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!
Picnic SpotRoat to GartmoreCottage gardenflower girl! Country CottageLoch LomondLoch Lomond at BallochBen Lomond in the background
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’. 🙂
Dahlias, dahlias, dahlias!
More general photos from around the garden.
The garden and the ‘inspector’ 🙂
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.
Dahlias among the tomatoesTomatoes and small cucumbers doing not too bad.Potatoes looking promisingAint the grass looking good?
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.
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.
Charity climb for ‘Hope for Addition’The UK’s highest mountain – Ben NevisSeniors from our Prayer Fellowship out for lunch, and then for some a walk in Roukenglen ParkCycle event for Children’s Charity in TanzaniaCycling around the Isle of ButeGarden Party to say Farewell to friends.
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.
TAYA sings!Crowds are gathering!Singer – Michael W SmithAn almost ‘full house’ to hear God’s word ‘Come unto me’Franklin Graham in Glasgow GOD LOVES YOU TOUR!Hundreds respond to the call to give their life to Jesus Christ
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 HallAn event for meeting family & friends.The amazing ChoirGuest Singer from NY – Alvin SlaughterGuest Speaker from Lewis – Rev. Kenny Borthwick
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.
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.
Up and ready to go before 4.30am!Oban Ferry Terminal before sunrise6.10am departure!Sunrise over the Sound of Mull‘and God said Let there be Light’Lismore lighthouseLismore Lighthouse at dawn – wow!
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!
Duart Castle – Clan MacLeanCruise ship visiting TobermoryMull Lighthouse – we have walked there in the past!The Sound of Mull – beauty all aroundarriving in TireeGott Baywe have arrived!
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.
A walk on Balephetrish beachHighland cattle going home!‘this is the cow with the crumpled horn’the bird hide – a seat and flask of coffeea Heronsome LapwingsFarmhouse Cafe – Balemartinetime to relax the hens get a free drink!I’m a resident herelike my pleated tail?I love this …and this…and this!
If you have heard of Tiree before you will certainly have heard of the amazing beaches, sunrises and sunsets. Here are a few photos.
Sunrise from our bedroom windowCrossapol BeachBalevullin BeachSunset – RuaigSunset – RuaigPhotographing the photographer – SalumRuaig Beach Sunset Friends!
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!
Going fishing!all clearlets go!two lobsters – not bad at all!fishing competitor?the blue beyondHeading home
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)
Kate and Kevin – Buenos Aires , Argentine – 06/04/2024Somo and Jennifer – Loglogo, Kenya -13/04/2024
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.
Dad holds the mike!An Open Air wedding.Mr and Mrs Robertson!
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.
Africa Inland ChurchMr and Mrs Chawle
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.
How colourful is that!
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
