Last weekend we visited the New Victoria Gardens - one of the oldest allotment sites in Glasgow. Opened in 1872, Saturday was their 150th anniversary celebration. We entered down a few steps and through a door in a wall to a labyrinth of plots, each with its own small wooden gate. Several holders wore Victorian … Continue reading Sweet Peas →

Yes, I’m still sad for the people of Ukraine ….. and the many other countries in conflict. However, we spent last week in Sweden with Somali Christians living in Europe. Each one was a refugee from civil war at home and through hardship and suffering has put their trust in Jesus. Life is tough, but … Continue reading God’s Time for Somalis →

I heard sad words last week spoken by an Afghan woman in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that shook Paktika province, near the border with Pakistan. “God is trying to find as many ways possible to kill us.” With over 1,000 dead and thousands more left injured and homeless, there is mourning in every … Continue reading Earth Shattering →

I’m so glad God created the blue flax flower - maybe my life depended on it ….. and a few mishaps along the way! In 1855 an Englishman left the lid off his paint tin and the linseed oil, produced by crushing the seeds from the flax flower, oxidised leaving a solid layer on top … Continue reading Blue Flax and God’s Providence →

Whether you’re an ardent fan of royalty or not, you can’t grudge our Queen a platinum jubilee celebration. Seventy years of faithful service is a real achievement, and in a day when duty and sacrifice are not highly esteemed the Queen is a great example of commitment to her coronation vow and resolute dedication to … Continue reading Light the Beacons! →

On Wednesday a Palestinian journalist covering an Israeli raid in the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank was shot dead allegedly by an Israeli soldier, though this was denied by the Israeli military. The killing of a clearly identified member of the press in a conflict area violates international law and the UN has … Continue reading A News Story Worth Telling →

The horrors of war and suffering are nothing new, yet this conflict in Ukraine has brought it all much closer to home. As I look around the world at increasing troubles on so many fronts, I fear it will get worse, not better, in the years ahead. My need of God, not a god made … Continue reading A Walk to Emmaus →

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TW89s3jS44&list=PL4rAdW1i_Tlyw-c63VNih65J_9PCCis2q&index=5&t=66s

Ukraine’s National Bird Ukrainians love storks. They come to nest and breed in springtime, then migrate to winter in Southern Africa. They are considered monogamous, often returning with their mate to the same nesting site, where both parents share the feeding of their young. The stork is Ukraine’s national bird, symbolising family, loyalty and patriotism. … Continue reading Storks and Sparrows →

We learned from our Iranian friends their celebration of Nowruz, their New Year traditions at the spring equinox. This ancient festival predates Islam and is celebrated by many countries with links to Persian culture. With its emphasis on new life, darkness to light, barrenness to fruitfulness, I find it easy to incorporate it into my … Continue reading Nowruz : Persian New Year →