Prepare

If you want to set your sails for some fresh thoughts on how to spend 2017 and beyond you could do worse than reading 'Don't waste your life' available here for free and give 'Running with the witnesses' a listen.

I had a really good breakfast time today and talked a bit about marriage and then came across these questions which might give mine (and yours) an MOT.

We've got a new Bishop of Woolwich.

Monday musing

Here is an apology to any readers I may still have left. I have been woefully erratic in posting and will try to approach 2017 with more frequency, content, my own writing and some creativity. The frustrating thing is there is lots of good content and musing to pass forward to you which I will do a bit of today:

1. I have been reading 'Hidden Christmas' and have not been able to get over the character of King Herod. It's birth (ing) my Christmas day sermon.

2. This is an extraordinary extract about Donald Trump which will make you no more confident of what the future may hold. Apparently, he has nine Christians in his cabinet.

3. I have got a new iphone after 6.5 years (cracked screen etc) which is exciting. The tech has moved on a little. Here are the 10 Best Free Apps of 2016

4. This is the time of year for books list and a good time to select some potential reading for 2017

Justin Buzzard

Paul Sohn

TGC

Kevin de Young

Andrew Wilson

The Spectator

Albert Mohler

Tim Challies

5. John Piper on reading books by non-Christians

6. Ted on 'Depression, the secret we share' and an article on 'How to sleep'.

7. Keller on 'The 3 dangers for anyone in Ministry' and an interview on his new book 'Making sense of God'

8. What would the words be of a Britishness oath?

9. Getting ready to read  the Bible through in 2017- 5 Steps.

10. Rod Liddle on 'A new poverty'

Saturday blog-sweep

What living in a post-truth culture means

7 suggestions when a good marriage isn't working

What does church planting achieve

Pastor, what do you fear?

Thomas Oden

An interesting best books list and A comprehensive one

A bit and a bob

I watched a bit of 'Brainwashing Stacey' with interest but haven't completed it yet.

A friend texted me yesterday recommending 'It ain't over til its over'

Craig Groeschl seems like he's not a real person but having seen him preach I can vouch that he is. We have practically nothing in common but he might have some communication tips for me (link updated)