The King’s Head!

During April we had a preview of the new banknotes that feature a portrait of King Charles111 and will enter circulation from the 5^th June 2024.

Thank you bankofengland .co.uk

On each of the banknotes there is a promise to pay the bearer on demand the sum of £5, £10, £20 and £50 pounds. To be promised something is a very exciting thing to look forward to in every aspect of life because we have an assurance that the promise will be fulfilled.

A contrast to a promise kept is when we still have the expectation of a certain promise to happen but in reality we are let down and bitterly disappointed because the promise fails to materialise.

Just recently I conducted a Funeral Service for a gentleman who was known by many as ‘Nine O’Clock Sid’. He was born in North Manchester and worked in one of the big engineering companies and had retired from his work and was enjoyed the twilight years of his life.

His dear wife was not well and was living separately in a local Nursing Home whereby he diligently visited and phoned her at the home every day to ensure she was cared for and to express his love for her as promised in his marriage vows.

The reason for his name ‘Nine O’Clock Sid’ related to his presence in his local King’s Head Pub from nine o’clock in the evening to order his pint and socialise with the regulars that represented for him a second home!

Just imagine the comfort and sense of support he would have felt from the Landlord and all those who would welcome him as a friend and enquire about how he and his wife was doing?

The tradition of attending a local British Pub has declined in recent years but it has retained a very special place in British culture for hundreds of years. Such a place seeks to be open and welcoming to all people. An environment to quench ones thirst and enjoy a snack or a hearty meal on one’s own or with various family and friends.

Over and at the end of the bar/counter, not only do we place our orders but we can be listened to and feel able to let off steam about the state of the world, our family, work and neighbourhood situations. 

This is not the Kings Head Sid attended but a similar pub to it! Thanks joseph – holt.com Over the years Sid and his dear wife and friends would have celebrated many birthdays, various life occasions and no doubt many receptions, after a funeral service, in the King’s Head.

A Pub also represents a place where we endeavour to drown our sorrows and be commiserated in our sadness’s with many hoping that at the end of the drinking glass or bottle life may look a little bit better than how it actually is at a present time.

A big difference that has happened in recent years is the introduction of card payments via the amazing card machine compared to the payment of goods solely by cash.  

In the Christian calendar we have just celebrated Easter and are about to enter into the season of Pentecost where the promise of the Holy Spirit was given to all believers.

In the book of Acts Chapter Two we read that those present to witness such an amazing event were accused of being drunk and exuberant at a very early hour in the day. They were not filled and affected by alcoholic spirit but they were filled to overflowing with the exuberance of God’s spirit within them that entirely transformed their personal and circumstantial lives.

Alongside the local Pub there are plenty of places that represent safety and security and offer a very personal welcome. There are various places of worship to enhance and mature our spiritual life. There is the local gym and sports centre that helps us to increase and maintain our personal fitness levels.

There exists many football and sports stadia to experience the highs and lows of competition and support as a fan. We can enjoy many local libraries, shopping and garden centres, beauty parlours and our own gardens, local parks and meadows.

Thank you Manchester Crematorium

In referring back to Sid’s funeral service it represented his ninth hour on earth with only a handful of mourners attending that included a neighbour, a few friends and his Landlady from the King’s Head pub.

Each one of those people fulfilled their own personal promise and intention to be a good friend to Sid when needed and in attending registered the passing of a dear and valued friend and member of the wider community.

For me the most beautiful and powerful aspect of a Christian funeral can be found in the words of the Commendation and Committal being confident of entering into the promised eternal presence of God.

“We (before God and on behalf of Community) entrust our dear sister/brother Sid to God’s merciful keeping – earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust in a sure and (promised) certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died, was buried and rose again for us”.

May we today in the context of all our earthly relationships and experiences, promise to share our love, wealth, insights and humanity to all we live and meet just like Sid did and in so doing received comfort and strength body mind and spirit.

May we be thankful for the gift of life, however, short or long, given to us by God Almighty to enjoy and endure?

Selah (Pause to think carefully on what has just been read)

Graham

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What is the Difference between a Bunch of Keys and a Weather Vane?

In my family Easter has always been a very special time of the year. We witness spring and the onset of summer and emerge from a time of Lent having reflected upon our personal faith with many denying themselves certain things to aid such meditation.

During 2014 I visited Israel as part of a Pilgrimage that started in Jerusalem. Breakfast was from 7 o’clock in the morning and then we were due to commence a day of sightseeing from around 8 – 8.30am.

Rooster

On the first day I decided to run around the city walls and gates before breakfast starting from our hotel near the Damascus gate in East Jerusalem. One thing I had to ensure when leaving the hotel room was that I had in my possession a key to get back into the hotel and my room.

On the second morning I was approaching the area where the High Priest Caiaphas had lived and where Peter the disciple denied Jesus three times, witnessed by the rooster crowing twice early in the morning. To my great surprise as I passed that place around 6.30am what did I hear? Yes, a rooster crowing very loudly!!

In early church history the significance of Peter has been twofold. There is the symbol of the Crossed keys that reflects his leadership in the church and that of the Rooster that reminds us of his human frailty in denying Jesus.  

Interestingly on the top of many churches there is a cross, clock or weather vane that when blown by the wind determines its direction.

Pope Nicolas (800 – 867) decreed that a Cockerel Vane was a good emblem for the Christian faith and should be placed on every church tower, spire or steeple. When you’re out and about look out for that weather vane on various church buildings. Thanks Pixabay

Bunch of Keys

In thinking about our relationship with a bunch of keys it can be quite straight forward or become very complicated and cause us to be very anxious when, for example, we have lost our keys! A key in various forms will give us access to something we have purchased such as a home, car, personal computer and various banking and social media accounts.

We are all looking for the Key to Successful Living in a holistic manner that applies to our work, personal relationships and health as well as many plans and ambitions we have for the present and the future. We all have had to manage situations when we have lost our keys, have been asked to hand back our keys or to exchanged old keys for new ones.

Weather Vane

In thinking about a cockerel weather vane there are, as mentioned, many that are placed on the top of churches to remind us not to deny Christ. Peter’s call was on the first Good Friday morning and it represented a time of denial and then later that day to witness the crucifixion of Jesus.

Peter was one of the closest disciples to Jesus and within the Easter Story we are reminded of his intention never to fail or deny him especially when witnessing the arrest and subsequent crucifixion of Jesus.

However, we are all liable to fail to live up to our declared intentions. Peter spectacularly denied Jesus three times and confirmed by the sound of the rooster crowing and Peter collapsing and crying in the knowledge of his failure to be associated to Jesus. (Mark 14:72)

Denial

I wonder this Easter what our relationship is with denial. We can experience self-denial, intentional or ignorant denial to ourselves and those around us?

Many of us live in constant self-denial that relates to our quest for identity as to who we are and want to be. We are affected by how we think people perceive us and how we want people to view and accept us. At times we believe we have found success, when in reality it is self-delusional and only complicates matters. We easily let our family and friends down.

Instead of giving people unconditional support and any benefit of doubt we become critical of them that mirrors our own self-depreciation that often creates fractured relationships and an enhanced sense of self-depreciation. We all hold on to certain philosophies, beliefs and social norms to try and make sense of life and our present purpose.

The Perfect Key and Weather Vane!

I wonder have you found the perfect keys for success and happiness body, mind and spirit. Peter failed successfully and recently I watched the documentary on the Rise and Fall of Boris Johnson. It quickly became apparent that he had experienced a very difficult family upbringing.

He had s a special bond with his mother and was a needy child often reaching out for affirmation and affection and was and is highly competitive seeking always to be a winner at any cost in both relationships and responsibilities.

It is so easy to judge each other and in so doing feel a little bit superior. I am very aware of the wise saying that if we are constantly looking at the speck in other people’s eyes we will find that there is a whole log in our own eye!

In the area of interpersonal relationships and within leadership, business and general living we have to allow space for forgiveness to take place, for a second chance to be given so that all individuals within society can blossom and flourish in spite of and with all our frailties and strengths.

So what is the difference between a Bunch of Keys and a Weather Vane? Keys are very focused and specific in there use and outcomes whereas a Weather Vane is blown to wherever the wind takes it.

Thank you Brett pexels.com

Peter has been recognised as having an important place in the wider church for his leadership and writings but because of his human frailty it reminds us all that we may do things that we might otherwise not want to do if the wind had not influenced us for better or for worse!

Graham

Selah (Pause for a moment to consider what you have just read)

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In a Fast Moving World, what is the Point of Caring?

I’ll like to introduce you to a greatly loved and one time family member Chester, who unfortunately is no longer with us! We enjoyed so much time together and caring for him.

In a fast moving world what is the point we may ask of caring for something or someone when they might soon be taken from us? The reason why we care for each other is because we have affection, concern and love for their ongoing wellbeing.

Life can be very brutal and when things do change by choice or imposition we have to accept what’s happening and then try to move on and live with and get over any disappointments. From the day of our birth we will have been cared for by parents and wider family members. Many friends, neighbours, social and educational agencies will also have reached out in support and concern for us. We also will have had various opportunities to respond, in a reciprocal manner, to any care that we have received.

So the point of any care that is offered to us at any one time is because those who care have an affection and concern for us and want to make a difference at the point of any perceived need. In this blog I want to consider the responsibility and cost of caring alongside the joys and regrets we may have in supporting others!

Responsibility

As well as Chester, I remember the responsibilities and routines that were associated with Cindy my own special dog when I was younger. It was great to be greeted in a morning like royalty especially when I was distributing her morning meal and drink. It was always a bit frantic when preparing to go for a walk that included getting her lead and opening the front door to see what the weather was like. Rain, frost, snow and warmth, Cindy had to be taken out to do what she had to do before returning home.

Over the years I have also cared for cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, snakes, terrapins, lizards, stick insects and much more. All had to have their hutches, tanks and baskets cleaned alongside the feeding and occasional visits to the vet.

In any family we have siblings, children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, cousins and aged parents to care for, as well as those friends we love so dearly. In such relationships we do have certain responsibilities attached to them that require us to show and give conditional and unconditional levels of care as required.

When a child is without parental or family support the state has a responsibility to provide care for them or refer them to the private sector for support and placed in a designated and appropriated home. There are many other people who require different types of care due to sickness and old age and will be placed in a suitable residential or nursing home.

Cost

Over the years I have worked with many people who in a professional and paid capacity have offered wonderful care for those they are looking after. Yes carers are paid to care but many go way beyond what is expected from them because they feel affection and concern for those under their care. There are many voluntary and unpaid carers who do not get the full recognition they deserve for what they do and it would be nice for both to have a generous pay increase and a wider recognition of their worth within society.

When we commit to caring for someone, something, an event or organization there will be a cost that will include time and energy. There is also an emotional cost in holding on to what we have and want to achieve, as well as having to let go of what we are attached to.

There will be added practical and monetary costs that we may choose to accept responsibility for or decline when considering the best care options for a loved one.

Sadly the Care Home in the photo was previously a Cottage Hospital and is no longer in use. Care has to be very well organized, funded and run on lots of loving and affectionate support without incurring any regrets.

Joy

When Chester and Cindy were enthusiastic young puppies they bounced around the home with joy and wanted to chew on any furnishings for fun. In that awkward moment we also enjoyed their special presence. Within a family we may have a loved one with a severe physical and mental disability but when they share a smile and show their appreciation and thanksgiving, all the stresses and strains associated with their care just melt away.

Surprisingly when we count the cost of caring for people we forget to realise the joy we find in caring outweighs any costs we feared.

Regrets 

Over the years I have observed and experienced that some people are very able to care and support where required and cover personal and financial costs accordingly.

Some people are able to offer care but for whatever reason, choose not to engage in the required caring process. It seems that they are very happy letting other members take the strain and cost that goes with any short and long term caring. 

Then there are some people who dearly want to care and do so for a limited time but find that for a number of reasons they are not able to continue to care as they would like. Within these scenarios people will experience mixed feelings from disappointment to satisfaction that will also include levels of joy.

Conversely many people carry a deep sense of regret that they have not been able to care or have chosen rightly or wrongly not to care. Such feelings of regret never go away because in life we only get one chance to care and if we have not entered into that process it will leave feelings of dissatisfaction and lasting regret.

It is also interesting that people who have regret often try to place it on others who invariable will be the ones who have cared but are criticised for not doing it in the manner of the person with regret would have liked. At this point many do not take on board any self-responsibility for their own actions or inactions and try to blame others so as to mask any feelings of regret so that they may feel better themselves.

Take Away

In regards to Chester, thankfully he is still alive and being lovingly cared for by another family due to a change of circumstances that caused him to be relocated a few years ago. It is very true that as we give out in kindness and compassion to those we care for, we will find that people are happy to offer care to us in our own time of need.

In many situations people will only engage in some form of care if they feel they will get some recompense in return. However, as so often in caring generally we receive more than what we actually give or share. 

In my personal prayers for myself and those I love and have a care for I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Peter in that as we: cast all our cares and anxieties upon him (God) he lovingly cares for us and wants us to do likewise for all we have contact with.

Selah (Pause to think carefully on what has just been read)

Graham

PS On the day I published this blog I found out that our neighbours had invested in a ‘Poodle Puppy’. I’m sure they will have lots of fun together and no regrets in caring for it even when he is chewing the home furnishing! Also guess what they have called the puppy? Chester!!

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You’ll get my vote!

It seems that during 2024 in the UK we might be having a General Election. It’s a time when everyone who is eligible to vote have the opportunity to elect individual members of Parliament who represent a particular party and will be chosen to lead the country for the next five years. There are important elections also in America and India as well as other countries worldwide.

Thanks Paul unsplash.com

How countries are ruled in times past and the present differs depending on their religious obligations or humanistic beliefs. There does exist however various other types of leadership institutions that range from being democratic or autocratic!

A recent survey has suggested that older members within a society tend to vote more than the younger ones and are more aligned to a particular political party according to cultural traditions and beliefs. Younger individuals are less loyal to certain political organizations and may be more of a floating voter or not vote at all.

In the UK and other countries people have died and given their whole lives trying to establish greater rights for certain individuals who had been disenfranchised. However, as generations come and go the value, meaning and importance of voting does change be it for the better or for the worst.

In some of my educational studies I have looked at Economic History which has been fascinating to see how certain politics and economics have evolved for various reasons and have facilitated changes to take place so improving people’s standard of living in the work place, within the home, education and social welfare.

I enjoyed studying Sociology and other ology’s. I like the fact that British Government and Politics is a live subject and has given me an understanding as to how laws have been made, remodelled and implemented by different political governments. One of my highlights during such studies was a visit to the Houses of Parliament seeing the Commons and Lords in action   

Throughout the world at this time there seems to exist a measure of peace, harmony and better living conditions compared to previous generations. Having said that, we are also aware of certain actions within the world that are causing great loss of life, distress and conflict.

Political, cultural and religious views seem to have become very polarised and divisive. Individuals hold very intently to their own personal beliefs and actions and seem to have disregarded any level or spirit of tolerance, appreciation and understanding of any opposing views and practises.

For me the greatest form of governance within any society is where leaders truly represent the people they serve rather than acting like distant and cruel dictators. In comparing different societies within the world there are some places where God is central and people are expected to show love, tolerance and compassion. Sadly in varying ways many only seek to serve themselves rather than love and serve their family and neighbours.

In other societies that have no structure or belief in a god there also can be an abuse of power, intolerance and coercion that suppresses and controls all people under their rule and does not promote peace and harmony within their leadership.

As a Christian Minister I would be expected to promote and uphold the place of the church that represents in a radical form the love, judgement and forgiveness of God to all those who seek to enter into its fellowship.

A good study of church and religious history shows us that those in leadership can be abusive and only seek such positions to exercise their own power that is not as God would intend. In the Old Testament there is the practise of Jubilee as found in Isaiah 61 and referred to by Jesus in Luke 4 which has defined his own leadership model and actions.

In many cultures today they are built upon materialism that seeks to usurp any thoughts about the reign and rule of a God. The concept of a Jubilee dream is quite interesting where debts are released, greater freedoms shared and liberation offered to all so as to help transform a better daily living for everyone.

Any leadership in this context has to implement and establish certain systems of liberation for all rather than a chosen few who seek inequality rather than equity which is lacking in the life of millions of people worldwide.

Within the Christian tradition the church should and can be a unique and radical place where all are welcomed. A sanctuary where all who meet will have their own different political, personal and economic views but desire to express a love for all in the context of God’s love, grace and forgiveness.

Westminster Abbey. Thank you Charles unsplash.com

In such an environment the church should not be something to be feared or ignored and seen as irrelevant to modern living but one that acts as a model of best practice for those who lead as servants and those who serve as leaders. 

I have heard it said recently that ‘God is Sovereign and if he isn’t Sovereign then he is not God at all’! In the book of Romans chapter thirteen it says that we all must ‘submit to governing authorities’ for they exist under the Sovereignty of God. There is the belief that all Kings, Queens, Presidents and Rulers are raised up and taken down by a Sovereign God. That highlights many other difficult questions to consider but cannot be explored in this short blog.

So in 2024 the issue of who governs our nations is important for millions of people worldwide. So who will get your vote?

Great photo Vlada pexels.com

In a game of chess that includes, one King and Queen, two Bishops, Knights, Pawns and Rooks it can be very intriguing. In any election process it is also intriguing and there are numerous options and many convincing leaders and political parties who want to convince us to vote for them. We may be an older person who votes in a traditional manner or a younger individual who will decide who to vote for on Election Day or even not vote at all in a simple act of disillusionment. 

Do we believe that any leader and ruling power is sanctioned by a Sovereign God? Are we working hard to dismiss any notion of a divine at work in human affairs and so trust in important organizations to promote and provide structures that secures tolerance, peace, harmony and wellbeing for those we agree with and those we do not fundamentally agree with all for the common good?

God gets my priority vote based on his eternal sovereignty and then I will consider carefully where my second vote will be placed. Happy voting.

Selah (Pause to think carefully on what has just been read)

Graham

Check out exploretoinspire.uk  for further Encouragement for Daily Living

God has made away!

There is a beautiful worship song by Brandon Heath and Tasha Layton entitled God made a way – away in a manger!

Recently, near to where I live, many people gathered together in the cold, wind, rain and dark to witness the Christmas lights being turned on. In St Anne’s square in central Manchester, coinciding when the Christmas markets are on, there is a nativity outside St Anne’s church that is shown every year.

When the time is right, it is lit revealing baby Jesus and all the individuals within a nativity scene and continues until the start of Epiphany in early January.

In 2013 it was unfortunately vandalised but thankfully soon restored. Thanks Alamy

In Isaiah 41 v 14 -16 we read that Jacob, known as Israel and humans without God are like “worms and insects” ready to be consumed and defeated.

Isaiah 42 v 1 – 7 is the first of four Servant Songs. In Matthew 12 v 14 – 21 it refers to the earthly life of Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah: God’s Servant. In verse four of Isaiah 42 the servant Jesus was not going to fail or be discouraged and would go forward to establish justice throughout the world.

In verse six, the Messiah is given to all as a new covenant to the people as “a light to the nations” that brings release and healing to all who are imprisoned in whatever way.  

Jesus had the power to destroy all his enemies but in his humble and patient life, ministry and resurrection he brought forth transformation for all who believe in him, just like that light shining and pushing away all the darkness around it.   

The late Queen Elizabeth and the present King Charles accepted that their kingship was one based on being a servant to those they ruled over and lived with.

As ordinary “worms and insects” we can be transformed into beautiful servants of the Lord in whatever human situations we find ourselves in. Thanks npr.org

In John 1: 4, we have the account of Jesus in whom “was life and light and he was to be a light of all people“. He was also “the light of and for the world” as found in John 8: 12.

When we enter a house with no lights on we look for the switch to turn the lights on and if there is someone else with us to guide us to that switch, that is very helpful. John the Baptist is the one who guides us to Jesus who is the truth, light and the way as found in verse 29, “behold the Lamb of God”.

In recent days and months you may have been in situations where you have looked up and saw the stars in the mesmerizing and clear sky when we have been freed from all the light pollution that we find in big cities.

I remember a time when I was on a mission camp in Spain a few years ago and I saw all the bright and fading stars up in the clear sky. I followed the light and trial of a plane that was travelling from one place to another and was fascinated to think as to where it was from and where it was going to and who would be on board the plane. I also recall a time when I was in Uluru (Ayres Rock) in Australia and I observed the South Star that was similar but in a different area from the normal North Star that I would have seen in Europe.

There are two thoughts I want to share with you.

1) The life of Jesus is transformative and God made a way – away in a manger, a death on a tree and a stone rolled away.

There are times when we might feel like a fading star, spiritually, who has seen better times and seasons as a result of not seeking God’s continual and renewing blessings.

On the other hand you might feel like a bright light and star that is shining strongly all the year round not just at Christmas, so exhibiting God’s radiant light for those in darkness to appreciate and gain from?

2) Think about how you live and serve and fulfil your earthly calling?

You may feel like a worm and insect but God wants us to be like Jesus, a servant to all we live with and a King and Queen redeemed and restored because God has made a way through Jesus.

In 2 Corinthians 3: 18 it reminds us that we can be transformed from one degree of glory to another reflecting the radiance and light of Christ to all we live with and serve.

Trust you have experienced a peaceful Christmas and pray that you may have a joyous New Year. Enjoy listening to that lovely worship song by Brandon Heath and Tasha Layton God made a way. 

Christmas Jars!

Recently I watched one of those cheesy Christmas films that ended up being a very moving story that we all could relate to in terms of tragedy, romance, intrigue, deceit, social media and restoration. It is very interesting where we get inspiration from, where we anchor our morals and values in and how we attempt to live out such inspirational values in reality.

In the film a young woman enters a local café on Christmas Eve with owners who are very welcoming and represented a safe and secure place. Her background was one of domestic violence and living on her own with a three month old girl and had little money to survive and felt unable emotionally to care for her baby. When she left the café she placed the baby securely on the seat for the staff to eventually find her.

One of the waitresses found the baby and named her Hope. In due course the waitress was able to adopt her and gave her a very loving and settled home which Hope really appreciated. Unfortunately her adopted Mum died when Hope was in her twenties. On the day of the funeral for her Mum Hope returned to her flat to find it had been broken into and lots of her money and possessions had been stolen. Just as the police officer had finished his report Hope noticed a glass jar in front of her door full of cash with no reference as to who had placed it there.

During this time Hope was working as an assistant to the editor of a local newspaper and wanted to get promoted to become a junior reporter. After much discussion Hope was asked to come up with a story that might be published as a trail of her possible abilities. The glass jar that Hope found on the day of her burglary had the words Christmas Jars on it so she felt that tracing the reason behind that kind gesture would represent a good story to use.  

After a period of investigation Hope was directed to a family who worked in restoring damaged and broken furniture. Hope did not declare to the family why she wanted to speak to them but was warmly welcomed and found herself romantically attracted to the owner’s son Ian. The editor pressed Hope for a final copy of the story to be published. This created a dilemma for her because if it was printed the family would find out her real intentions and that she had been deceitful which would jeopardise her relationship and affection for Ian.  

The story did go to print and the family found out and felt very used and let down by Hope. However, there was a great response to the story and how the giving of the Christmas Jars originated. The owner’s daughter, at a very young age, had met a lady on the streets who was greatly distressed and she had compassion for her and asked her parents if she could give the Jar, full of money they had saved up for Christmas, to the lady.

The parents agreed and therein a Christmas tradition was established that money saved throughout the year would be distributed to people in need at Christmas time and to be known as the Christmas Jars. The family did not want any publicity and just gave them away secretly.

After the publication of the story, Hope was not welcomed back into the family and the blossoming relationship with Ian ended. In a following edition of the paper Hope gave an apology and outlined the back story to her own actions and intentions and asked for forgiveness from the family and recalled how she had personally benefited from receiving one of the Christmas Jars and the effect it had upon her and how practically it made a great difference in her time of need after the loss of her Mum and the robbery.

Hope apologised personally to the family and as a result of her second publication many people visited the family’s home and gave their own Christmas Jars full of cash as a thank you for their love and generosity over the years. One of the people visiting the family was a lady who shared her background after reading the story that Hope had published. It turned out to be Hope’s biological mother

At this point Hope returned to the café she had been left in and where every year on Christmas Eve she gave thanks for both her biological and adopted mothers. During that time in the café Hope’s real mother visited and finally the two were reunited with lots of tears and joy. The mother asked for forgiveness and Hope happily forgave her, thankful for being reunited after so many years separated.

What a moving story that reflects so much of real life with all its amazing ups and downs. The film is known as Christmas Jars (TV Movie) and is based on the 2005 novel by Jason F Wright and represented a real-life movement of anonymous giving.

In the Christian tradition Christmas is the time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus to parents Joseph and Mary. He was born in difficult circumstances and later the family had to flee for their lives into Egypt. He grew up and worked privately and quietly with his father as a carpenter. He didn’t own his own house and later travelled extensively being mobbed by both those who appreciated his love, prayers and healings and those who opposed his teachings and values and wanted him dead and out of the way.  

He worked intensely with twelve disciples and others that included women and those from different races and cultural backgrounds for over three years. He had a great love for the widow, poor and sick. He never wrote a book or had thousands of online followers.

There is no grave to record his life but there are numerous accounts of his adventures and historical records that are contained not in a Christmas film, but in a book that is full of inspired words that offers wisdom and guidance as to how we may experience peace and joy and be reconciled to God and those we live and work with. The Bible is the greatest and most popular book ever written that inspires Joy to the Lord as the Carol proclaims and eases all the troubles that we may face during a given year.

Often at Christmas we are made aware of the plight of the poor and homeless and the great work of charities such as Crisis at Christmas. Salvation Army and Shelter. In that context we can also appreciate acts of kindness as seen in the life of Joseph of Arimathea (Of Glastonbury connection) who cared diligently for Jesus after his crucifixion as recorded in one of my recent insights. .

Today many people are feeling the strain from the cost of living and are tempted to spend and over spend so as to share gifts that represent their love to one another and receive loving presents given to us. During this time of year we are more aware of those we have been separated from because of family fall outs, those who have died and simply those who are living, working and fighting for their country in lands far away.

The movement of anonymous giving, as expressed in the film, is powerful and it reminds me of the importance of giving and receiving without charge or recognition so may we share those sentiments in the coming weeks and the New Year 2024.

Selah (pause to think calmly on what has just been read)

Graham

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Do you want to be healed?

The answer to the question must seem a very obvious one – yes!

However we have to determine what we are wanting, or not, to be healed from and how does that affect our body, mind and spirit. Some of us may feel 95% fit physically but find that we feel less secure mentally and even spiritually. There will be different combinations of health for each one of us depending on our ages, home and work situations, our wealth and personal relationships.  

One day we may feel quite strong mentally but are weaker physically and have little spiritual input. There are others amongst us who are very resilient spiritually and it helps them to have a solid anchor in respect to any emotional and physical challenges that they have to encounter.  

We are all very complicated creatures as well as being very simple in our individual and collective needs and behaviours. We want to be loved and cared for and to be able to love and care for others throughout our earthly journeys. It is important to embrace inner and outer peace, health and wealth and to have a daily sense of wholeness in body, mind and spirit.

Thank you Antoni pexels.com

In various aspects of my working life and my ministry amongst both young and old I have found this question of “Do you want to be healed?” a very relevant one. For example some people have found themselves ill for long periods of time either physically or emotionally and have been unable to get back to a level of fitness that enables them to return to work and social interaction.

For some people the timing of an illness and a recovery from it has been complicated, especially where health is related to their wealth and any ability to pay rent and weekly bills. There is the case that for some individuals being on the ‘sick’ and in receipt of social benefits is considered better than returning to work or claiming a status of being well and strong.

Without being judgmental, many people for various reasons feel better embracing a status of being ill more than one of being well? If our relationships and situations become difficult, it impacts other areas of life such as our health, wealth, mind and body for long and complicated periods in life.

Jesus during his three years of travelling met many individuals who were in need of healing. When he was in the city of Jerusalem he met a number of people who had been ill for a very long time and were close to a pool where the healing waters were. Jesus asked one man “Do you want to be healed/to get well?” (John 5: 1-8). Of course the man wanted to be healed but for over thirty-eight years he had little help and support and had settled within a community and lifestyle that was void of healing experiences.    

In the Christian tradition a Vicar/Minister when being ordained will, at some point within the service, be charged with the “Cure of Souls” for the wellbeing of all those that will come under their care.

In a local church the Vicar/Minister, with other leaders and members of a congregation will look to establish a community that loves God, cares for each other and lives in a continual state of being forgiven, healed and forgiving those who have offended them and also in need of healing. They will want to provide as best as possible a place of sanctuary, teaching, healing and physical and emotional nourishment for all who want to receive a healing and strength.  

Thank you Samuel pexels.com

Last week I led a group of nine people on a Mission trip to Johvi in Estonia. A number completed some valuable repair work in the Way to Life Centre in Tammiku. Others helped in crafts, teaching and worship with Estonian and Ukrainian refugee families. In all the suffering, confusion and loss of life in Eastern Europe the people seemed to retain a flickering hope for the future and a deep personal faith for peace and healing.

• So today think about this question: Do you want to be healed and if not why not?

• If you do want healing what type are you looking for?

• Is it just for the body? Is it for the mind and are we inadvertently neglecting the spirit?

• If it is a spiritual healing, will that bring a change to the complaints of our bodies and minds? 

I have been involved in many services for healing and witnessed God quietly at work bringing healing and restoration over varying periods of time and in many cases instantly and permanently.

However, I have always believed and said many times that the greatest healing is when we feel that God and those who love us, are sustaining us even in a very unchanged setting that helps us to accept the present situation.

In such acceptance we are transformed like the man who got help and was able to walk again and his lifestyle was totally turned around ready to face new horizons.

Selah (pause to think calmly on what has just been read)

Graham

Check out exploretoinspire.uk  for further Encouragement for Daily Living

The Joy of? Is my Strength or Weakness!

Joy can be described as happiness that is and isn’t dependent on happenings. The opposite of joy is joylessness or being unhappy that in many respects can be affected by our surroundings and happenings.

Thank you Jill pexels.com

Some days we wake up and for a collection of reasons known or unknown to us we feel a sense of despair, a lack of self-confidence and a gloom that descends as we prepare to enter into a new day. If however, we have a deep underlying sense of joy and happiness it can help minimise any adverse feelings, so enabling us to enter into a new day with greater fortitude and vigour.

However, we have to lovingly acknowledge that irrespective of how we feel and act we can experience a clinical ill health that affects our minds and bodies and leaves us with a limited capacity to cope on a daily basis. In that case we seek medical, spiritual and psychological support.

In this blog I beg a question as to where our joy comes from and in what ways does it weaken or strengthen us?

There will be certain activities we engage in that are social, relational and highly addictive. We may enjoy such times and have a wonderful sense of being happy. I wonder though in the long and short term do they make us stronger or weaker. By contrast there are many simple pleasures in life that bring joy and happiness and can help us to feel stronger rather than feeling weaker.

There is a story about a man who was very sorrowful because news came to him that where he used to live certain physical structures in the city had been destroyed and were in need of a total repair. His boss at the time noticed how sad and tearful he was and gave him compassionate leave from his work so as to return to the city and begin to start and complete any repairs that were required.

Thank you GulIsik pexels.com

When he arrived in his home town he sought to inspire the locals to join him in the building work and in so doing faced strong opposition who threatened to thwart any repairs taking place and to physically harm the workers.

In spite of the opposition the people had a mind to work and overcome any obstacles before them and in so doing found joy and a strength in working together to restore that which had been destroyed.

There are many instances where we feel very sad and tearful because of buildings, relationships and situations have been broken and are in need of repair and restoration. We find ourselves busy at work and with domestic responsibilities and do not have the time or inclination to restore that which is broken. We feel weak and unable to establish agreed mind-sets that will aid any rebuilding work and the opposition we face is overwhelming and so we quickly give up.

By contrast think of some situations where you have found favour at work, home and within community. Those around you have been inspired and together you have a mind to complete the task before you. The opposition is fierce but together you have a plan and purpose and see that the opposition falls away and together you are able to bring repair and restoration. The joy in working together gives us strength and confidence.

The church I served in as a Minister was at Emmanuel Penbsy on the Wirral and when I arrived we were few in numbers. Over a five year period we overcame various obstacles and disagreements and had a mind to move from a place of quietness to one that drew confidence from the Lord and together decided to repair and seek new growth and joy in the church and the community we served.

We repaired the fences and improved the church building. During and after I had left the church, plans were in place for a totally new church building to start which was completed and all paid for which brought great joy to the members of the church and the wider society looking on.

During that time I often referred to the words that were shared by the man I introduced earlier, known as Nehemiah. He declared that the “the joy of the Lord was his strength” in the task that was before him. Nehemiah and his team had a collective mind and determination to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and that took Nehemiah from tears of sadness to tears of rejoicing and gladness.

Next month I will be travelling to Estonia with a team of ten people looking to complete some ministry and building work in a local town. There are three ladies in the team who will have a special ministry of listening and sharing with two ears, one mouth and many tears supporting local Ukrainian refugees.

I have been on a number of mission trips over the years to Kosovo, Albania, Hungary, Spain and elsewhere. The team that assembles on such trips commit to have a mind and spirit to work and complete the task put before them.

We get confused, discouraged and even face opposition. Yet we discuss, pray and work out a plan that will successfully complete the task and invariably it does with maybe a few alterations along the way! In all we gain much joy in the midst of our collective weakness which is transformed into a spirit of strength with successful outcomes.

Today think about where your joy comes from and does it bring to your inner core feelings of strength or weakness? Is your happiness dependent on happenings or is your joy grounded in yourself, your faith and strong human relationships?

• Look to rebuild where things have become destroyed.
• Be prepared to overcome obstacles and find those who have a mind to work with you.
• Complete the task in hand with joy that is unspeakable!!

Selah (pause to think calmly on what has just been read)

Graham

Check out exploretoinspire.uk  for further Encouragement for Daily Living

The beauty and impact of a letter!

I wonder when was the last time you wrote a hand written letter to someone that was full of beauty in sharing warm, lovely and helpful words in one particular context or another. When was the last time you wrote or received a letter that was full of hate, accusation and complaint in one form or another and what impact did it have upon you

In our modern age writing an email and sharing words as a blog or on social media can be full of beauty and encouragement or have a devastating and negative impact just as those hand written letters we have shared.

Words have a massive meaning for all of us and can be given and received in different ways. There are those beautiful words of affirmation that seek to build us up and help us when we feel down. We have those pregnant words of defamation that seek to knock us down and ensure that we are not acknowledged, appreciated or affirmed.

Words can be easily shared in a flippant manner rather than a sincere way that reflects we have been heard and understood.  We exchange words of love, comfort and support alongside words of hate, upset and abuse.  Thanks you Koolshooters pexels.com

Words are timeless in their construction as found in books, writings and interactions within social media yet they can be easily interpreted as being offensive, meaningless and transitory. Words are shared quietly and confidently, full of wisdom and application. Many speak words so fast that we cannot fully understand what is being said or implied. Words are shared in different languages that convey contrasting cultures, beliefs and practises. There is the case that without any exchange of words people and even animals can convey a sense of intention, feelings and actions one to another.

It is fascinating the stage of a toddler who seems to understand every word that is said to them but is without the capacity to speak and share their own thoughts and intentions and becomes easily frustrated and resorts to screaming or pointing very firmly what they want to happen! Some people, who are without hearing and unable to speak, have developed remarkable abilities to ensure that they are able to communicate their intentions and feelings.

I have and continue to work as a Christian Minister over many years and have found it such an honour and privilege to be able to hear people’s life stories and experiences especially when being asked to take their funeral service. I remember supporting one family who had lost their mother and they presented to me a hand written letter that she had wrote that constituted her life story and was to be used in the service as her eulogy. That was very interesting to receive as it was the first time and last time that I had been given such a letter.

I read the contents that were very descriptive, informative and personal however it dawned on me that in any complete life story or eulogy other people’s views and comments have to be added to it so as to reflect how they have, invariable, been appreciated as a person within the family, at work, socially and within the wider community. So at that point I asked the family members for their contributions that were added to the ladies own eulogy which on the day of the funeral became a fuller version of the ladies life story.

So often after sharing a eulogy within a funeral service I ask those attending to take a moment of silence, to be still and reflect on what has just been heard with a deep sense of thanksgiving, and heartfelt sorrow because of their loss and to find a comfort and peace both human and divine. In reality silence in various forms can speak louder than words!

During the time I worked as a Life Coach there were a number of occasions, when sharing with a client, that a question was asked as to what was the importance and effect of self-talk that was uplifting and provided self-confidence, compared to any self-talk that had a negative impact and created confusion and self-doubt.

How we speak to ourselves does reflect in a measure, how people have and do speak to us. If we are constantly affirmed then we will exhibit an air of self-assuredness in our own self-talk and our communication with others. If we have and are constantly being talked over and receive words of deformation then it will deflate us which will be reflected in our own self-talk that will lack confidence and assurance.

It is important to have a dialogue with ourselves that is honest, transparent and attempts clearly to identify any issues that we may want to discuss internally and work through. This compares to a monologue that continually berates our self for not doing or being up to a certain mark that is not of our own design but comes from those interjects and goals imposed from family members, teachers, influencers and friends over the years. Thanks Cottonbro studio

A monologue remains unchallenged whereas a dialogue seeks to share another point of view that can represent those of your therapist, spiritual and human mentor and loyal friends.  

In all our thinking and discussions we either press down on what and how we are feeling and acting or we lift ourselves up to a higher and different perspective that at any particular time might be the difference to our mood and self-confidence. We often say to ourselves I cannot do it? However we can challenge that conclusion by saying that I have skills, abilities and a determination to use and work hard and successfully complete the task in hand and so go on to do it and as a result feel happy and confident.

So take time to write a letter to yourself or complete an action plan that highlights any concerns you are experiencing, of whatever nature, at this present time. Be honest and open with yourself and consider other points of view as a result of research and various helps that can influence how to conclude or decide to work through the concerns you have.

Write a letter back to yourself with words of kindness, support and realistic action points. In your action plan give yourself some goals and areas to work on that will help you move from concern, to settlement and then success.

We live in a world where there are constant words being written and shared personally, online, radio and television. Such words often do not encourage us but deflate us and cause us to think about what we do not have as opposed to being thankful and content with what we do have and to get on with enjoying life to the full.

As a Christian Minister I constantly read and appreciate words from God’s letter, the Bible. It brings ‘a lamp for my feet and a light to my path’ and words of affirmation and encouragement for Godly living. It also challenges me to aspire and achieve more than I would ever dream of and complete.

So when we come to write our own life story/eulogy, may we be careful to allow space for the comments of others, which is the scary part, but knowing that it is so often more complementary than we would ever think or realise.   

Selah (pause to think calmly on what has just been read)

Graham

Check out exploretoinspire.uk  for further Encouragement for Daily Living

Choose Alpha, Mu and Omega!

I’m sure you have all done it?

Last week when starting to do a deep clean in the study I accidently knocked over a bucket that was half full of clean soapy water. Oh dear, just what I didn’t want!

It took me awhile to soak away the excess water and then after time I was left with a slight tide mark and a smell of stale water. Thankfully after a couple of days and more restorative measures the carpet looks lovely and the study is gleaming.

In this blog I want to explore the effects of Alpha – 1^st letter of the classical Greek alphabet (Start), Mu – 12^th letter, (a middle experience) and Omega – 24^th letter (an ending) may have upon us?

It is a fact that for some who have had a difficult start in life they have over time been able to transform such a beginning into a very successful life with lots of happy outcomes. Conversely, there are many people who have had a very privileged and stable start to life with minimal complaints but have found that for many reasons their life has not met or exceeded any personal expectations or outcomes.

In our daily orbit and routines we do have a measure of choice to start, engage in and work towards particular endings. At any one time we may feel as though we are stuck in the middle, completing an ending or negotiating a new beginning. However in whatever way our start, middle or endings unfold we can be reassured that things can and do change for the better in spite of the worst that is thrown at us and we can chose to repurpose and establish a good Alpha, Mu and Omega.

Alpha

In thinking about different periods in our lives there will have been times when we have chosen certain pathways and there are other occasions when we feel that we have been pushed into new beginnings that we really didn’t want to enter into.

When we think of family life we did not choose one over another. As a baby we are fed from our mother’s breast or via bottled milk. We are weaned and eat solid foods. We begin to crawl, walk, run and have fun. We move from nappies to the potty and then to the grown up toilet. Our little characters begin to form and express themselves via fits of laughter, expressive crying or a wall of silence exhibiting an independent spirit. Then from being a toddler we set off to become the young child, teenager and independent adult ready to choose and face up to joys and challenges our special lives have in store for us, be they short or long.

Mu

The letter Mu, is the middle one in the Greek alphabet and may seem insignificant or get lost and ignored in any general or specific writing. However, being in a middle can offer a strength that binds to a beginning and is a link towards any ending. It is interesting how we react when we are in the middle of something that is important to us. We can get very easily annoyed when someone or something disturbs us and we lose our focus. We endeavour to regain that concentration to continue in what we were doing or possibly lose a momentum to complete successfully the task we were looking to complete.

A middle period of time and activity can in itself claim an equality with a beginning and an ending. It will only fully reveal itself in the context of hindsight that invariably shows that we have had to muddle through and crack on with things regardless.

I think it is very helpful if we can discern what type of season we may be experiencing at any one time and therein seek to accept and embrace its joys as well as any mid-life crisis that come our way. In any period of our life we all want to experience stability, clarity, peace and happiness.

Thanks Monstera pexels.com

Omega

I strongly believe that to end well in whatever activity we engage in is very helpful. I remember the first time I completed the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride. The excitement of the start with hundreds of cyclist’s taking part was exhilarating. Then the challenge of covering 60 miles plus through strong winds and heavy rain. Ultimately to witness that amazing finish in Stanley Park where thousands of people greeted each finisher with very special celebratory shouts and cheers.

Other endings may include completing a particular job for a paying customer. A fulfilment of a happy holiday, graduating from one specific task and being ready to embrace another. It is very hard to work in and through awkward endings such as death, relationships, jobs and various planned projects that have failed or not lived up to expectations.

There are however many planned changes that includes a season of retirement or an unexpected event that is forced upon us that represents a disaster and will require a long time to accept, recover and move forward from it. The ultimate ending in life is death itself, yet for many people of faith, built into their thinking and lifestyle, is the anticipation of one day meeting their maker and entering into a promised eternal rest in the presence of the Almighty having been cheered along the way by a ‘cloud of witnesses’.

Choices

Whether we fully realise it or not we will have lots of daily choices to make and contend with, also situations that are forced upon us in the context of family care and support. We have to work to gain an income to cover all our expenditure and luxuries. We look to choose and share in healthy relationships and lifestyles that will bring joy and contentment with all we meet. We have to deal with many circumstances that are not welcomed such as illness and unemployment which alongside our good choices result in difficult or good outcomes.

As I conclude this blog I am writing from the Manchester University’s Ryland’s library on Oxford Road. It’s Congradulation Day where hundreds of undergraduates are enjoying their graduation ceremonies. It’s lovely to see the joy and relief upon their faces and all the loving family members and friends who have travelled with them from the start, and helped them through the middle, to achieve a special ending and achievement.  

However, as many of us will have experienced, in the midst of all the celebrations, it’s a sobering thought that as the students register their successful ending, in reality it is only a beginning of a life journey into an unknown that will include both periods of trepidation and excitement.

Who are they going to meet and work for? How will they become more independent and provide for their own needs and those they have responsibility for. How will they handle all the numerous times of fun and laughter alongside those times that will require endurance because of heartache and challenge. We can learn from our beginnings and different endings and apply resilience and tenacity which will make us stronger.

• So may we give thanks for the present day which is a very special and unique gift for us all to enjoy, endure and live it to its maximum potential?

• May we be thankful for the future that awaits us? May we believe that in whatever context we receive the future, it represents that the ‘best is still yet to come’ albeit in a different context to the experiences of the past.

• May we choose to acknowledge the Alpha (beginning), Mu (the middle) and the Omega (ending) with thanksgiving and appreciation?

(I dedicate this blog in memory of my late younger brother James Smallman whose life ended shockingly and too early on 22 July 2014. RIP)

Selah (pause to think calmly on what has just been read)

Graham

Check out exploretoinspire.uk  for further Encouragement for Daily Living.