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There is a quotation from CS Lewis’ work The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe which describes Narnia after it has been cursed by the Witch, Jardis. Mr Tumnus says; Always winter but never Christmas I think the opposite is true today. It always seems to be Christmas but, never Winter. Just for the record, […]

It’s been an interesting few days. I have been at the EBA Minister’s Conference, which is always a joy (for the record, I am not being sarcastic).  It was wonderful catching up with old friends and, making some new ones along the way. The content was great. There was a good balance between the input […]

Shadows are following me around, at the moment.  No, I have not lost the plot!  Shadows have been appearing in my readings of late. Let me explain. Yesterday, I conducted a memorial / celebration of life service for one of our Church members. The reading at the service was from the 23rd Psalm and I […]

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Oscar Wilde, in his play Lady Windermere’s Fan, writes; I can resist anything except temptation (Oscar Wilde) It is the season of Lent.  Some people use this season to give things up for a period of 40 days.  They do this as a symbolic act to remember the 40 […]

Image by svklimkin from Pixabay Many years ago, I took the decision to be Baptized and became a Baptist Minister.  A Minister friend, on the day I received my handshake from the then President the Baptist Union of Great Britain, said “welcome to the elite!” I liked the Baptist Union. I liked what it stood […]

Yesterday, as I was preparing our evening meal, I took a walk into the garden armed with my secateurs.  I needed to do a bit of deadheading of the roses. As I looked at the dead, lifeless flowers I felt a profound sense of sadness and loss.  At one time, these were beautiful scented blooms, […]

I know I am a Baptist but this week, it has been a bit ridiculous. “Why?”  I hear you ask.  Well, pull up a chair and let me tell you a story…. ‘Twas on the Monday Morning the builder came to call The drive was to be re-laid Improving access for all (go on, admit […]

I grew up at the time when boys were taught “big boys don’t cry.”  Tears were seen as a sign of weakness.  If you wanted to avoid getting bullied, you soon learnt to swallow down your feelings and emotions.  One of the ways that God has brought healing into my life is the way in […]

It is a strange moment in the gospel accounts. Jesus gets up from the table, wraps a towel around his waist and kneels to wash his disciples feet. Having preached this passage a number of times over the years, I often point out that it was the place of lowest in a household to undertake […]

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” John 8 vs. 12 The passage that formed my quiet time today, is a well known one. As the commentator said “the passage is […]