Christianity – Page 2 – Matthew McKinnon's Blog

An Irish Getaway: Cairncastle, a Travel Story

My wife and I had been talking about having a short end of summer break before the days shorten and the cold Autumn and Winter weather creeps in. The question though was, where should we go? The answer to that question came with an unexpected invitation from my wife’s cousin Helen, suggesting we come over the Irish Sea for a visit. It had been a long time since we last visited Ireland – the Emerald Isle. So after some thought we signaled yes” and soon the plans for the trip were in place. Would we be leaving a wet and dreich Scotland for the same weather in Northern Ireland we asked ourselves? I’ll let the photographs answer that question! Here is our story. Note – click on images to enlarge!

We left home in Glasgow, Scotland at 8.30am in busy traffic, but after clearing the city we made good progress and arrived at the port of Cairnryan in perfect time for the 12 noon sailing with P and O Ferries. The long-stay free car park was situated close to the terminal building and the check-in process was very easy and straightforward, as all that was required was our booking reference. We were also delighted to learn that the coach, which would take us onto the ferry was staying with us to Larne, so we should leave our luggage on the coach. Great news for Seniors 🙂

Met by our friends at Larne, we were soon at their beautiful ‘Arran View’ bed and breakfast’ at Cairncastle, (arranviewbedandbreakfast.co.uk) and relaxing with a cup of tea, ready for a long catch-up! After an evening meal the sun was still shining, so we enjoyed a guided tour of the local area. Photos below.

In the morning, after a very comfortable night’s sleep and a refreshing breakfast we were ready for one of the world’s great road journeys around the Antrim Coast, with its magnificent views of land and sea, and beautiful quaint villages! Robert (Helen’s husband) was our experienced driver and guide and we had two particular places in mind – Carrick-a-Rede and its spectacular rope bridge, and the famous ‘Giant’s Causeway’ with its large Museum and Visitors’ Centre, and its fascinating rock formations. (See earlier blog re visit to Fingals’ Cave for a similar phenomenon).

It’s good to be busy and its good at times to sit back and relax, so after the previous busy day, that’s just what we did next in the best of surroundings with family and their village friends in Cairncastle. On the Sunday we enjoyed attending Cairncastle Presbyterian Church for their morning service, and this was followed by our wedding anniversary celebration lunch at the beautiful Cairndhu Golf Club restaurant. Throughout the sun continued to shine, and the flowers were blooming in abundance!

Here are some other places of interest that we visited before it was time to head for home.

Oh, and of course, we did talk for a while of ‘Family Trees’ and I was pleased to come home with some photographs of Muriel’s family, complete with names and some more details of family history.

It’s amazing what you can pack into five days, and we were so pleased to have stepped aside from the business of life to see again the wonder of God’s amazing creation. Best of all to spend quality time out, to chat with family and to share life’s experiences and to meet new friends in Church and in the village. I was reminded of the importance of doing this by the words above the entrance to St Cedma’s Church (did you spot them in the photo above?) Teach us to number our days’, or as Psalm 90 v12 says ‘So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom’.

It’s always wise to stop now and then, and take stock of how we are spending our time and ordering our lives. Are there things we need to change, a better use of our time and talents, relationships that need healed or strengthened, and what preparations have we made for the future, our retirement or old age perhaps? However, the text above the entrance to the church most certainly had in mind preparation for our eternal future. People talk casually about heaven, but some years ago I remember a friend asking this question – what makes you think that God will let you into heaven? I thought it sounded a bit cheeky at the time, but on reflection it is a good question to ask ourselves. Here’s a hymn we sung at church on Sunday that I was unfamiliar with, but certainly gives the answer to the question that was asked. Have a listen, it’s evidently quite popular on ‘You-tube’ now by those interested in spiritual songs and music.

Trust this finds you well wherever you are, and I send best wishes and greetings from Scotland.

Matthew

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Scotland – Treasures of the Past

We’ve been looking at houses recently! No, not with a view to moving from our current home, but simply because the postman dropped the ”National Trust for Scotland Members’ Guide’ through our letterbox. We have been members for many years and in the past frequently visited their estates and properties and nature reserves scattered all around Scotland (over 100) which they work hard to preserve for future generations. We are always impressed by the planning and effort that they put into this task.

The 2024/25 Members’ Guide

Recently we visited one or two local NTS properties and another not too far away. We always find their staff to be friendly and helpful, and that proved to be the same on our recent visits shown below. AND …. there is usually a well stocked visitors’ shop and tearoom to be enjoyed on your visit.

The last page of the current guide shows a map of Scotland with all their properties marked, and asks the question ‘How many will you visit? So that got us started again!

In the southside of Glasgow there is villa called Holmwood House built in 1858, which was designed by architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson (1817-1875) who was reputed world-wide to be one of Scotland’s most talented architects and designers. We recently visited, and were not disappointed. It is beautifully situated on the banks of the White Cart river, amid extensive grounds. Built initially for paper mill owners Robert and James Cooper, whose family occupied it between 1858 – 1909. After this it changed hands many times before it was taken over in 1958 by The Sisters of our Lady of the Mission. The property was used as a chapel and dormitory, and soon the Sisters had established a primary school, and also taught in a local comprehensive school. They were also involved in many other aspects of parish work. By 1994 they had moved to more suitable premises and the building was purchased by NTS, who since then have worked tirelessly to restore its appearance and condition as in 1858. Some very impressive work has been done. Here are some photographs with much more information on-line.

We enjoyed our visit to Holmwood and would recommend it to those of you who are near enough to visit.

Greenbank Garden is even closer to home and we have visited there many times. On our recent visit the rain came on, so we had an almost empty garden to enjoy. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves this time, but again more information available on line. My photographs :-

We started our visits last month going to a house built for the rich, and ended it with a visit to a house built for the poor, ‘Weaver’s Cottage’ in Kilbarchan which was built in 1723. Weaving was first recorded in this village in 1695 when there were 30-40 looms. By1838 eight hundred looms were said to be working in the village and local area. My granny was a weaver, so I was fascinated to hear the story of the weaver being recounted and demonstrated by the video being played and by the NTS staff. Everything from the spinning of the yarn to the weaving of a variety of cloths, even intricate clan tartans provided for the Royal Family and others, and to catch something of their life and work away back then.

The rooms in the cottage were let out to different families, with varying skills, some relating to the weaving business but others such as shoe making and repairs. It must have been a hive of industry when they were all working. The mechanisation of the weaving business during the Industrial Revolution however, was to bring to an end the huge cottage industry of weaving by hand looms, plus many linked trades, such as spinners, yarn dyers, pirn winders and cloth finishers.

One thing about the Weaver’s Cottage that grabbed our attention was the number of rooms with an ‘inset’ bed. The beds were so short that it would have been impossible for an average adult to lie out on them. This we were told was no problem as the people of the day preferred to sleep in a sitting position! That was the first time I had heard of such a thing.

This blog started with a look at a rich man’s house and has ended with a look at a poor man’s house, the original residents of which have long since passed away. One thing that the visit to the cottage brought home is the brevity of life, for the Bible says ‘my days are swifter than a weavers shuttle” Job 7:5 which we can all relate to. A weaver’s shuttle is incredibly fast, we can vouch for that! It also reminds us that we brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out! The houses are there, but past resisdents are gone. So we need to weigh up Jesus’ words in Luke’s Gospel

“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self”? Luke 9:24, 25 or again the words of Jesus – “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me”. Revelation 3:19,20

Visits to places like this bring back many memories. As I have said, my granny was a weaver, my mother’s childhood was in a similar small cottage in Fife, not to mention the inset beds, which both our parents would have slept in, tho’ thankfully somewhat larger than those illustrated!

We enjoyed these visits and are grateful for the NTS for the work they do for the nation. These three sites are definitley recommended as places worth a visit. You will find it is cheaper to become a member, as the entrance fee for non members is quite expensive, so after just a few visits as a member you are in credit!

Trust you are well wherever you are, why not take time to consider the words of Jesus? Always glad to hear from you.

Matthew

Scenic Photos from Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond | Summer Garden Delights

A Quiet Evening on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond

Some selected words from the famous song, which seemed appropriate that night!

‘By yon bonnie banks and by yon bonnie braes Where the sun shines bright on Loch Lomin’…. the wee birdie sings and the wild flowers spring and in sunshine the waters are sleepin’ … for me and my true love … on the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond’

I finished my last blog by saying’ I’ll tell you more about our trip to The Trossachs and about my garden in my next blog. Well, the trip to the Trossachs at the end of June included a visit to a small cottage of a friend, and then to enjoy a stroll on the banks of Loch Lomond on a beautiful summers evening. All very romantic! So here are some photos of that most enjoyable day!

Our own garden has been blooming inspite of, or perhaps because of, the mixture of rain and sunshine and the cool temperatures. However, as always gardening has its successes and disappointments too! This year I grew Dahlias from seed for the first time and was hugely pleased with the outcome, as you can see from the photographs. Anyway, too many garden photos to show, but here is a selection of this years ‘pride and joy’. 🙂

More general photos from around the garden.

Gardening takes time and energy so as you get older it has to be tackled one manageable ‘bite’ at a time. For me however it is a great pleasure. If you’re not feeling too good, get your trowel and head for the garden, some hours later you are feeling fine. haha!

The greenhouse played its part in ‘growing on’ the Dahlia seed, but in other respects is not doing too well. I dont think the tomatoes like playing second fiddle to the Dahlias! Here’s a few pics.

So that is a brief roundup of the garden at mid summer, so all being well I’ll give another report at the end of the season. Would be glad to hear from fellow gardeners of their successes and failures this summer.

On a cool still morning recently I spotted some dew on the car and in the garden. Dew I was reading, only appears when the temperature drops and there is stillness in the air. The writer of that information then recalled the words of a favourite hymn of mine.

Drop Your still dew of quietness, Till all our striving’s cease: Take from our souls the strain and stress; And let our ordered lives confess The beauty of your peace. Breathe through the pulse of our desire Your coolness and your balm; Let sense be mum, its beats expire: Speak through the earthquake wind and fire, O still small voice of calm!

I wish you God’s blessing wherever you are. Always glad to hear from you.

Matthew

June in Scotland: Snow, Sun, and Christian Events | 2024

Our picnic spot in the Trossachs – June 2024

June is the start of summer here in Scotland, so we should expect warm sunny weather, but in fact during the early days of June we had snow falling in the Cairngorm mountains and temperatures dropping to -10c! On the 20/21st of the month we enjoy the longest day of the year! Here in Glasgow the sun rose at 4.31am and set at 22.06pm – giving 17hrs 35 minutes of daylight. Nautical twilight continued until 3.29am when Civil twilight begins, so it never gets completely dark. I really enjoy these long summer days.

I’ll not talk about Scotland’s football team and their sad exit from the Euros, or the announcement of a General Election on 4th July as the TV and Internet have comprehensive coverage of these big and at times controversial events. You can also click on the internet at Scotlandwelcomesyou.com/June to get a flavour of things taking place around Scotland. Many charities organise events, everything from mountain climbing, cycling, walking plus fun events for all age groups. Other outdoor events are organised by our friends for food, fellowship and chat in spite of the unpredictable weather. Below are some photos of events attended by us and others.

The weekend commencing Saturday 31May/2 June was a big weekend in Ayrshire for the Christian Community as the ‘Keswick Ayrshire’ convention took place in Kilmarnock. This attracted large crowds of Christians from across the denominations, and many Christian charities who highlighted their activities in Scotland and around the world. The main speaker was the Rev Tommy Macneil from the Isle of Lewis, click on the link to hear him speak, it’s well worth the listen. https://youtu.be/hnMuB7_kUAY?si=4y2QkG1jVr724LiB

The other big Christian events in Glasgow, which I mentioned in my May blog were the visit of Franklin Graham of the Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation to the OVO Hydro, and Praise Gathering in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall. It was a joy and blessing to be at both of these events. They gave new meaning to the old Glasgow motto ‘Let Glasgow flourish by the preaching of your Word and the praising of your Name’. Here are some pics.

It was a great evening with the presentation well suited to this generation, but the message was the same as his father preached in the Kelvin Hall for 6 weeks away back in 1955! I sang in the choir then, and in the picture below I see myself and family and friends from our own choir who were committed to sing with many many others.

The Leadership of ‘Praise Gathering’ which has been going on now for more than thirty years, kindly moved their event from the evening to the afternoon on Saturday 22nd so as not to clash with the BGEA ‘God Loves You Tour’ evening event. It’s always encouraging to hear the 400 strong choir, drawn from Churches across the denominations, singing God’s Praise in the heart of Glasgow, accompanied by a Youth Choir and an invited guest all the way from New York! Log on to http://www.praisegathering.org.uk to enjoy the choir.

Praise Gathering
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

The month may have started cold, but it finished strongly and warmly with the good news of Jesus being preached at both these events by Franklin Graham and Rev. Kenny Borthwick. Franklin read from Luke’s Gospel chapter 18:35-43 The story of a blind beggar sitting by the roadside, probably something he did everyday – sigh! Read the story for yourself I’m sure you will be filled with pathos for this blind man. Then something extraordinary happens, first he hears the commotion and learns that Jesus of Nazareth is passing by, and he calls out to Him ‘Jesus thou Son of David have mercy on me’. The people around him tell him to be quiet, but he calls all the more ‘Jesus thou Son of David have mercy on me‘. Amidst all that commotion and noise Jesus heard that poor man’s cry, He stops, and says call him! He asks him the question ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The man answers ‘Lord that I might receive my sight’! And Jesus granted his request and restored his sight!

Don’t we too feel at times blind to the meaning and purpose of life? Have you ever asked yourself the question ‘Is there not more to life than this’? Going about in our daily routines, sometimes bored, sometimes tired, but even at times when we feel we have everything, have achieved our goals, does not that same question still pop up ‘Is there not more to life than this’? Well this same Jesus who loved you unto death on a cross, dying for your sins and mine, and who was raised to life, promises ‘Life in all its fulness’ to all who call on Him. Jesus is passing by, so whilst there is still time we can call out to him ‘Jesus thou Son of David have mercy on me‘! I did many years ago and can testify that fulness of life is to be found in Jesus Christ.

It’s election week here in the UK, so some big choices to be made, but none more important than the choice to call out to Jesus and receive the gift of eternal life, and life in all its fulness!

Matthew

PS: next time I hope to tell you a bit more about that trip to the Trossachs and also give you an update on the garden.

Discover the Tranquility of Tiree in Spring: A Scottish Island Getaway

This year in the month of May we had another holiday in Tiree staying with our friends there. It’s always something quite special, and very different from the holiday resorts of Europe, which at one time were our favourites. Someone asked me recently what was the attraction of Tiree? I thought the answer to that question was well put by someone on Facebook recently when they said ‘Time stands still in Tiree’! It’s just so different from the noise and razamataz of life in the city, here the ‘sound of silence’ can be felt, the big sky, the blue ocean and the lapping of the water on the beaches, all speak of the Glory and Majesty of our creator God, and perhaps even more so on stormy days.:)

Our booking on the Oban > Tiree ferry was very early in the morning, so we were out of bed by 4am, but as it so happened it was completely worth it, as we so enjoyed the beauty of the sunrise over the Sound of Mull.

As the four hour journey progressed, so many beautiful sites came into view before we safely arrived at our destination in the Isle of Tiree. The journey is such a major part of the holiday!

We had many sunny, but cool days (It was still Springtime) but I’ll start by showing you photos from the one really wet day we had.

the bird hide – a seat and flask of coffee

If you have heard of Tiree before you will certainly have heard of the amazing beaches, sunrises and sunsets. Here are a few photos.

All the places to visit on the island are too many to show here, but the following are a few of Scarnish, Milton and Balemartine. My Great Grandfather came from Balemartine, so we like to spend time there.

Then of course there are the beaches, harbours, sea and seashore with all their associated activities!

Surfing was out, but we had two swimming days – now called ‘wild swimming’, but as children we called it ‘going for a dook’! We left it until late afternoon as the tide was highest then. Freezing cold 🙂 but amazing!

I trust the above photo selection whets your appetite for a visit to the Scottish Hebrides and in particular the Isle of Tiree. And yes, we were at the Baptist Church on the Sunday, and also at an open day that they were holding. It was great to renew our acquaintance with some of the folks who meet there. The ‘Faith Mission’ guys commenced a visit to the island just before we left, and it was a pleasure to meet them again on a couple of evenings, and hear two of the young missionaires tell the story of their coming to faith in Jesus.

In the business of life I find it essential to take time daily to listen and to speak with God. As a child I gave my life to Jesus and invited Him to become my Saviour and Lord, I have mentioned this often before, but knowing His living presence and the forgiveness of sin, and the peace He brings in this troubled world, is truly God’s greatest gift to humankind. There were plenty of places in Tiree for peace and quiet to worship and to think of these great issues of life and death, and life hereafter, and the wonder of God’s love. Here is another song I enjoy by Joseph Prince.

I hope you enjoyed the photographs and I trust this finds you well wherever you are, and maybe you can enjoy some ‘wild swimming’ 🙂

(Above swimming photos by taken by our friend Susie)

I look forward to hearing from you.

Matthew

Good News from Far and Near

Kate and Kevin – Buenos Aires , Argentine – 06/04/2024

In the months of April we were invited to two weddings, one in South America and the other in Kenya, East Africa. We would loved to have been at both of them, but due to distance, dates and dollars it was not possible for us as senior citizens to seriously contemplate that. However thanks to the wonders of ‘You Tube’ we were able to be at Kate and Kevin’s wedding in Buenos Aires, and also to enjoy a description and photographs of Somo and Jennifer’s wedding in Kenya.

My nephew George Robertson was born in Argentina to our friends Dick and Irene Robertson who came from the Carnwadric and Pollok districts of Glasgow, Scotland. George and his wife Priscila had four children and Kevin was the last one of the four to ‘leave the nest’ with his marriage to Kate, all the way from Australia! How and where they met I have no idea, as the wedding of course was conducted in Spanish. George the son of Christian parents, and himself a preacher and evangelist conducted the service. The last time we saw Kevin was when we visited the family in Oran, to see and witness a thriving church and the work being done amongst children and teenagers. Kevin was just a wee boy, now a young Christian man and happily married. Whew, how time flies! We wish them both God’s blessing as they set out on this journey through life together. A few photos taken from the You Tube video link follow.

Somo and Jennifer’s wedding in Kenya was hugeley different, but similar in the main aspects. We loved hearing about it and especially seeing the pictures. Somo’s mum was a friend of ours when we worked in Kenya with Tearfund, and a synopsis of her story is told by her son Somo below.

The life of the Rendille people has dramatically changed since we were there with ‘Tearfund’ in the late 1980’s and early 90’s. At that time a Christian couple from South Africa had recently arrived, and were there to learn the Rendille language and then to teach the Rendille people how to read and write. An incentive was offered, to encourage people to join the literacy programme, and among those who joined was Somo’s mum Narejo. Here is what he said to her on Mother’s Day.

Quote “‘Your faithfulness continues all through generation…’Sweet sweet Mum Nareyo!.Her story/journey of Jesus Christ becoming her great friend is the story sweet to my heart and ears.Lived in a family where the name Jesus was not common but only the name’Waakh’-God, is believed to be the creator and supreme being in the existence of all living things.A journey of adult literacy with a hope/end goal to receive goats 🐐 came to her life.She enrolled in Adult literacy introduced by the missionaries Swanepoel(Nick and Lynne)-This opened her eyes to read and write.In the first class sessions,hearing was the vessel to hear who Jesus was.An end goal of receiving goats have opened the door to read the word of God by herself through the Literacy. “Through The First gospel book ‘Mark’translated in Rendille ,I could hear Jesus speaking !I could hear the voice of Jesus “She says.This story has become an en ouragement as siblings to know who Jesus is.A story that have given me hope .Happy mother’s day” Unquote

< Narejo and Grand-daughter Bella, all ready for the wedding!

Narejo’s enrolling for the adult literacy course rewarded her away and above what she had hoped for. Not just goats, but the ability to read and write, opening up a whole new world of which she had never dreamed! Reading Marks Gospel then introduced her to Jesus who subsequently became her Saviour and friend and life began anew. What a lovely story! Her son and daughter in law are now both University graduates, who speak and write in Rendille, Swahili and English! Wow.

As I mentioned, since the message of Jesus has come to the Rendille life has changed dramatically, the Church has expanded, there are adult and children’s choirs, Bible studies, women’s groups, primary and secondary schools are excelling, veterinary training for camels, goats and cattle has been given, wells have been dug, and even Kenya TV News has recently been reporting on the progress and improvements that have come to this people group in a remote area of Northern Kenya.. Jesus said ‘I have come that you might have life in all its fullness’ is certainly being seen amongst the Rendille. Here are some pics of the wedding guests that tell their own story in colour, charm and character expressed in the faces.

Meantime at home we have just returned from our holiday on the Isle of Tiree, where we relaxed with friends and basked in the quietness and beauty of the place. The weather was mostly bright and sunny, the ‘machair’ was alive with wild flowers and the sound of birds, lambs and calves were around and the big sky and perfect beaches and sunsets were a joy to behold. Someone has said ‘Life stands still on Tiree’ and that was true for us.

It was also good to be at some Church services conducted by The Faith Mission, so we were refreshed in body soul and spirit.

Now we are back to face the challenges and joys of day to day life. We listen to the politicians making their pitches for our votes as we face a coming general election. We also hear the news of wars and fighting, refugees and deprivation, natural disasters and man’s inhumanity to man. However as we approach the month of June we are looking forward to some special Christian events, which are planned, so if you are around we are sure you would be blessed by being there.

The Keswick Convention in Ayr with the Rev. Tommy Macneil from The Isle of Lewis, and the Visit of Franklin Graham to the OVO Hydro in Glasgow with his GOD LOVES YOU tour, and Praise Gathering in the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. All these events have been a great blessing to us in our lives over the years, I recommend them to you. I’m sure you can listen on-line. Here are the details.

More on our travels will need to wait until the next blog and my daring return to ‘wild swimming’! 🙂 So until then I pray you will be blessed wherever you are – Matthew

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