Yours is a Jealous Love featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album Precious recorded and produced by Ross Gill

So, you now know that I love music and dance – well another love is golf and I was so chuffed to learn that the worlds number one golfer and winner of this years Masters Championship is a Christian.
Below is a recent article published By Premier media:
Professional golfer Scottie Scheffler said he woke up Sunday morning before the final round of the Masters at Augusta, Ga., with anxious thoughts but took solace knowing that his future is “secure on the cross.”
Hours later, Scheffler — an outspoken Christian and the world’s No. 1 golfer — was celebrating his second Masters title in three years.
The American and University of Texas product edged Swedish golfer Ludvig Åberg with a final round 4-under par 68 and finished at 11-under for the tournament, four strokes better than Åberg.
Scheffler led by only one stroke heading into Sunday’s final round and said he felt the pressure.
“I was sitting around with my buddies this morning [and] I was a bit overwhelmed,” he said after the final round during a news conference. “Because I told them, I was like, ‘I wish that I didn’t want to win as badly … as I do.’ I think it would make the mornings easier. But I love winning. I hate losing. I really do. And when you’re here in the biggest moments, when I’m sitting there with a lead on Sunday, I really, really want to win badly.”
His friends then gave him some advice straight out of the Bible.
“And my buddies told me this morning, you know, my victory was secure on the cross. And that’s a pretty special feeling to know that I’m secure forever, and it doesn’t matter whether or not I win this tournament, or if I lose this tournament, you know, my identity is secure forever.”
Scheffler also won the Masters in 2022. He is ranked No. 1 in the world, having won three tournaments and finishing in the Top 10 eight times this year.
Asked by a media member how his faith impacts bad breaks on the course, Scheffler responded, “I believe that today’s plans were already laid out many years ago, and I could do nothing to mess up those plans.”
“I’ve been given a gift of this talent, and I use it for God’s glory,” he continued. “That’s pretty much it. So when I’m out there, I try to compete to the best of my abilities. Like I said, I really want to win. I feel like that’s how I was designed. I’ve been that way since I was a young kid. That’s always been a part of me. And I don’t think that should be going away anytime soon. I don’t believe there’s anything wrong with that, either. But at the end of the day, like I said, my identity is secure already. And I get to go out here and compete, have fun, enjoy it. And then at the end of the day, win or lose, my identity is secure.”
Days earlier, Scheffler grabbed nationwide headlines when he said he would withdraw from the tournament if his wife went into labour. She is due in May.
He also discussed his faith during a pre-tournament press conference.
“I am a faithful guy. I believe in a Creator. I believe in Jesus,” Scheffler said before the tournament started. “Ultimately, I think that’s what defines me the most. Yeah, I feel like I’ve been given a platform to compete and show my talent. … I think that’s what defines me the most is my faith. I believe in one Creator, and I’ve been called to come out here [and] do my best to compete and glorify God.”

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I’m A Believer (N. Diamond) featuring the Mustard Seed Soul Band recorded and produced by Ross Gill

Back to the dance theme! Another absolutely inspiring and original performance from the young Japanese dance group Avantgardey on America’s Got Talent.
And the featured song – another great performance from the Mustard Seed Soul Band singing the classic “I’m A Believer.”

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From the musical My Fair Lady- music Frederick Loewe, lyrics Alan Jay Lerner,

The Portsmouth Music Experience at Portsmouth Guildhall

Ken at the Marina Club, Portsmouth

Higher and Higher (Gary Jackson, Raynard Miner, and Carl Smith) featuring the Mustard Seed Soul Band from the album His Story recorded and produced by Ross Gill

Last blog I explained that in addition to music, I simply love dance. I was so fortunate growing up in the 60s and being able to dance in loads of clubs including the one in the pic – The Marina in Fratton, Portsmouth. There were loads of others including the indigo Vat and Kimbells Ballroom in Southsea, the Soul Parlour in North End and by far the best – the Birdcage in Eastney.
I have recently been reminiscing on those days as Nigel Grundy, the creator and curator of the Portsmouth Music Experience Exhibition, located in the Guildhall, took me and a few of my friends on a personal tour of the exhibition, which is absolutely amazing and thoroughly recommended.
Somehow Nigel had read my blog accounts on how I knew the musician, Ray Shulman (Simon Dupree’s Big Sound and Gentle Giant) Blog July 28th Ray Shulman Part Two | Risen He is to use those accounts for a book on Portsmouth in the 60s which he is writing. Nigel also hooked me up with someone from my school days – Rick Fudge. Rick Fudge was a very close friend of Ray’s and remained so until Ray died last year. In my story of Ray, I tell of when I was riding my Lambretta Li 150 with Ray on the back and how we were stopped by the police. Now I was a learner and so someone riding pillion had to have passed their own driving test. The problem was that Ray had not passed his test. In my story I explain that we got away with it but do not explain how. In fact in those days if you did not have your driving licence with you then you had, I think it was 5 days, to present it in person at the local police station. So when we got stopped, Ray said his name was Richard Fudge and later borrowed Rick Fudge’s licence to take to the Police.
Rick now lives in America and we emailed one another last week and reminisced on that story. Rick plays in a band himself called the Prannies.
By the way, three of my favourite songs from back then were “In the midnight hour” by Wilson Pickett, “You don’t know like I know” by Sam and Dave and “Higher and Higher” by Jackie Wilson. Today’s featured song is a great version of “Higher and Higher” by the Mustard Seed Soul Band.

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In addition to music, I simply love dance.  I recently saw these two video clips and knew I just had to share them on this blog. One is longish and the other shortish, but both are brilliant.

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Risen! The Musical has one video version that focuses entirely on the events of Easter Sunday. I thought it would be good to share it this Easter week.

Risen! The Musical – Episode Two – Easter Sunday dawn to Easter Sunday evening (youtube.com)

Last year I shared this brilliant short video written by  J.John and I thought it well worth showing again.

(130) The Easter Story – YouTube

Also today is Maundy Thursday and here is some info from biblestudytools.com:

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is a significant day in the Christian calendar commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples. This event is described in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel according to John, chapters 13 through 17. During the Last Supper, which took place the evening before Jesus was crucified, He shared bread and wine with His disciples, instructing them to “do this in remembrance of me.” This act is seen as the institution of the Holy Eucharist or Communion in many Christian traditions.

The term “Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning “commandment” or “mandate,” reflecting Jesus’ words to His disciples after He washed their feet in an extraordinary display of humility and service. He said, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34, KJV). This foot-washing is often replicated in Christian Maundy Thursday services to symbolize Jesus’ call to love and serve one another.

The meaning of Maundy Thursday lies in remembering and reenacting Jesus’ last night before His crucifixion. It serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and His teachings on love, humility, and service to others. It also marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, the three-day period leading up to Easter Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ death and resurrection. Maundy Thursday is a day of reflection, communion, and preparation for the solemn observance of Good Friday and the joyous celebration of Easter.

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In Times of Trouble featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album I Look Up To The Heavens recorded and produced by John Hodgkinson

I am not sure if you are interested, but all of a sudden England started to play some exciting rugby in their last two games in the recent 6 Nations Championship. One of the star players, if not the star player was Ben Earl, so I was fascinated to read the article below in Premier Christian Media.
One of England’s most in-form rugby union internationals has shared on the team’s official behind-the-scenes video how he came to faith in God.
Ben Earl, who plays his club rugby for the London-based side Saracens as a backrow forward, told England rugby fans that his religious faith “clicked” just as he was about to leave school.
“We’ve been going to chapel every Sunday since I don’t know how young, and I guess it kind of clicked for me at one moment, probably during the stress of exams and other bits around school life.”
“Growing up in that time and something I took a lot of comfort out of having another support board… something that you can lean on. And it’s something that I’m really passionate about, not necessarily to show too much about myself and my religion, but something that I care deeply about.”
The 26-year-old said he chooses not to “shove [his faith] in people’s faces” but is “very happy” to talk about it when asked.
He also mentioned that his recent spell on the sidelines, courtesy of meniscus damage sustained in a pre-match warm-up in November, was a time in which he learned a lot about his faith.
“It kind of gave me another chance to reflect on where I am as a player and as a person, but also the idea that everything happens for a reason. I actually thought that time out injured was one of the most enjoyable that I had in terms of growing myself both professionally and as a bloke.”
“Everything is up to God’s plan, and I truly believe in that, and all you can do is try your best. I think that’s a bit of a liberator for me is something that I can lean back on and say, ‘Look, whatever happens happens, I know that this isn’t up to me. I can just try my best. Whatever I’m throwing my hand out and trust that everything’s gonna be alright.”
Earl, who stood out for England during last autumn’s Rugby World Cup playing at No.8, is currently playing a leading role in the side’s Six Nations campaign, which suffered a heavy blow in Edinburgh in round three, courtesy of a fourth successive defeat to Scotland, after victories against Wales, in which Earl was named Man of the Match, and Italy.
They next face Grand Slam champions Ireland at Twickenham.

PS A game that they won!

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Pic of Ken’s mum, Audrey Lillian Shearsmith on her 102nd birthday

Precious featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album Precious recorded and produced by Ross Gill

It has become a yearly event and I make no apologies for it as it is such a wonderful story. Last Friday, March 8th would have been my mum’s birthday and to celebrate, I again share how she became a Christian at the age of 102.

My mum, Audrey Lillian Shearsmith, had attended Chapel as young girl and I knew that she said her prayers without fail every single day. However, in 1997 I still was not sure how she would react to me telling her that I had become a Christian. I therefore showed her a little book from the Alpha course entitled “Why Jesus?” and we had a short chat before she told me to leave it and that she would read it later.

When she was 102 years old and was living in the wonderful Chesterholm Lodge Care Home mum asked me what a Christian was and how you could become one. I simply said that to become a Christian you ask God to forgive you for all the things you have done in your life that have displeased Him and to ask Jesus to come into your life. She then smiled her special smile and pointed to her bag and nodded for me to look in it. And there it was -the “Why Jesus? book that I had given her five years before. I told her that there was a prayer in the book that she could say if you wished to become a Christian. Mum immediately read out the prayer aloud. I was sitting on the bed beside her overjoyed, but at the same time almost not believing what was happening, in fact so much so that I told her that just saying the prayer was not enough she had to really mean it; so, she said it again, but this time with even more meaning in her voice! I noticed, Mandy, one of her Carers who worships at my church was outside mum’s room, so I went out to tell her the good news. “Halleluiah” Mandy cried out before telling me that she was not in the least bit surprised because mum had been talking about Christianity for some time. So, mum became a Christian at the age of almost 103!

A few days before she died in August, 2006, I was with her on my own. She looked at me with so much love, smiled that wonderful smile again and told me that I was precious.
The day after she said “precious” to me I was looking at Psalm 116 and the word “precious” jumped out of the page. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” I read in the concordance that “precious” means, not only highly valued, but also carefully looked after – I can’t tell you how reassuring it was to know that in mum’s last days she was being carefully looked after by God. And she was; all those who were with her will testify to how much at peace she was. She was in no pain whatsoever and was as sharp as always. She left this life in a very gentle and serene way – there is no doubt that she was indeed being carefully looked after and watched over by God.

The day after reading Psalm 116 it was a Sunday and I sat at the back of Holy Rood church with no one on the one seat beside me. Beryl, a retired Curate, came in, which was a bit of a surprise because normally on a Sunday morning she worships at an associate church; coming to Holy Rood for the evening services. Although we are good friends I had not sat with Beryl before, but on that Sunday, she asked if she could sit on that one free seat by my side. She knew that my mum was very unwell from the church notice sheet and when she asked me, I told her that mum was, in fact dying.

At the end of the service Beryl told me that she had prayed for my mum and me and that during the service God had given her a picture. She had seen a beautiful meadow in which stood a rock- a rock that had been very “precious” to her friends and family. The rock was also “precious” to God. Beryl saw the earth around the rock become disturbed and God taking this “precious” rock up to heaven to be with Him.
Mum died the very next day.

Beryl led mum’s thanksgiving service.

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It has been some time since I shared “a moment of sunshine” on this blog, but the other day I saw a video posted on a WhatsApp group to which I belong. It really did warm my heart as I saw young people dancing with joy to a song which I had not heard before. It was especially moving as there was wonderful racial harmony and integration with the young people.
Because the school was in South Africa I thought, at first that the singing was in Afrikaans, but on closer hearing it was in English and with a bit of research I discovered they were singing “Praise” from Elevation Worship and featuring Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore.
I hope you enjoy both versions.

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If I Say I Love You Jesus featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album Precious recorded and produced by Ross Gill

My dear friends Merilyn and Michael Christian-Edwards rang a week ago to congratulate me on my “birthday” for it was 27 years ago that day that I became a Christian. I first told the story back in 2014 and I share it again here:
After taking part in an Alpha Course , I began to think that I wanted to become a Christian – I felt reassured by the words in John’s Gospel, Chapter 3 verse 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” Eternal Life – that is what I needed to take away my fear of death. Not something to be earned but something to be accepted as a gift. Perfect – apart from two problems 1) did I have enough faith to accept Jesus” gift” with any degree of sincerity? 2) If I did ask Jesus into my life what would my mates say- how much ridicule would I have to endure? Let me have a look at problem no 2 first.
Three of my very special friends are Barry Stares, Dave Conchie and Ian Beacham . Barry I have known since Junior School and Dave and Ian since PE College. We regularly meet for a drink and something to eat (yes curry) At one curry Ian said “You will never guess what’s happened to Mick” He was referring to another ex-PE College friend, Mick Mellows who played football for Pompey and who is now a Director of the charity Faith and Football www.faithandfootball.org.ukk . I thought Ian meant that Mick had been struck down with some horrible illness but no that is not what he meant at all. He continued “He’s only gone and become a Christian!” To which Dave replied “No – and he was such a good bloke!”
Could I face that sort of comment if I “admitted” to becoming a Christian? I really doubted it.
As for problem no 1 re did I have enough faith? – Well thankfully someone told me I only had to have faith as small as a mustard seed (the smallest of all seeds in Biblical times.) I simply had to focus on what I believed not on what I did not – simply had to trust – simply had to take a “leap of faith”
During the Alpha course I had been given a little red book entitled “Why Jesus?” (as featured in pic) At the end of the book there is a prayer so I knew an opportunity was coming up for me to take that leap of faith and to say this prayer asking Jesus to come into my life. I felt it really difficult to sleep with my two “problems” constantly churning around inside my head. The weekend came when I knew I had to make a decision – as part of the Alpha Course I was at the Holy Rood Vicarage with the Vicar, Michael Christian- Edwards and his lovely wife Merlyn. When the others in my group were having a coffee break I escaped into the village to go through in my head what I was going to do. On my return sure enough Michael gave everyone the opportunity to say a prayer asking Jesus to forgive us for all the things we had done wrong – to ask Him to come into our lives- and for us to be filled with His Holy Spirit. I remember asking Michael if I could say the prayer twice. He seemed surprised but said that was fine and so that lunchtime on Saturday, February 22nd 1997 I asked Jesus into my life and became a Christian.
Why did I want to say the prayer twice? Well there was Mr Mill and his dad that I also wanted to be there on such a momentous occasion. So that evening in Mr Mil’s apartment in Titchfield I sat between the two of them confessing out loud all the things I had done wrong and again asking Jesus into my life. Some of the things I had done wrong were pretty big – one had been a real burden for many years but after I had confessed it the burden lifted- I know that sounds amazing and too good to be true but amazing is what it was and too good not to be true!
So I thought “micky taking” here you come, but I decided to be pro-active and tell people before they found out through the grapevine. First off was Barry who I had known the longest -he was surprisingly supportive – so too was Ian – but I could not tell Dave, it was Dave who had made the comment about Mick Mellows – he was sure to let me have it with both barrels. A couple of months later Barry and Ian told me that Dave was really upset with me for not telling him. So I took Dave out for a curry (of course) and felt pretty emotional when Dave told me that he loved me (in a bloke way!!) and that he would always support me in anything I did and that he was upset because it seemed that I did not believe I could trust him. So big apology from me and really all the worries about people “taking the mick” turned out to be groundless- mind you I think my two sons James and Chris took a bit of stick at school.
So did my fears of dying die (sorry) If I am honest not entirely – but I did have God’s promise to hold on to and you can’t have much more than that. In fact later I wrote a song called “It’s From the Lord” which is on our CD “Heart and Soul” – the last verse of which is “When your time on earth is ending and you look up to Him on high and your see His promises sparkling spelt out in stars across the sky and open arms reach to embrace you to welcome you home then you know, yes you know it is the Lord.”
I also wrote a song which was a sort of autobiography of me becoming a Christian and being worried about what people would think – this one is on the CD “Precious” and is called “If I Say I Love You Jesus.” I did actually once sing it live myself at a Mustard Seed Concert but here it is sung by the fantastic Lucy Stimpson-Maynard.

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In Times of Trouble featuring Lucy Stimpson from the album I Look Up To The Heavens recorded and produced by John Hodgkinson

As I explained three weeks ago Mustard Seed Songs’ proposed production in May 2024 of Risen! The Musical was cancelled, in the main because Fareham Borough Council placed an injunction on the Titchfield Festival Theatre not allowing them to put on shows at their Arden Theatre after February 2024.
Can I please remind you of the Fareham Borough Council’s position as described in the Portsmouth News?
Concerns were raised with the Council earlier this year about a lack of parking provision at a new theatre under construction at the rear of the existing Titchfield Festival Theatre venue on St Margaret’s Lane which has approximately 35 on-site parking spaces.
Officers visited the site and met with representatives of the theatre company who explained that work was underway to create a new 450-seat theatre.
The council officers were shown around the development which includes a newly excavated underground orchestra pit beneath the stage and a complex of backstage changing rooms and rehearsal areas.
The new theatre has been created in a space which had previously been granted planning

permission by the council for use as storage.
The officers warned the company that, without planning permission being obtained, the new venue was at risk of enforcement action being taken – and the company has since put on numerous public performances which have been advertised on the website.
The performances are advised to run through December and into the new year, despite the lack of planning permission.
Councillor Nick Walker, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said: “Titchfield Festival Theatre has left the Council with no option but to pursue this formal planning enforcement action. It beggars belief that anyone would build a new 450-seat theatre without first securing planning permission.”
In 2019, Titchfield Festival Theatre Limited applied for planning permission for a 567-seat theatre at this location which is behind their existing smaller theatre premises.
The application was refused by the Council as the site is in an unsustainable and poorly accessible location outside the urban area, has inadequate levels of parking spaces provided, and the new theatre would lead to a significant increase in noise affecting neighbours.
A second application submitted later in 2019 was also refused planning permission.
No planning permission has been granted to date for a new theatre.
The Enforcement Notice requires the theatre to cease use by February 29, 2024 unless an appeal is lodged. Titchfield Festival Theatre Limited has the right to appeal to the Secretary of State by December 29, 2023.
By Sophie Lewis
The response of Titchfield Festival Theatre is best shown via this video.
SAVE TFT! (youtube.com)

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