Rainy Day Idea

Yesterday, two people happened to comment about my blog, making me feel guilty that I wasn't keeping up to date. I'm sorry. I've been quite busy recently and any spare time I've got has been used for studying (and sleeping). I've still got lots of study to do, but in order to make amends here's a quick thought from the coffee shop I was in this afternoon. Actually it was on the way to the coffee shop, but that still counts in the strictish rules I place upon myself for this blog.

It was pouring down with rain as I walked, but fortunately I had an umbrella. Unfortunately for quite a few other people I passed they didn't. I did offer to accompany a young lady with my umbrella, but she was going the other way (she said).

Anyway, here's an idea I had for promoting your organisation/business/club/church/whatever: You could have umbrellas made with your logo printed on it plus some words like, "This umbrella is given to you for free. Please pass it on to someone else who may need it after you." That way you're not only promoting your organisation, but generally being nice too.


My studies at the coffee shop were for an essay about atonement theories - ie. why did Jesus die? But that's for another post.

On my way home I was stopped by a Jehovah's Witness. We talked about atonement theories. I think I might have confused him. Likewise, that will have to wait for another day. I took the guy's number and said I might call him to meet for coffee sometime.

Right now I've got to study...

Bookending

I've just spent a really great bank holiday weekend - in Yorkshire. My wife and I, along with our two children, flew over to England to spend a couple of days with some good friends of ours, A. & H. There was lots to talk about, which meant lots of coffee. In fact the weekend, in coffee terms at least, was sandwiched between a couple of regular lattes at arrival and departure from Leeds/Bradford airport, both times activating the use of my second motto in life: 'Never say no to donuts.'

A. & H., along with their two children of a similar age to ours, are developing areas of creative ministry within a town called Tadcaster - so we have lots in common. It was really great to spend some quality time talking about family issues, Christian mission and theology along with a good dose of laughter (all related to the above, and more) and just pure fun with our kids. We challenged each other in our spiritual development and searched for answers to why we do what we do.

Thanks, guys. I can't wait to get together again.


The sweet taste of a donut made me feel good while checking-in, but having to surrender my coffee at the security check before I finished left me wanting more.

One Year On

In an attempt to visit every Starbucks in Ireland, do you think it counts to visit refreshment stands that "proudly serve Starbucks coffee?" I've decided no.

However, I was at one such place today - a coffee stand in Dublin Zoo. The regular latte that was served to me was only half-full, but I decided not to complain. Not just because I think of myself as an optomist at heart, but because I was spending a lovely day at the zoo with my wife and two children, celebrating my youngest's first birthday. I'm not sure that he was overly impressed with the animals, but he did seem to enjoy his first taste of cake. (Who wouldn't?)

Anniversaries of special dates always seem to make you reflect on why that date is so special and what happened to make a particular number and month standout anytime you see it somewhere. On 1st May last year I definately could of done with a rereshment stand that proudly servered any decent coffee. But I can't complain. All I had to do was hold my wife's hand. (Everything else was just amazing.)

Anyway, I love you, Little Guy. But you are going to have to wait untill you're at least three before you can have some coffee with that cake.

(When did I start drinking coffee.....???)