europe – Matthew McKinnon's Blog

Finding a safe place!

DSCN9552 — Beautiful Inverary Castle – Looks like a safe haven?

Well since times immemorial humankind have sought shelter and safety in times of trouble, from cold, rain, snow and storm, from wild animals, and from fellow humans, who seem to be continuously fighting and shedding blood. Early on caves and caverns and holes in the ground served their purpose, and then all other kinds of structures suitable for their environment, often built with amazing ingenuity. Such structures can be seen here in Scotland at so many interesting sites. These including brochs and towers and island fortresses, and attract many archaeologists, tourists and visitors every year. These can easily be researched on line. Here are a few photos from Skara Brae in Orkney.

Of course in later eras 2000 to 3000 castles were built in Scotland, and whilst many now are just ruins, around 1500 are still standing and it would take a lifetime it seems to visit them all! But here are some photos of some magnificent ones we have visited, which in their time provided a place of safety for their residents.

Balmoral Castle – King and Queen’s summer residence.

Finding a safe place during WWll in Glasgow however looked nothing like the photos shown above. We were fortunate however to have two air raid shelters next to our newly built block of flats, and I remember being carried down to one after the sirens sounded. A rectangular reinforced building with three or four rooms with concrete benches on either side and a long corridor with one end door. A stray bomb did go off at the other end of our road killing a number of people so that encouraged more folks to make use of the shelters. Here are a couple of photos of one old shelter the same as the one used by us, still standing today, but modified with front door and window, I guess to use as storage space. Probably been standing for 85-88 years, without it would seem, any maintenance.

This blog has partly been inspired by a first hand report from Ukraine at our church recently, telling us of the war situation there and its devastating effect on the Christian community and the population at large. It was good to hear that amidst the chaos and tradgedy caused by bombs, drones and missiles bringing death and destruction, the church was playing an important role in bringing shelter, relief and succour in Jesus’ Name. We are also receiving at church regular reports from Lebanon with the same stories of tragedies, suffering and loss, where again the church is playing its role in relief and counselling efforts to help the bereaved, injured, homeless and traumatised people. I guess we could write screeds on the Middle East, and Sudan (currently the world’s worst humanitarian crisis) that we seldom hear about. I was in Sudan as Tearfund’s representative during the civil war, so know something of the horrors of such situations. And so we could go on, and on. At Tearfund we sometimes spoke of supporter fatigue, where people would give money but didn’t want to know the details. I would recommend Tearfund if you have a heart to give, they do a great job and have a Glasgow Office. Just go on line and click Tearfund

Donor fatigue of course is understandable, for we all receive so many requests for help, whilst having difficulties and problems of our own. Thankfully we have been saved from warfare on these shores for over eighty years, and have had no need to find shelter from bombs and missiles, and by God’s grace, long may that continue. However isn’t it true we have many other battles going on in our hearts and minds, that we wish we could find shelter from? Family, finance and fear? Health, heartache and hopelessness? And I guess many more. Sadly in our society today the place for shelter too often is sought, by running to alcohol, and drugs. Then there is the proverbial ‘head in the sand’ approach, which keeps pressing on with life, ignoring all difficulties until they eventually catch up with us!

For me the answer is found in a person, God’s own Son the Lord Jesus Christ who promises life in all its fulness. including peace and forgiveness as we respond to His call to come. ‘Come to me all you who are burdened and heavy laden, and I will give you rest’. Before he returned to his Father he also said to those who loved and followed Him, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.‘

When storms of life do come. its good to have a pilot aboard. At church recently we were looking at Psalm 46, it was a favourite of my dad’s, it starts like this:

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

A popular hymn these days uses these words from the lips of Solomon The name of the LORD is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe. Prov.18.10 Plenty versions of this hymn to choose from on You Tube, check it out!

With that I’ll sign off, summer is anticipated here and seedlings in the greenhouse are now being planted out. I wish you God’s blessing wherever you are, and whatever season you are in. Its always good to hear from you. Matthew

Reflections on Life After Our Tiree Holiday

It seems no time at all since the end of April, when we were on holiday in the beautiful island of Tiree off the west coast of Scotland. Soon we were out and about on our various trips to many of our favourite picnic haunts, in some glorious Spring weather.

Now looking back I reflect on all that has happened since, which has caused us to re-evaluate our new circumstances and to ponder on how quick life can change. Before I expand on that let me share some photographs of our adventures in Springtime.

Yes we had an amazing holiday in Tiree, the weather was cool but beautifully sunny almost every day. We enjoyed slowly driving around the island and walking on the white sandy beaches and taking in the breathtaking beauty which surrounded us. It was the lambing season and signs of new life were everywhere, in the flowers, birds and young lambs and calves. Here are some photos, first showing our journey by car from Glasgow to Oban.

We had a night’s bed and breakfast in Oban and next morning caught the early morning ferry to Tiree via the Isle of Coll.

A week’s stay in Tiree was as usual a week of peace and tranquility, and somehow we always manage to enjoy many sunny days. Yes it was April, with still a cold wind so you need to dress appropriately. Too many photos to show, but here are some of this years favourites.

The following weekend was the May Spring holiday here in Scotland, and we had been kindly given some vouchers for sailing on the ‘Sir Walter Scott Steamship’ on Loch Katrine in the Trossachs area, within the National Park. We awakened to a beautiful morning with cloudless blue sky, and soon made our way across the Duke’s Pass to Loch Katrine. I am sure you will never get a better day than that day. The weather was absolutely glorious, this is a day trip highly recommended..

**Loch Katrine taken from the new viewpoint just above the pier**

The following day was not so exciting as after our Tiree week and our sail on Loch Katrine, I had to catch up with all the mail that had accumulated during our absence, so it was the day of sitting at the computer. That night at around 3am I had a stroke and was hospitalised for nine nights.

Thankfully I am well on the way to recovery, and again, thankfully my speech and mind were not affected; mostly my left arm and leg which are now functioning well, so I am hopefull that I can make a full recovery.

However, some things that come your way in life, bring you up with start. I had often been told that I was very fit for my age, and after my holiday and trip to Loch Katrine I certainly was feeling very well. Then as I lay in bed in hospital I was reminding myself of the verse in the book of Proverbs that says ‘Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.’ Prov. 27:1. whew, how true! All these summer plans were now on hold.

I have had many encouragements from family and friends near and far, in the way of visits, text-messages, cards, flowers, food and fruit juice, and even someone arriving at our door to help in the garden. So if you are one of those who are reading this, let me say a huge THANK YOU!

As a Christian I am truly appreciative for the many prayers spoken from my local Church family, and indeed from so many others around the world to our God and Father on my behalf. I believe that the progress made to date is in many ways an answer to them. I’m also thankful for the many Bible thoughts and verses sent and spoken to me, they are such an encouragement. Here’s just one:- ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ Rom.15:13

Yes, truly this is our sure hope in Jesus Christ and what he has promised to those who trust in Him, whether in life or death. I said to someone recently who had kindly wished me ‘all the best’ – thank you, but whatever happens, the best is yet to be‘- this is the Christian hope.

My stroke certainly got me thinking, and perhaps has got YOU thinking too? As I write news has just come in of 21 people involved in a balloon disaster in Brazil, first reports of 13 killed. The recent ‘AIR India’ disaster saw just one survivor out of 242 people on board. HOW SAD. It’s good to be ready don’t you think? Here’s a song that is special to me – have a listen

Matthew

PS: There has been much criticism of the NHS. Next time I would like to tell you of my experience.

Summer.. Autumn.. life moving on …

We are now halfway through Autumn, and storm Ashley with it’s torrential rain and wind gusts of up to 85mph has thankfully passed by, with perhaps less damage than anticipated. Certainly there was travel disruption on the roads, railways, and ferries around the Scottish coast, and also some flooding and electricity supply problems in some communities. Thankfully here in Glasgow we seemed to have missed the worst of the storm.

Today the weather is blustery with sunny intervals, and it was good this morning to walk around the local golf course, although everything was very wet underfoot. There was not a golfer to be seen.

The local park too, now has on its Autumn colours and we have enjoyed our usual walks, sometimes between the rain showers. So here are some photos of Autumn in Roukenglen Park.

Work in the garden is changing, for as Solomon of old said, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot. So it’s uprooting time in my garden as everything needs cutting back, the greenhouse needs emptying and cleaning, along with lots of pots and containers that need replenished with Spring bulbs and plants. Currently it’s a work in progress, but it was good to have my grandson helping recently as we cut back the large hedge. It’s just as well that I enjoy being being out in the fresh air and in the garden!

Still eating the potatoes and stewed Rhubarb

In my last blog I was speaking about our trip to Ireland. Since coming home we have had some of our usual day trips much nearer to home, with visits to the coast, and a weekend with our son and daughter-in-law at Skelmorlie. Just last week on a beautiful sunny day we had a drive around Scotland’s ‘secret coast’. The colours in the trees were magnificient and we enjoyed some lovely tea and coffee stops along the way.

Time at Skelmorlie on the coast

Now here are some photos of the ‘Secret Coast’ on our way home from Skelmorlie. First the ferry from Gourock to Dunoon, followed by a drive to Tighnabruaich, from there to Otter Ferry, Lachlan Castle, then the ‘Rest and be Thankful’ pass, Loch Lomond and home.

Thinking about seasons I’ll finish with a photo I took of the ‘Harvest Super Moon’ on Thursday 17th October. There was a clear bright sky in Glasgow that night, so it seemed to warrant getting the camera and tripod out.

Genesis 1:16
God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.

Ps. 74:19 He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. Ps.74:19

I found it interesting reading the various views and opinions relative to how the moon affects the seasons, and learned and relearned again something of the amazing wonders of our solar system. (which I talked about in a recent blog. (‘can anything eclipse an eclipse‘). The necessity of the earth’s 23.5 degrees axial tilt as it makes its 365 day circuit around the sun, is so essential to the stability and wonder of our seasons. I remember the Psalmist’s words in Ps.64:16,17 The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon. It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.

So the seasons roll bye, Spring and Summer, Autumn and Winter, and for me they all display something of the glory and majesty of God. But the seasons have often been compared to the seasons we experience of life, ‘new life and hope‘, ‘prosperity and happiness’ when all seems well, but times too of ‘uncertainty and stress’ and ‘sicknesss, sadness and loss’.

In all of life’s circunstances it’s good to have a friend that we can rely on, and many of us have friends we have met or perhaps even grown up with, who have laughed and celebrated with us in our joys and successes, and cried and mourned with us in our griefs and sorrows. The Bible speaks of a friend who is always there for us, in every circumstance of life. To the young and carefree he offers ‘life in all its fulness‘, he calls ‘the weary and heavy laden‘, the ‘sad and sorryful‘ and those who are ‘thirsting for true meaning and purpose in life‘, to those who are ‘burdened with guilt‘ and those ‘in fear of death‘. And his name? His name is Jesus. an anchor for our soul. At my home Church (Greenview Church in Glasgow) we have people from many dfferent backgrounds and of multiple ages who have found Jesus to be such a friend. Here is one of my favourite hymns that you may like to hear, that speaks of this friend, well worth a listen. If you live in the UK and would like to read a modern illustrated edition of Luke’s Gospel, then please message me for a copy. But I’m always glad to hear from you wherever you are.

Whatever seasom of life you find yourself in, I wish you God’s blessing

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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