Had a very enriching experience at the Christmas Eve service - wonderful!
Enjoyed time spent with the family over the next few days but was saddened by the death of my uncle on Boxing Day.
Found this passage by CS Lewis very inspiring:
"At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door. We discern the freshness and purity of morning, but they do not make us fresh and pure. We cannot mingle with the splendours we see. But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so. Some day, God willing, we shall get in.

This afternoon Robin's family and friends will be gathering to say goodbye and to give thanks for his life.
Robin came to faith only recently and would be the first to say that he had doubts and questions about so many areas.
However, over the last couple of months he had prepared himself for death and, I believe, had come to a full understanding of the love of God.
Now left to those of us still here to support and help Lynn and his family to work through the grieving process.
I didn't know you for very long, Robin, but my life was blessed by having you as a friend.

In the fourth week of Advent I am going to be focusing on the message to Mary and her response. Wondering how she felt to be so young and yet to be the chosen one "full of grace."

Also spending more time listening for God and resting in his presence in silent prayer.

Waiting, waiting.

Today I have had sad news that a friend has died. He was due to be married on Saturday. He and his fiancee had been told a few weeks ago that he had a terminal medical condition and had little time left.
Now his fiancee is cancelling a wedding and planning a funeral. It was his last wish that they be married before he died so it seems even harder to bear.
He was a good friend who had a gift for listening. He had come to faith recently and was still full of questions.

Lord, give Robin eternal rest and let your light shine upon him forever.
May his soul find peace.
Amen

This week I have been given a "note to preach" in our Methodist Circuit. This is the beginning of the journey to become an accredited Local Preacher.
Twelve months ago I would have said that I would never preach, never want to do that!
Over the last few months a little voice in the back of my head has been telling me to reconsider!
Watch this space.