4.5 years ago I was 35 and I didn't run. No kidding, the first few weeks were horrible... Never imagined I'd run for 3.5 hours in the rain, and have completed my 2nd marathon by the time that was done. Fitness is good, but its the friends and the fun that make it. @UKRunChat

'The big God became smaller than a full stop to save us.' He uses the out of tune singing of struggling saints, the faintest shared amens, pieces of broken bread, and words of sub-average preachers to finish in us the good work he has begun. The all powerful one prefers weakness.

@danjohnsonhymns @RuscoPColtrane I also really like this Narnian/Song of Songs line in the next verse: "...while death attempts to sting, it's winter now must ever cede to spring." Its in my funeral plan.

@danjohnsonhymns @RuscoPColtrane Be still, my soul: He anguished in the Garden. Beneath your burden, now become His own. With bloodied brow He toiled for your pardon. That you might never face the sin alone. Be still, my soul: your Jesus wept that night. That at His dawn, your tears might be dried.

Stones of help and promises in the sky

Last week I attended @livingleaders Pastoral Refreshment Conference in the South Lakes. About 40 men and women from a range of church contexts. Old acquaintances and new people. Comfort from Isaiah 40. Lingering with God. Rest. Play. Food. Fells.

'Christ plays in ten thousand places...'

@annaprice98629 Likewise! And so encouraged to hear about what the Lord is doing through your ministry.

Today, churches will open their doors not so people can come and make their case to God. Nor to get his attention. But because he's for us. He loved us so much that he sent his Son to save us. 'The Lord is My Salvation.' He is our salvation. And he carries us close to his heart.

Got to play in the Langdales this afternoon. Seven more Wainwright's. Phenomenal weather for February!

Kudos @LivingLeaders for putting a Pastoral Refreshment Conference in the Lake District. I will attend the conference too, but already somewhat refreshed. 'Praise to the Lord the Almighty, the king of creation! O my soul praise him, for he is your health and salvation...'

And breathe.

More about Hagar: This, by @bekaholiver on the God who sees you.

@marcushoneysett Thankful.

@DuncanHollands Can see how my post might've given that impression, though seems fairly implausible that TGC would approach me to write anything...

It's obviously not the same as being on the Fells, but there's a certain joy in studying and mentally overlaying OS maps, Google Maps/Earth photos, and Sabrina Verjee's Wainwrights heatmaps on Strava to get a feel for where I want to be going...