Photography – 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

Can anything in the Universe eclipse an Eclipse?

**To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.** ***Deut 10:14***

For many millions of people around the world, but especially in Mexico, The United States of America and Canada, this was a month to remember, as they watched the amazing phenomena of a total eclipse! This happens when the moon moves between the earth and the sun, extinguishing its light in a total solar eclipse. Thanks to the wonders of technology, countless others watched on their phones, TV’s and computers. Many of us seniors recalled seeing an eclipse in the past, either complete or partial.

I was thankful to notice the great interest of so many people, and to listen to their roars as the sun’s light was completely blocked out, and then to read some of their reactions afterwards. Here’s a few of their comments – “The temperature dropped suddenly, and animals fell silent. As it started to get lighter the crickets were back, and the birds started singing. It was really crazy, I’m sad it’s over.” I was a bit sad too, because I loved watching the videos, and have always loved photographing the sky at night, and also in the splendour of summer and winter as seen below.

I guess like many others, it got me thinking again about the wonders of the Cosmos, and I was recounting to myself, that in my parents’ lifetime, there was this gigantic leap forward in cosmology when in 1927 Father Georges Lemaitre suggested that the universe was not eternal as had been supposed, but had in fact a beginning, starting with a ‘big bang’. Not an idea welcomed by some scientists then or now, as it sounded /sounds too much like the Bible’s creation narrative. However the ‘big bang’ theory is now widely accepted by scientists across the board, thanks to Hubell and many others. Since then research and studies showing the fine tuning of the universe have produced some staggering statistics which are absolutely mind blowing. In Lee Strobel’s book ‘The Case for a Creator, which is written for laymen to understand, is a facinating read. He writes of an interview he had with Robin Collins PhD in physics, degrees in mathematics, philosophy etc, and a researcher and writer of renown. When he asked him this question, how precise is the fine tuning of the Universe? The answer made my jaw drop, and also made me smile, he said this about one aspect only of the fine tuning, the cosmological constant.

Quote “When I asked Collins about this, he told me that the unexpected, counterintuitive, and stunningly precise setting of the cosmological constant “is widely regarded as the single greatest problem facing physics and cosmology today.” “How precise is it?” I asked. Collins rolled his eyes. “Well, there’s no way we can really comprehend it,” he said. “The fine-tuning has conservatively been estimated to be at least one part in a hundred million billion billion billion billion billion. That would be a ten followed by fifty-three zeroes. That’s inconceivably precise.”Unquote

— The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God by Lee Strobel

Such amazing scientifuc discoveries led to one of the worlds chief atheists Antony Flew to change his mind as you can see from the attached. His last book ‘There is a God ….. ‘ is certainly worth a read.

And so much more has been written about the fine tuning of the Universe since then.

I find all such information absolutely fascinating, and stand in awe at the precision that makes things like an eclipse even possible. But I’m not a scientist, physicist, cosmologist or philosopher, I’m just me, and so many other amazing things in this world make me ask the questions, what things might eclipse an eclipse in wonder and amazement?

Here are a few things that sound everyday, but I think may be contenders. As you know I love gardening and I plant these tiny seeds, that look most unspectacular, but when they are placed in the ‘dirt’ as my wife would say 🙂 and you add some water look what happens – WOW! Look at the following photos, what do you think?

Of course we could look also at the animal and insect world, and there we can surely find some contenders? How about the beautiful Zebra, and these stripes! or the striped horns of a Water Buffalo? or the spotted coat of the Cheetah? Then there are those with tusks and horns, and of course the big mouthed hippopotamus! :0

Then there are birds and fish without measure, a blog could be written about any one of them. What do you think of the ones pictured below? Just considering some of their navigational skills alone is astounding.

Perhaps you may think the wonder of mountains and forests, rivers and glaciers, oceans and deserts may be contenders?

BUT WHAT ABOUT YOU? Do you think YOU might be a contender?

Augustine (354-430AD) said, ‘Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the oceans, at the circular motion of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.’ So is that you?

Here is a book I have on my Kindle, highly recommended by many scientists and scholars. One of them Michael Behe, reflected thus in his recommendation.

“Man is the product of causes which had no prevision of the end they were achieving.” Thus wrote the philosopher Bertrand Russell in perhaps the most spectacularly wrong-headed pronouncement of the twentieth century. Au contraire, in The Miracle of Man, Michael Denton gathers the voluminous evidence of modern science that shows the exact opposite: the universe precisely embodies the end for which it was built.—

Michael Behe, PhD, Professor of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University; author of Darwin’s Black Box, The Edge of Evolution, and Darwin Devolves”

— The Miracle of Man: The Fine Tuning of Nature for Human Existence by Michael Denton
https://amzn.eu/9cojY7k

And one last comment for now, by David J Galloway a Scottish Surgeon, in his book ‘Design Dissected’. This book speaks about the wonder and complexity of the human body, he writes this about our brain.

Quote “The human brain is the most complicated organ that we have ever encountered. Within a single brain there are more connections and junctions than all the devices connected to the World Wide Web. It has been estimated that there are around 85 billion neurons in each brain, although the truth may be nearer a figure in excess of 105 billion. Neurons can have thousands and thousands of connections to other neurons so it should not be surprising that estimates of the number of connections or synapses runs to trillions, maybe even in the quadrillion range. The complexity of the brain is virtually unfathomable.” Unquote.

— Design Dissected by David Galloway
https://amzn.eu/eZf1Sxd

His book is full of so many facts and figures, which I found so fascinating and enlightening, I would thoroughly recommend it. I enjoy reading books like those mentioned above, but am first to admit some of the details and technicalities are at times a bit ‘over my head’, to put it mildly.

But in answer to my own question ‘Can anything in the Universe eclipse an eclipse?’ I am of the opinion that the answer is YOU and me!

In the first book of the Bible, the book of Genesis we have the story of God’s creation, and in Chapter one we have the record of the six days of creation, and on day six we find that last in the long list of God’s creation is mankind. It reads like this.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. ……. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning —the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

So much more could be said, and has been said, about mankind’s fall into sin, and God’s amazing love in redemption through His Son Jesus Christ, but for now I’ll finish with the late George Beverley Shea singing ‘How Great Thou Art’. Have a listen by clicking the link below.

George Beverley Shea

How Great Thou Art

Hope you enjoy the blog, but until next time I trust you are well wherever you are, and am always glad to hear from you.

Matthew

“Rain! Rain! Rain!”

As kids we used to say a childish rhyme ‘Rain Rain go to Spain and don’t come back to me again‘. There are many derivations to the words in that nursery rhyme, which evidently has its origin back in the 17th century! I don’t know about ‘going to Spain‘, but February was one of the wettest months here in the UK, and there were many times when we just wished the rain would stop. It also continued into the month of March, but I guess that is all part of what it means to live with a maritime climate!

All of that besides, we did manage to get out and about as best we could, mostly to local parks, but two places we reached a bit further afield were Stirling Castle in Stirlingshire and Culzean Castle in Ayrshire. In the winter and early Spring all these places can be enjoyed more easily in what is normally a much quieter season, so here are some photographs.

First our visit to Stirling and the Bannockburn Battlefield and Memorial, where on this site in 1314 a battle raged between the Scottish and English armies. The site is beautifully maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, and surrounded by some stunning countryside.

Inside the National Memorial building the battle is dramatically displayed by means of some very clever modern technology and sound effects. Arrows fired at you whizz over your head and when you turn-around soldiers are falling on the screen behind you! There is also a battle room where you are talked through the twists and turns of the battle. It’s all very well presented and is well worth a visit. Here are a few photographs.

Then on the 2nd March we made a trip to Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire coastline, one of our favourite places. It was nice to see the snowdrops and daffodils flourishing, and even some of the rhododendrons were in flower! Photographs below:

Certainly all that rain makes everything very green and as we approach Easter it is lovely to see the grass growing and flowers again appearing in our garden, and also in the local parks. Seedlings are growing well in the greenhouse within a couple of propagators. This week the clocks Spring forward so we will soon be enjoying an extra hour of light in the evenings, Hurrah! Here’s a few more photos:

I often wonder when I plant these dead looking bulbs in the Autumn, or see what looks like dead bushes and trees bursting into life, why anyone could possibly conclude that all this came about from nothing, and just by chance, baffles me. In my garden and greenhouse I often feel compelled to pause and thank God for His amazing work of creation.

There is a Bible verse that seems to well encapsulate these thoughts, it reads:
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20

God’s eternal power and divine nature are however more clearly seen in his Son Jesus Christ, the God Man, who Himself said ‘He that has seen me has seen the Father’. So if you want to know what God is like, marvel not just at nature but look to JESUS and His story recorded in the Scriptures!

At Easter we see demonstrated in the clearest possible terms various aspects of GOD’s divine nature, His Love and Grace, His Holiness and His Justice. His Love shown when Jesus on the eve of the feast of Passover, (Exdous 12:1-13.) shows Himself to be the sacrificial Lamb slain for us, by dying in our place and stead and for our sin, and here the Christian Communion service is inaugurated.

And again His Grace, which we don’t deserve is seen as he offers us forgiveness, on the basis that He took the punishment for our sin, Someone has said Grace and Justice kiss each other at the cross. How amazing is that, surely the greatest story ever told.

Isaiah the prophet (740-680 B.C.) so vividly describes the death of Jesus in Chapter 53 of His book. (its a must read if you have never read it) all these years before it took place including the phrase “he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”. John the Baptist at the beginning of the Jesus ministry just after Jesus’ baptism declares “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”! Far too many other references to mention here.

I don’t know about you, but for me it is the most profound thought that has ever occupied my mind, expressed with such pathos and truth by the Apostle Paul “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” How profound is that?

At Easter especially, but throughout the year we sing this hymn which I find encouraging and challenging, why not find a quiet place, to sit and contemplate and enjoy!

I hope the weather is kind to you wherever you are this Easter, and that you have a great time, but never forget how much God loves you, and the price He was willing to pay that you might become His child.

I’ve been a Christian for many years, if you would like to talk please get in touch.

Matthew

So what will 2024 bring?

After all the preparations, all the travelling, after all the children’s parties, family get-togethers and Christmas and New Year celebrations, after too many extravagent dinners with sweets and drinks, it is all back to ‘auld claes and purridge‘ as my mother would have said!

January 1st – Late afternoon in Newlands Park, Glasgow

Still, it would be a shame to forget all the joys and blessings of the festive season before moving on, so here are some of my memories in pictures.

Christmas at Church
Choir Concert and Carol Service

Of course we also got out and about in spite of some very changeable weather, and spent a few relaxing days on the Clyde Coast with my son and his wife at their home.

With our grand-daughter and great grandchildren at the local park

And finally some pics of our changeable weather.

So now we look forward to another season in the garden and greenhouse, and today I was buying the seeds I need for the greenhouse at ‘Dobbies’ half price sale. Holidays were also discussed this week and some tentative plans were made for early summer. Amongst my friends I hear of similar plans, and for some it’s a year for marriage, for others a new school, a university degree, or a new job, not to mention the upgrade of houses, cars, computers, phones and gardens etc.

However I detect some nervousness and hesitancy, not just amongst my acquintances but in our national psyche as folks survey the international, national and local scene. We are continually bombarded with updates on wars and rumours of wars, (too many to detail) In the middle of last year it was reported that 110 million people were displaced including 36.4 million refugees, as nations struggle and fight to solve the ‘refugee crisis’. Nationally and individually, borrowing is going through the roof, with some folks and economies struggling to survive. In the UK local government is complaining of underfunding, and speaking of the need to cut services. Nationwide workers are on strike, from ‘civil servants’ to doctors and nurses, train drivers and teachers, … all asking for more money. Of course the weather ‘crisis’ or ‘global warming’ continues to dominate much of the news, along with the explosion in ‘Artificial Intelligence’ and its human implications, so people are genuinely fearful of all the gloomy predictions continually being proffered. No wonder the BBC’s viewers are rapidly declining, with a reported two million having stopped paying their TV licence. Have our news bulletins become too much of a burden one might ask? Twenty twenty four however, has been dubbed ‘The Super Election Year’ as general elections are planned in nations all around the globe, including here in the UK and in the USA. So can we expect great things? Mmm.. let’s wait and see!

It was wonderful being at the Messiah on the 2nd of January, not just to hear the stupendous music and singers, but to listen to a different narrative! The good news contained in the Jesus story, which the ‘Messiah’ so powerfully tells. King George II in 1743 during the Messiah Premier in London, stood during the singing of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, which has become a tradition observed until this day.

“Hallelujah: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. The Kingdom of this world is become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Hallelujah“

The coming of the King of Kings is the great hope of the Christian Church. People are asking these days, ‘what are you hoping for in 2024’? There are a miriad of answers to that question, but I heard one woman, within the last few days, immediateely respond to the question with ‘I’m looking forward to the coming again of Jesus.’ How do you respond to such a thought? Does it sound like a message of gloom? a message of hope and rejoicing? or do your scoff at the idea as just some religious nonsense?

Just as the Apostle Peter said, we do hear people today scoff at such a possibility and say ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation. …….But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Are you ready if Christ came today?

I enjoyed listening to Max Lucado give a short talk on the subject recently, he describes it just as we were taught as young folks. If you think it too fantastical, perhaps you need to to rethink your concept of God. It’s well worth a listen, you can hear him here:

The psalmist David in Psalm 20 prayed this prayer for his people who trusted in God. May it be your experience in 2024. If ‘knowing God’ is an idea alien to you, may you come to know Him in 2024 through His Son Jesus, the Saviour of the world.

May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.

Thank you for visiting my blog – Matthew

A Photo Review – 2023

Here is a review of my photographs at the end of the year, that highlight some of the lovely places and experiences that have been enjoyed. The one shown above is of the local park, where we so often walk. However those shown below are not always because of their great photographic quality, but sometimes just for the memories that they invoke. This year let’s start with Winter and finish with Winter, and in-between show something of the beauty of God’s creation here in Scotland, not only in Winter, but also in Spring, Summer and Autumn.

January and February – the winter months at the beginning of 2023.

A day out to Culzean Castle and gardens in January

A round trip from Glasgow to Dunoon via Loch Lomond, Hell’s Glen and Ardentinny

A good place to visit on a cold day – Glasgow’s Botanical Gardens

Now it’s Spring time and everything is bursting into life!

More Spring flowers:-

Late May, our holiday in and around Tiree

Now on into summer ….

**A visit to Dawyck Botanical Gardens >**

Our garden in summer ….

Day trips to the Firth of Forth Bridges, the Isle of Bute and The Trossachs

Now Autumn is coming on …. with a trip to Inverness and the Moray Coast ….

And lastly at the end of the year we are into Winter once again …

Thank you to all who subscribe to my blog and also to friends far and wide who log-on from time to time. Hopfully you have enjoyed the photographs of our travels in 2023. I often think that we are not getting around as much as we once did, until I start to select photos from the year, and then reaslise I have far too many photos to show!

The ‘card’ above brings our greetings for Christmas and the New Year, and we hope to continue our blogging in 2024 all being well, but until next year I wish you God’s blessing at this festive season! The words of my favourite carol this year, are attached.

Matthew

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