About this time last year, I sourced and bought some copies of the words edition of Carol Praise, an out of print collection of carols and Christmas songs published in 1987 (a later edition in the early 2000s has proved totally elusive) but failed miserably to find a music edition.  But finally I did it!  Today my music edition arrived, so I am very happy.  I have a suspicion I paid way over the odds for it, but now I have this collection of 355 times, which will get put to good use.  Maybe I now need to source some more word editions...!

This week, with no service to prepare, I've had time for some reading, and this morning I finished reading this little book:

It is a refreshing read, honest and thoughtful.  With the acronym HPtFtU (Human Propensity to F*** things Up)* as a starting point, the book pulls no punches.  This is neither clever theology nor popular testimony, yet it carries a sense of each... It's not often a book about Christianity is a page turner, but (provided you can cope with some rather colourful language) this one is.  What is, in my experience, original about this book is its focus on emotional (or lack thereof) aspects and its starting point in the general messed-up-ness of real life rather than the soul-pricking-loveliness of creation.  Well worth reading, available in real book and e-book format.

* Clearly F*** stands for 'foul', but some people may read it otherwise ;-)

Last year I wrote a whole series of reflections for Advent, which seemed to be quite well received.  It was a big task, and one that, at times, became rather a slog.  I am wondering what to offer this year - perhaps a weekly reflection and some shorter 'thoughts for the day' in between?  I wonder what anyone would value or find interesting?  Answers on a comment (if working) or by email!

A propos of absolutely nothing.

I stumbled across this which made me smile - and decided I am living proof of this fact as marmite is always my food of choice if I am unwell.

... have now found homes!

I am very happy tp report that 24 hours since we started the adoptive process, three of our not-yet-knitted sheep have loving homes waiting for them... in a book shop, a stationer and a baby-wear shop.  Still waiting for prospective adopters of the other nine to get back in touch, but it's good news so far!

I feel a parable coming on:

A shepherdess went out to arrange adoption for twelve sheep...