Category Archives: Opinion

The problem with labels…

Posted on November 16, 2017 by

Two recent, apparently unrelated, news stories have troubled me for similar reasons. The first concerns the Church of England’s new guidance on tackling bullying in its schools. The Archbishop of Canterbury writes that everyone should be free to explore their … Continue reading →

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​Children should not be for sale

Posted on March 16, 2017 by

Faithwriters.com challenge entry – 16-Mar-17 – Intermediate – Topic: Childhood Childhood is big business. Programmes on children’s television channels are interspersed with high pressure advertisements for the latest toys, clothes or even holiday destinations. Commercial caterers vie for contracts to … Continue reading →

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Those Canaan Days

Posted on January 17, 2017 by

Faithwriters.com Challenge – entry 25th August 2016  – Topic: Joie de vivre – Intermediate: 3rd place The small, dirty grey figure contrasts to its spotless surroundings and the vivid orange upholstery of the chair it occupies. The deep crimson stain … Continue reading →

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How to avoid getting smeared

Posted on October 26, 2016 by

Originally written for Faithwriters.com challenge – 17th March 2016 – Topic: smear. (Slightly edited) (It still seems relevant, with the accusations flying around Brexit, both in the UK and EU, the sometimes brutal fight between Trump and Clinton in the … Continue reading →

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Are my days planned?

Posted on June 12, 2015 by

I’m in his hands, I’m in his hands Whate’er the future holds,  I’m in his hands. The days I cannot see have all been planned for me; His way is best, you see. I’m in his hands.              John Gowans Some … Continue reading →

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Climb every mountain?

Posted on April 15, 2013 by

Pulpit view for Hawick News 12th April by Major Steven Turner Have you ever started something you couldn’t finish? On a fine sunny day last week we set off with my sister and her family to climb the Eildon hills. … Continue reading →

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Let’s be honest…

Posted on February 18, 2013 by

Pulpit view for Hawick News Friday 15th February 2013 by Major Steven Turner In this country of horse lovers, there is understandable outrage at the contamination of processed foods with horsemeat. How would you feel about the animal on which … Continue reading →

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Incarnation means “being there”

Posted on December 16, 2012 by

In the aftermath of the shootings at Newtown Elementary School, posts have appeared on social media addressing the question “Where was God when this happened?” Whilst asking and answering such questions is important, this should be the second, or even … Continue reading →

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Time to stop arguing

Posted on October 29, 2012 by

Pulpit view in Hawick News 26 October 2012 Are you a pleb? Do you think it’s an insult? Government chief whip Andrew Mitchell lost his post for allegedly using this word, even though the policeman he “insulted” has accepted an … Continue reading →

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A truly lasting legacy?

Posted on September 1, 2012 by

Published in Hawick News: Pulpit view 21st August 2012 As part of the London 2012 legacy, The Salvation Army and Essex County Council are working together to create permanent recreational facilities for the public at Hadleigh Farm, venue for the … Continue reading →

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