What Do You Think?

I love reading people's blogs! Yes, I'm nosy but more than that, I love the fact that there are people out there who care passionately about the things I think are important. I spent most of my teenage years hearing the words, "You've got some funny ideas, my girl!" I didn't think they were "funny" at all, in fact I still don't. I just felt that issues about the environment, about stewardship of the world's resources, the futility of war and human rights issues were and still are crucial. In the words of Roz, I just want to make the world a better place!

At Poplar Salvation Army, we are going to be starting a discussion group where some of these issues can be explored more fully. As a Christian, I am keen to explore various Christian perspectives on these issues, including that of the Salvation Army and, more importantly, the Bible.

If you would like to be part of this discussion group either in person or via this blog, then please let me know the types of topics we could discuss. I am hoping the group can begin meeting during the first week of September. Between 5 and 6 p.m., either Monday, Tuesday or Thursday would be best for Laura and myself. So, Paradise Zoners, let me know when would be best for you.

If there are any books or articles you've read that you would like to bring and discuss, please do. I would say come armed with opinions, but I know that you lot will do that no problem!!

Look forward to seeing your comments.

To Be Great, Be Entire

To be great, be entire: of what's yours nothing
Exaggerate or exclude.
Be whole in each thing. Put all that you are
Into the least that you do.
Like that on each place the whole moon
Shines, for she lives aloft.

Fernando Pessoa

Oh, I Do Love To Be Beside The Seaside!

Well, here we are in sunny Paignton at the end of our first week on holiday. Sitting outside my beach hut, with a mug of tea and several layers of clothing to keep me warm, most of my time has been spent "people watching"!. Watching people out of their natural habitat is fascinating. For instance, if you're not a size 10 at home, then what makes you think those shorts will fit you on the beach? And why oh why do British holidaymakers build their own little fortress out of wind breaks and sun parasols, just in case someone along the two mile stretch of coastline decides to set foot in their two-metre-square empire?

I've loved watching my two children playing on the beach. With the sea, sand and rockpools (and the occasional trip to the ice cream kiosk) I've decided that children really don't care whether they're in Devon or the Costa del Sol. Apparently indifferent to the wind and rain, they've been quite happy investigating rockpools or capsizing their dinghy. Picnics on the beach have given a whole new meaning to the word "SANDwiches" but even crunchy ham sandwiches and slightly melted chocolate biscuits haven't spoilt the fun.

Maybe the next time we contemplate a getaway break in the sun, with its cost to our purse and the planet, we should stop and ask ourselves why. After this week's holiday I know what my children's answer would be.