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After pondering over a sermon delivered by the Bishop of Blackburn in York Minster yesterday, he said something that struck me as quite profound in a theological sort of way....well, bishops do that every now and again. It has rocked my belief that God is 'omni' everything, especially the omni powerful part of the job description. He said that so fickle are human beings that God cannot possible please us all (paraphrased by me) and it dawned on me that I have something common with God. I too am not able to please everyone so now I have all the theological justification I need not to try! Happy St Patricks Day to you all. Mine's a Guinness

Whilst I acknowledge that for some, the snow brings fear and dread of falls and broken bones, but I do hope that you, like me, are enjoying the sheer gift of a day in the diary that has been given back to you because of the snow. It was with unashamed delight that I curled up in a chair with a trashy novel, looking out of my manse window and watched the snow fall, knowing that my meetings had been cancelled and no one expected me to be anywhere!

Yesterday, the probationers met withthe Diaconal Candidates and Probationers Oversight Committee. This is a stressful time for everyone involved even though you get to share in some of the most poignient moments in someones life. I wonder how many of us stop awhile and ponder on the feelings we had as we approached our ordinations....will we be allowed to procede...are we indeed worthy...what if I have got it wrong...why me...
the questions go on and on. As I sit here, pondering, I am reminded of the Scripture that tells us not to be afraid because I have redeemed you. I have called you by name and you are mine and I love you with a perfect love.
Clearly, I was allowed to proceed, and although I do not feel any more worthy than I did then, but I do feel that I did the right thing. I also feel that perfect love, and it makes my physically shudder with delight, much the same way as I feel when I step under a warm shower. My personal prayer is that I can love others in equally a perfect way but know that what I offer falls short of that by a mile. However, I will keep trying...what about you?

I have an admission to make, or should that be a confession….anyway, I have a liking for religious tat and have quite an extensive collection often added to by friends who spot things on their travels saying to themselves, this has got Sue written all over it. I have ‘Wash away your sins’ cleansing bars in tempting do it again fragrances; Last Supper After Dinner Mints which promise to eliminate unpalatable odours; handbag mirrors which declare that I am looking good for Jesus. A particular favourite of my grand daughter are my elastoplasts’ with pictures of our Lord on them and she wastes no time telling me that she needs Jesus stuck on her leg to make her better if she has grazed herself falling over.

It has been suggested to me that perhaps some of my collection borders on blasphemy and maybe I ought not to be having such things contaminate my home, and after all, am I not a public representative of the Methodist Church they ask? Should I of all people not be setting a better example rather than seeking out even more for my collection.

Maybe they have a point, maybe they don’t – it is all a matter of opinion as makers of Jerry Springer the musical or the Life of Brian have discovered. However, in my opinion, what is blasphemous is the people of Zimbabwe dying of cholera while world powers look on, not Jesus elasoplasts; 20% infant mortality rate in South Africa resulting from HIV/AIDS, not a tin of mints with a da Vinci painting on the lid; human beings taking up arms against each other in the name of their God rather than seeing the image of God reflected back to them in a looking good for Jesus mirror.

Maybe we are all in need of a wash away your sins cleansing bar…

I have come to the Centre today, carrying bags full of papers, reports, things to do, lap top, mobile phone, diary and all the other things that seem so necessary to life today...laden and tired after a long journey and as I rest in the kitchen, with a mug of hot tea in my hand, surrounded by food and warmth and hospitality and goodwill, I hear the sounds of angels singing...singing and praying...singing and praying and listening...singing and praying and listening and holding...holding us all in their loving hands as the 24 hour of prayer cycle continues. I suddenly feel very humble and very very blessed to be part of an Order which takes prayer seriously and I am reminded that scripture assures us that 'when ever one or two gather in my name....'