Crying for Argentina

Many Argentinians were crying when they lost in the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, USA.

Messi and his team were down and deeply disappointed.  They wanted to win a back to back trophy and make history.  They played with passion but sadly in a nasty, cynical, disgraceful and despicable way.  They fouled and spoiled their opponents open football. Spain were worthy winners. The Argentinian team showed how unsportsmanlike they were when Spain celebrated and received the winners' medals.  There were some clear and obvious examples of bad conduct, violent behaviour and vile manners. Shameful. 

The way the Argentine team failed to make shots on goal and had a win at all costs approach did not endear them to neutral nations.  Spain became the heros and the highly acclaimed team. Most nations were rooting for them and wanted another win, another star on the team shirt for Spain. 

Analyzing the game, it was clear that Argentina were very negative and committed some bad fouls, which are being used in evidence against their bad plays, nasty ways.

FIFA will be investigating the disgraceful post match conduct and behaviour of the Argentinians.  The world's press has already condemned such disgraceful and shameful delinquency.  The political aspects in showing a message about Las Malvinas will be bitterly remembered. These players were role models but now some of them are examples of bad sportsmanship and being sore losers.  

Concerning heresy

Christians, those who love, serve and live in Christ Jesus, are enjoined to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. Saints, those who are sanctified by the Lord’s grace, are involved in a spiritual battle against dark forces, spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6: 10 onwards makes this point clearly.

In the various denominations today there are destructive doctrines that have crept in slowly and subtly. They have been expounded and promoted by clever and cunning folk who believe that there can be spirituality without repentance, discipleship without holiness and Christianity without the cross. So their god has no wrath, their kingdom has no judgement, their followers are not concerned about sin, their Christ is a social worker and their authority derives from their own experience, knowledge and world view. Well that’s heresy.

TENBY IN JUNE

I spent a wonderful week in west Wales, in Pembrokeshire, notably Tenby, that's Dinbych yr Pysgod in Welsh.  After the heat of southern England, it was so splendid to spend time enjoying the milder weather and the sweet sea breezes, the beautiful beaches, the charming alleys, the coastal paths and small shops in and around Tenby. 

I wish to share some photographs, which I hope capture to some extent the love and affection I have for this special place, which I have visited regularly since the early 1970s when my wife had family in the area.

Under construction.  Seeking more photographs.

Ann Widdecombe, Rest in Paradise

 I have admired Ann Widdecombe's clarity, conviction, commitment to causes and her Christian faith.  I remember her climbing seven flights of stairs in the Home Office building in Queen Anne's Gate to keep fit.  AW did have a weight problem at times, and a love for chocolate. Unlike other HMG ministers she was never aloof, arrogant or haughty. In fact AW was friendly, gracious, kind and compassionate.

Ann Widdecombe was active in the Oxford alumni network and hosted London events. During her student days she was involved in Christian witness attending OICCU meetings.  In later life she became a Roman Catholic, disliking the weak, wishy washy and woke theology of the Anglican leadership, which seemed to be about sanctified good manners and little substance, not the Gospel that she believed in.

While many may disagree with her politics and theological views, Ann Widdecombe was a woman of great integrity, grit and determination, who passionately believed in free speech. AW was courteous and vigorous in debate, never nasty or unpleasant, a gentle soul.

May Ann rest in paradise. Pax. RIP.

The Firm, the Royal Family, the Monarchy is going through troubled times

Hardly a day goes by when a new royal scandal arises.  Every Sunday paper seems to have some feature that exposes dark deeds in high places, in the Palace, its press office and among those associated with the Royal Family, the Firm. 

There is clearly less respect and deference these days, and those against the British Monarchy have grown stronger in their calls for an end to what is seen as outdated, old fashioned, parasitical and opaque.  The lack of accountability, the obvious mendacity and dishonesty all bring the institution in to disrepute. There are signs of moral declension, cover ups, fraud, failure to uphold justice and the rule of law.  

The Royal Family, the Firm, seems to be more concerned about its image and prestige than its duty to the citizens and subjects.  

AMW and Sarah Ferguson have opened up a can of worms, a toxic mess that is eating its way into the upper echelons of the State and the Firm. The damage done is probably incalculable, but perhaps the Firm will find a way to adapt, change and charm the people.

A Marvelous Magnificent May 2026

 I enjoyed the fabulous weather at the end of May. I went on a prayer walk in the Meon Valley. I went to Touraine, Val de Loire, staying at an excellent hotel in Tours and visited chateaux. Chenonceau is probably my favourite as architectural beauty and brilliance. But the charm, the history and what is on show at Clos Luce, the final working and resting place of Leonardo da Vinci, was outstanding, glorious, wonderful.  So much to see and take in.  I could have spent another full day there and some. 

It was lovely to walk and pray by the clear chalk stream that passes through Corhampton, Meonstoke and Exton.  The ancient churches are cool on a warm spring day, and we have had some really warm ones this year. It was, I believe, the hottest May on record. Phew, some people wilted in the heat. I love it, though the humidity can be unpleasant.

In the Loire Valley it was as hot as Hampshire but it was a pleasant dry heat, without humidity.  It is a beautiful part of France, la Belle France.  The chateaux are splendid and the gastronomy was superb. I loved the cheeses and was tempted by the gateaux, but the haute cuisine was something special.  I did not have a disappointing meal at all. There are so many excellent restaurants in Tours.  It is not cheap but it was a memorable experience, for the gourmet and the gourmande.

Putin is like a cornered rat, dangerous and desperate

 Putin is dangerous, desperate and defiant.  There is also devious activity carried out by his cyber warriors. 

We must be alert, vigilant and ready to stand firm against his special military and malevolent operations. We must resist his plans to disrupt, destroy and demolish our alliances.

Putin would dearly love to have control of Ukraine and the ancient city of Kiev, sorry Kyiv, older than Moscow and a glorious gem.

We should understand that extent of his criminal, unlawful political methods. 

The West cannot afford to let Putin have his own way. We must now work out ways to prevent him and for us to prevail.