This morning I attended a 'pilates induction session' - advertised as 30 minutes, it was actually nearer 40, and basically what we learned was how to breathe in the correct way for pilates.

Much concentration was needed to correctly align the feet, spine and neck, to centre the core and to breathe from the diaphragm.  I can't claim to have mastered it, but I gave it a good go, and have signed up for eight weeks of beginners classes.

Whilst I don't think there is a 'right' or even a 'Christian' way to pray, meditate or reflect, there seems to be some sort of parallel... (re-)aligning our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, being aware of our own physicality as well as our intellect and spirituality, discovering that it isn't easy, but it is worthwhile... and then maybe metaphorcially 'signing up' for a short course of intentional prayer/meditation/reflection.

Unlike pilates, where progression from 'beginner' to 'intermediate' to 'advanced' is anticipated/expected, spiritual exercise is not about getting better, but I think it probably is about learning to breathe...

Way back in 2004, I ordered a basic mobile phone, a Nokia, that cost me £10 with a free credit of £10 with T-Mobile. Fifteen years later, it still works fine but the battery (its second) no longer holds charge and it seemed like time to think about a new phone.

Due to some sort of online glitch back then, I was told the Nokia was no longer available and ordered another slightly fancier phone, with the two arriving together, at which point my practice of 'work' and 'personal' phones was born. A few years ago I replaced my peronal phone with a Nokia Lumia smart phone, which I love.

There was a delightlful irony, I felt, in using the web bowser on my Nokia Lumia to order the ultra basic Nokia that will (all being well, and the SIM fits) replace my trusty old PAYG, which can, of course, be put in a drawer as the emergency back up phone!! And the new one has a micro-usb charger, so that's a bonus.

For reasons too boring to explain, I ended up in a nearby cafe for a late lunch and ordered 'rhubarb crumble and cream'.  When it arrived it self-evidently wasn't rhubarb crumble, but it looked very pretty anyway, so much so that I took a photo of it.  I poured over some cream, dug in my spoon, took a mouthful and .... bleurgh! So salty!  I presevered a few more mouthful before I could take no more.

The waitress duly took my returned dessert - and my explanation - back to the (new) chef.  It transpired there was a bowl on the pass containing a white crystaline substance he had assumed to be sugar, so he'd liberally sprinkled it over my dessert... It was, of course, salt.

So I guess there's a sermon in there somewhere, about not assuming, about judging by appearances, about not checking, and even about having the courage to speak out... at least no other customer will be served blackberry and apple with a side of sodium chloride!

They did bring me a new crumble, and it was delicious (even if still not rhubarb!) so all ended well.

For me, New Year's Eve is always bittersweet and a pause for thought.

On this date on 2010 I had my final dose of chemo - and the memory of that moment remains strong eight years later. I am fortunate to be healthy, well and mostly happy - but I have loved and lost way too many friends since then.

This year has had more than its 'fair share' of sadness for my family, and for my friends, so today I will take a moment to remember, as well as my Mum, one of my cousins, a fellow minister, my former GB captain, a bc buddy, a friend's daughter and a drop-in member... may they rest in peace and rise glory, and may the memories of them bring comfort and joy to those who have loved them best.

Well, we've done it twice (or is it three times?) now, so I guess it probably is a tradition - a joint service with one of our local C of S churches for the last Sunday of the year.

It is a 'Good Thing'. On a Sunday when some folk are (still) away, and ministers either taking the day off or running on empty, what is needed isn't an erudite sermon but some simple, pastoral reflections.  What is needed is some good singing, and some thoughtful praying.  What is needed is to say, 'what unites is is so much more than what distinguishes us from one another.'

I had a Good Time.  I got to sing in a joint choir.  I was privileged to lead prayers. I was able to receive as well as to give. I knew myself loved, welcomed and valued.

I love being just 'us' and doing what we do the way we do it.  I also love being the bigger joint 'Us' on high days and holidays.

A grand end to another year of Sundays - thank you to our C of S friends, it was just lovely.