The cultural mandate:
In the biblical account, we read what we might call the first job description. God has created the earth, he created living things, then the first humans. And what's the first thing he says to them?

He gives them their job description: 'Be fruitful and

I would like to report that this morning’s sermon quoted both CS Lewis and John Stott! In an Anglican cathedral, no less!

Wheat is pre-mill, flour is post-mill, and rolled oats are a-mill.

'Children have a better chance of developing resilience in the use of social media when their mental life is organised around confident participation in a story greater than themselves, rather than headed down the psychological cul-de-sac of self-esteem and self-fulfilment.'

In 1994, BBC's Standing Room Only made some big predictions about the future of football in the year 2004.

Lovely message (& great word-geek story) from Tom Shippey about my book – his piece 'A Fund of Wise Sayings' got me into Tolkien's proverbs.

Muchy roomy flavore

Gandalf describes the Balrog as 'flame of Udûn', but he doesn't mean the region of Mordor. In his Index (to the 2nd Edition of LOTR), Tolkien translates Udûn as 'hell', in reference to Morgoth's dwelling under Thangorodrim. The Balrog was there, a demon visible on Middle-earth.

Today is the Feast of St Ælfheah, Archbishop and Martyr. His name means 'High Elf'. It seems the Noldorin blood endured in this Middle-earth...

A question from a friend (in the UK):
Does such a place as a residential home for retired musicians exist? (Like in the film 'Quartet')

Why Gríma stays with Saruman after his loss of power, status, and hopes of glory is a mystery to me. I would love to hear a psychologist expound on the dynamics in this relationship.

Gotta be honest, he’s not much of a catch.

It’s my ordination to the priesthood tomorrow. I’m nervous as heck this evening. But I think it’s mainly because it’s my 9-year old’s first soccer game for his new team this evening, and I’m terrified they’re going to get demolished and demoralised :(

Just reminded of this solid piece o facts