Photography – Page 3 – Matthew McKinnon's Blog

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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