John Partis
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Spiky Plant Proves to be Fruitful – Part 2
This is the second of two Parts of a reflection on the spikiness of the Pomegranate. In Part 1 we looked at the Pomegranate plant and its usefulness to God and man in the Bible. In Part 2 I reflect on the problem of spikiness. Spines Hurt! But what are those Pomegranate spines for? Well,…
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Spiky Plant Proves to be Fruitful – Part 1
This is Part 1 of a two part reflection. In this first part I reflect on the pomegranate and its role in God’s purposes. Ouch! As a volunteer gardener at a local garden open to the public, I was clearing fallen leaves from under a large bush when it attacked me with its vicious thorns,…
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A Sense of Place
Somewhere special Have you ever had that feeling that you are in a special place – a place where you ‘feel at home’, a place of comfort, safety and of well-being? Just the other day I was standing in a small orchard of old and gnarled apple trees and there I realised I could feel…
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The Light of the World
Smellies! “Smell this one Papa! It’s really nice!” My four year old granddaughter calls across the garden centre from her favourite spot among the candles and smellies. I dutifully join her and smell the candle. “Oh that’s lovely!” I agree. “What smell is that, Papa? I look at the packaging and report that it is…
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In Understanding be Men – 3
Part 3: Towards a Deeper Understanding Beloved ones, don’t remain as immature children in your reasoning. As it relates to evil, be like newborns, but in your thinking be mature adults.” (This is a modern reading of 1 Corinthians 14:20 from The Passion Translation) Before Previously I have reflected on my journey towards becoming a…
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In Understanding be Men – 2
Part 2: Half Understanding Seeking to understand Back at Wye after Easter I became friends with the “Travelling Secretaries” from the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF). When they visited Wye they spoke about the Christian life and introduced us to modern Christian songs. They also brought with them copies of Christian books to “help us grow…
