A post with a difference this time, in that is one I was asked to write for Preach Magazine about the need for rest and Sabbath moments. Please click here to read. Thank you for reading this post – please share it with others, subscribe and contribute your thoughts Read more…
I am, it has to be said, somewhat intolerant of those who take a ‘we’ve always done it that way’ approach to new ideas or changes. And, I admit, impatient when, ‘we tried that, and it didn’t work’ is used as a response. That said, I am a firm believer Read more…
Sixty years ago, a new phrase entered the English language. Like other well-known sayings, whether from Shakespeare, Churchill, the Bible and elsewhere, Martin Luther King’s proclamation on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC would always be remembered. ‘I have a dream.’ After years of non-violent campaigning, the Read more…
“Are you settled yet?” Rather like when I was preparing for retirement, we could have become rich from the number of times we’ve been asked that following our recent move. (“Have you packed yet?” was a similar repeated enquiry beforehand.) So, when people ask us if we’re settled – the Read more…
Recent years have seen the rise of the ‘celebrity novelist’. People who became famous in the world of actual entertainment turning their hand to a fictional version. Richard Osman, Graham Norton, Mel Giedroyc, Reverend Richard Coles, Tom Hanks, Ruth Jones and Anton du Beke to name just a few. If Read more…
A rather curious phenomenon is happening. Although I still have 18 months to go before I get my bus pass and state pension, I’ve noticed an increasing number of people assuming that I am retired (which I am) rather than asking me what I do. It’s not limited to casual Read more…
It’s been quite a few weeks. Jane and I have moved house – only 15 minutes down the road, but a house move is a house move. Our daughter, Rachel, has also done the same – from Durham to Lancashire (with most of her belongings travelling from Devon). Jane has Read more…
In an echo of the previous post, Father’s Day is a classic example of putting people into boxes. How society (or rather advertisers and marketeers) portrays the ‘stereotypical man’ as if that is something that all men should aim to be. And I am extraordinarily thankful that I am not Read more…
Having unpacked the seventy or so boxes from our move (despite the slowing down nature of Covid for both of us) it’s good to see some semblance of normality gradually returning. Some stability in this time of change. Moving house is a very good analogy to different aspects of life. Read more…
‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself,’ (Mark 12:31). Probably most of us feel comfortable with the ‘love your neighbour’ bit… thinking of others, being kind to people… ‘Yep, I can do that. That bit’s OK.’ But what about, ‘as yourself’? To love ourselves in the same way as we Read more…