I’ll admit it. I put my hand up and confess. I find the endless ‘Alleluias’ irritating. I mean, they’re OK on Easter Day: ‘He is risen indeed, Alleluia!’ That’s fine. But if you say the daily office between Easter and Pentecost, every third word is Alleluia it seems, and I can’t wait to be rid … More Ascension – Luke 24, Acts 1, Eph 1
Dreamlike shapes and vivid colour conceal as much as they reveal- would you know this to be a clematis flower? It is, if you like, the abstract concept of clematis; reality altered to grab the attention of the onlooker. … More Planting A Concept- Look, See, Pray
I just received a brief thank you note for a devotional I wrote for 6th May. I sometimes wonder if the stuff I write makes any difference, so you can imagine how much that note encouraged me. A little sugar goes a long way. The devotion, Grace upon Grace, is reproduced below, and I commend … More Grace upon Grace – plus craft and liturgy
I made a conscious choice: to ignore the traffic, filter its rumbles and honks, and listen instead to the birdsong and the rustling of the oak trees nearby. … More Filtering Noise – Look, See, Pray
Next weekend I hope to join the annual Little Gidding Pilgrimage, this year featuring poet Malcolm Guite. I recommend a visit to his blog and a look at his books, such as Parable and Paradox: a collection of sonnets based on the sayings of Jesus. From the blurb: Cambridge poet, priest and singer-songwriter Malcolm Guite … More Acts 11, Rev 21, John 13
Thousands upon thousands of stunning blooms in vivid colours. Just inside the main entrance is this bank of white daffs and scarlet tulips, overlooked by the strong grey walls. A stronghold of power, now become a place demonstrating the hope of peace. … More Castle of Tulips – Look, See, Pray
This week in the RCL, we have a ever-popular 23rd Psalm. At the end of this post you’ll find a confessions and absolution, blessings and dismissal based on Jesus, The Good Shepherd and suitable for any week of the year There are also links to LOADS of sheep-based resources. If you have never tried out … More Good Shepherd Resources
Ceaseless pounding from the incoming tides and violent storms has taken a toll. Still strong, the wood is good for a few years yet- but the strain is showing. The sea won’t go away; the breakwater must face a daily battle, protecting the beach at the cost of its own wholeness. … More How Long? Look, See, Pray
Oh yes, this week’s liturgy resources allude to all four RCL passages! Count ’em, FOUR! (But, of course, you can use the confession and absolution, blessing and dismissal at any time, not just on weeks when you have those readings.) For reflections and printable craft on John 21, see this post. It’s always lovely to … More Third Sunday in Easter – Acts 9, Ps 30, Rev 5 & Jn 21
Unexpected knocking at the door meant a day of unexpected work. “Morning, guv, we need to dig a big hole in your garden. There’s some nice plants in the way.” … More The Gas Man Came To Call – Look, See, Pray
The Reflectionary 