2024 few final ramblins.....

 Musician Lenny Kravitz said it pretty well: “The beautiful thing about Dylan is that he is such a chameleon. He's got so many characters inside of him, like a painter with limitless amounts of colours "

Of course that song was Like a Rollin Stone...mentioned it start of yesterday's blog from the sun.

It's very harsh pretty sharp, in it's put downs, that's pretty Jewish literature. Got this 'John the Baptist vibe' in the put downs. There's plenty of these. Deuteronomy law kick arse attitude.

But that's just Dylan. Why so many of us love him.

2024.....Well so much deepest sadness. Lost Aunty D, few days later Uncle M. Then that day arrived. 

Matthew David Waller, said goodbye the battle was over. Again began long walks so alone, yes Matty you've been close in every step, son seen some wildlife. Not like when you were close mimicking the call of the birdsong, the flight path, rubbing Owl pellet to show me chewed up mouse skull.

How miss promenade walks along sun kissed wet promenade. 2024 farewell.

Know never be the same person. Guess your goodbye took small piece of me as you are passing on.

Matty iѕ thеrе а bаr uр there

Where уоu'vе gоt а fаvоrіtе сhаіr?

Whеrе уоu ѕіt wіth frіеndѕ

tаlk аbоut thе wеаthеr?

Іѕ thеrе а рlасе уоu gо

To wаtсh thе ѕunѕеt?

Is thеrе а ѕоng уоu јuѕt саn't wаіt tо ѕhаrе?

Yеаh, І knоw

You'll tеll mе whеn І gеt thеre.

Being honest sang enough carols this season.

"He seemed to suddenly give permission to an entire generation to let their rage out, to be honest with themselves about their emotions, good and bad, and do so loudly. Nearly 60 years later, it remains an irresistibly singable anthem of alienation. “He invented a new way a pop singer could sound,”

Being honest, Emotions,rage, ....all very human behaviour. Through a song people discovered a way to connect, express.

Who????

Although being honest
Think had enough of 
Carols this season.

It's been wonderful exposed to customs
From others. Appreciate the talent that I've
Witnessed. However Church music and carols 
Are not favorite genre.

Yet in UK all aspect of Christmas is on mute.

You know, that's the last thing I need, gold, frankincense.

Couldn't you have bought some nappies ?

Been interesting watched others celebration of Christmas storyline. Thought how images, events, which are everyplace bring concept into each person imagination. Yet in UK all aspect is on mute. Have we in our culture surrendered to loud voices of bullying minority?

Vital discussion starter. In what other ways has big lie become part of accepted custom?

Lights flash out messages of hope, Mercy,Love, Angel's. Overcrowded buses make dangerous journeys. Protesters brought threats to another faith community. Sharp harsh attacks fill social medias. Carols are sang. Churches again filled each service.

But now the day's passed, Do we take to our hearts a message about Life lived by God who came to be among us? That would be wise.

Wouldn't it!

Often go to the Bible and Nature for some God time.

I waited patiently for the Lord

He inclined and heard my cry

He brought me up out of the pit

Out of the miry clay

How long to sing this song

How long, how long to sing this song?

He set my feet upon a rock

And made my footsteps firm

Many will see

Many will see and fear

I will sing, sing a new song

Winter tale now Xmas gone.

 It appears from stories communicated to myself.

That winter doing its harsh event across the miles.

Simply enjoying long walks across flat endless sea facing promenades. Warmth enabling this essential route towards better fitness.

Company, health trip, plus local Maltese environment good for my character.

Lot of sea trips, bus rides to places grown to know. Walks along Archipelago’s Rocky surface maybe age but pretty much what l desired for few months. 

Engagement among new friends feels warm. Beautiful sharing taking place. Observing lot of smiles.

On talking to each other.

I hear the winter time up north can last forever And I've been told it's beautiful to see this time of year. They say the snow can blind you 'til the world you left behind. Just disappears I hear.

Try to find when conversing common ground, sometimes first efforts can be rocky. But when we communicated about something others are comfortable about,we can move conversations onto deep stuff.

Space to allow each person enough time to speak is vital. With correct use of quiet and reflection. Then conversations become easier .

It's topic invested good period of time thinking about and studying. Perhaps it's age thing. But been part of my tabloid gospel training.

'Late wonderful Pip Wilson'. Book -Gutter feelings-  fame was example here. As was frontier work we engaged in. So find common ground in your discussions, chats and dialogue.

Give silence a role. Take your time enjoy the space.

Christmas day Yorkshire man, pizza, and pleasent island generosity.

The coulers today were so vibrant, Artist friend of mine works 
in mixture of acrylics 
Burns these images onto metal. All WOW only here in this place that l can understand .As brightest images echo back.

Headed to Bethlehem , made poor choice food ways. Present encounters often with stranger's such images Again speaking about values, beliefs. Inherited plus inferred values .

This crazy place seeps customs culture and religion. Also seeps spirituality.

It's was old-fashioned unique and Special.

Tell me which Yorkshire man travels to Bethlehem on Christmas day,buys a cup of tea plus slice of pizza. It was packed, all ages,several ethnicity displayed, history and inheritance.

Christmas day in Bethlehem.

 

Tell me when we meet…How’s Christmas in Heaven?

There is a reason for all these Carols, stupid funny songs.

Eggnog, mince pies Santa reindeers and children’s anticipating.

Bright lights pointing displaying Faith, mercy, Angels,Saviour, joy, mercy, Love.

It’s about historical character 

About cultural Jesus.

About social Jesus.

About Jesus of your Faith or Not.

But it’s about Jesus.

Merry Christ-mass. 

Don’t like the day nor fact want be buying presents for Matthew nor filling his stocking.

Storms....huge weather variates at present

Huge winds brought chills waves
and stormy conditions

Despite this turmoil
Got dressed, got out.

Excitement conversation's 
Pictures and fearful glances.

The courageous still went to Gozo.
Me, not that daft, went to Kennedy grove 5 miles away.
Sat observed, had a cuppa.

 

In breaking news this Christmas time!

Born into lowly circumstances, he came without fanfare, without flair, without majesty of royalty. Yet his coming fulfilled Old Testament prophecies that pronounced God would send a savior for the world — for every individual in every subsequent time period in every society. The birth story of Jesus has transcended time. Sorry too disappoint he didn’t stay in a comfy blanket in a back room, looking up at Mum Mary. He fled in danger and gets betrayed, crucified and put away in a grave At age he entered adulthood 30 or 33 we understand.

But he arose, Jesus is risen, his conduct, encounters, purpose mission need to be examined. What actually does it mean to you . This season of goodwill.?

'December and winter,are words not about month or a season, also used secondary purpose to describe negative events .

Poverty hardship difficult periods. Can bring sharp focus when used in such a description. Country singer Merl Haggard sang about losing his factory position ,not having enough money, unable to provide gifts .Letting others down in a song he stated:-

 "It's not about Christmas that's a mistake all about struggles".

 Theme constantly witnessed in my work practice .Like yourself been circumstances in own lived experience. Sometimes we have to address these issues even in period when we need to be escaping from issues. Perhaps wanting it to be right, hoping for new plans,needing better. Simply more evident in this season.

Let the day begin...Seen this in my Dreams, in my 2024 Prayers.

Let us ask God for a good Christmas:
that no powerful nation
should tax the poor. 
That no unmarried mother
should be put away in disgrace;
That no door will be shut on those that need to find it open;

That shepherds and sheep, and all of nature.
need not be afraid;
That walls, barbed wire and angry soldiers may not be needed.

That wise men and wise women, CHAVS,Pensioners,homeless, outsider's, You and me also, will have influence. Furthermore might appear in Wales, in Scotland, Ireland, England,

Iraq, plus Syria, Palestine and in Israel.

That children may be preserved
from those who have abused them.
That this Christmas,
you may become a manger
and your home a stable,
and the rumour become a reality despite all the arguments about it's improbable, it's not possible.

That Christ has come among us,
And this we pray in Jesus’ name.

General inferred values.

Why are so many movies violent, it's clear factor in how we do not value life. Confident many counselling gurus, plus philosophers would trace aggression, killings and general terrors to this medium.

Briefly when scrolling across channel's it's filling so many screen moments.

The Bible tells us to fix our minds on good things...it's like our brains take in this disturbances , this medium can bring imbalance to those mentally challenged.

I am comfortable retreating purposely also l avoid. Let me encourage others to do like wise.

They say and this a generalisation but it fits.

That conversations fall into two categories.

Warm radiator types. Those that are cold and drain you.

That fits also movies in again generalist description some movies films, even with difficult topic can warm yourself. Some by observing can drain you of basic humanity.

Art, movies,music require us to finer tune our inner beings .Focusing hard on our immediate reactions is helpful. Gut reactions another good instinct. Is that film worth the time needed to waste with it.

How do you feel after watching? Yes often it's simple entertainment but inferred values do seep into our consequences.

Some hope in a bleak period of glad tidings.

In 2013, Kahana, maintained long and close contact with the Syrian opposition who have now overthrown Assad, went to’ Jobar Synagogue in Damascus,’, took out various artefacts, including an ancient Torah scroll. He left a note inside the synagogue, December 2013.The  plan is to visit Damascus, returning ‘Jobar’s sefer Torah’, re-open the synagogue, “putting its mezuzah back” Also looking at what needs to be done to bring it back to life.

“Syrian Jews will want to return to the country”, so that even though there is only a handful of Jews still in Syria, it is important to restore synagogues for those who are going back. Kahana said the delegation planned to visit around five synagogues in and around Damascus. The business leaders on his delegation will be looking at potential investment in the country, something he believes will be welcomed by the new government.

It was asked a decade ago by Phyllis Tickle...Where now is the authority?

Is deconstructing in 'Nomadic' sense just faithlessness. See no hope in strategy that's about not believing anything from inherited faith community.

All about not believing, nothing emerged that different nor better. Not a beautiful thing at all.

Latest example Cult leader from deconstructed stated, 'no longer prays, stopped reading bible long time ago', In cult leaders Christmas's special Nash stated..." Can't say l believe in God becoming human"...Claim place firmly in disbelief column. Is deconstruction taking things too far.

What if anything do they believe?. Deconstructed are not faith community. Damaged individuals sadly have nothing to offer. Jesus just a mascot for latest favoured ethical choice.

Not morphed into community offering glad tidings.

It was asked a decade ago by Phyllis Tickle..."Where now is the authority".?

Relevance in approaching 2025.Not nebulous at all.

Old git syndrome'. Wearing it like a £1 shop aftershave

Best progression can be in comfortable , although not where best growth occurs. Comfortable is presently my venue. Think old people not valued become aware of this fact since hit retirement.

Don't know everything, Don't have all the answers.

Still desire to develop as a communicator. As human very aware of growing intolerances. Called 'old gold git syndrome'. Wearing it like a £1 Shop aftershave. 

Heart of this Saturday night.

Don't often do this in my own town but had a meal out on Saturday. Peace warmth and safety are factors. Enriched with conversations.

Jesus didn't stay in a comfy blanket with Mum in a stable, it leads to a Cross and crucifixion.

Any darkness represents something unknown, our hopes of the future, with its potential for transformation –are effected by incoming challenge. In the Christmas's  events, which are Historical, scientific, and factual we see light. But also recognise Dark.

 Darkness cannot take away our Hope, grounds for hope. However in my culture, the custom of hope, Joy, Mercy, Angelic hosts, Heavenly visit, Saviors birth. Are under attack by Dark false prophets followers .

Simply that , we don’t know how this Will continue. Nor has the last year shown us, what could happen next. But this is known.

God visited with the birth of Jesus, (sorry it feels unlikely, plus unimaginable).  

But it's truth. Then the unofficial history of the world was altered. Many dedicated individuals, So many popular movements shaped history, Because of the faith placed in the birth child Jesus. 

The battle is still being fought, how and when we might win, further how long it takes is not known. But this l remind you.

Jesus didn't stay in a comfy blanket with Mum in a stable, it leads to a Cross and crucifixion.
 

Thoughts on a bus from Mosta to Cirkerwerrra

There was a moment,long ago ,time when people arrived with hope's and dreams. Many LIFE'S Set on miracles.
There was time when missed you some.
Disliked what you did a bit,
IN that,there was a time when l loved you most. Saw also there is a time to look around, Me, being Kevin, sail thru the season and tides. 

Sometimes a bit thoughtless, not grasping each moments. Don't you also? Well always pray for the kingdom to come, pray, ask for change.

Sitting in church today, often in such places, here for myself, the truth of my own yearnings, words, because LIFE has different meanings for others.

Like silent prayers.

Perhaps feeling older, also feeling wiser still hope one day....well the two people see everywhere will again meet. 

Dirty stop out at my age...Is 51 too old?

Simple pleasures 
Worth pursuing.
Sacred music
Bright lights.

The very modern with centuries old
Bastions.
Ghosts of Valletta.
Seen some sights.

No threat of violence.

Which is an undercurrent 

Where l live in UK.

Sounds judgemental.

Not if it's

your experience.

The whole Capital of Malta been transformed.
There is an energy, it's nice!
Not a commercial exercise.

 

This captured, Sense of yesterday with modern ferris wheel giving great views of the City.

The images, narrative speaks about Faith,Angels,mercy,joy and goodwill. Love came down.

Lack of this narrative in the inequality manifest in UK city efforts at Christmas's time. Muted to appease the false prophets followers.

When the night comes calling!

We need honesty that very vital for all, especially sometimes if we approach darker times in our lives, which the how, plus when, not confirmed, however they will arrive.

Than it's possible we turn toward more spiritual processes, discover resilience, self esteem, compassion grows , if required forgiveness, grasp sense those 'understandings of mystery'. We go through what l have found to be radical attempts to explore and listen with others as Kevin W. has aged. Specifically if we lose Young family even clients who have passed away too soon.

Encountered expression of comfort plus understanding from unexpected avenue's.

Recognise that lady whose quietly served others had suffered great lose in her own LIFE. Oddly the world although dark. In this gloom, Offered trinkets of light appear bringing hope. Perhaps clumsy efforts in this chaos , although different,you should  appreciate.

When the night comes calling.
What values that you already hold will be useful. Asking here in the now, of it being okay.? Worth reflecting upon that question?
Values of community. Value of gathering among faith community. Value of building relationships with many. Not just the ones from own tribe's.

Darkness comes, rain falls on the just along with the unjust. It's LIFE.

Short questions on Agape.

What does love feel like?

It feels like somebody giving you the keys to unlocking who you really are.

What does love look like?

For myself it was a special person. 

But came also in Gatherings, in community. Philliomanie Social relationship.

When was last time love came clearly to you?

Really unsure, maybe Love that identify not anything like Love?

Where do you look for love?

Now that's not easy, because being liked is beautiful, But nothing like love. Perhaps all the Love that l going to experience is now over!

Wet windy in Mediterranean.

Storms arrived with wind,the Rain, wet macs,unfastened laces in trainers.

These are the days when you discover your shoes got hole in them. Fatigue slipped in along with back pain.

The streets put on their Christmas Gladrags

The pippin made a call that recognised. Strangely Locusts sounded in mid evening stroll. Ferry bringing passengers home from another Island came into view.

The streets put on their Christmas Gladrags. Bright coulerful and twinkling. Cafes served up pizzas at price we could afford.

Been informed that played Partridge family 177 minutes while gigging in last year. Mainly ..'Echo Valley.'..and...'Its one of those nights'.

But also played lot of Millie Jackson 'Rose coulers glasses'... When l bring it down for Love these are my favorites. No gigs this Christmas. Not lover of the type of music Christmas time Echo's through wireless and Street shops.

It's Saturday in Malta, stop as l pause. In the silent prayers think of you.

About narratives....

Our stories humanism us.
Drama in every neighborhood 
Story's in every community 
Each individual has a narrative about own journey worth sharing.

 “All my postures, gestures, practices…whether I sit, stand, walk, lie; thou searches and knowest all. Some search, but know not; thou dost both."

Psalm 139 is really go to reading for myself, reminding us ,well hope, reminds us that God loves us....whoever...worth reading that again. Whoever.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me,

When as yet there were none of them.

No...l don't know either.

Myself and my Art buddy(Some folks have gym buddies), we visited St Johns co- Cathedral.

Inspired it left us wee bit left out at some of the weirdnesses. That's the point really of Art it's in the eye of both the provider, and in the eyes of the client inspectors.

But still most beautiful experience, few hours of bliss. In a world where news is mostly violent. Art brought escape. Entertainment. Conversation. Inspiration. Narrative. Coulers. Sounds. Discussion.

Head scratching. Plenty of that. Oh Yes about 5 cups of tea.