A residential meeting on Holy Island

Monday 25th January 2016

Sheltering from the wind as it whipped up the waves

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

24th January 2016

Christians are called to be the "salt of the earth", contributing the unseen flavour of godly compassion to society.  And if we cannot be united in serving the people who live unseen in this beautiful but forbidding landscape, we're not going to be very effective!

"Let their way be dark and slippery"!

Thursday 21st January 2015


A winter sunrise at quarter to nine  --
an hour and a half after I had tried to give my horse a bit of exercise and suddenly understood what the Psalmist meant when in misery he prayed to God about his enemies: "Let their way be dark and slippery."  I continued on my way by car to a meeting of Area Deans with Archdeacon to discuss everything from flood relief funds to the appointment of new clergy.  The off to a deanery meeting in the evening. 

A shepherd's work is never done

Sunday 17th January 2016

On my way between services at Bellingham and Falstone I saw this shepherd with his dog gathering sheep into a pen.  The responsibility for the flock continues in all weathers and sets a good example for the clergy as shepherds to the human flock.

Getting on with the tasks

Thursday 14th January 2016

The farrier got on with shoeing Molly whilst I got on with work at my desk.

Proper seasonal weather

Friday 8th January 2016

The snow was more picturesque on the hills as I drove to a meeting with colleagues at lunchtime.  Some people might ask "Is your journey really necessary?"  But my answer is "This isn't a 'journey': I'm moving about in my place of work; driving five or ten miles within my own parishes is like hospital staff walking through the corridors from one ward to another."

Eighteen months old

Tuesday 5th January 2015

Indie at eighteen months (yesterday) wouldn't keep away from me when I tried to photograph her.  A bit frustrating; but also rather gratifying that she comes to me so willingly.  I hope it augurs well for her future education.

Two months early

Saturday 2nd January 2016

Normally the daffodils in this sheltered position open appropriately on 1st March, St David's Day.  Two months early feels disquietingly abnormal, as the weather continues peculiarly mild and horribly wet.  But everyone keeps going doggedly: what else can they do?

Happy New Year!

Friday 1st January 2016

How about a New Year walk?

St John the Evangelist

Sunday 27th December 2015

Gold and silver sunrise over the North Tyne shortly before I set off to celebrate the feast day of St John the Evangelist who (1,900 years ago) wrote the Gospel account of Christ's life, death and resurrection "so that you might believe".
Why should he care?  Because he was close to Jesus Christ and he understands how much God cares about everyone.