[update 10 August 2020 by Jess
First my thanks to Chalcedon and others for keeping this going in my absence, which was prolonged beyond expectations and would have tried the patience of anyone less saintly.
Second, it’s good to be back and I intend to post as the Spirit moves me – but that apart, everything below stands. This is a place where the Anglican spirit of toleration and civilised disagreement lives – so welcome to it.]
This blog was begun in 2012 by Jessica, whose name it still bears, and her original introduction appears below; it is, for some of us, a source of nostalgia. In 2014 she became seriously ill, but returned here a year later where she continued to blog for a while, finally withdrawing in 2016. I joined the site, at her request, in July 2012, and have continued it in her absence.
It has its ups and downs, and ever and anon (usually during Lent) there will be a dispute here when one of more contributors will take their bats away; they sometimes return.
It is not a Roman Catholic blog, though I am, myself, a Catholic convert, and it remains what it has always been, a place where Christians of all sorts can share their experiences, which will usually include being told, by Bosco, that only he is ‘saved’, and being told by Catholic converts or reverts that they are not saved. These are all part of the rich tapestry of this place. If you are new here, you are most welcome, and I pray that you may find here things which will help you in your journey.
C451
[Jessica’s introductions]
AAW began as a vehicle for my own thoughts, but across time has gathered to itself a small community, and some of those have chosen to write posts. The breadth of contributors bears a witness to the nature of this place. If you would like to contribute, do get in touch with me through the comments box.
Our contributors:
From July 2012 Chalcedon451 will be joining the Watchtower. He is a convert to The Catholic Church and will be writing on the early Church.
From January 2013 Geoffrey Sales will be joining the Watchtower. He is a Baptist in the Independent tradition, a retired schoolmaster, and a Yorkshireman.
Also from January 2013, Fr. Malcolm will be joining us. He is an ordained priest in the Church of England and ministers to the faithful in his beloved Cornwall.
Bosco, aka, Bozoboy, brings his unique American, born-again perspective from January 2013.
In February 2013 we are joined by Struans, who has been a follower from the earliest days of the Watchtower and someone from whose comments I have learned much. I am delighted to have him join us as an author.
Rob, an evangelical Christian missioner currently based in the Caribbean, joined us in June 2013.
quiavideruntoculi, a convert to Catholicism, and who takes a strongly traditional line, joined us in August 2013, and it is good to have him on board.
Carl D’Agostino also joined us in August 2013 and will be contributing some of his own cartoons.
Nicholas Barrett blogs at the heartcriesout here, and joined us as nbj4725 in September 2013.
My dearest friend, Neo, joined us in October, his wonderful blog, nebraskaenergyobserver can be found by clicking on the link. He is a Lineman, Electrician, Industrial Control technician, Staking Engineer, Inspector, Quality Assurance Manager, Chief Operations Officer, with a great interest in (and knowledge of) history and politics.
Servus Fidelis, whose own excellent blog ought to be read by anyone interested in Catholicism and knowing more about the Faith, has joined us in February 2014 with a meditation on the ‘hardest question’.
Jess xx
Orthodoxgirl99 joined us in April 2015. She is a ‘convert to E Orthodoxy.Lover of all things Catholic. Wirks in PR in Care sector. Keen on J Prayer/Holy Rosary/music/reading/wildlife.’ Good to have her with us.
Joining us in June 2015, is No Man’s land who is ‘Christianos. Mathematics and Philosophy Student. Student Research Assistant in Evolutionary Biology. Student Tutor in Mathematics and Logic.A born-Southern Baptist-turned-United Methodist-turning-Orthodox, with a period of self-professed atheism for about 2 years in the middle there’.
Our latest contributor, (22 July 2020) courtesy of Neo, is Audre Myers. She is a Continuing Anglican, essentially an American Amglo-Catholic, and provides a welcome female voice to the blog
Chalcedon451
All Along the Watchtower 
I suspect that the worst trolls from the Telegraph blogs will stay away, pretending that you are really the rabit, Jadis, Damon, or someone else — they ignore Eccles’s blog too, So you may actually be writing mainly for people (like me) who appreciate your words.
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That, dear Hamish, is my hope. I am encouraged by you and by the others, and I do hope that what I have to write is of some interest; thank you. xx Jess
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Jessica,
Have you read Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna? I can see you are interested in church history and the writings of the early church fathers. This book is very interesting in that it traces the history of some of the traditions of the church historically. Just a suggestion…
Keri
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No, Keri, I haven’t – I’ll look out for it – thanks for the suggestion. Jess
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Just wanted to let you know that I’ve commented recently on several of your posts and they didn’t post for some reason. I am not sure if you are moderating comments, but I’m guessing it was because I have been posting on my phone…the one I made this morning was done on my laptop and it posted fine. Strange…
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AH, maybe that’s it – some come up needing approve, and some don’t – that is probably why. 🙂
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Well, I am reading your posts–very different than what I usually read and so very informative and interesting. Thanks for all the effort you put into your posts.
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Thank you so much Keri – nice to have such appreciation. I love your blog, which attracts some excellent comments.
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Hi Jessica,
Thank you for dropping by my blog, for making all the kind comments, and following. I will follow you too!
God bless you!
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Thank you – I am following your journey with interest – and with prayers for you.
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I like that Bible verse. Beautiful blog 🙂
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I am not much into religion but I like biscuits. If things go well, I plan to have my own biscuit factory one day. It will be called ‘The Boy with the Hat Makes Biscuits.’
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Thanks for commenting – and best of luck with the biscuits 🙂
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Thought I’d stop by for a look-around. However, as you know, I tend to create “rows.” Perhaps it’s best for me to be as casual observer. 😉
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Good to have you here – and I’m sure you’d only create a small one here 🙂
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I’ll be back, as the now-infamous ex-governor of California said – I like your blog. Have you visited The Rat?
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I haven’t, but am about to as soon as I post this 🙂
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That was quick. 🙂 I always (naively?) find it semi-fascinating when “foreigners” get into U.S. politics.
I can’t imagine many of us self-absorbed Americans doing the same in reverse. Ya know?
Although, I was not only an admirer of Margaret Thatcher, but her relationship with Ronald Reagan was one for the ages.
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My co-author here would agree with you, and being influenced by him on these matters, so would I. They do seem giants amongst pygmies.
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Nah, we just cast bigger shaddows. At any rate, I’ll stop by now and again and throw in my 2 cents. (1 pence?) Don’t be shy about visiting The Rat, either. I enjoy your takes.
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Or shadows, if you will. 😉
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I’ll be happy to pop in – I’ve put it in the Reader tab so that I get notice of new posts – great site btw 🙂
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Thanks! As is yours, albeit for a much more important cause. 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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Welcome. 🙂
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Thanks!
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🙂
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Hi Jess. Have you seen this article? http://www.christianpost.com/news/more-brits-believe-in-aliens-than-in-god-survey-claims-83663/ Might be something interesting to post about.
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Thanks Keri – wow 🙂
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Interesting and enlightening blog! And thank you for visiting my blog!
Liz
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I have original cartoon blog many Bible related all in good taste. Would you be interested submissions ?
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Carl – Jess is away at the moment, but yes, I am sure we would be interested. I will send you an invitation on her behalf.
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Thank you. I use wordpress. How to I upload images to you ?
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Carl – I have just responded thus on Geoffrey’s thread:
if you responded ‘yes (and I will check Jessica’s emails) then you can go to the dashboard where you will find ‘posts’ in the left hand margin. If you hover over it it will show a variety of options, including ‘new’. If you press that, you will be able to post. If you want to do cartoons, you will need to go to the ‘add media’ section on the new post and upload a cartoon from your computer to Jessica’s list and then just press insert – and then publish.
I will be on line to see how it goes.
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Great blog! Keep it up. We need more ‘real’ Christians spreading the truth as there are far too many being led astray by post-modern false teachers!!
Praise our Lord Jesus Christ and Father in heaven for you!!
Blessings and prayers to you and for you Jessica~!!
Streim
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Thank you very much – and welcome here 🙂 x
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Hi Jess.
Very much enjoying the conversations on the Trinity posts. Sort of a convened council at the Watchtower. 🙂 Anyway, because you and others have invested a great deal of time and knowledge into this project, I would beg a favor of intervention on your part please. Another has taken up conversation at our place and Angela was conversing with this MM, but I received note yesterday she will be traveling with husband for medical reasons.
I have tried to invite MM to your site as it seems hardly wise to rehash all over again what has been said. I thought maybe a kind word by yourself or another from the W might attract his presence. His is a little different approach than Mushtaq, for what that adds. Thanks in advance. 🙂
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Hi Mike – no problem, I will pop over 🙂 x
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Thanks Jess! Sincerely, although I’m not sure MM made his way this direction. It would have added much to the mix. 🙂
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Mike, I tried responding to mm at yours, but couldn’t.
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Hi Jessica….thanks for stopping by “Unwalled”…I’m happy that my post “The Path to Purpose” was a blessing to you…….please feel free to stop by again……Kim
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It really benefitted from it Kim! thank you 🙂
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Hi again Jessica…..thank you for deciding to follow “Unwalled’, I am truly honored. I pray that my posts encourage, edify and inspire in 2013 and beyond…..blessings!…Kim
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Thank you so much Kim – love your site 🙂 x Jess
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Jessica,
Thanks for the like of my All Saints Day post and the follow. I am honored.
Blessings!
Jim
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Very glad to be following you Jim 🙂 x
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I’m incredibly excited to have stumbled upon this space. Thank you all for your voices in the blogosphere! Keep writing, and shine on for His kingdom! 🙂 Looking forward to learning from your collective insights and experiences.
In Christ,
Karen
P.S. I’m a follower of Christ at the University of Chicago, and I blog about faith, mental health, the right to life and misc. at http://www.karenwriteshere.wordpress.com and you’re invited to drop by sometime! 🙂
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Karen – so glad you have found us – and that I can read you and follow, too. Looking forward to being there with you, and seeing you here 🙂 x
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Jess, I would like to have you as a guest writer on my blog for next year. The topic is faith and fiction. If you are interested, let me know!
Regards
Jim
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Thank you, Jim – yes, please bear me in mind 🙂 x
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I shall do so!
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Hi Jessica. Merry Christmas! Here’s a little present for you and your blog: http://biltrix.com/2013/12/28/the-sunshine-award-thanks-friends/ God bless you!
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Why thank you so much 🙂 I will comply with the terms – you are very kind 🙂
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I cannot take your court jester any longer. Unfollowed.
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Jessica,
I appreciate the support of my blog and your visits. Thanks!
The Lord be with you this day and in the week ahead!
Blessings
Jim
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Many thanks Jim – love having you here – and even more reading your blog 🙂
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Good Evening Jessica, (or perhaps early morning for you) My name is April Reynolds and I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I usually write on hubpages, but have been unable to do so this year due to health reasons.
A mutual friend referred me to your blog and I want to compliment you on the high quality of your posts, the care you take in answering each comment with love instead of judgement, and the way your love for Christ shines through your writing.
I believe God has given you a beautiful gift, thank you for sharing it with us.
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Prayers are being said on behalf of Jessica and all of you as well.
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Well, I’m kinda new around here and since I frequently post, I should say “Hello” on this particular thread, so here it is: Hello everyone. I am very grateful to have found this little portion of the WordPress and am enjoying my stay. I’ll stay a little longer, but no promises as I tend to not stay in any one place for very long. God bless. Ginnyfree.
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Just stay in His light. I’m sure you will.
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Why can people not reply to certain articles (perhaps also after some time), like the ones on purgatory, and can they only wonder why you think the saying of Christ “you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”would be talking about purgatory a so called purifying state, (you think) in which one will be “released” (whatever that may mean) having “their judgment of salvation .. been assured”?
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Dear Jessica, you say you are a “Catholic convert,” which makes us wonder why you came to that faith and not a faith which believes in the Only One True God of Israel, which was and is the God of Jesus?
The Bosco you are talking about is that the great Italian priest and teacher don Bosco? He is a very good example and explicit pedagogue. We do hope you have read lots of his works and come to think about them. But we also do hope you shall spend more time in the Bible, reading and analysing it so that you can come to see how everything fits easily and not as complicated as your Catholic denomination wants you to believe.
It is not clear where you came from, what you believed before you became a Catholic, neither what made you to go for that Christian denomination whist there are so many others.
Naturally with the many pagan rites and festivals we can understand you having come very much attracted to it, but is it not better to become part of the world of God instead of being of the world?
We wish you an interesting voyage and positive quest of faith.
That God may bless you on your way to coming to see who Jesus is (the Way to God) and why you need him so much and why it is so important to only worship One true God of gods, the Elohim Hashem Jehovah.
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Sorry we noticed you have it not about Don Bosco but about Bozoboy, who like you write may bring “his unique American, born-again perspective from January 2013”, which is not bad t o have a Christian site with different denominations receiving a word (though they all are trinitarian and as such representing one part of Christendom and leaving Christianity in the shade).
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I find myself coming back to this site fairly often and would like to write here, if you wouldn’t mind me linking back to my own site. Whether I write here or not, though, I’ve enjoyed everyone’s posts and intend to keep reading them.
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I will send you an invitation x
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