One for the chocoholics I guess... and hoping that the recipients haven't given up cacao for Lent!  Mostly on my own today apart from a couple of meetings, and have already given chocolate to all my neighbours, so a little tricky... but I'll think of something!

Today is one that is perhaps most suited to those who engage in social media like such as, but not limited to, Facebook and Twitter.  The sense of mindless trawling down lists of posts cliccing 'like' or 'favourite' or 'retweet' or 'share' and then never giving it a second thought.  Guilty as charged, your honour!  Even those who are more discerning and use the web more intentionally might like to give thought to these challenges...

There's a lot of noise on social media. And probably even more in the newspapers. Everyone's got a story they want to air. Sometimes these snippets can be great things, but other times it’s a little more worrying. Dedicate some time to scroll through your newsfeed, in whatever form that takes, and pick out what's shouting to be prayed for.

FIVE MINUTES:

Read your local newspaper, watch TV or scroll through your Facebook newsfeed. Pray for each item as it appears.

FITEEN MINUTES

Use your journal to write down some prayer points for today or schedule three blocks of five minutes to pray for whatever you encounter either on social media or the news today.

AN HOUR

You’ve got time to act! Yes, keep on praying through your social media feed, but take action too. Write letters of support, make donations to charities in need of help, answer friends’ cries for help and more!

There is an image in the Bible of a mother eagle teaching her chick to fly.  Bascially she nudges them to, and then over the edge of the ledge where the nest is.  The eaglet has two choices - fly or fall.  The mother watches and if necessary swoops down and catches her offspring carrying it back to safety before shoving it off again.

Today our placement student was given charge of 'leading' the service - which meant everything except the sermon and intercessions.  It was a bit of a 'shove off the ledge' but with the proviso that I was there to catch her if she needed it.

And she flew... no hesitation straight into full flight.  Sure a novice, with some inevitable signs of that inexperience, but a good maiden flight landing safe and sound the right side of the benediction.

Good preparation lay begins all that was offered.  Assured presence meant a confident and competent delivery.  Points for discussion when we meet to reflect on it, but the girl done good.

Afterwards I asked her how she felt, and she said she had enjoyed it.  That was good.  The Gatherers are great folk to worship with and are so affirming and encouraging to those starting out, so I was very proud of them today.

I have to fess up that I don't want to sing the SU song the student chose ever again but is was certainly different.  Overall a good morning and a privilege and pleasure to be there.

So there it was, in the posh independent grocery shop... Rachel's organic divine chocolate pot... a soy free dark chocolate mousse that is simply mmmmmmmm.  Lovely treat on my indulgence day!

Happy.... very! :-)

This Lent is hurtling past at a somewhat alarming pace!  I suspect the relentlessly full days are contributing to that, but mostly I am enjoying what I'm doing  and it does seem to be reasonably productive! 

Today is a bit self-indulgent - snatching back some 'me' time, having a lie-in (for as long as the kitties would allow), enjoying a few treats and catching up on a few jobs (only I could knock over a full bucket-size mug of tea onto a beige carpet, and will shortly commence the third attempt to remove the stain!).

So it made me smile that today was about 'time' and giving of 'time... see what you think:

Time is money – or is it more precious than that? Giving your time and talents to a cause or to someone because they need some help, moral support, company or just plain because can be priceless. Whether it’s a whole day or an hour, this act is about blessing others with the gift of your time.

HIGH 5:

Book five minutes into your daily schedule now and commit to give that time to someone who needs it. Perhaps your family, a friend, or even more time in prayer.

HALF AN HOUR:

Got behind with 40acts? Take 30 minutes today and whizz back through some that you’ve missed. You’ll be surprised at how generous you can be in 1800 seconds

DONATE A DAY: What could you do for someone with a whole day? Could you book one day’s annual leave this year and spend it helping others?