I'm not generally comfortable with pictures of myself, but here's an entirely spontaneous one taken after the prayer meeting last week.

We are running a Giving in Grace campaign this month, and I am explaining my earlier comments on the treasury. We have very little money, but we have been made too feel for too long that this is a problem and we must on no account spend anything. What we have is a gift, an opportunity, and a test of our courage. We should spend, not frivolously, but carefully and in a targeted, considered way, and in a public and expressive way. By giving like that we will inspire confidence and vision in those around us and encourage others to do the same.

Giving is a gift, a privilege that more people need to realise the value of.
What you give is what you get.

Pleading poverty is a very negative attitude and one that can only re-generate itself.
Like boredom and apathy. Do nothing and you get more tired. Propagating by self-replication.

These people make me feel very special, and in so many ways we are all very good for each other.

Faith and church is about so much more than religion and God. Enlightening, fascinating, refreshing while at the same time challenging, purposeful and complex. The mix of humility and pride is hard to explain, but I feel I have such a long way to go with this. An understanding of people and concern for others that I never even knew I didn't have.
You don't know what it is you haven't got, until you have it. That's what I mean by enlightening.
Self-awakening, self-awareness. Self confidence and self respect.

Selfish arrogance... its a thin line. Prayers for patience, understanding, vision.

Light of the world, You step down into darkness.
Opened my eyes let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore you
Hope of a life spent with you

I am at a loss to know where this comes from and why this hat feels so comfortable.