Friday 31 December 2021

New Years Eve 2021

Being New Years Eve I decided I had to check the shop to ensure I had those last important things that I cannot do without, especially as the shops will be closed for the holiday.  I was wrong!  Both Sainsburys and Tesco are open tomorrow, not much change in the hours either.  
This will not be the case in Scotland!  
I thought I had to buy now or struggle on until Monday or Tuesday but it appears no struggle will be required.  Having lounged, drank, eaten too much over Christmas it appears no desire is left among the local natives for similar this weekend.  How often I realise I am living in a foreign country!

 
I was glad to get out under the glowering dark clouds.  Slowly the clouds have fallen away allowing a temperature in the 50's F.  This is unusual for December and knowing similar is happening elsewhere, in the US for example, it indicates a degree of global warming that Fossil Fuel salemen insist does not exist.  Their backing, if not invention, off anti-covid fears intended to ensure people return to work, thus creating money for them, has not gone unnoticed, especially when MPs shout about this in parliament and they happen to be connected to such companies and their offsprings.  How unusual for an MP!


I wandered amongst the few, almost friendly, people out and about.  Handfuls of people prepared for cold weather sweltered around town, a surprising amount of shops remained open, though some were clearly making the most of the time off.   

Home to the usual housework ignored all week.  I am so lucky!  However, it is good to get so much done badly.  Now I am about to check my Christmas spending, this ought to frighten me somewhat and ensure next year I spend less!  Then I prepare for Hogmany, that is heading to bed.... 

Thursday 30 December 2021

Dreich!

 

Dreich indeed!
Thick, heavy, threatening clouds hung over the empire this morning.  Even the LED street light that brightens up the world at 5 am each morning struggled to peek through the gloom.  By the time I struggled out of bed much later I hoped the gloom would have eased, it had not.  The darkness lay over the country for some time, occasionally breaking into light cloud and pretending there was a sun shining high above and beyond somewhere in the sky.  The clouds lied.
Having spent a fruitful morning staring at the laptop and obtaining nothing whatsoever from my endeavors I took the only possible action, I gave up.  Following a pretend exercise period I then wandered up to Tesco via the park.  The damp drizzle popped out now and again yet the air was mild and my heavy coat appeared needless.  I kept it on mind.  Tesco itself was reasonably busy at that time, and having none of the goods I sought means I must visit Sainsburys again tomorrow.
Do you ever get the idea my life is too exciting?
I wonder if I could get one of these 'Influencers' roles on Instagram?  They are all nobody's, have nothing to offer bar sponsored products that nobody requires, have little talent if any, nothing positive to say and are at best boring.  
Surely, surely I could fit in there?  
I can set up a camera and the world can watch me sitting here at the laptop, benging my head on the desk when it does not do what I wish, drinking tea and expensive whisky, and every so often turning to the camera and promoting, accidentally, an expensive piece of garbage that millions will buy because I say so!  Sounds good to me!
I wonder if I can cope with all that money arriving each month?
 

Wednesday 29 December 2021

The Quiet Week

 

 
Another day in Toryland, another day with no leader to be seen.  Boris, the present Prime Minister, has run away again.  He has been done in by the knive carrying friends he put in place to protect him from harm, especially the numpty Liz Truss, now Foreign Secretary, and the 'Make the rich richer, especially me' Chancellor Risi Sunak.  Both are hoping for his job, both would be worse than he!
You will recall Kenneth Clarck's comment after the last time he stood for the leadership.  "After the vote 132 Tory members shook my hand and told me they had voted for me, I only got 87 votes!"  The numbers may be innaccurate, but the quote is true.  Now, as we eat leftovers yet again, MPs, Whips, and friends of the leading contenders are stabbing competitors in the back, making lying promises for support, and dining out with editors of right-wing papers.  All fighting for the top job, as indeed is Boris, though his temporary wife may be fighting harder than he, she is on the make and not willing to let go of the 'power behind the throne' that she possesses and is less willing to be caught out and made to pay for the decorating.  Whatever happens, she will land on another high climbing man with power, ability and an openess to her charms.  
Will any of this benefit the nation?
No!


Yesterday it appeared I had somehow enlarged by 5Ibs in weight, today I had returned to normal.  It is indeed amazing what can happen when adding or avoiding roast potatoes.  It may even be normal tomorrow again.  However, exercise was beyond me, a trip to Sainsburys yesterday morning was enough and the gray, rain carrying clouds, have been with us all day today limiting the desire to get out off my chair and wander.  Instead, I returned to the occupations of yesterday, I did nothing!
From my chair via the laptop I visited many parts of the world, played 'Solitaire' and 'Block Game' until the mental stress caused me to turn to the leftovers in the Plum Vodka bottle.  It seemed to me to be too small a bottle for what was inside, very enjoyable and very lifting!  
 
 
The world has returned to some sort of normality, rain clouds fill the earth, people wander across the park with dogs or bags filled at Sainsburys.  The wind shakes the leaves, dripping dollops of water cheerfully on passersby, dogs drink from the puddles, birds are noticeable by their absence, and even the 'white van men' are in short supply, only one today, for next door of course.   
Cars drive by but many have taken, or have been given, the week off.  Pictures of crowded shopping centres, happily sharing the latest virus by not wearing masks, are not found everywhere.  The public leave home only when forced, shopping, bargain hunting, or getting away from the noise of the kids are the favourite reasons.  Some even go to work.   
So now we sit and await New Year.  In the meantime we rise, search for the calandar, work out the date and then plan the day.  It may even be a decent day tomorrow, only thick cloud glowering above us.  This means we may, well wrapped up, walk out and find they lied to us again.  
One thing to look forward to on Jan 1st is the introduction of the full benefits of Brexit!  On that date all the prices concerning trade with the EU will grow substantially, a whole host of other legislation comes into play, and almost nobody understands what is going on and what the result will be.  Actually some of us do know the result, we have spoken of it often and we see the early results in front of us now.  Let us simplify the result, try 'Disaster!'


Monday 27 December 2021

Tired Monday

 
This is me today.
Total wipeout.  Not able to stay awake all day.  Even a lunchtime snooze is not enough to lift this tiredness.  I suspect the apple crumble, large lunch, roast potatoes and sliver of whisky may play a part in this.  
Too much running around in the days prior to Christmas, no energy left to make the most of the whisky gifts now available to me.  Instead I stare at pictures of far off lands Live on the screen.  Railways in the USA, watering holes in various parts of Africa, some in hot sunshine, some in heavy downpours.  The online pictures from various parts of the world, Live and free, can be interesting, especially if you like Zebras, railways or ocean spray thundering against the shoreline. Such simple pleasures were all I could manage today.
I may enliven myself with some er, gifts tonight.

Sunday 26 December 2021

Boxing Day 2021

 

The problem with having Christmas Day on Saturday is that many folk think Sunday is a Monday.  I am convinced some folks were half way to work this morning before remembering what the day was.  For many others the presence of family or friends, and maybe the weight of over indulgence proved too much for them as few indeed arrived at the Kirk this morning.  The teeming rain did not help either. 
However, we gathered, sung several songs badly, and without the technicians being available we had to read the words out off a book rather than view them on screen.  This has not happened for so long some among us had forgotten how to read!  It was clear we had all forgotten how to sing.
 
 
Soon enough I was back home, the shepherds and angels remaining behind while I indulged myself in roast potatoes, not black like yesterday, and a chicken concoction far too big for me.  However, with some effort I managed, and washed this down with Plum Vodka.  A bit strong with the cloves dear! 
Then Joy!  The Heart of Midlothian game against Ross County was available and I was able to shout abuse at the TV director for failing to do his job properly once again.  Why does he spend so much time looking at the back of players heads?  Just watch the game mate!  Surely this is the easiest job in TV, why make it hard?  Anyway, we won of course, so that provided more cheer.  Now, lying ahead of me are two more games on Now TV via SKY.  It is so hard deciding whether to watch here or go and watch from my bed...
 

Two days holiday now follow.  This is time for the wrapping paper, empty boxes, the ones without cats sitting in them, and other assorted rubbish, including that strange uncle that comes only at Christmas to be discarded, recycled or dumped.  Peace and quiet, unless the kids are still around, and a time for sleeping off excess now arrives.
I hope your Christmas has been a good one, Jesus is still here, no longer a baby but a King, talk to him, he will listen.  He even arranges a driver when the rain is falling, or at least he did for me today anyway.  
You do realise that this time next year will be a new year?  Jings!
 
 

Saturday 25 December 2021

Christmas Day 2021


Happy Christmas everyone.  
Talk to the babe...

 

Friday 24 December 2021

Christmas Eve

 
I'm shocked!
I met the woman downstairs today and discovered it was not the woman I thought it was.  They had moved out and this one replaced them about 18 months ago.  Jings, no-one tells me anything.
Anyway, I got on well with her and her 'uncle,' and walked round the town for air.
This grubby tree was in the centre and I took a shot of the lights though I do not like trees.  These are pagan things and have no place in Xmas to me.  However, the weather, ike the streets, was too dull for anything else, so I sauntered home, passing the few folks out seeking last minute gifts, or visiting watering holes, if open, for Xmas.  I saw one or two groups, and indeed heard them long before I saw them, well watered!
Now we face the Xmas days.  Tomorrow is Christmas Day, then Boxing Day, with two days off after this for the family arguments and recovery.
Many will also be sharing Covid virus's with friends and family, I will remain in safety with my liqueurs and whisky for protection...
 

Wednesday 22 December 2021

Post, Tesco, Angels...

Isn't it annoying that when you have done everything someone you forgot sends you a card?  So first thing today I trot down to the Post Office to send an heavy letter, the kids needed something, and hopefully I will not be back until the new year.  Surely there is no other required now?

 
That did not mean I could sit here and do all the other online stuff that is required, oh no.  I discovered I needed bread.  This was going to wait until tomorrow when the shops are crowded with the desperate piling the trolleys with stuff they don't need, but I decided it had better be done today.  So off I trotted round the town, to see if anything good was happening, it wasn't, and then into Tesco for a handful of things.  
30,000 people were also looking for a handful of things, some requiring several children to help them gather the needfuls.  Such fun!  This christmas most people have developed the Christmas frown.  Desparate for that gift, that important item, the family coming, going, not going, and what will the family/neighbours/someone think attitude, all blessing the season.  Today however, all was pleasant.  
As we queued there were debates as to the time we could get home, the need to return tomorrow for those forgotten items, and whether the kids would make the big tin of old fashioned sweets last until New Year.  That was an easy one to answer, no they would not!  All pleasant and correct.
 

Late last night I noticed these Angels appearing on the fence opposite.  This happens annually now.  Most have a card attached indicating these are to be taken and cared for.  Many had disappeared by this evening as usual.  Small things really but many think this adds something to Christmas.  

Oh yes, I have forgotten something and now must visit Sainsburys before the panic driven arrive!  No long lie in bed tomorrow...

Tuesday 21 December 2021

Solstice Again

 

 A local Tavern
 
Yes it's the winter solstice once again.  The time of year to celebrate the end of Autumn and the beginning of Winter.  The good thing is that with global warming we will be sunning ourselves this winter, according to those scientists who inform us of the melting ice caps and the movement of the Jet Stream.  Of course this means we may drown as the seas rise up, the land becomes overcrowded, crops cannot grow and the rich grab all they can to themselves.  So not much change then?  But at least we will freeze in a warmer cold snap.
At least the days now get longer, which means the fog/mist/cloud that covers the land will arrive a bit earlier than normal.  Oh goody!  It does mean that with the solstice, Christmas, New Year over we can all look forward to Spring, which will arrive in due course, stuttering into view with added snowstorms as usual.  
It is no wonder people celebrate the solstice.  Way back before your grandmother was born man knew the times of the year, but did not know how to work a laptop and write this down for us.  Instead he built Stonehenge like creations to watch the sun come up or go down.  His maths was wonderful even if he could not spell.  How people must have looked forward to the end of the winter season, especially if they were living around the time of glaciers arriving in Essex.  They say the road I am living on, indeed this side of the street, had a ramp of earth all the way along to the corner, which once was considered a defensive structure but in fact was caused by the ice age stopping right here under my desk.  That explains why it gets so cold in here.
Hunters and gatherers would understand well the seasons.  They knew where to find fruits and various edibles and when they would be appearing.  Healthy organic feeding was the order off the day, of course they were dead by the time they were thirty!  Later the first farmers must have rejoiced as the seasons turned.  They would look forward to the joys of ploughing, seeding, and resting before the harvest.  Today we know nothing of hard work in comparison to farmers of old.  Vast farm fields, vast machines, and vast companies do not offer a romantic view of farming today, though after Brexit farming is now a dead duck in the UK.  
The turn of the year always brought a chance to get together with friends.  In the far past tribes from many areas would congregate together, eat, drink, and be merry and ensure the marriages between tribes could occur.  In England the 12 days of Christmas were one of the only holidays available to people.  Occasional Holy Days occurrred but most just got plastered at the Christmas Celebration.  How much of Christ was in this can be guessed.  One theory is that some Christians brought in Christmas, the 'Christ Mass,' and worked out the date of December 25th as Jesus birthday (Based on the assumption (see what I did there?) that Mary conceived on March 25th) and 9 months later it was Dec 25th.  Hmmm...   
Anyway, the Reformation in Scotland ended that in the north.  No mention of Christmas in scripture, so it was dropped, though he obviously arrived as both Matthew and Luke mention this event.  England however, continued their debauchery for the 12 days and more for many years.  It has not ended as yet around this area as far as I can see, and No 10 Downing Street not only continues the pleasuring but repeats it over and over, no matter what Covid is doing to the public outside, and then deny this.   
Scotland of course forgot about Christmas but managed to enjoy the New Year, and the Kirk did not appear to notice, and since 1956, or was it 1958, Christmas and New Year have been an excuse for drunken, rowdy, behaviour as if they needed an excuse!
My Puritan Christmas will be less exciting, and as we face a type of LockDown immediately after Christmas life will not change a great deal for a while.  The latest bug has worried Boris, though to be honest there is a growing thought that this time he really is on the way out.  I wonder what rabbit he can pull out of this hat?  Consider this for Christmas, if he goes, we may have Liz Truss as Prime Minister soon.
Pray!
 
 

Sunday 19 December 2021

Silly Old Fool

 
It was not just the world outside that suffered from fog this morning.  Rising early, carefully gathering all required for the trip to church, taking one of those free 'Flow Tests' that the council have given out, breakfasting according to the days activities and then, in good time, plodding off in good order towards the Kirk.
Naturally, the chill in the breeze did not waken me, nor the several people met on the pavements, pavements narrowed by the overgrown hedges, worn areas caused by cars to driving over, and various items left by passersby and their mutts.  None woke me from my slumbers as I plodded on.
It was as I almost reached the Kirk that I woke up and remembered the heater.
I had plugged it in at 7:30 to warm the air.  I was so busy organising myself that I forgot to unplug it as I left.  This heater now sits under my desk, warming my feet and while safe enough with me beside it allowing it to burn free  while  I was out was not desirable.  Grrrrrr!  I expect all would be safe, but it was a risk I could not take and so in the church I dumped the Christmas cards for the masses, explained myself, and hobbled back home.
It was 25 or so minutes later I clambered up the stair, entered a very warm living room and unplugged the brute!  So then it was too late to return, my dinner put to the test, and I sat annoyed at the silly old fool who could not remember something as simple as unplugging the heater!  Bah!
Another thought did cross my head however.  The Christmas cards in church.  In times past we laid them on the table and people added their own to the pile.  Each collected their own while adding to others.  All well and good, children excited to see how many they collect, adults hoping they would not get one from people they had forgotten!  Covid has ended this!  Now, to stop the spread, we must meet one another face to face and hand them the card.  Hmmm... I wonder if this is a safer method?  
Anyway, good news!  A call from one of my women at lunchtime, she and her man will collect me tonight to ensure I get to the Carol Service.  This saves me another hobble there and back.  How nice of them, I hope I put a card for them in amongst that pile...
 

The day ended well.  Being collected and delivered back afterwards was a great pleasure.  I think I could allow this to happen weekly if I thought I could get away with it.  
The usual straight forward Carol service, usual songs, usuall readings and usual unknown people arriving never to be seen again.  Some new people have arrived recently and remained however.  The only annoying thing is the need to stand and sing, sit and then stand, sit and then stand... by the end I am worn out!  
I think I will suggest changes for next year...      
 
 

Friday 17 December 2021

Up and Down the Stairs

 
I awoke to fog this morning, I suppose I ought to have shut the window last night, and faced the day bravely with my eyes closed.  Having had to turn away a visitor yesterday because the place was in a mess, I had no choice but to clean today.  After a sparse breakfast of cereal and instant cappuccino I began to fall asleep again.  However, the need for bread, and being Friday a busy day, forced me to Sainsburys early.  Now last week folks were wandering around maskless, almost the majority cared not about masks.  Today, after stern warnings from Billy (I'm not responsible and I was not at the party) Bunter, concerning the latest virus all were forced to wear masks. As I was packing the bag and about to pay the lass had the temerity to ask me to lift the mask higher, I drop it as it steams up my glasses, I pretended not to hear, cashed the card, and headed home.  Masked people were all around and shocked I was to see this as many were happy to be unmasked only yesterday!  Do people really think the virus has gone away?  Did they not read about the sick in the NHS?  Do they trust the main stream media?  What is wrong with people?
What is wrong with me was the need to clean the loo, the kitchen and hoover, let alone the other things that required doing, next week.  Fair wore me out and it is not yet Christmas.
This has been a tiring week.  Several times a day I have been up and down the stairs, postman, deliveries for me, deliveries for next door, recycling out and having to explain to a white van man where he ought to be (a hundred yards that way), more deliveries, and up and down stairs.  Even a dodgy fellow with a tray of goodies seling things door to door.  This has happened before and I am still unsure if it is a con or not.  It reminded me of the various Indians that once brought dusters and pipe cleaners round the doors, mum always bought something from them.  Some of those men became millionaires, others estabished good shops and businesses.  I wonder what this lad was up to and where he will end up?  
My goods were not gifts, they were memory sticks.  I realised mine were, er, overloaded, and swapped things around with the new ones, only to find I needed more and more!  Then after they arrived I needed a colour ink for the printer so Amazon was back again, different driver, just as lost, and now I am determined not to spend anything more until after Christmas.
Oh, look at the books on the WOB website...  

Tuesday 14 December 2021

Gyles: Odd Boy Out

                                                  Waterstones
 
This is a big book.  A great many pages all reflecting the authors ability to 'talk until the cows come home' and probably, never repeat the same story, and always find the author in the middle of it.  
As always with Gyles we see a man who is the centre of attention on every page.  From childhood on he seeks the limelight, fantasising about theatrical talent, writing fame, and whatever else comes his way.  He is off to be someone.
His schoolmates often indicate he is somehwat conceited, full of himself and talks too much, about himself!  To be fair to Gyles he admits this, one of his redeeming aspects is his honesty regarding his outward appearance.  
This book covers his life from birth, his parents, sisters who he hardly sees, his childhood spent mostly on his own, happily I must say.  Some of us were a bit like that also in the days when we could get about safely and avoid social workers and the like fearing for us when we were perfectly happy.
Gyles does have talent, courage to push himself forward amongst the people who can help him upwards as a theatrical, a writer, or whatever idea is going through his head.  There is no doubt he has talent.  
His fancy schooldays amongst the upper middle classes tells us much about life in the 50's.  I suppose that tells us much about the changes for good or ill since.  Gyles makes it to Oxford, that seat of learning where the entire place is staffed by professors of various talent, almost all of whom are degenerates of one sort or another.  I must admit that having read the Oxford pages I wanted to rush away to one of Glasgow's rougher parts just to meet people of higher moral standards and more honesty!  I suspect it is no different today.  Note: Cambridge has never produced a Prime Minister, Oxford has produced many, including the Billy Bunter who is there at the moment.  That makes clear the standard of education required.    
By the end of the book the reader is well aware of Gyles ability to talk about himself, show off his many talents and be a pain.  His wife also is well aware of this and according to his comments frequently brings him down to earth.  She looks good and sounds the right type of woman.  However, it is clear that while Gyles claims almost everyone he meets is a friend, and usually a good friend, he does come across as a likeable pain in the neck, as anyone listening to 'Just a Minute' on Radio 4 will agree.   
Loud, noisy, full of himself, knowledgeable, and even entertaining.  I was bored at times by this book, however, I suspect I will seek out the next one when he gets around to scribbling it.  


Friday 10 December 2021

Old TV

                                              Pure Energy

I was reading Max the other day and he brought back memories of the days of long ago, back when it was 'always now' and the days longer, sunnier and energy never lacked, until nasty parents forced you unwillingly inside to feed and push you to a far too early bedtime. 
Not that you could get up in the morning mind.
Max spoke about the TV of the 50's and that brought to mind the old 'Ferranti' tv that we obtained, by rental, from either 'Currys' or the 'Leith Provident' (who, being a 'Co-op' gave a dividend!).  This model found here on 'Pure Energy' is very like the one that arrived in 1958 in the corner of our house.
The programme on while the TV was being installed was 'The Army Game,' a comedy set in an army barracks laughing at what life the majority of men, and many women, had endured during the war only a dozen years before.  
In those far off days, much further far off than I would like, there was a choice of two TV stations, BBC and STV.  I cannot mind the actual numbers but I think to change from one channel to another meant getting up, turning the dial from '10' to '8,' then standing back to ensure the picture was not rolling up or down.  This meant playing with the knobs at the rear until the picture settled.
However, as Max reminded us we had such fine Historical dramas to entertain us as kids, 'The Lone Ranger,' 'Gunsmoke,' and many John Wayne westerns.  I remember 'Robin Hood' and 'William Tell,' all with dynamic leading men, a woman who did little, fast action, dramatic music, and an audience of millions around the nation.
It was many years before we realised the actual 'History' offered in such programmes was nil!  By the mid 60's, once we were all at work, we realised the 'Wild West' was not fought with 'Colt 45's' blasting Indians (now called by white middle classes 'Native Americans,' though they all had their own tribal nation names anyway), Indians who fell off their horses, always forward, and by the dozen, at the firing one one bullet from a man looking backwards while riding a horse at the gallop!  
As for 'Robin Hood' and 'William Tell,' well!  
The BBC at the time had a high reputation for journalism, especially after the war when the Beeb had stood up to government pressure, Winston wanted to take it over Geobells style, and gave as honest a news service as possible without giving away secrets.  The new style news programmes such as 'Tonight' which offered decent, popular much liked presenters, interesting and often humerous reports from around the nation, as well as more serious topics in a sensible manner.  Cliff Michelmore and Fyffe Robertson became household names, and not like the 'celebs' of today.  
TV started in the evenings only, Scotland did have the 'One o'Clock Gang' in which Larry Marshall and his gang offered repeats of jokes told many times before, as well as a song or two, also repeated often.
The afternoons may have featured the boring black and white coverage (all was black and white until the early 70's) of cricket, that most boring of games, that was made more boring by being in black and white, with Peter West, a racist Englishman who did not like Scotland, commentating in a frightfully English manner.  I went out and played football night after night like the majority of schoolboys and ignored such appaling TV.
However, some programmes were unmissible.  'Hancock's Half Hour,' which on radio had 25 million listening weekly transferred to TV and the audience followed.  Imagine 25 million watching any programme today other than the World Cup Final!  The result was conversation the next day which always began with the TV from the night before.  The nation had something to keep them together, although TV also helped divide them.  
The 1956 Suez crisis would have been seen by many on TV news.  This brought a sharp division and soon a new Prime Minister, Harold MacMillan.  He was one who could make use of TV and was keen to do so.  A new situation arose, words on radio were no longer good enough to get elected, you had to look the part, not just sound it.  Many were slow to accept this. 
Today, TV is something I never watch.  The output on 50 Free channels is usually vile, tepid, repetitious or banal.  I watch football via the laptop and occasional programmes only, I miss nothing.  Few can converse regarding last nights TV as almost all watch different poor quality trash.  Many young folks are on video games, older folks also, and music means more to young than TV.  The BBC, especially in these last dozen years, has failed to report in a journalistic manner.  UK news is tainted with Tory propaganda, ITV and Sky follow suit, social media is the way to get news today.  Boris and his cabal already own the major press, now they have quieted the TV output.  Whoever owns the major news, press, TV and radio, can keep the people under.  The majority, though suspicious, will never react in the hope they can survive and not get blamed. 
 

Wednesday 8 December 2021

'Keeping the Lights On.'

 

 

Keeping the Lights on’ by David Craig, describes the joys and difficulties experienced when following the calling of God to lead and build a church. In fact two churches are here built and both are still going strong. 

Having known the author and his young wife for fifty years I loved watching again their successes and shared once again the many heartbreaks endured. Nothing is without trouble in this life, church leaders know this too well, they too share the same problems, difficulties and joys following Jesus brings.

Beginning as a History of the last 30 years the book has developed more into a mix of biography, History and instruction to young men faced with the ‘Call’ to build a church. From the cold north in Aberdeen, via well paid employment in Edinburgh and moving abroad to England and the London Bible College David is always honest about the doubts, fears, financial woes encountered, as well as the joy of provision from a God who never forgets his people.

The first church ‘Westbourne Grove Baptist Church’ as was at the time, ‘The Grove,’ to all who have known it, began with a congregation of 14 members! This really was the last shot! Several years of bible exposition, personal counselling and a great many bacon sandwiches at the ‘Manse’ led to an increase in numbers, around 65 or so, and a sense of ‘Love’ that remained long after they had left. That is ‘Love,’ not the sentimental hush that so often represents ‘love,’ today.

The Call to Bournemouth and a slightly larger church followed. Similar hard work, personal discussion, bible based teaching, personal seeking after God for the congregation followed. Again hard work, much prayer, and by prayer we mean listening to God not reeling of a shopping list like I do, brought a numerical increase, a number of fellow leaders for the growing organisations, and the a powerful ‘renewal’ for the church. ‘Renewals’ during the 80’s and 90’s often caused much pain, Satan worked marvellously to insert hate on many occasions, I experienced this myself twice, but the church in Bournemouth pulled through by making every effort at keeping the ‘agape’ between all concerned alive.

The author does not hide failures or personal crisis, indeed such honesty encourages belief in Gods work. Good times and bad follow as the church seeks to follow Jesus, this book makes this clear.

There are pages of description regarding the practical requirements that will benefit many building churches today. Experience learned the hard way is always good. The end result after 30 years and retirement (do preachers ever ‘retire?’) was a church now settled in an old cinema, a building suitable for the 500 or more no members of the church.

Both churches had connections to mission work overseas, the home church made sure these people far off and often in difficult situations were not forgotten. Social media of course helps here today. This along with the many connections the those around the church continue, and will continue unabated as long as these churches thrive.

Advice to young pastors includes the requirement to spend time with God alone daily, to spend time with wife and children daily, and especially to take time off before burn out and destruction arrives. The need to pray regularly with elders and leaders is stressed, as is communication to one and all when required. The whole church must pray, not just the leaders. House groups and prayer groups must be used when possible. The church must lean on the God who called, not individuals own ideas. We can trust the Father to make known his will.

One thing is clear, without his wife David could never have succeeded. Her willingness to support the work, indeed the development of her many gifts in prayer and counselling the women in the church, her support, and often rebuke, we have all endured that, enabled David to finish his calling. He could not have done this without his wife Maureen.

This book is easy to read, informative, full of the daily stresses and joys of church building and a credit to both David and Maureen and to the Lord who called, enabled and provided all the way through. I recommend it.

 

Tuesday 7 December 2021

Monday 6 December 2021

Sunday 5 December 2021

Dreich Day


 Dreich day.  The picture sums it up.

Saturday 4 December 2021

Slumber

So I went to sleep.
I placed my head on the pillow, pulled the blankets up over my head and sought slumber.
By quarter part midnight, or one and a half hours later, I was awake.  
Soon sleep returned.
Then an hour later I woke, my right arm indicating pain, I turned over.
Fortyfive minutes later Iwas awake, I could not breathe, no air.  Window opened slightly to the cold fog outside and I dozed again.
Thirty minutes later I had to turn over again.  
My left leg hurt, pain in the thigh turn back again.
An hour later a slammed door as neighbours mate left for home woke me, and I think half the town also.
I was tired enough to soon return to sleep. 
Then a headache woke me.
Soon it was once again sleep.
Then the arm again gave pain so it was turn over time.
By 3:45 am I was again awake,the other leg had decided cramp was in order.
Sleep.
Five minutes past four and it's off to the loo.
No sleep.
Turn this way and that.
Listen to radio iplayer.
No sleep.
Radio off.
Thoughts crowd in, all bad.
The world and my faults pile up in front off me.
No sleep.
Radio again, nothing worth listening to.
No sleep.
It is five am, the street lights have come on again.
No sleep.
The radio bores me, music does not fit the mood, worries about the day ahead, all false, pile in.
The radio drones on, men crossing the Sahara desert for fun!
Suddenly it is five past six in the morning, cars move about outside.
I cannot return to sleep.
More radio.
Turn this way, that hurts, turn that way, that hurts.
Almost seven in the morning.
No chance of sleep now.
I glance at clock it says 7:48!!!
I attempt to rise.
I glance at clock, it says 8:17!!...
I rise, and for some reason are grumpy all day...

Friday 3 December 2021

Afternoon Booster!

 

 
Another day, another jab!  This time it is the 'Booster.'  This one Boris is desperate for people to have in the hope less die and he does not get the blame if they do.  I suppose with 140,000 dead, 489 while he was having an illegal party, and today a total of 115 children dead, there is enough problems for him to ignore and buckpass to get on with.

So off I hobbled, rushing to get there in time for the appointed hour.  I need not have bothered!  This jab is given by a church organsation, and well organised they are.  However, with one thing and another there was a queue, quite a long queue, all muttering about 'Booked Times' and standing outside waiting in the dark.  Most obeyed and understood, some objected, and those working there were  indicating that they were all volunters giving their time freely for this, which pacified some grumblers.  I suppose we are all so used to having what we want when we want it and not happy to wait. 

 
I ought to mention that I did not enter either of these public houses, I was just trying the wee camera on night shots, and not very successful sadly.  The blurring shows it is not up to such things but as I want some night shots I may have to try again with the big camera. 
I felt very weary from last weekend on, and I wonder if the Flu jab was responsible?  So I await any reaction to this 'Booster' with interest.  However, after the first Jab I found my immune system improved by it, the terrible long cold that lasted for months has not returned, and I blame the Jab!  So I am happy to have as many as they wish. 
 

Wednesday 1 December 2021

Christmas & Parliament

Being the kind and generous person I am, and having been reminded that I am supposed to be 'thrifty' as a Scot, then I am happy to say I have satisfied both these demands by obtaining these 6 bottles of whisky to give to my equally generous friends.  So far they have given nothing!  
As I always say, a promise is a promise, and if I promise a bottle of whisky to someone I make sure they will receive a bottle of whisky.  I fail to see how anyone could grumble.
The big box of nothingness that I send annually to my sister will be posted, I hope, tomorrow and nothing much else Christmassy requires to be done. An online shop for two or three people and that is about it.  Most cards have either gone or have been written and an abundance of stamps remain.  I am ready for when they go up in price again.      
Of course abuse has come my way from those who have not yet begun their shopping.  Tee Hee.  There is no need for me to rub this in, but I do anyway.  
Most men will of course wait until the last few days before working out what they must buy, and are then found asking women friends what they ought to do!  I always suggest they buy her a new iron or a hoover, but for some reason they never work up the courage.     

 
When I read a man had jumped the fence at the House of Commons my first thought was to ask which MP had tried to escape?   It did cross my mind it could be a Lord from the House of Lords, though most could not jump over a step let alone a fence.  Anyway, all of both Houses are making too much cash to run away these days.  However, it turns out it was merely a member of the public, possibly trying out his right to protest.  His reasons are as yet unknown but after being tazered, handcuffed and led away to a police van (no longer called Black Maria's') he was heard to mutter "My rights!"  Indications are this was a 'stunt' of incredible stupidity, for a reason as yet unknown, and that any magistrate who eventually gets to hear his case will not be impressed with 'his rights.'  
He must understand that amongst the posse of police officers who responded many carried guns, guns that a mad gunmen in the USA would give a great deal to possess.   These officers also know how to use them, had this man appeared violent in response he may have discovered how well they could use them.  
Silly boy.