I was reminded this week of the story of John of the Cross (pictured above) who was a young Spanish 16th century friar. He worked with Teresa of Avila to reform the Carmelite Order. Their vision was for a contemplative life of voluntary simplicity, solitude and silence based on the Gospel teachings. This was a […]

When you were a child, did you have an imaginary friend? If you did what was her/his name? Was she/he a good friend or not so good? When did she/he eventually disappear from your life? Apparently, many children do have an imaginary friend, especially if they are an ‘only child’. Imaginary friends (also known as […]

My friend John is the Minister of a large Baptist Church in south London. He is also a bit of a ‘card’, a character, with a wicked sense of humour. The other year he turned up at his Church on Easter Sunday, and conducted the whole Morning Service, wearing his pyjamas, dressing gown, and slippers!? […]