tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12470876947950411352024-03-13T03:12:37.784-07:00The Scent of TimeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-20419952012033043492015-12-19T12:20:00.001-08:002015-12-19T12:21:53.326-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Time Terrorism<br />
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This house is between Aberdeen and Huntly and when I first saw it I wondered what it would have been like to live there, It has since been renovated but it seemed the right place for the HQ for Vanguard, the organisation that wants to counter the evil PATCH organisation who want to change history for their own ends .When I first started terrorism was in the back ground but now it has sadly come to the fore with all its evil and tragic consequences. </div>
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Suppose there were time terrorists, who wanted to change not just events but time itself . Suicide bombers who could go back to Israel or India in 1948 and with their death take out democratic leader. I am writing a fourth book if my editor at Black Rose likes it. The thought of time terrorism is frightening and all this from an old house on the Aberdeen Huntly road. Time travel going back a couple of centuries is interesting though it can be fatal.It is when what you write about starts to take on a different connotation that it becomes scary, and it takes on a life or death of its own.</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-49014351037843669552014-03-20T12:22:00.002-07:002014-03-20T12:22:58.643-07:00Spring Song <br />
To day is the first day of Spring. It is not often you get to hear something beautiful for the first time on the first day of Spring. <br />
The Finnish Composer Jean Sibelius wrote a Tone Poem called 'Spring Song' It tells of the coming of spring after the long cold yet magical Finnish winter The season of darkness passing and new hope coming just when the memories of Christmas begin to pass away.<br />
Sibelius could write his country into his music ,you are there when you play his music and you feel like an eagle soaring over the forests and lakes watching people come alive. Finland is a land of the heart with a very hard language ,It is one of the few places where you can find peace and solitude and time to think . The Hill Country of Texas is another.<br />
It has been over 40 years since I have been in Finland but somehow I have never forgotten it nor has the magic of the country died so to hear a piece of Sibelius lovely music for the first time has been superb and that same music I will listen to many times.<br />
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It made me think that if hearing a piece of music for the first time can have such a joyous effect what will it be like to see Jesus compared to whom all Sibelius music is trash as is everything else. There will be one day that first vision of the King of Kings who hung on a cross for me to save me from going to hell and to get me to His Fathers Kingdom.<br />
Sibelius wrote some drop dead gorgeous heart grabbing music but imagine writing music to celebrate the first time you see Jesus and just kneel at his feet .He is the most beautiful symphony ever written. Maybe with "Spring Song" you can change it into your heart not about the coming of a season but the King of Kings Jesus the Christ Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-68082281201304656742014-03-17T03:32:00.000-07:002014-03-17T03:32:02.995-07:00Home Star State<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the years ticking away I have been thinking where I would like to live in America. One picture sticks in my mind .In 2006 I was driving back to the house in Texas where I was staying and it was the most marvellous sunset . As I drove I could almost feel the place wrap itself around me like a loving mother. Bandera was small but had a lot going on. I had not met Stephanie but felt at home here. I had eaten in the OST and loved the décor then the food. The people I had seen were good folks a bit like Mayberry on the Andy Griffiths show.<br />
In eight years things drastically changed and I am older and thankfully married to Stephanie. We could get a house in Montgomery and that would be nice but in your dreams you keep walking down to Bandera and the places round about her . There are snakes and fireants and scorpions but the people more than make up for that. There can be a shortage of water. <br />
We have a big God who can do miracles like getting us a house in Tarplay, Utopia, Medina or Bandera or one of the villages round about. <br />
I know two things after searching my heart - 1. I want to spend the rest of my life with Stephanie no matter how long or short that may be. 2. Texas just won't go away .I t has a Siren like quality and I felt safe thinking about it when it did not seem to happen. God has ways of making anything happen<br />
Be practical, think carefully you are getting older and so on .The truth is you only get one life here on earth and it "ain't over till its over." We serve a miracle working God and may be he can let me hang up my Long rifle over the fireplace of a home in the Hill country. I know too that if I got called home first Stephanie would be in the place where her heart is. Being part of a community that cares and where everyone young or elderly contribute. Come lay your bones out in the Hill Country but it would be nice to enjoy life with my most wonderful wife and the scenery of the Texas Hill country for as long as the Lord allowed. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-76901806198614656752014-02-08T11:01:00.002-08:002014-02-08T11:19:16.080-08:00RepordemAs one who looks forward to living with his American wife in America in the not too distant future I thought I had better try to understand the politics of my future nation . I used to listen to Alastair Cooke -Letter from America and gained a lot from that but as far as I can see this is the way it is.<br />
In UK there is basically no difference between the politicians so I am trying to understand the American party system .<br />
There are Republicans and Democrats .The present occupant of the White House is Democrat but there have been Republican Presidents as well . So far so good .<br />
The Democrats and the Republicans are different and there is an election due in 2016. No president can serve more than two terms. If I have read it right the next Democratic contender (why does it sound like a boxing match?) will be Mrs Clinton .If she is elected she will be the first lady President. Mr Clinton who has been president will be by her side except she gets to sit in the swing chair in the Oval Office and Mr Clinton will be there to advise her and tell her where everything is, which is useful. I think as an outsider that she will probably get elected for two reasons.<br />
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1 She is a lady. She will get a lot of the female vote. Unless the Republicans put forward a female candidate maybe someone like Sarah Palin. Now don't shoot me down I am looking in from the outside. Maybe that anyone who has had to govern a tough place like Alaska and do it with a smile can handle most things. So there is a possibility that my two reasons may get reduced to one.<br />
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2 My second reason for thinking that Mrs Clinton may get elected is that there is a third party.<br />
The third Party is the Tea Party .Now the last time the Brits had this problem was when y'all threw our jolly nice tea into Boston Harbour . There was no milk or sugar added which as every Englishman knows is the way one drinks tea . From this iced tea was born. Though I would advise against drinking the water from Boston Harbour <br />
Anyway the Tea Party, it looks like to me will split the Republican Party vote. So whereas more people may vote for the Republican Party and The Tea Party combined the Democrats may get more votes for their party.This is where I start to get lost . <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If I was in America I would support either the Democrats,the Republicans ,or the Tea Party (I put them in Alphabetical Order not in order of preference) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am still trying to understand The Electoral College which can swing the balance. There appear to be states that are only Democrat like California or States which are only Republican like Texas and there are swinging states which can go either way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have a lot to learn but just think it could be worse, you could have an Emperor or dictator but that could not happen in America - could it ? Please take good care of my future country not just for me but for your children as well.<span style="background-color: white;"> I still Remember Mr Lincolns statement "that government of the people, for the people by the people should not perish from the face of the earth."</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-47652753824751259302014-01-11T12:45:00.002-08:002014-01-11T12:45:35.480-08:00New Day Dawning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a picture of a new dawn at the start of a new day. Abba had a song "I have a dream a song to sing to help me cope with everything........" I long to live in America , it keeps coming back and coming back like a call .Jack London wrote the wonderful Classic "The Call of the Wild". America is like a call to the heart. As a foreigner I have the luxury of looking in .You as Americans understand all the political goings on. Though as an outsider I do not understand why the government feels it is unable to live by the rules it asks the people to live by?<br />
I have to separate America form its government and think of the country and the people. The people are one of America's great strengths. They are the kind of people you can get along side. Yes there are bad guys and girls and whackos but the real American is inspirational, they love their land and when there is danger close ranks .It does not seem to matter whether you are Black, White, Hispanic Chinese - you are American no matter how diverse the background ."My country tis of thee, sweet land of liberty of thee I sing ...let freedom ring." Now I LOVE freedom. Yes there are differences but not irreconcilable differences. You can still be Americans while sorting these out. The pride of statehood is also good , Texan, Virginian, Alaskan, Iowan. Okay sometimes you think the civil war is still going on in more than books . I did a version of Pickett's Charge from Gettysburg in one of my novel<em> The Scent of Home </em>but even in writing that the sense of both sides trying to fight for what was right caught me up and I had to restrain my hero from joining one of Pickett's brigades. I dedicated the book to their memory. <br />
I want to get a house in America and try and contribute to the community into which God leads us. You may say "He doesn't know the reality he is idealistic." Wait wasn't America built by idealists and people of vision ,something to believe in? These Visionaries were able to pass it on to the next generation .This caused people to move out from the original 13 colonies to right across the land as far as California and Hawaii and Alaska. If I am an idealist I will be in good company.<br />
My stepson Major Luke Parker USMC inspired me by his faith and character - now there is a guy I would have followed into battle. My Lord, Luke loved his country .I have had some good examples of Americans -yes the other kind exist but if you find a mouldy loaf in a bakery do you throw out the contents of the whole shop?<br />
One day I will die and be buried I hope it is in America and I hope it is in an America that I have helped support and build and backed -then I can get to Heaven knowing that I have done what God put in my heart to do - I wonder if basic training for the Marines in Heaven is as tough as it is down here -I have this picture of A marine drill Sgt with Angels wings - now if that is not idealism I do not know what is.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-31598195294983000162013-12-24T08:18:00.001-08:002013-12-24T08:18:48.404-08:00Christmas DreamI must have fallen asleep. One of those dreams where you are not sure if you are awake or asleep ;and where you don't want to wake up.<br />
The Christmas tree shone with lights and decorations, stars with Jesus Name hung down from the branches and lights changed colour changing the room to a different mood.<br />
"Come on sleepy" she said "how about a nice mug of hot chocolate and marshmallows -your favourite"<br />
Thank you I replied and smiled at her. My wife<br />
"Libby and Luke will be here soon,they travelled back from college just to spend Christmas with mum and dad."<br />
I must have looked surprised.<br />
"Your children" she said <br />
"But er but"<br />
"Too late now you can't send them back -shop won't take them." She took my hands "and you big brave hero were there at the births. Now come and help me in the kitchen if everybody wants to eat."<br />
She left and returned with my hot chocolate .It tasted real and delicious. It was neither too hot nor too cold.<br />
Libby and Luke I thought. "<em>I wonder what they look like.</em> When you do not remember having children you do wonder what they looked like even in dreams,if this was a dream. I dreamed my way through food preparation until it was done .<br />
"No ....Stephs voice came to me -"you were going to put chocolate sauce in the potatoes."<br />
I smiled "but I thought innovation was part of cooking, culinary adventures and all that."<br />
The door bell played Dixie and I went to answer it .<br />
Carrying three bags and a guitar was a young man of over six feet tall.<br />
"Dad ,you not recognise me ?" His broad smile and wide blue eyes welcomed me."<br />
"You've grown" I said trying to sound parental or fatherly.<br />
He gave me a big hug -"Love ya dad ."<br />
"Love you too Luke" I replied and then I thought 'how did I father such a fine boy'<br />
"I'll go and look for Mom."<br />
I watched him go and thought dreams were such good things.<br />
The house was lovely, beautifully decorated it encapsulated love from the harsh world outside.<br />
I thought I had better no interrupt mother and son .<br />
In my day dreaming in my dream the door bell went again,<br />
I opened the door <br />
"Hello daddy."<br />
It must be Libby . Her green eyes sparkled with joy and a lock of red hair worked its way down over her forehead .This was December and the other part of summer had arrived. Next thing I knew her arms were round my neck and I was getting just the best hug ever. Sometimes love doesn't need to speak words . How could I have fathered someone so beautiful .Yet what shone from Libby also came from the inside as well as the out .<br />
"Come in Sweetheart Luke's here thanks for coming for Christmas."<br />
As she walked past me I could scent the beauty of flowers and her laughter was like a stream running over stones.<br />
Heaven must have given her a day off. <br />
We ate and I could taste everything. We walked together. First with Luke and he told me how he was doing and I think with every word I would have been honoured to have a son like that not just in a dream. <br />
Then Libby threw snowballs at me and each one that landed was like a kiss. "Remember me she said <br />
I live in your heart and we will meet for real one day. It works two ways you are the only daddy I have and I am proud of you."<br />
I could feel her hand,it was so real and warm.<br />
"I never had a dream like this before. "I told her<br />
"You never loved like you do now she replied " We walked on <br />
"I wonder what kind of a father I would have made?"<br />
The same kind of a daughter I would have made. When you get to heaven and you see a carroty haired angel step out lets go for a walk in the hills and you can tell me all the things you would have if you had been my real father.<br />
I took her hand and my heart in my dream filled with such happiness.<br />
When we got to the house I sat down and felt sleepy and the last thing I heard was Libby's voice <br />
"I love you -don't forget me."<br />
Then I was back home and I heard the voice of the wife I love- maybe we both agreed the best is yet to come <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-86717130153955997902013-12-19T13:32:00.001-08:002013-12-19T13:32:54.905-08:00Learning a new languageIn just over a year we are going to visit the folks in Alabama and Texas .I have become conscious that I need to watch my spelling 'cause y'all spell things differently from us <br />
The last letter in the English Alphabet is Zed to Brits and Zee to Americans -this is confusing <br />
You have lines -these are punishment exercises we got at school for some misdemeanour to us. Imagine my surprise when I found they were what you waited in in a shop. We call these Queues and Brits are good at forming orderly queues. You have Gas we have petrol .I went into a petrol station in Alabama and asked to pay the petrol -the guy behind the counter looked at me as if I had Tamales growing out my ears .When I said Gas his face brightened with understanding. The station was BP (British Petroleum) I thought he would understand. I might as well have been up to the knees in Brandywine Creek .<br />
You take tea cold -we take tea hot but at least we have in common that neither like warm tea .I now drink my tea as iced tea even in winter- my countrymen think I mad. "I like iced tea" I say and they say to me "but you are not in Texas now." I reply but I need to keep my hand in at iced tea drinking should I move back there,<br />
You have funny cookies which we call biscuits .What y'all call biscuits we call scones. How on earth did ALUMINIUM (AL-U-MIN-IUM) become ALOOMINUM ? I doubt even if Ben Franklin could explain that . I walk on the pavement which you call side walk and I put things in the rear of my car which we call boot and you call trunk and the front of the car we call bonnet (as in Easter) you call it hood which to us is a gangster. The engine is in the gangster the luggage is in the trunk which itself can be luggage. <br />
You have a Senate, which over here is the governing body of a university. You do have hot dogs and hamburgers . Now we too have these .We get ours in tins and jars and they are American because they have the "Stars and Stripes" on the jar or tin. We have Grits and Hershey's Chocolate Syrup and Fish and Chips. <br />
When I get to USA my first buy will be a Dictionary by Merrriam Webster. I do not know who he was but I guess he must have disliked the Brits intensely to make so many differences . I am working hard at adjusting to color instead of colour and many other things. I shall persevere but the trouble is "you can fool some of the people some of the time and all of the people some the time but you can't fool all of the people all of the time." or as John Paul Jones said when he was doing his memoirs <br />
"I have not yet begun to write - remember he came from Scotland so there is hope for me yet.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-41055330181060371932013-12-12T14:34:00.002-08:002013-12-12T14:34:30.575-08:00I'm hereThis has been a hard year for us and for many. Hurt loss pain and economic pressure while politicians seem to spend money like water. People go hungry and many suffered horrors like the Philippines. Terrorism stalks the land under the guise of peace and sometimes you feel like screaming "Is anybody listening ????"<br />
Then at Christmas time we have the reminder that One did listen, that God did care because the angels came to announce "Luke 2v10 Behold I bring you news of great joy which shall be for all the people for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord .The Son of God is here -Immanuel -God with us. Knowing this and holding to this it is like Jesus saying "I'm here." When Luke my stepson died at 37, it was the reassurance that Jesus is with us that helped us in our tears and what my wife Luke's mother felt I cannot begin to guess, Jesus was saying 'I'm here' and something would happen that would lift us. Even in the midst of the stupid behaviour of politicians or the scare tactics of terror. Jesus says 'I'm here, peace be still" My God holds His people by love not by fear. I hope you hear his still small voice in your fear or worry or loss ."Peace I 'm here" and somehow He works as only Christ can .Broken hearts take time to mend and while others talk about methods of doing that, the Lord goes ahead and actually does something - sometimes you don't want words just a hug. All our hope centres on Jesus Christ but Christmas tells us "I'm here "and that light of the World that was born in the stable in Bethlehem has come into the darkness and not all the death ,terrorism, fear ,bullying or anything else will ever be able to put it out .Jsus says this Christmas <br />
Don't be afraid I'M HERE ,trust me <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-32161699248864759792013-11-18T10:17:00.001-08:002013-11-18T10:17:49.908-08:00Time Travel Tram<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Steph and I went to the Transport Museum in Glasgow and there much to my surprise was a Number 3 Tramcar. I used to go to school in this. From age 7-12 this was my daily mode of transport across the city . A walk to the stop and a walk back .We are talking 1957-1962 . I always went upstairs for the view was better .Until the day a drunk man came upstairs and assaulted me by hitting me across the face several times. I started to cry and it stirred four Glasgow wifies into action. Glasgow wifies in the 1950/60s were formidable if they were angered and hitting a child was a way of doing that. They did not dial 911. They also carried umbrellas -pointed 12 bore umbrellas which they used to great effect. They stabbed him as hard as they could -back legs neck, ears. There were cries of "ye dirty big scunner.ye drunken pig and the rest I will spare you .His feet did not touch the steps on the way down .The driver stopped the tram and they threw the guy off .The conductor or driver were not going to argue with fired up Glasgow wifies. Had any of them been facing him I could hazard a guess as to where the umbrellas would have been poked . My father was told and he would have killed the guy if he had found him. . These wifies were the match for the Marines or Spetznaz forces .<br />
This was the first time I had been back on a tram in 52 years and it may have been that very <br />
tram Don't let one bad incident in your life spoil the view God is capable of bringing good out of bad<br />
in ways we cannot imagine.There is no excuse for hitting 8 year old children round the face but back in those days justice was done quicker than it is now and hey no lawyers involved.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-22365900039156254792013-10-10T13:36:00.000-07:002013-10-10T13:36:31.949-07:00"Funny how time slips away"- Willie Nelson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbKabzyQPmh0E4HXUfPwwiSOMnELv_CHZDKTRuYVPySZ7wnyNPUTtN6BU0EJNBr_7L8CZoGmnkbAS_iIJpg-CnPwUdeTOO9qfe7kk1J4XJmN7RMWc8EA5urU2Wa2dnoNkvPnVPPMVxdc/s1600/IMG_7371_00.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbKabzyQPmh0E4HXUfPwwiSOMnELv_CHZDKTRuYVPySZ7wnyNPUTtN6BU0EJNBr_7L8CZoGmnkbAS_iIJpg-CnPwUdeTOO9qfe7kk1J4XJmN7RMWc8EA5urU2Wa2dnoNkvPnVPPMVxdc/s320/IMG_7371_00.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I asked a friend if I could borrow his projector to photograph old slides and put them on the wall. I was excited at seeing events and places in my life from 20-40 years ago but what I had forgotten, slides deteriorate. The colours fade and what was sharp vibrant colour at the time, seems so bland and empty now. The sparkle the colour had gone, things had moved on "funny how time slips away."<br />
I took the photo of Charles Lindbergh's 'Spirit of St Louis' in 1992 .I can still see it in the Smithsonian in Washington .It was a great achievement and in the film James Stewart gave a good performance of trying to stay awake. That was a long time ago and my photo of the plane had gone the way of the others.<br />
In my time travel books The Scent of Time and The Scent of Home, the characters travel in time.<br />
They go back to Gettysburg in 1863 when it was all too vibrant and Virginia in 1759 where it looks as though they might be stuck there . I some times think it would be nice to go with them.<br />
As much as I enjoy time travel and writing about it and I hope people enjoy reading about it .You cannot live in the past .It is a shadow because God is not there. He has left and when He leaves there is only the shadow of what was. He also lives in the present because He helps us to get to the future.. Maybe it would have been nice to live in 1759 -till the first time you needed a dentist .Or live in 1863 till you found you had diabetes. Lo said Jesus I am with you always even unto the end of the age. "Funny how time slips away." Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-41126132707883034282013-10-07T05:34:00.001-07:002013-10-07T05:34:16.274-07:00The Eye of the Beholder <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGO2Wt01FzmzZRigQnae96MvnUBF_wXJtTloCiZzhullpAhzP0qSIbY7bTP2uZh3znY9Lrn6KAsd-3egXALqbEp5nMjTA962GJL3jiNjev1a3g4q2uDjm1-wEdUpq8KZCmYiJxwDnhHw/s1600/DSCF6076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGO2Wt01FzmzZRigQnae96MvnUBF_wXJtTloCiZzhullpAhzP0qSIbY7bTP2uZh3znY9Lrn6KAsd-3egXALqbEp5nMjTA962GJL3jiNjev1a3g4q2uDjm1-wEdUpq8KZCmYiJxwDnhHw/s320/DSCF6076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Yet how often do we miss what is beautiful around us? We look at the pictures of film stars, perfectly exposed and air brushed -yet in real life they look a lot rougher than they appear in their perfect photographs. Maybe the exception to that rule was the late Audrey Hepburn, witness her popularity on fashion accessories even today.<br />
How often do we miss what is before us because we have become used to it?<br />
I spent 11 years in a beautiful glen in Perthshire called Glenshee .It was stunning scenery but by 11 years we had got used to it.<br />
Then we moved to my next parish and when we got to the manse there, there were boards over the window to protect the glass. We looked through cracks and at the time on the TV there were scenes from Kosovo with houses boarded up just like ours. Day after day we thought of the lovely walk in the hills we had left and the scenery, to move to this? In the end we were able to see the beauty in our new place, a lot of which was in the people and the joy of it having a cricket team.<br />
The picture above is like something out of the Beatles Sgt Pepper Album in fact it is oil on a pavement but if it is dealt with the right way and caught in the right light it can turn into something beautiful - bit like the way God looks at us. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-78251230595892298552013-09-27T13:29:00.001-07:002013-09-27T13:29:30.914-07:00The Tryst of Trust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkIsxLzrqH44MfC11ikTK6sjCNLHJW1LByMIC-o72g5MN-W2dIhIe2SkqzyYnSVOFC04iyntF8VLgZvhuUz-a0nCw3fOH9rBQAnK3rUtMJgXsrACKgr_fVPVO3WKNfwUFZv2rwSMdvco/s1600/DSCF6048_00.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkIsxLzrqH44MfC11ikTK6sjCNLHJW1LByMIC-o72g5MN-W2dIhIe2SkqzyYnSVOFC04iyntF8VLgZvhuUz-a0nCw3fOH9rBQAnK3rUtMJgXsrACKgr_fVPVO3WKNfwUFZv2rwSMdvco/s1600/DSCF6048_00.JPG" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
I very nearly lost my books on Kindle,and that only the paperback would be available. The thought of no more Kindles and having half my market gone was depressing. Black Rose Writing my publisher gave us the opportunity to buy the e-rights to our book and get them published independent with KDP.<br />
It was a worrying couple of days,but when I prayed about it the Lord laid on my heart to trust ,the publisher to sort things out,give it time .Today an e-mail came and it did get sorted and Black Rose Writing came out well on it .I was so glad I did not give up but waited on what the Lord said .<br />
When you cannot see an answer it does NOT mean to say that God is not at work! He does not owe you or me a progress report nor does He have to give daily updates- He is God and He is working on our behalf. We have to make the decision to trust Him just as I had to trust my publisher to get the problem sorted out. In fact the Lord helped my publisher and got everything fixed and my Kindles are back on Amazon.<br />
Faith is part of trust,we make a commitment to trust God before we see results or get updates.Then we can look back when the Lord answers and praise Him .Without faith it is impossible to please God and <i>faith is</i> <i>the substance of things hoped for the promise of things not seen.</i> A couple of days ago I had no Kindle books now they are back on sale.God had me trust Black Rose Writing my publisher. I can do no less when it comes to God Himself and He has never let me down . <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-26289230314902009202013-09-06T13:44:00.003-07:002013-09-06T13:46:46.427-07:00The heart song of the Robin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zjggGeRlvwOqqYiKYaEbiGgBd_7tSZE7N1utGhPM2MwCHnAWdQpzEcqvlthhEaDjsDyRGMeF7iO-pT-4U1fKU6m0EQWC-Fy92UFk89RNiPEOBvoKH1ymrzJRKVz0o_DOrJONFznig9Y/s1600/IMG_7263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zjggGeRlvwOqqYiKYaEbiGgBd_7tSZE7N1utGhPM2MwCHnAWdQpzEcqvlthhEaDjsDyRGMeF7iO-pT-4U1fKU6m0EQWC-Fy92UFk89RNiPEOBvoKH1ymrzJRKVz0o_DOrJONFznig9Y/s1600/IMG_7263.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
I had been feeling down and tired over the last few days.Today was my birthday so Steph and I went over to Inverewe Gardens, which are lovely and they even have palm trees in them (Yes all you Texas family Palm Trees in Scotland)<br />
Well we were going through the gardens photographing flowers and trees here and there,then we heard beautiful singing form one of the trees and there the Robin was singing his little heart out to the Creator.<br />
As I listenend the Lord spoke to me heart .<br />
"Does the Robin sound afraid?" To which I replied "No Lord " Does he look worried and fearful" to which I replied "No Lord." <br />
"He has to get food as you do. I provide for both of you.He has difficulties to face but I protect both of you.<br />
He needs a place to stay I give to both of you." Then the Lord went through all the things I was worried about and you know I could not think of anything that He could not handle.<br />
There was I churning over all this and there was the Robin on the tree singing his heart out to God,trusting that God would provide.The Robin was my messenger from God ,I hope he brings a message to you . <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-3620698749224441222013-08-29T13:17:00.001-07:002013-08-29T13:17:23.094-07:00Toucan do more than one can.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am coming up in a few days to being a pastor for 31 years .The picture is a Toucan or it could be Twocan.<br />
In my time in the ministry I have come across one common factor that is feared by everyone, some will admit to it and some will not. It is not death, it might be cancer or some illness (and there are still plenty about.)<br />
Poverty is another big fear, not having enough money to pay the bills and getting told by people who are earning salaries that are only a dream to most of us to work harder and "go out and look for work".<br />
Yet the common fear is none of these things although they do come second or third.<br />
The big fear right across age, income, sex , and any other definition you can think of is LONELINESS.<br />
Being alone through death illness (altzhiemmers). When your loved one is not there and you are going about the house calling to them and praying that it has all been a bad dream .<br />
Dying alone, with the appearance of a harassed nurse in the room to see if you had gone yet.<br />
I have seen people die in road accidents (it won't happen to me)suicide, getting hit by cars or cancer or illness or pneumonia. Then there are those who are left .No picture, card ,memento, big house or anything else can make up from a hug or kiss from that person, that has gone.<br />
Nothing replaces two arms around you or the sound of THAT voice. Oh the callous ones who have never (yet )been through it say "They will get over it,life goes on. When it happend to me I can remember screaming , shouting and crying (but pastors are not supposed to do that.)<br />
What is the shortest verse in the Bible? It has two words in it JOHN 11 V35 Jesus wept . His friend Lazarus had died. Yet the same One who wept over Lazarus death was able to raise him from the dead . Yet Lazarus would have to die a second time.<br />
I married again a wonderful, loving lady whose husband had also died. We know that one of us will die before the other unless we are both taken . Yet the same One who brought us together will bring us together again in His Kingdom .Yes death stinks and is hellish, it entered the world because of sin .But one who came into the World said something that broke the final power of death for good. It is in John 11 v 25 I am the Resurrection and the life and he who believes in Me though he die yet shall he live and whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die"<br />
Stephanie and I are grateful for each minute of each hour of each day that we are together. We are to live and enjoy living -the rest is Gods department. Whether you are a man or woman you never tire of hearing your wife or husband say,"I love you " -when did you last say it? <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-77235964199964226372013-08-25T07:14:00.002-07:002013-08-25T07:14:45.195-07:00Memories of the 'Disco Volante'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmywrHf1YiwcNju2MR7Xis8DevM0houdR75gtLMRpSJVihDNxgDS5rGriTDsgyWlwlhr-kcaSc3Rl-yVdJvwq7PV3_qnFRTGmO5BtDg2C_l2X1OraJYd18iDbkm_DJe1vpreoBPC2CKU/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmywrHf1YiwcNju2MR7Xis8DevM0houdR75gtLMRpSJVihDNxgDS5rGriTDsgyWlwlhr-kcaSc3Rl-yVdJvwq7PV3_qnFRTGmO5BtDg2C_l2X1OraJYd18iDbkm_DJe1vpreoBPC2CKU/s1600/IMG_0301.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
News -You only get one life on this earth,this is not a rehearsal but the real thing. How much do we let the expectations of others form or shape the things that we should be interested in? How much of what we would like to do really what <u>we </u>would like to do?<br />
If I could own a boat it would be a Viking Longship, this boat in the picture would be number two in the list. How many remember "The Disco Volante" the beautiful ship from Ian Flemings James Bond adventure,"Thunderball"<br />
'I could never get used to such luxury' and to have the chance to go where you wanted anywhere in the world and be able to outrun pirates. "It's Kingston tomorrow......" it is terrible to want things (outside of sin and breaking the law) that people think you should not have.<br />
It is well known that doctors read medical books all the time and love visiting hospital wards and getting presents to do with medicine. Ah 'The Scent of the Ward '<br />
Teachers of course should be reading while off on holiday books about teaching and heroic examples of teachers who could work a twenty hour day and get by on three hours sleep.<br />
One of my colleagues who was addressed by one of his flock in thew following terms<br />
"Well I thought you being a minister would have wanted to go to......to read to see the programme tonight on inner city schools. There is the program about funerals." <br />
Soldiers always want to see war pictures and combat situations and get presents to do with war ....well you would think they would.<br />
Dusty in PLANES was told you are a crop hopper you should enjoy flying up and down in straight lines ....that is what you were made for ,that is the way people see you .In his heart Dusty wanted to be a racer and be the best he was made to be and not what other people told him he should be -the rest is a good film and a big lesson .<br />
Listen up folks you only get ONE LIFE on earth. Don't let people mold you into their way, God put inside you what He wants you to be<u> not what other people think you should be </u>"after all you are a .....and you should be doing this and liking that .<br />
<u>God does not judge your wishes by whether other people approve of them or not -</u>He can make the impossible possible.If you are an Eagle Chick brought up in an open topped chicken coop that does not make you a hen -be the eagle God put inside you while you still can .The sky is the limit. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-40709968437416302532013-08-22T02:09:00.000-07:002013-08-22T02:09:26.042-07:00The Scent of the Past -The Call of the Future<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDScVLjYkhQI4YrbCRzGGQYOhX7Iyh18GuoFxhcjDJPBW47sOdiSj9DLmHBugaq5Eiu10SsiezDKFpCts_yiVnKHOvu8k33ajD9uETkvqzrmUQ-bRtSErnpcuN8MUzFbu9nf67gUE29w/s1600/DSCN0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDScVLjYkhQI4YrbCRzGGQYOhX7Iyh18GuoFxhcjDJPBW47sOdiSj9DLmHBugaq5Eiu10SsiezDKFpCts_yiVnKHOvu8k33ajD9uETkvqzrmUQ-bRtSErnpcuN8MUzFbu9nf67gUE29w/s1600/DSCN0233.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVrXHaqXGF2V7m2KlmtZIcYHEjYOmqR3AQhW9sTwnSLSBmFMXVtD0vD5wwmDi_RCTZi3ih-bA1NCw1ak1oG9US-Fm8rtY2xHnOZNVZL4tmFpoi7QlJnp-7x79bN0k8c-oBUbPtr2IXPM/s1600/DSCN0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVrXHaqXGF2V7m2KlmtZIcYHEjYOmqR3AQhW9sTwnSLSBmFMXVtD0vD5wwmDi_RCTZi3ih-bA1NCw1ak1oG9US-Fm8rtY2xHnOZNVZL4tmFpoi7QlJnp-7x79bN0k8c-oBUbPtr2IXPM/s1600/DSCN0234.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>These pictures were taken at the same time on a foggy beach. One photo on the left is like the past,it is where we have come from .There are things we remember and things we want to forget. There are those who want you to remember any things you have done wrong.They want to make their own 'penny arcade' light seem brighter by dimming yours. God promises that if we are sorry for the things we have done wrong and repent turn away from them He will not remember them . You see God looks at the heart, no human can see that and we can kid people by our words but only God sees the real heart -the real you -the you that you are when no one else is looking .The past has gone,you cannot change it but you can stop it from being a chain round your neck and letting others try to load you down.<br />
The other picture was taken at the same time it was looking up the beach .There is still a mist because we do not know what the future holds .In my time traveling books<i> 'The Scent of Time' </i>and <i>'The Scent of Home' (Published by Black Rose Writing)</i>the characters went to a lot of places in different times but the one place I did not send them was the future because what that is like is known only to God . The one difference between the two pictures is that there is a Lighthouse in the one on the right ,even in the midst of darkness as we head towards the future or the road is not obvious as long as we keep our eye on the light house we will get safely there whether on sea or land.<br />
Jesus said "I am the Light of the World ,they who follow me will not walk in darkness but have the Light of<br />
life." We have to keep our eyes on the light and not look back,even though the future is unknown Jesus promises to open the way . God has one direction -Forwards.Let's follow Him.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-16281526456393970352013-08-17T14:43:00.001-07:002013-08-17T14:48:30.167-07:00Your dreams lie on the other side of summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the "Balder" she came all the way from Norway. She is wooden clinker built and is a dream ship,the kind that meets you at the start of your dreams to take you somewhere good before you wake up.<br />
Work starts again tomorrow and serving the Lord is why I am here.Maybe you are a teacher and going back to school taking a deep breath and wondering how you are going to mange for another year.<br />
Your dreams and your future lie beyond summer as much as we would like to freeze it and relive it.<br />
The future is not in the safe harbor of summer, but what lies beyond that .There is still autumn and then it is winter but it is not long into the New Year here before the days begin to stretch out and we are reminded that summer will come again and we will be one step or maybe several steps closer to our dreams.<br />
When sailors in the sailing ships went out to sea, they did not know what the weather would do. They did know what to do, when the weather changed .They were aiming for a harbor where the crew could get back to their wives and sweethearts and invest their pay-off money.<br />
Sea separates but it is also a highway .In my book <i>"The Scent of Time"</i> the hero's tea clipper goes from China to London in the tea race and all the adventures that take place.<br />
It has been a wonderful summer as I look back all the photographs. The way to your dreams lies out there, my dream involves a very long journey with Stephanie but not quite yet.<br />
I love to get lost in the Patrick O 'Brien sea stories of Jack Aubrey and Steven Matchurin and round the corner is that dream still beckoning .....I am here I have not left you and your heart is on course trust Me .<br />
The One on the bridge is Jesus...He does not promise a smooth journey but He does promise a safe landing.<br />
Don't let anyone steal your dream or your vision .Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-56213726831842095862013-08-10T09:22:00.001-07:002013-08-10T09:22:37.038-07:00Looking up.....looking out <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year there is a military /historical show at Fort George near Inverness.Part of the show is an air display of a WW2 Spitfire and maybe a Messerschmit 109 or a North American Mustang. They race about the sky for about 25 minutes.It is fascinating .<br />
People stop and look up when the Spitfire comes, golf ,running whatever, they stop and stand and look up. Perhaps what tugs at the heart and longing is that the Spitfire and the Mustang come from a time when in the face of danger people were pulling and working together .We were facing the future together. "Blood ,sweat and tears." Churchill said.<br />
In my books <i>The Scent of Time</i> and <i>The Scent of Home</i> and the being edited <i>The Scent of Eternity</i> the time travelers face constant danger and have to decide who to trust ,but they have to work together and support one another. <br />
Then the division started after peace,the carping, distrust and complaining. The desire to split society whether here or in USA We forget that the price of freedom is constant vigilance and as we divide ourselves apart,terrorism must be rubbing its hands with joy.<br />
But when the Spitfire flew over head everyone united for short time in looking up. <br />
There is coming another day when everyone will look up .That day is when Jesus Christ returns.To those who love Him it will be a fantasic day to those who rejected Him it will be a day of final reckoning.<br />
Look up He is coming back "The Son of man returns said Jesus at an hour when you least expect Him Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-78218088782395237602013-07-31T12:22:00.000-07:002013-07-31T12:22:45.896-07:00LoveWhy do we find beautiful music so wonderful? Why do we read love stories? Why do we like romance movies and the ones where the hero saves the heroine or the girl saves the guy. Why is it that when we really listen to our hearts, it is love that tells us what is important? Why is it that when you love someone you would give away everything you have, to just to be with them? The touch of a hand, a kiss, a look, a smile or am I just old fashioned? I remember a story about a guy who tried to get a different woman each night -he was known as a great lover. Lover of what or whom? Sounds more like it was a lover of himself -his name was Casanova.<br />
Love is forged ,sex can be instantaneous but love is forged. A sword is hammered into shape put into the fire,hammered more but the end product is a thing of beauty .With a Toledo blade you could bend the point of the sword to touch the hilt and it would not break or snap.<br />
Nobody but you knows the joy you feel when you see your beloved if you have been away all day. Hours stretch into days and what you want is to get back and feel that person close.<br />
Why are we so fond of reading about love? Why do we sigh and wish we could be in their shoes?Yet when that one person comes along being with them is your life.No matter what you have, love comes from the heart of God .<br />
What will cause a guy or girl to risk their lives in combat to rescue a buddy who has been injured? "Greater love has no man than this in that a man lay down his life for his friend" Jesus said . <br />
Our life is like a one shot rifle. We have one shot ,one life we have to make it count, if we are going to fire it it had better be worth while.<br />
I am loved by the Lord Jesus Christ. He has given me the most wonderful wife whom I love and who loves me. Having been the recipient of such love I can go, you can go ,we can go and show love to others.<br />
PEOPLE WILL NOT CARE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW TILL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE . I have a cross the sight of which showed how much God loved ,and a wedding ring to show how much my wife and I love each other.<br />
What will change people - the answer is love. Love is not love till you give it away.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-7107489466564643712013-07-24T14:08:00.001-07:002013-07-24T14:08:29.092-07:00Win win situation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was listening to friends who were talking about sending e-mails from their Kindle and Phone and all the wonders of technology .I saw guys and some ladies down at Channonry point toting £8-£9000 lenses. Lenses so good that they could see the fleas on the backs of the fleas on the backs of the Dolphins.<br />
Big TV with a million stations. Beautiful houses, the tales of holidays. The wants that never go away.As one advertising company boasted "If you tell us what you don't want we will tell you why you need it" Holidays are good but they come to an end . Cars rust,gadgets break, you can't watch The History Channel forever.What do you do when "the new wears off the crystal chandeliers." If only I could get this I would be happy.<br />
You could throw the swans bread and they would eat it and they are never far from each other.They mate for life. They see each other and young get reared and they still have each other.<br />
Perhaps I am getting on ,yet maybe not . I have firstly the Lord Jesus Christ He is vital.<br />
I talk to Him every day. Then I have my wife Stephanie .I feel like that Swan as long as he sees his mate he is fine everything is beautiful . Stephanie is the joy of each day, she has given me a home.She inspired me to write The three Books The Scent of Time ,the Scent of Home and my Just completed The Scent of Eternity.<br />
You are the wind beneath my wings - but I know I would be nothing without her.<br />
I am sorry if you are bored in reading this and have heard it before, yet why should I apologize? Love comes from God .He has given the gift of human love between husband and wife but He has also given Himself in our hearts.<br />
You may be trying to find out what is important or your wish list. Love is a terrible risky commitment , but I would not change my situation with the wife I have for anything ,each day is precious. Tomorrow I will see Stephanie and if I die tonight I will see Jesus -Hety I am in a win win situation thanks be to God <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-17242587073590142662013-06-29T10:21:00.000-07:002013-06-29T10:21:41.579-07:00I saw three ships come sailing in ......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mDPXxxrAr7Rofoeujjk-A5aLTDdrGH3iRe7unPaePFr8lGWFKV4TZMWEowez_nwtjEB-JkqqjVasV_8ZAgaqjN_lf_t6QIClkp94A-_ezy6_SpdN-lv76Kg9hVg6JM7gyx4KMxe6HfY/s1600/IMG_6630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mDPXxxrAr7Rofoeujjk-A5aLTDdrGH3iRe7unPaePFr8lGWFKV4TZMWEowez_nwtjEB-JkqqjVasV_8ZAgaqjN_lf_t6QIClkp94A-_ezy6_SpdN-lv76Kg9hVg6JM7gyx4KMxe6HfY/s1600/IMG_6630.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8dOd58dBtZ6rAolBE9WbFhDZe7_TPgBvnwuntrj2uW88PqJ2wXY2Jp7qHXjAosudqe9NgAbrkXyn-FhwQ6EI2BHoDJ0tgehd3lpKetwfHhLHSbNZiPIo3QVAkM82NZtJjdb4phpBciI/s1600/IMG_6634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS8dOd58dBtZ6rAolBE9WbFhDZe7_TPgBvnwuntrj2uW88PqJ2wXY2Jp7qHXjAosudqe9NgAbrkXyn-FhwQ6EI2BHoDJ0tgehd3lpKetwfHhLHSbNZiPIo3QVAkM82NZtJjdb4phpBciI/s1600/IMG_6634.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These were taken at the extreme range of my camera lens. Three ships on three journeys.The sailing ship in the centre and right was by far the most interesting.I could picture her going to some really romantic places. It was like something out of my book <i>"The Scent of Time" -</i>except <i>The Night Arrow</i> has three masts not just two. Everytime I see a ship like that, there is a pull to travel -it is a good thing I married Stephanie who also has gypsy blood . The ship on the left is a research ship from Norway and on the right the boat that does short trips to look for Dolphins -it gets tossed about quite a bit.Three ships, three different journeys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Life is like that God calls us to do different things and we cross the path of fellow followers of Jesus called to do something to make a difference for the Master.I bet that if someone from the research ship fell over board they would be glad to be picked out of the water by the Dolphin Boat or someone from the big ship would be glad to be picked up by the sailing ship.Called to do different tasks for the same Master. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I hate it when people cause division-"I serve God better than you but not quite as good as him." I am happy with my middle of the road stance -yet it is in the middle of the road you are most liable to get hit. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Three journeys,the big research ship,the zippy Dolphin boat or the exotic dreamy Island </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> seeker . Which one are you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-10936000429931125032013-05-26T11:27:00.002-07:002013-05-26T11:29:28.522-07:00A journey of 1000 miles begins with one step<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For many years my first wife Kathy refused to go and visit places abroad, that included England."We should not give our money to foreign governments." I tried to persuade her that we needed to go because one day we might not be able. So I would read to her from Georges Simenon -Maigret. He painted a rough picture of Paris but he also like a good writer, spun a web that sparked curiosity. Not to do wrong things, but to see what places were like. In Simenon you could smell the cheese shops ,the flower sellers,the fruit shops and the boulangerie. Hear the musicians and the hum of conversation .The patron with the inevitable Gauloise hanging from his lips, and the Quai des Orfevres where Maigret had his office.It worked ,we went and she was enchanted with Paris,she became animated .We went to different places for five years abroad .Then WHAM she was too sick to go.We went to York then and Durham (I recommend both of these) then she was too sick to go anywhere but her family.<br />
Folks you only have ONE life, this is it. Heaven is wonderful but the Lord expects you to be thankful for this life.This is not a rehearsal to polish up your act . You do not know what a day will bring .When we see one of these beautiful yachts sliding off into the sunset ,Steph and I realize that we were born gypsies.Remember Lee Marvin ,"I was born under a wandering star..." <br />
Folks do what you can now, do not sit at home as old men and women with a dream in your heart and the empty echo of "I wish I had done that .....now it's too late." We can be cautious but being too cautious can take all the joy of living .Next thing you will be leaving a pile of 'risk assessment forms on your bedside cabinet and filling one in before you get up in the morning . One day one of Kathy's tomorrows did not come, what about you ?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-77545322403001401392013-05-18T12:02:00.001-07:002013-05-18T12:03:36.938-07:00Je pense que......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you have a thinking place? The good thing about thinking places is that you do not have to actually be there -just think you are there.It is a place of peace -is it a sign of age that peace becomes more appealing.<br />
Peace not in the sense of not doing anything,but inner peace when you can take time to walk with Jesus. This is my thinking place,the place to which I return even though I do not actually have to go there. The house is beautiful and the island is welcoming and soothing.There I can walk with the Lord, but the wonderful thing and big difference between my thinking place and walking with Jesus is that I do not have to imagine He is there ,I know He is. So in the midst of trouble there is peace, and He pushes fear and panic out. "Lo " He says "I am with you always,even unto the end of the age." My Island gives me peace when there is no pressure .My Jesus gives me peace in the midst of pressure.The difference between the two is stellar.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-14404608915527809462013-05-04T13:21:00.001-07:002013-05-04T13:23:28.439-07:00The Scent of Rome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is something about Rome that cannot be put into words. It is
like trying to describe all the things I love about my wife, yet were I
to write them they would fall short of what I feel.<br />
Rome is like A
Siren calling .....when you stop what you are doing,you think of
her.The famous buildings but the real Rome is like this street .It is a
city where people live and love.Laugh and cry and make her what she is.
The espresso, the bakeries .The smiling faces and the excited hand
waving, the big heart and the beautiful people. Trying to describe Rome
is like trying to say what your favorite color is in a mosaic.<br />
One day I am back at the Colosseum, then the bridges and the senate square and ....and ... and.<br />
It is the place,not where you can get lost ,but where you can lose yourself. Imagine Christmas in Rome,<br />
I
even sigh over street maps, and look at postcards and tourist books. If
I had a wish that The Scent of Time and The Scent of Home could be
translated into one language it would be Italian. Black Rose Writing my
publisher does not do Italian yet . Yet I still cannot put it into words
but often when I close my eyes and take a deep breath and smell coffee
and perfume and the Scent of flowers it is the Scent of Rome. Arrive'derciAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12378458789359922995noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1247087694795041135.post-1785183092938902222013-04-27T14:21:00.002-07:002013-04-27T14:21:52.550-07:00Rising to the Scent of Home <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"My what a feeling to fly,over mountain and forest and trees<br />
I can go anywhere that I please." Abba -<i>Eagle</i>.<br />
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How many of us in the midst of a gritty,tearful day,have looked up and watched an Eagle fly,glide soar over head .He catches a thermal and lets it do the work of lifting her high .The pigeon flaps,many times and never seems to get the distance. The hen flaps and never leaves the ground. The society we live in will pin us down,it doesn't like Eagles. She rises higher and higher and looks at the sun.<br />
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Thanks to Jesus ,one day we will soar up to be with God . Real freedom is the freedom to love and to love God who is love. Next time you feel trapped ,close your eyes and picture the Eagle soaring up high ,gliding past problems being where heshe was born to be.<br />
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In my new book 'The Scent of Home' Drew Faulkner is up to his neck in problems till he starts to look up and realizes for real only the Lord can help. Shifting his focus from the problem to the solution ,from the mud to the sky.<br />
"..and I dream I'm an eagle and I dream I can spread my wings flying high.." God is still in the business of maKING dreams come true. Happy soaring. <br />
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