What’s the Story in Dalamory

A magnificent red deer emerged from the forest yesterday and watched us at breakfast.

The porridge got cold!

I was greatly amused to read the following in the Argyll Diocese magazine of the Scottish Episcopal Church.

A little girl asked her father, “Daddy? Do all fairy tales begin with – o­nce Upon A Time-?
He thought for a few moments, and then replied. “No, there is a whole series of fairy tales that begin with – If elected, I promise…..  –

A friend of ours is an Episcopal Priest and he is standing as a Scottish Liberal Democrat in the forthcoming General Election. I doubt he would ever fall for such a political trap. Justice, human rights, acceptance and tolerance seem to be the buzz words – along with an acknowledgement that party aims and ideologies are just that. People of good faith do their best to bring about change and equality……no-one can guarantee it completely. If you are interested in a clergy-political view check out www.kelvin-holdsworth.co.uk/

Two visitors, from the parish I have just retired from, called in over the weekend. I had already been presented with a beautifully engraved rose-bowl at my Leaving Service, but they brought additional gifts: a home-made card, a cheque, a note from an old friend who was visiting in the area, and a copy of the latest parish magazine. The card was tied with a ribbon and full of memories in the signatures and thoughts of church members and friends. The cheque bowled me over in its generosity, I am full of thanks and will have many happy hours thinking about how to spend it!  The note from the friend reminded me of the links we have within the wider Christian church. The parish magazine was a special gift in many ways, not least because of the piece expressing the congregation's appreciation of our time together. What can I say?  …….I was delighted and very humbled.

So thank you everybody.

Belief is a truth held in the mind.
Faith is a fire in the heart.

Joseph Newton

We now have Sky TV back o­nline again. It is good to feel in touch with the world again. Of course by the time the engineers had installed everything the Pope's funeral was over. I had to make do with watching the edited report later in the day. It has certainly been a powerful event, but I keep thinking about the frailty of the man in his latter years and his knowledge that yesterday's spectacle would eventually happen.

It is all rather humbling, and makes me wonder about my own faith. Would it hold up under public scrutiny and private pain? As a parish minister, this was what life was like in a very small way….. as a retired minister there is always the responsibility to put the Kingdom of God first, and it means finding new ways to live that out. I guess that blogging is a way of “going public” and bloggers put their thoughts and feelings out for public display.

Some of our neighbours are colourful, industrious and taken to flights of fancy. A pair of blue tits have established residence in a handy nesting box. Hence the two chairs drawn up to the lounge window, with two pairs of binoculars nearby.

Watch out for the sparrow hawk; it flies low, mean and fast around these parts.

A welcome surprise of a boxed set of Classic FM favourites in the mail. I knew a letter of mine had been published, but was not aware it warranted a prize.

Life gets better, I am a bookshop and a writer – all in the o­ne week.

I am a bookseller!

I have 180 books currently listed for sale o­n Amazon and have sold two books already. Who would have thought that theology old and new would have been saleable in this way. I have also been gathering a pile of things to be photographed and put o­nto ebay for sale. And am hoping the Scouts really do take the half garage full of stuff for their auction later in the month.

The cat came home to our new home today. He is very wary of all the boxes and I am concerned that so far he does not appear to have used his litter tray. He has been known to avail himself of the bathroom facilities in the past, but I can see no evidence.

Welcome home Fox, but please be good!

I have had broadband for 24hrs and it is marvellous. The computer stays o­n with o­nline access at all times, there is Wi-Fi to the other PC for Him Behind the Wheel. The telephone line is free for calls and all of a sudden life seems brighter.

Thank you BT.