<Mmmm> I think maybe thats how to 'write' tongue biting!  A good challenge for me today, as I can be guilty of a rather critical tongue.  Tongue-biting, yes sometimes, but maybe should try harder to think of positives to say instead...

It’s so easy to let cutting words slip out. The problem is that the effect of our verbal stings can resonate with other people for a lot longer than we expect. The good news is twofold. First, we can learn to hold back when it’s tempting to deliver a put-down. Second, our words can also be generously kind, and these words also resonate – sometimes for entire lifetimes.

A FIVE-MIONUTE REFRESHER:

Make the decision to catch your words before blurting them out. Just five minutes of intentional decision-making can set you up for a day of generous, kind communication.

I’VE GOT 15 MINUTES:

Reflect on those closest to you – the ones that you’re probably more prone to get shirty with when you’re stressed/tired/hungry. Think about the last time you said something harsh to them – what was it? Are there particular words or phrases that you use repeatedly? Spring clean your vocabulary and eliminate the nasties.

I’VE GOT AN HOUR:

Ask a friend to evaluate your speaking voice. Things to question are: am I too blunt? Too sharp? Slow to listen and too quick to respond? Take their answers and see if you can turn them into action points.

Today we went on a journey back in time to first century Jerusalem and travelled literally (if we wished to) or metaphorically with Jesus through some of the events of Holy Week, culminating in the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and bringing in our life size wooden cross.

It seemed to work well.  As well as the Temple (above) we went to Bethany where a woman poured lovely perfume onto Jesus' feet

And we went to the Upper Room for the Last Supper:

As is our custom, we ended in silence without a blessing - the raggedy ending expressing something of the raggedness of Holy Week, epsecially for those who, for whatever reason, aren't able to join in the evening reflections.

It is quite a lot of work for a 50 minute service (always ends up shorter than a traditional services) but it is so worthwhile, and I know some good conversations will be, or will have been, shared over meal times today.

In a couple of hours I'm back at church to sing with the choir, but for now just chilling in the knowledge that we made Palm Sunday happen for ourselves today.

Weddings come in all shapes and sizes, and in Scotland if they are "religious" they can take place anywhere witha postcode.  Since I've been here I have been involved in four marriages (three I conducted and one where I did the 'address'). Two were in churches, and very traditional, and really lovely, meaningful occasions.  One was in a cow shed and today's in a library.

Every wedding is unique and special and today's was no exception. It was very small and intimate, in a beautiful library, some wonderful music and meaningful words.  Probably unusual to have a wedding in which those present included four ordained people, two (three?) university lecturers, four nationalities (or five, depending how you count UN nation states and all that jazz) and customs from most of them!

It was a lovely occasion, and a real privilege to be part of it.

Thank you L & G, and may God bless you with lasting love and fulfilment.

Reducing our carbon footprint is important and as today includes 'earth hour' (which I forgot about becuase it's been a very long and busy day)  this one is highly appropriate

Be honest, how lightly do you tread on the earth? Our lifestyle choices make up our carbon footprint and there’s merit in knowing whether we’re wearing dainty slippers or clod-hopping boots. This act is about taking the first steps in being generous to God’s creation.

SIMPLES:

Flick the switch! It’s earth hour today, so make a point of unplugging everything – or perhaps just your lights – whenever you’re not using them.

GET INVOLVED:

Using the ‘links we love’ for today, research ways to make more of a permanent impact on lowering your carbon footprint this Lent and beyond.

GET CONCRETE: Make a commitment to something. It might be vowing not to use plastic bags again, or committing to offset any travel emissions from now on, or agreeing a carpooling plan.

Posting this a day late seems deliciously ironic... I was indeed so busy yesterday that posting just didn't happen!

“Busy” is nearly overtaking “Fine” as the standard response to “How are you?” There aren't enough hours in the day; you're rushed off your feet; you simply haven't got time. We're all a little guilty of making ourselves too busy. It’s probably high time we slowed down and refocused our energies on the people & things that matter. Spend today doing what someone else wants.

I'VE GOT 5 MINUTES:

Today’s act might come smack bang in the middle of one of those absolutely impossible-to-rejig days. No worries. Have a quick flick through your diary and find the next available date to make someone else a priority. Drop them a message to make it a date.

I'VE GOT 15 MINUTES: A good amount of time to have a quick catch-up with somebody. Take a colleague for a coffee; get on the phone to that relative, and then set a date for a day dedicated to doing the stuff they love to do.

I CAN FREE UP A WHOLE DAY: Brilliant. Go big: think hard about who you've really been overlooking lately, and make a fuss of them. Put that person at the centre of your day. Give them a choice of activities you know they’d like, and delight them with some quality time.