Gay Civil Unions, will the Church ever accept them?

So it's nearly the New Year. Hurrah! May 2006 be more challenging than 2005, and may it be a little more tolerant!

Saw this story and the accompanying picture which made me laugh out loud. Gay civil unions in the UK I have submitted an opinion on this chaps website... not sure if he posts it?

Not convinced any Church will be placing a sign like this outside any places of worship - but hey, you never know?

Little Jack says: "Woof Woof!"

"Have a woof'n snappy Christmas" says Little Jack. The puppy is featured here in his Christmas Party Outfit all ready for the festive season. Little Jack has been a good boy this year so hopefully Father Christmas will bring him lots of gifts.

Under the tree he did snif a tasty chewy bone - the only dilemma is the bone is bigger than he is... still I am sure he will make a meal of it.

What do you buy her for Christmas?

“So Mum, what do you want for Christmas this year?”

“Ooooo Surprise Me” she replied.

These are fateful words at Christmas time, no doubt repeated around the globe where giving gifts at Christmas is practiced.

But I don’t like surprises. Don’t get me wrong, if my six numbers come on Saturday’s lotto – that would be a surprise I would really like. But gift giving doesn’t have to be a surprise at my age. I’m 40 years old… keep the surprises for the kids! Mum, I love you – but it’s not healthy to have surprises at you’re age either!

I mean, just think about it. Were Mary and Joseph that thrilled when three wise men turned up with Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh for baby Jesus: that was certainly a surprise! I could buy her that, and at only $90 US dollars, it’s an easy treat. http://www.nicetoys.com/goldfrankincenseandmyrrh.html

But is it practical? I know the symbolic message of GF&M is Gold for The King, Frankincense to be burnt as a sacred offering of celebration to God and Myrrh used in death as an embalming lotion… err maybe not such a cool gift for Mum after all.

Dad says she had her eyes on some boots in Marks & Spencer the other day – great, that’s what I will buy… do you know how many styles of boots M&S are selling this year – Ahhhh!

So instead it’s cash in an envelope. I designed a card. Hope it brings a smile to her face.

"And Lo... two tourists did visit the nativity scene"

Last Christmas we soaked up some sun from southern Portugal.

As we journeyed into the mountain ranges just north of Faro we came to a town called Sáo Bras De Alportel.
The church and the council must have some agreement here as key roundabouts in the town were decorated with nativity scenes.

When we saw Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus I could not resist this photo.

Back in England I just could not resist converting this photo into our 2005 Christmas Card Greeting. So printed off 50. I hope you agree it is better than buying a couple of tacky boxes from Asda-Walmart.

Two wise men visit the baby Jesus on a roundabout in the Algarve, Portugal 

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Originally uploaded by matthew.pearce.

Me relaxing on the lawn - maybe that shirt is a tad too undone!!