Gorgeous Sunset - Beautiful Morning

Last night there was a stunning sunset. The sky near the horizon was clear, except for one cloud just above the sun, which was setting below the skyline. That cloud shone a brilliant gold, reflecting off the higher wispy clouds above.

The clear sky, with its shades of pink, yellow, and red, heralded a chilly night, and so it proved. I wouldn't have liked to have been sleeping outdoors. It must have been well down into single figures (Celsius).

This morning the sky was still clear. In fact, I couldn't see any clouds, anywhere in the sky. The sun was blazing down out of the Eastern sky, glistening off the heavy dew, and shining off the wet leaves on the bushes and trees.

The combination of gorgeous sunset, cold dark night, and beautiful morning, reminded me of the Easter story. Although that story stretches over two nights, there are similarities.

Although the Crucifixion was a horrible, horrific, event, we call it Good Friday. In that moment, Evil was defeated, and God triumphed over all of the Devil's machinations. It was an agonising torture for Jesus, but for Christians we rejoice that He accomplished that victory on our behalf, indeed for everyone who chooses to trust in Jesus. It is equivalent to the Gorgeous Sunset.

After the Crucifixion, there was the dark day of Easter Saturday. The disciples were in hopeless despair. The One in whom they had put all their trust, was now gone. What would they do now? Where would they go? What could they believe in now? Two dark nights, and a dark day inbetween.

Then, on Easter Sunday morning, the women went to the tomb and found the stone rolled away. The body of Jesus was gone, and in its place they found grave cloths, and angels who told them that Jesus was Risen. Other disciples went to check it out. Gradually, more and more of them met the Risen Jesus. He really was alive! He spoke with them, ate with them, and was touched by them. It was wonderful, marvellous, glorious, Good News. Equivalent, but better, than today's Beautiful Morning sunshine.

Two images that can remind us of the greatest story of all.

Overflowing Gutter

You can tell that I am now living at the Manse rather than being a visitor.

On a few occasions since we arrived 12 days ago, we noticed that when it was raining, the gutter at the front of the house was overflowing. My conclusion was that it was either full of dirt or else the downpipe was blocked.

Today, during the rain, I noticed again that it was overflowing. So when I was outside anyway, wearing my boots and cagoule, I decided to investigate. The drain at the foot of the downpipe seemed clear, but there was practically no water coming out of the downpipe, despite the rain falling on the roof.

On closer inspection, I noticed that drain is completely covered by a grid, to prevent leaves and other debris from falling into the drain. The downpipe terminates about 5mm above the grid. That gap is large enough to allow leaves and other small items to be flushed out of the bottom of the pipe. But it is not large enough to allow lumps of moss, etc., to get out.

As a result, the bottom of the pipe had become clogged up by moss and mud.

I realised that the 10' high downpipe was fall of water. The plastic downpipe had enough flexibility to move sideways slightly, and as I moved the pipe, layers of mud were left behind on the grid. After flexing the pipe back and forwards a few times, the muddy plug suddenly disintegrated under the pressure of the pent up water, and the water gushed out and up from the bottom of the downpipe.

I wasn't quite quick enough to get out of the way, and my jeans got sprayed with muddy, dirty water! But the good news is that the downpipe is now clear, and the gutter above has stopped overflowing. A successful job completed. And I'll keep an eye on that downpipe during the coming months as the leaves fall during the Autumn.

It's a job a visitor would be unlikely to undertake, unless they were being very generous to the actual homeowner. It's not their problem. They don't own the house. They are not staying for long. It's someone else's problem.

The mud and dirt had built up without anyone noticing. The people who were using the manse were not living there for long - no more than a few weeks or months, and maybe only for a few days at a time. It is not surprising that no-one noticed, and that the problem had been developed. It wasn't anyone's fault. It just happened.

Sometimes such accumulations of rubbish occur in other parts of our lives too. The flow of air, water, or energy, can become blocked. Life is restricted, but often people don't notice. The deterioration can be so slow and gradual that everything seems normal. People become used to the way things are, without realising they could be much better.

Eliminating that blockage requires action. When the problem is noticed, it must be investigated. What has gone wrong? How can it be fixed? What are the risks? What are the benefits that will result?

Sometimes it is only an outsider who can see the problem. If that outsider passes on the observation sensitively then the person or people with the problem may act and sort it themselves. But they may need ongoing help, perhaps from a specialist in such issues.

Sometimes it is God who shows up the blockage. This is one of the values of prayer. We sense that voice of God urging us to take action, even although we hadn't seen there was a problem. With the help of the Holy Spirit we can clear up the mess and rebuild our lives.

Sometimes the process of clearing up the mess results in other folk getting covered in dirt too. But with goodwill and hard work, and the Lord's help, we can reach a successful conclusion.

Running water, fresh air, renewed energy, life to the full.

That's what Jesus came to do - to give you life to the full.
That's what he said. You can read it yourself, in John, chapter 10, verse 10.

"I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full."

To Work - Sort Of

Daughter, sister, mum, and aunt, at Talmine Harbour in Melness

The last of our family visitors departed for Edinburgh today. My Mum, and my older two children, have been staying with us in the Manse since Thursday. It has been a busy time, since there have been the two Ordination events to attend, as well as tours of introduction to the Parish. It was my Mum's first visit to the Parish, and only the second visit for my older children.

The Four Girls at Skerray Harbour

Four Girls and Two Boys, waving to the Manse

Now that they have gone, the Manse has settled down to peace and quiet. Not that we were in conflict while we were all together! It is just that there was always someone coming or going, or moving around. Today we are quiet again.

I have been thinking about tasks for later in the week. Mondays and Tuesdays will be my 'Weekend' days, with Sunday as the busy focus and highlight of the Week. Therefore, today is not a Work Day, but I am still thinking about Work. And maybe even Blogging should be classified as Work, so long as I don't spend all day at the keyboard!

There are many new things to begin now that I have finally started as a Parish Minister. There are new relationships to make, with the leaders of the congregation, with those who are in need of care and pastoral support, and with those in the community who will expect me to interact with them. Not least, I must begin preparation for leading worship and preaching sermons!

Preparation is needed, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I need to spend long hours of administrative organisation. I want to begin this ministry in the same manner I intend to continue - by listening to the Holy Spirit and by following Jesus.

The things that seem most reasonable and rational to me, are not necessarily the first things that I should be doing. My initial activities may not be the things you think I should be doing.

Were I to Follow Jesus literally, I would now be heading out into the Wilderness, to spend 40 Days on my own, listening to the Holy Spirit, and learning how God wants me to move forward in my Ministry.

But the parish of Melness and Tongue is nowhere near the land of Israel. I have duties to perform and functions to undertake. This Time is different from the New Testament times.

Therefore, I must find new ways of beginning, that are customised for this place, this time, this people, and this Minister. I can only see dimly what lies ahead, but I know that Jesus goes before me, and his Holy Spirit will make the way clear as we press onwards, following Jesus.

"One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus" will do for me just now.

Happy Ordination Weekend

It has been a wonderful weekend, with my Ordination and Induction to the parish of Melness and Tongue on Friday, followed by my minister from Edinburgh 'preaching me in' on Sunday.

Many friends and family have made a stupendous effort to join me and the congregation as we set out together on the journey that Jesus is calling us to follow. The congregation also have made stupendous efforts to welcome my family and my friends into the parish over the weekend. I am hugely grateful for everyone's enthusiasm and support.

I don't have time now to share everything with you, and parish work will no doubt soon press in too. But perhaps the photos below will give a brief glimpse into our special weekend here in Melness and Tongue, and our surrounding communities.

Me outside the Manse before the Ordination

Post-Ordination smiles at the Church Noticeboard

Rays of Sunshine outside the church after the Ordination

Only 4 days

It has only been four days since my last post, but it seems much longer ago than that!

We enjoyed meeting up with friends on Saturday evening at one of the local hotels. They joined us for Communion at church on Sunday, the last Sunday before I begin my duties as minister.


In the afternoon, we joined our friends for a walk up Ben Hope, some 3040 feet (927m) high. It was a great break from unpacking and storing at the manse. The weather was good, dry but not too hot. The summit was clear most of the afternoon, but it was capped by cloud by the time we arrived. We were getting late, and there were hordes of midges, so we had a brief snack, took some photos, and headed down again. However, there were many fine views both climbing up and during our descent. I'm sure it won't be long before we're back to try again for a clear view from the summit.

On Monday we headed out to Thurso for our first major shopping expedition. It's a 90-mile round trip, but it didn't take too long. Soon we were back home with all that we need for the celebrations this weekend.

The unpacking is nearly finished now, and I have begun to give some thought to my first few weeks of preaching. A plan is now in place, and the first couple of weeks are beginning to get some detail.

I've already made my first pastoral visit, organised my first meeting, and today I even received my first enquiry about a wedding! The Big day isn't until next year so no big panic - yet!

It's been sunny quite a bit this week, and I am still revelling in the beautiful views around the manse. Below is the back garden in the evening sunshine, and then the view this morning from the front door over Castle Varrich and the Kyle of Tongue.

Second Day

After a first night in the manse, camping on the floor, we were glad to see the removal van arrive. The unloading took all afternoon, but by teatime, the guys had headed off for a well-deserved weekend.

During the evening the sun came out giving us a beautiful view over the Kyle of Tongue. The tide was out and the sandbanks and mudflats were shining and glistening in the sunlight. The second evening.



The Second Day began this morning with a glimpse of sunlight on the slopes of Ben Hope. Today the clouds are higher than yesterday, but the summit at 3041 feet (927m) is still shrouded in cloud. Perhaps it will clear later in the day.

Our second full day in our new home beckons. A day full of unpacking, but also with a visit by friends from Edinburgh. They will be staying in Tongue over the weekend.

First Day

Well it was 8:30 in the evening when we finally arrived in Tongue yesterday - the first evening.

The journey was uneventful. We were driving gently, since neither of us had driven Edinburgh to Tongue in one go. On previous trips we had always swapped drivers part way along the road.

But for this trip we had both cars with us, so there was no co-driver! We did swap cars at Inverness. It was good to be able change driving positions. My car led the whole way, with Liz driving it from Edinburgh, and me driving it from Inverness.

Andrew chose to sit in my car the whole way. I don't whether that was because he liked my new stereo, or my car-seat is more comfortable, or that he couldn't be bothered changing over!

Up above you see the removal van being loaded up in Edinburgh. Below you see our two cars parked at our new home in the manse at Tongue. The advance party has arrived and eagerly awaits the arrival of the removal van, which spent the night in Inverness. The van should be halfway here by now, and they hope to finish unloading by the end of the day.

There was evening, and there was morning - the first day! Genesis chapter 1 verse 5.

Leaving Home

Today is the day that the Removal company arrive to pack up all our stuff and load it into the van. Some of the family are staying on in the house, so we need to make sure that all the things they need get left behind. And we need to make sure that all the things we need up North in Tongue don't get left behind!

It's going to be a full-on day, leading up to final loading and departure tomorrow morning. Too busy to be sad. Too busy to be excited.

But we know that Jesus has called us to follow Him. He has called us to live and serve Him in Tongue. He will be with us every step of the way. He is trustworthy and faithful.

You can trust Him too.

Coming Home

Many stories in the Bible tell of travellers returning home. Some of them had a warm reception - like the Prodigal Son. Others had a harsh reception - like Jesus coming to Nazareth.

Today was the last time my family and I worshipped at Davidson's mains parish church before some of us head North to the parish of Melness and Tongue in Sutherland.

The guest preacher today, Pirie Mitchell, from Canada, was 'Coming Home' to the church at Davidson's Mains, where his grandfather had been minister, and where his father had left home to seek his fortune in Canada at the age of 17.

As we make our final preparations for departure, it was nice to be reminded that we can come home. We might be moving, but the congregation at Davidson's Mains will be staying - to continue the ministry of Jesus in this place.

I was also reminded that God has a place for each person in his home. Everyone is invited. Each person can make a choice to go there, or to stay away.

Jesus came to bring that Good News to the whole world. The work of the Church is to tell everyone the Good News. That's what we will be doing in Melness and Tongue.

Endings and Beginnings

Beginnings and Endings go together.

A journey begins and ends. The universe began, and one day will end. Life begins with a seed, and hopefully produces fruit, before it ends.

When I began to train for Ministry, in August 2005, a journey began, that one day come to an end. With the grace of God, that journey ended fruitfully, in November 2009, with successful completion of my training.

But that end heralded the beginning, and continuation, of a search for the people and place that God was calling me to serve. The end of that search, by the congregation's election of me to become their next minister, triggered the ending of my 49 years of living in Edinburgh.

That ending will be accompanied by a new beginning, of my living in the Sutherland village of Tongue. I will be serving the people who live in and visit the parish of Melness and Tongue, comprising those two villages, and the surrounding communities that make up the whole parish.

The transition between ending and beginning takes place in only a few days now. The removal people will arrive, pack up our belongings, and take them North, ready for us to start again.

The Bible is full of journeys, with all their beginnings and endings. God walks with us every step of the way, leading us onwards, drawing us towards Him and his home.

There is always an Exception to the Rule. God was, and is, always will be. Those who put their trust in Him, walk with Him through his son Jesus Christ, live with Him forever.

God's party is not a private party! Everyone is welcome, but no-one is forced. Everyone can choose, to be there, or to stay away. The journey goes on ...

Counting Down

Today I made the last of my visits to the congregations in which I have trained during the past 6 years. It was great to see everybody and they made me feel very welcome.

However, it was also a poignant experience, knowing that for some of the folk I saw today, or maybe even many of them, it will be the last time we meet each other.

That has been a feature of the past few months really. Folk we have known, perhaps just at a surface level, or perhaps more deeply, we will no longer see or meet.

Of course, one of the benefits of the internet, of blogs, of Facebook (if I am allowed to mention that site here!), is that it makes it easier to keep in touch with folk. We can read of their activities, or see photos of them, or where they have been.

But it is not the same is meeting with someone in person; talking to them when they can hear our voice, seeing them, listening to them, being close with them.

The whole experience makes me think of Easter, particularly that first Easter. Jesus had been crucified and was dead and buried. The disciples were in shock, grieving together, drawing strength from their mutual friendship of Jesus. They thought they wouldn't see Him again. That's how I am feeling about many, or maybe even most, of my Edinburgh friends.

But only a few days later, the disciples were over-joyed to meet Jesus again. Their grief was turned to celebration. Their desire to stay shut away from society was replaced by an enthusiasm to tell everyone they knew, even everyone they met, that Jesus was not dead, but instead He was alive!

I expect that in the years ahead, people will come to visit my wife and me in our new home in Tongue in Sutherland. In fact, some of my friends will be with us for my service of ordination less than three weeks away now! Whether soon, or not, it will be great to see folk we have known from our years in Edinburgh. It will remind us of those Good Old Days!

The Bible records the lives of some of the key figures as they have known God. It gives us an insight into their relationships with the God they worshipped. We learn about God at a distance, both geographical distance, and a chronological distance.

The great thing about God, is that we can get to know Him for ourselves, here and now - right this second. He is only a prayer away -

Dear God, help me to know you. Let me hear your voice whispering to me, leading me, guiding me, teaching me, loving me. I am sorry for letting you down so much. Thank you giving me a fresh start, to love you, serve you, and worship you. Amen.