While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60)

Just been to a really ace and challenging service at Church. It was a quieter crowd than usual (with the congregation being thinner on the ground after Christmas services yesterday). Chris who was leading the service was on top form however and spoke about St.Stephen - with it being St.Stephen's day (who is the patron saint of headaches - or as Chris put it men in the evening!). He was challenging us to look at where we serve, where we speak the message of the gospel and the price that we are willing to pay to do this. Very inspiring stuff that I'm sure I will be mulling over, over the next couple of days.

Am currently sat listening to Good Charlotte (Thanks for the Christmas Pressie Josh), eating some youghurt covered raisins (David), staring at a Jesus Action Figure (Ruth) and wondering when I'm going on my boat trip (Helen!). Christmas was most fantastic (even if I was and still am a bit snuffly and heavy headed), Midnight Mass avec David, Sue and Chris rocked (!), Santa thankfully brought us the usual mix of essentials - pants, sock and deodorent! The service in the morning (10am!) was a grand way to remind us of the reason for the season and was quite brilliant, Al and Chris doing a great job mixing fun and meaning together. Lunch was superb the spread was most glorious and tasty! Presents in the afternoon were also grand, I have such great family, extended family and friends - they all seem to know me so well (hurrah!). The evening was spent watching some television and having an early night (what with midnight mass, an early morning the and a service the next day). Also made sure to video the C4 thing on 'Who wrote the bible'. Shall be watching that this evening and telling you what I made of it! In the meantime you can always check out a guide to the bible I wrote for one of my assignments last year at The Bigfattoothbrush Bible Guide.

Anyhow going to the Greenwoods now (Mother's getting a bit het up because we should have left by now). Have a great day, read Acts chapter 7 and 8 and see what God says to you about service, the message you have to deliver and the cost to you. God Bless...