Christmas
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Regeneration – The Wye Double Digger and Nicodemus
In 1972 I was elated to find myself a first year undergraduate at London University’s Agricultural College in the very English village of Wye in Kent. I was embarking on a three year honours degree in Horticultural Science. The place was buzzing, famous for its long history of training farmers and scientists from all over…
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Living with a vivid imagination
Do you write poetry? Are you a storyteller? I am. I only passed three of my School exam subjects when I was 15, but one of those was English Literature. I have always loved both reading and writing stories and still prefer reading a good book to watching a film – it allows me to…
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Great Expectations?
Not long ago I found myself thinking that as a Christian I should be more expectant. Expectant particularly of the supernatural, the ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life and in those around me, with miraculous signs and wonders in our services and meetings. And then in a more analytical moment I realised that…
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A Life of Worship
Singing Scripture In a recent reflection “Singing Scripture”, I thought about the power of using Scripture in worship. That reflection moved me to think about the place of worship in my daily life, being reminded that worshipping God is not just a Sunday morning occupation. Man’s chief end Way, way back at Junior School I…
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God’s Terroir – A Place to Flourish.
God’s Terroir – A Place to Flourish. A Further Reflection on John 15 It is late afternoon towards the end of October. I’m standing in the square of a tiny village high on the limestone plateau that is the Quercy Blanc in Southwest France. Behind me the scrub forests of Quercus pubescens, the Downy Oak,…
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“…My Father is the Vinedresser”
“…My Father is the Vinedresser” Reflections on John 15:1-8 As I looked around our garden this morning I noticed with joy the new growth now appearing on our grapevines. I was instantly reminded of those verses in John 15; verses that resonate with me – and with many other horticulturists! “I am the true vine,…
