santa’s elves keep a close watch on each child throughout the year, reporting back to Santa with detailed updates of their behaviour. A Christmas Eve review leads to every child getting what they deserve.… It’s a concept that has itsContinue reading “Santa’s Naughty List”

Years ago Christmas TV Specials included the occasional Christmas jumper. Val Doonican or Andy Williams would entertain us wearing festive designs of reindeer and snowmen, bringing feelings of warmth, comfort, homeliness. Christmas jumpers – some might call them Christmas sweaters – became a joke. On TV, at Christmas events, folks would wear jumpers that demandedContinue reading “The Curse of the Christmas Jumper”

I learnt the Christmas story as a child – Mary, Joseph, Bethlehem, manger, baby, shepherds, wise men…. read, sung, acted, each year at church… The angel says to Joseph: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him ‘Emmanuel’, which means ‘God with us’’. I was taught well. Isaiah’sContinue reading “Emmanuel – God With Us”

On yesterday’s news… In 1978 Avril and Christopher Rowlands drove home with their first ever £6 Christmas tree on the top of their Mini Cooper. After Christmas they planted it in the front garden of their new Inkberrow, Worcestershire house. Now, 46 years on, the couple, are both around 80-years-old. That same tree stands 50ftContinue reading “It Started Small.”