Hi everyone!
Last Tuesday I said "Goodbye" to Glasgow Presbytery- or should I say "They said "au revoir" to me?"
Lovely wee tribute from the Moderator about where I'd served these past 9 years, and then " Glasgow's loss is Aberdeen's gain" aw bless !
Also last week I conducted a funeral for a Springburn man since one of my colleagues from our Parish Grouping was on holiday. ( she had done one for me) It struck me as I drove round trying to find the home of the deceased man's next of kin, that my grandfather was born and brought up in Springburn. And my husband is always saying how the new West of Scotland Signalling Centre has kinda come full circle from where the goods depot was in my Grandad's day of 1910's onward.
You know I said up there that this was my last hurrah for GP....well it wasn't really. I pitched up at Clincarthill Church on Sat to do a wee strand about Messy Church, as part of the Mission Group's networking morning. It wasn't that well attended but good listening ears and met a few new key people ( just as I'm leaving!)
Have just done service fermentation for this Sunday but my mind is occupied with the Spring Concerton Friday 24th March ( tickets available at door!) which I've organised as a Fundraiser for that exciting east end mentoring Youth Project Junction 12. My next blog will tell you how it's gone. Byeee.
Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Thursday, 2 March 2017
March 2nd...Sing a new Song!
What a Mighty and Connecting God we serve!
Today is a kinda day off, so I took myself off walking to my favourite Coffee Shop in Hamilton. ( Bean and Berry) I've been either walking or cycling there maybe a year. Because I work from home, it's hard to sit still and read a novel- unless I deliberately take myself out of the house!
Get on with it Dot!
Just as I'm leaving, one of the servers whom I've exchanged greetings with before, says" Bye Dot...what is it you do by the way? I know you've told me."
I say "I'm a locum minister over in Riddrie"
She says "What..I'm a minister in the Elim Church!"
I sit down next to her and we chat away. I find myself telling her I'm off to paint a ceiling.
She stops me in my tracks by exclaiming..."my son is a painter n decorator"
I decide to give her my business card and she promises me her son will contact me at the w/e.
I am so thankful to God! I could have climbed ye olde stepladder but might have come a cropper..so .....providing he's not too expensive, I'll leave it to the expert....
We should never be amazed when God shines His goodness upon us- especially if we, His people, have been going through a rough time. One of my daughters ( not the usual one) is off work just now, and we are playing the waiting game still, with David's job interview not yet appearing and I go to Aberdeen Mannofield Church on April 27th...testing times...but good times.
If you are reading this with a heavy load, remember Your heavenly Father knows. He sees. He always makes a way through your problems. Talk to Him about it. HE alone is "The Lifter of Your head!" ( Psalm 3 or 4)
Today is a kinda day off, so I took myself off walking to my favourite Coffee Shop in Hamilton. ( Bean and Berry) I've been either walking or cycling there maybe a year. Because I work from home, it's hard to sit still and read a novel- unless I deliberately take myself out of the house!
Get on with it Dot!
Just as I'm leaving, one of the servers whom I've exchanged greetings with before, says" Bye Dot...what is it you do by the way? I know you've told me."
I say "I'm a locum minister over in Riddrie"
She says "What..I'm a minister in the Elim Church!"
I sit down next to her and we chat away. I find myself telling her I'm off to paint a ceiling.
She stops me in my tracks by exclaiming..."my son is a painter n decorator"
I decide to give her my business card and she promises me her son will contact me at the w/e.
I am so thankful to God! I could have climbed ye olde stepladder but might have come a cropper..so .....providing he's not too expensive, I'll leave it to the expert....
We should never be amazed when God shines His goodness upon us- especially if we, His people, have been going through a rough time. One of my daughters ( not the usual one) is off work just now, and we are playing the waiting game still, with David's job interview not yet appearing and I go to Aberdeen Mannofield Church on April 27th...testing times...but good times.
If you are reading this with a heavy load, remember Your heavenly Father knows. He sees. He always makes a way through your problems. Talk to Him about it. HE alone is "The Lifter of Your head!" ( Psalm 3 or 4)
Monday, 20 February 2017
Are you too busy to blog???
There's a book on one of my full-to- the- brim bookcases, called "Too Busy to Pray?" That question mark says it all...it really means the reader IS too busy to pray but wants to do something about it. (In my case my prayer life is often conducted out of doors at bus stops while waiting for a bus or train ( obviously NOT at a bus stop !?)
But I am too busy to blog...it takes time, and something exciting happening to be worth saying.
Well here I am on Monday Feb 20th 2017, telling you I had a brilliant day!
About 11.30 I got on the train to central Glasgow. Of course I prayed while at the train station ( see above). Enjoyed the walk though George Square to Queen Street Station ( another chance to p...y)
When I got off at Alexandra Parade, I got chatting to a guy on two sticks who was having difficulty climbing the steps, and there was no lift. he told me he had a cancerous brain tumour which had caused him to lose his sense of balance. ( by the way, a minister friend of mine once said, that after the bible and a newspaper, we church leader types should all get a medical dictionary. He was right...I've learnt SO much about the human body and ailments from pastoral care) I told him what I did and promised to pray for him as I ran for the Number 38 bus to take me up to Riddrie.
Then I touted my tickets for our Spring Fundraising Concert around the shops in Smithycroft Road and sold 3...( see my facebook page for details) On to Carntyne Primary 7 class who listened to me sharing about my father being nearly caught up in the Holocaust and about my dead relatives who were taken to Aushwitz. I could say they were rapt, but since their teacher AND a trainee teacher were in the room...I guess not.
Off to meet Russell Robertson a local Councillor whom I'd arranged to meet in Rowan's Coffee Shop. He paid for my coffee. ( I know , I began to think why? Does he have a hidden agenda?)
Turns out we had much in common- namely that Partnership is the way ahead for church and community workers. Know your patch, the kind of houses your folks live in, what they are concerned about, work hard at networking etc. It was a mutually beneficial time. RR also had met with a local " mover and shaker"/gatekeeper that I had not in my 6 months managed to contact and meet. next time RR will invite me when he meets ??
So that was my day.... how was yours? I am thanking God's Holy Spirit for His help and the way He makes all the connections!
But I am too busy to blog...it takes time, and something exciting happening to be worth saying.
Well here I am on Monday Feb 20th 2017, telling you I had a brilliant day!
About 11.30 I got on the train to central Glasgow. Of course I prayed while at the train station ( see above). Enjoyed the walk though George Square to Queen Street Station ( another chance to p...y)
When I got off at Alexandra Parade, I got chatting to a guy on two sticks who was having difficulty climbing the steps, and there was no lift. he told me he had a cancerous brain tumour which had caused him to lose his sense of balance. ( by the way, a minister friend of mine once said, that after the bible and a newspaper, we church leader types should all get a medical dictionary. He was right...I've learnt SO much about the human body and ailments from pastoral care) I told him what I did and promised to pray for him as I ran for the Number 38 bus to take me up to Riddrie.
Then I touted my tickets for our Spring Fundraising Concert around the shops in Smithycroft Road and sold 3...( see my facebook page for details) On to Carntyne Primary 7 class who listened to me sharing about my father being nearly caught up in the Holocaust and about my dead relatives who were taken to Aushwitz. I could say they were rapt, but since their teacher AND a trainee teacher were in the room...I guess not.
Off to meet Russell Robertson a local Councillor whom I'd arranged to meet in Rowan's Coffee Shop. He paid for my coffee. ( I know , I began to think why? Does he have a hidden agenda?)
Turns out we had much in common- namely that Partnership is the way ahead for church and community workers. Know your patch, the kind of houses your folks live in, what they are concerned about, work hard at networking etc. It was a mutually beneficial time. RR also had met with a local " mover and shaker"/gatekeeper that I had not in my 6 months managed to contact and meet. next time RR will invite me when he meets ??
So that was my day.... how was yours? I am thanking God's Holy Spirit for His help and the way He makes all the connections!
Saturday, 21 January 2017
What a Wonderful Bright Day!
What is it about bright days in January, that made me do things I haven't done for a long time!!!???
I'm talking about cycling to one of our many local supermarkets and having to wear sunglasses!
I also tidied up our back garden...well it's really a back yard with loads of eccentric big stone pots and two old walking boots used as flower pots to house plants ( now died!!!) If you seriously request it, I shall take a photo and attach it to my next blog- if you really really want to see our back yard..
Sunshine but cold, also took me out for a coffee along Bothwell Road ( yes, still on the bike- I know !)
And yesterday I went to the cinema to see "La La Land" that much anticipated film.
Have to say ( must you use that cliche, Dot ???) Well ok, delete that....
Thought it was a promising Song and Dance movie of the olde style...disappointed was I however.
In case you are going to see it, still go. I am probs ultra critical since I'm DRAMAH trained.
Enema Stone- convincing lead, but Ryan Gosling? Good looking boy ( as Lorraine Kelly might say) but for me NO CHARISMA... and that has always been what male leads in Musicals need. Think "West side Story"- the good looking guy who played Male romantic lead Tony. No one remembers his name but they remember his handsome polished face and Natalie Wood gazing up at him. Ryan Gosling just flat, in my opinion- lucky to be given this role handed on a plate to him. But in my opinion, any youngish man at a stage school could have sung and danced with a lot more pazazz.... just saying...go see film
Byeeeee
I'm talking about cycling to one of our many local supermarkets and having to wear sunglasses!
I also tidied up our back garden...well it's really a back yard with loads of eccentric big stone pots and two old walking boots used as flower pots to house plants ( now died!!!) If you seriously request it, I shall take a photo and attach it to my next blog- if you really really want to see our back yard..
Sunshine but cold, also took me out for a coffee along Bothwell Road ( yes, still on the bike- I know !)
And yesterday I went to the cinema to see "La La Land" that much anticipated film.
Have to say ( must you use that cliche, Dot ???) Well ok, delete that....
Thought it was a promising Song and Dance movie of the olde style...disappointed was I however.
In case you are going to see it, still go. I am probs ultra critical since I'm DRAMAH trained.
Enema Stone- convincing lead, but Ryan Gosling? Good looking boy ( as Lorraine Kelly might say) but for me NO CHARISMA... and that has always been what male leads in Musicals need. Think "West side Story"- the good looking guy who played Male romantic lead Tony. No one remembers his name but they remember his handsome polished face and Natalie Wood gazing up at him. Ryan Gosling just flat, in my opinion- lucky to be given this role handed on a plate to him. But in my opinion, any youngish man at a stage school could have sung and danced with a lot more pazazz.... just saying...go see film
Byeeeee
Saturday, 17 December 2016
Amazing Grace !
(Without being smug) ..Aren't people one of the most amazing things about being a Christian?
Bumped into an "old" friend from my Scripture Union Staff days, who now worships in an independent fellowship nearby. It was such a joy to catch up with each other's families, and where we were in our service for the Lord. What a laugh ( since he's male) that several of the females around were watching us closely. Then his wife ( whom I know too) came up, I guess, to claim him...so she got a hug as well. !
We prayed in broad daylight ( yes!)...Don't be afraid in this day and age to show you care, by letting Holy Spirit pray through you for others. Another amazing thing!
Then I walked on down to Asda full of the joys.....
Last Blog before a week on Sunday...
Anyone reading this, for whom it's their first Christmas without a loved one- no platitudes- may I just pray for you, God's deepest comfort in your loneliness and sadness..this is a tribute to how much you loved and were loved.....
Bumped into an "old" friend from my Scripture Union Staff days, who now worships in an independent fellowship nearby. It was such a joy to catch up with each other's families, and where we were in our service for the Lord. What a laugh ( since he's male) that several of the females around were watching us closely. Then his wife ( whom I know too) came up, I guess, to claim him...so she got a hug as well. !
We prayed in broad daylight ( yes!)...Don't be afraid in this day and age to show you care, by letting Holy Spirit pray through you for others. Another amazing thing!
Then I walked on down to Asda full of the joys.....
Last Blog before a week on Sunday...
Anyone reading this, for whom it's their first Christmas without a loved one- no platitudes- may I just pray for you, God's deepest comfort in your loneliness and sadness..this is a tribute to how much you loved and were loved.....
Saturday, 10 December 2016
tis the season to take brolly...tra la la la la la la la la !
Actually hasn't the weather been stupendous so far, enabling folks to visit, shop, sing, and everything else we cram into December???? Today I avoided the shops and had a lovely local swim and steam room, while two of our family were working- one in Boots Central Station, the other in a signal box. Daughter no 2 has sadly succumbed to a serious tummy bug so is off work till further notice..aw..meanwhile we have managed to lumber our artificial tree down from the loft and decorate it.
Tonight I have a last minute baby ( child/young person) sitting gig from 8-10pm. As long as I can watch the (usually good, colourful and funny) TV, I will be happy.
Tomorrow is Advent 3 Church Service with the theme "Star Trek" about...of course...those wise men. Looking forward to conducting this service, then off to GRI to hand in daughter no 2's important form to ensure she still gets paid !!!
Happy Christmas if you can- those of you who have sad memories, take it easy... Dot
Tonight I have a last minute baby ( child/young person) sitting gig from 8-10pm. As long as I can watch the (usually good, colourful and funny) TV, I will be happy.
Tomorrow is Advent 3 Church Service with the theme "Star Trek" about...of course...those wise men. Looking forward to conducting this service, then off to GRI to hand in daughter no 2's important form to ensure she still gets paid !!!
Happy Christmas if you can- those of you who have sad memories, take it easy... Dot
Friday, 2 December 2016
A spiritualist, a good friend to D, and a Deacon's lunch
Someone called me out of the blue in trouble with negative thoughts. No wonder. Her background was spiritualism. We spoke on the phone.Praise God one of the staff at Faith Mission Bookshop was on hand when my spiritualist contact phoned again. The two Dorothys
( Dot to Dot?) spoke Scripture to her down the phone and prayed for God to break in. Continued prayer pls if you are reading this- that she will keep reading John's Gospel and will come to faith..added bonus if she comes to church on Sunday in Riddrie.
A good friend of a gentleman who comes to the Art Class for silver haired folks in one of the church's downstair's rooms, told me that D had died, and asked if I would conduct his funeral, if possible in church. I would be privileged to do that. Watch this space.
Finally today was my first Annual Christmas dinner- with about 10 other deacons in Glasgow area- active and retired! A good time ( and a moan) was had by all- and the food was good- except for the rockhard pudding. I could have thrown it at a wall and it would have bounced....
I must I must learn to be grateful. I must I must I must learn learn to be be grateful. Byee!
( Dot to Dot?) spoke Scripture to her down the phone and prayed for God to break in. Continued prayer pls if you are reading this- that she will keep reading John's Gospel and will come to faith..added bonus if she comes to church on Sunday in Riddrie.
A good friend of a gentleman who comes to the Art Class for silver haired folks in one of the church's downstair's rooms, told me that D had died, and asked if I would conduct his funeral, if possible in church. I would be privileged to do that. Watch this space.
Finally today was my first Annual Christmas dinner- with about 10 other deacons in Glasgow area- active and retired! A good time ( and a moan) was had by all- and the food was good- except for the rockhard pudding. I could have thrown it at a wall and it would have bounced....
I must I must learn to be grateful. I must I must I must learn learn to be be grateful. Byee!
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