This is Palm Sunday and I’ve been struck again by Jesus’ tears as he paused before entering Jerusalem. Conscious of their ignorance about the true nature of his kingship and his mission to proffer peace, he drew near, saw the city and wept tears of sorrow over her future destruction lostness of her inhabitants (Luke … Continue reading Your City Needs You! →

I always felt close to Mary, her supportive interest, her positive attitude and prayer for church, family, friends and neighbours and her deep concern for our nation and world made spending time with her a delight. Twenty years ago we got even closer. Asylum seekers began arriving in Glasgow and Mary, then in her 70s, … Continue reading Mary’s Mantle →

In the book of Acts chapter 16 Paul and Silas were in Philippi, wrongly accused and sitting in leg irons. At night while they were praising God in the prison, there was a violent earthquake. God did 3 things then that he’s doing in Turkey now. Setting his church free The prison doors opened and … Continue reading God in the earthquake -3 things you won’t hear on the news →

The Old Testament prophets Isaiah (58:11) and Jeremiah (31:12) both apply the rich imagery of ‘a well watered garden’ to the people of God, and King Solomon in his Song of Songs (6:2) likens his Beloved to ‘a garden of delight’. If Jesus is the ultimate bridegroom king, and his beloved bride is the church, … Continue reading January Jobs in the Garden with God →

Where is the Peace? Where is the Joy? Anyone remember ‘Silent Night’ sung by Simon and Garfunkel? It was the final track on their album, ‘Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme’. The harmonies were beautiful, but then in the background the 7o'clock news was being read, louder and louder outweighing the Christmas message. The year was … Continue reading Happy New Year →

Of all the decorations at Christmas, my favourite is a wreath. Maybe that’s because my mum used to wrap my plastic hula hoop with holly and ivy and it hung above the fireplace throughout the season. It was big! We use circles as symbols of eternity with no beginning and no end. Hence, rings are … Continue reading Christmas Wreath →

Language is alive. It’s fluid - ever changing and adapting at remarkable speed. Words are added, dropped, and meanings revised. In fact, lexicographers add hundreds of new words to English dictionaries every year if they meet certain criteria. They must have relatively widespread use, a widely agreed upon meaning and likely to be used for … Continue reading Word of the Year →

There have been antigovernment protests in Iran before, but this is different. In the past the focus was on reform while now the goal is revolution! The uprising may have begun with the death of a Kurdish Iranian woman arrested for not completely covering her hair, but the cry of protestors, ‘Women, Life, Freedom!’ goes … Continue reading How Long? →

A new King brings changes - 800 businesses that had a royal warrant to supply her majesty with her choice products lost it on her death, and must reapply. Will King Charles still favour Twinnings Tea, Cadbury’s Chocolate, Heinz Tomato Sauce, Kelloggs cornflakes and Tiptree jam? Perhaps he will be more concerned about how ‘green’ … Continue reading Royal Warrant →

Did you see the rainbows of hope?Can you hear the call of God?Do you feel God’s patience, his long suffering, his mercy and love for us. How fitting that the Queen, such a faithful servant, should be given grace to finish her work of appointing our new Prime Minister before she died. How fitting that … Continue reading Call to the Nation →