Out with the old, in with the new

So far this year has been marked by a cold which does not want to go away! Every time I think I am getting better, I do a little too much and back it comes. I did use the Magnet service at Acocks Green and it seemed to go down well. I used it again on 6th Jan (actual Epiphany) at Space in Solihull where Deb and I discussed ways of making sure that our services were as inclusive as possible.
Last Sunday was our Covenant Service at Dorridge and straight afterwards I drove Holly back to Cliff. There was a holdup on the A38 south of Burton (which I think in hindsight probably had something to do with the draw for the FA cup which Burton were part of) so we went for a mystery tour through Barton under Needwood amongst other places. Back on the A38 again we made good progress and stopped for lunch at our favourite Little Chef at Alfreton. I was very tired by the time we got to Cliff and really needed the mug of tea and sit down after we had transfered her belonging up to the second floor. I decided not to stop on the way back but trundled along with no problems, getting home by around 6.30.

This week has been the start of my 'new me' resolution.  I have put on about a stone since the last time I was at Papworth in the summer and I need to shift at least some of it before I go back in March. They also want me to improve my fitness. Last year I was attending Pulmonary Rehab twice a week which is an hour of gentle, self-paced exercise but in November I started going to aquafit once a week at my local leisure centre. I found that I enjoyed it (one of the things I have missed since being on oxygen is swimming) and, by using the longest tube I have for my portable, I can manage to work on the spot. I can pace myself and the water supports me. This year I am going to go twice a week, Tuesday and Friday, which means that it is worth me getting a daytime membership. That also means that when I feel up to it (or I want a change) I can use the exercise bike in the gym or go to spinning (indoor cycling) classes without paying extra.

This Sunday I am preaching at South Yardley about whether it is wise or foolish to follow someone as the first disciples followed Jesus. We will be looking at what we are prepared to give up or leave behind and what we will take up as we work to keep our covenant promise.

When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home and the shepherds are back with their flocks, then the work of Christmas begins. To find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among the people and to make music in the heart.