Not a believer? Perhaps give this post a miss? Hold on! Might you be missing out on life’s best open secret?
We’ve been studying Hebrews in our Home Group at church. It’s not easy to understand. But it’s richly rewarding. And it’s got lots to say to us in our bizarre 21st century world. Especially in tough times.
Author Archives: johnhearson
Half Term ‘holiday’ in South London
Did you read my previous, Valentine’s Day post? Hope you enjoy this further light-hearted interlude from my usual heavy topics…
Being a Grandparent is a privilege, a source of endless fun, and a way to stay young. Our son and daughter-in-law say they admire our energy. BUT, unlike us, they can’t go home to collapse once the half term break comes to an end!
On St Valentine’s Day
This year I felt overcome with gratitude towards the lady who has shared my life since 1975. In an age where many feel marriage is too difficult to be a realistic proposition, I wanted to express my own feelings towards Jane.
Self Improvement and Dark Materials
I notice a host of articles and book titles about Self Improvement. They generally assume that faith is irrelevant, as if those ancient concepts of sin, grace and atonement are irrelevant. Or, some would say, harmful.
I believe Jesus teaches us a great deal about self-improvement, but that you have to stop trying!! A point totally missed by Philip Pullman’s Magisterium in His Dark Materials. Have a read and see what you think!
Bad Cop, Good Cop…
In contrast to the miserable outcomes from COP27, the UN’s Biodiversity Conference last month (COP15) fared much better. Or rather, the planet may do so. I feel it’s important to appreciate good news in that it spurs us on in our own quests to become sustainable.
The Confessions of Secret Santa
Our grandson Sam is rapidly growing up! Reading has given him a new independence and a confidence. But it’s been wonderful to see him taking pleasure in giving, as well as receiving, gifts this Christmas.
Happy Advent (what’s that?)
The man in the street has as much idea what Advent’s about, as he does Trinity Sunday. Zilch. So, imagine my surprise when a council administrator wished me a happy Advent at the end of an email exchange.
What’s Advent? And, has it anything relevant to say concerning my usual blogging topics, e.g., climate change?
Too late for Planet Earth?
By all accounts, the World Leaders at COP27 failed to deliver any new commitments to address climate change. The chance to restrict global warming to 1.5 degC has all but gone.
Have I lost hope? If hope’s based on optimism in humans’ ability to save ourselves, then it’s slipping away. True hope needs to be anchored in something deeper. There we CAN find grounds for hope.
COP27…The Eleventh Hour?
Will enjoying nature soon become a thing of the past? Many people are attending the COP27 summit because they want to conserve nature. More than this – to preserve humanity itself! Yet, as Antonio Guterres said, we’re still speeding down a highway to hell with our foot on the accelerator…
A challenging conversation in a pub left me wondering, is there any reason not to despair?
A New Lease of Life
‘Four sturdy chairs awaiting a new owner who will sand them down and lovingly repaint them’
Or, were they destined for the timber skip? Find out by reading this post, especially if YOU feel you’re of no further use!
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