Author: Carol Purves

The concert was free; the chair comfortable; the surroundings beautiful.

I was sitting in my garden with eyes closed. A blackbird perching in the nearest chimney top sang his heart out in praise to God. The late summer leaves were rustling in harmony in the slightest of zephyr breezes. A bee or two hovered and buzzed, extracting the final drops of nectar.

For the second movement I had to listen very hard. A tiny creature or maybe an insect was collecting his lunch.

The final movement was loud and explosive. Starlings gathered along the line of my roof, chattering and screeching their intention to depart. I had to open my eyes. As one bird flew off the roof, another took his place, while those already there shuffled up to let him in. The shuffling continued as no-one was left out.

The last bar of the music was dramatic. As one, every bird flew off in the same direction. But as if to bid me goodbye, there was one last circling of beating wings.

The person I wanted to speak to was on another phone, ‘This is the oily rag speaking for the engine driver’, I was told.

When I spoke to the ‘oily rag.’ in mock humility I said

‘If you’re the oily rag, I’m only a blob of oil.’
Then I realised how important a blob of oil is. Its use was essential in Biblical time. It was often used in their religious observances and David and other kings were anointed with it. Jacob poured oil on the stone where he had been lying when he saw the angels ascending and descending and the widow who Elisha knew, was destitute until the miracle of the jar of continuous oil. Also Jesus condemned the five virgins who didn’t keep their lamps trimmed.

I might only be a blob of oil, but thinking of all this, I feel important.

Carol

On Saturday we had another meeting of Christian writers. Because our group is growing and many come quite a distance, we started in the middle of the day with a snack for those who wanted it. This gave more time to chat and get to know each other better. Being Christian and writers we had a lot to talk about.

The subject ‘Nature’s Music’ meant many excellent pieces of work were produced (mostly poetry). I wish I had space and time to re-print Colin’s poem. It went through the four seasons with a great amount of alliteration. Great fun to read and listen to.

‘If we were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict us?’

That was the challenge we were given one Sunday evening. I reviewed my past week and mentally started listing my ‘good deeds.’ I seemed to add up quite a few and was starting to feel smug.

Than I realised it was not about me; it was about what God wanted me to do, not what I wanted and what I had done. My ‘good works’ were like filthy rags. Looking at it this way, my score wasn’t so good.

It is only by doing His will that my actions will be accepted as ‘gold, silver and precious stones.’ I also realised that I needed to stand up and be counted, so that there is enough evidence against me.

Carol

When my friends visit my house, they see it as a place of welcome for a chat or a meal or a place of refuge from their troubles. When my great nephews and nieces come they are only interested in a garden to play in with a lawn for football. My neighbours are primarily concerned that my weeds do not get out of hand. One house and garden, so many different views.

Like my house and garden, I can be seen in many different ways – friend, confident, aunt, sister, neighbour, family or church member. I am only one person, but others relate to me according to their position.

It is only God who sees the true me. He knows me through and through, good and bad. But the wonder of it is He loves me in spite of my failings, shortcomings, and sin. To Him, I am His child, His heir, His redeemed.

Four days in Edinburgh at Festival time is a treat. The city was heaving with people, rushing from venue to venue. I saw a notice for a Fringe item number 169. Are there really that many events?

As I was staying with my friends, as well as visiting one of the Book Events, we also went to a couple of museums. I really would recommend the Dovecot, with their rug making. It needs to be seen to be believed. Fascinating.

We managed to pull ourselves from the city and visited Monteviot House in the Borders. The gardens were one of the best I have seen in Scotland. So many different ‘rooms’, ranging from the Water Gardens to Inspirational Imagination. We could have spent all day there and taken a picnic as we saw some people doing. Of course, the weather was very hot and sunny. That always helps any day out.

Carol

Great to have survived another birthday. Also means I get presents. One of them this year was a ticket to the Edinburgh Book Festival. My friends took me to hear Jonathan Dimbleby. So interesting. He was not at all as I expected him to be. I thought his stature would be as big as his character.

Nevertheless an exciting hour listening to an orator. He had the audience spell-bound. I learned so much about the Battle of the Atlantic which was what his latest book was about.

The atmosphere at the festival was great. On this particular evening it was a square full of readers and writers, all intent on promoting this great art.

Carol

In our ladies Bible group as we talked about praying, some explained that they had a regular quiet time each day, meditating, reading God’s word, speaking and listening to God. One lady admitted that she didn’t haven’t a regular prayer time but spoke to God on and off during the day.

We would not ignore an earthly friend, how much more should we not ignore God. But we can’t pray every minute of the day, or can we?

In Thessalonians we read ‘pray continually.’. So how can it be done. We can prayer first thing in the morning, thanking Him for giving us another day and remembering our family friends. Pray as we’re working in the home, office or factory, thinking about our colleagues, companies and bosses.

On the bus, train or driving we can prayer for those around us and the families in the houses we are passing. Travelling by air is a wonderful opportunity to pray for the countries we are flying over.

We can make prayer and communication with God as natural as breathing.

Carol

We are just recovering from a two week visit of a mission team from Spain. Eighteen months ago we visited this church in Algeceras in Southern Spain near Gibraltar.  This is a return visit and the team worked very hard giving tapas evenings at two churches, running a holiday club and organising some fun time in the local parks.

Members of our church were able to learn more about the mission work being done out there by our missionaries Mhairi and Peter, not forgetting their two little girls, Isla and Elizabeth.

My Spanish is still negligible but our visitors had good English and improved all the time.

Carol

Known as ‘Britain’s Music City, Liverpool has connections with Frankie Vaugham, Lonnie Donegan, Billy Fury, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Cilla Black and not forgetting the Fab Four. Do you know ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and ‘Ferry Across the Mersey?’

I’ve just spent four days in this city and was amazed at how much there was to do. We visited the many homes of the Beatles. It seemed they moved round quite a bit. Yes, we went over the Mersey and under the Mersey twice. Along the water front there were many museums and exhibitions to visit including the newly built Liverpool Museum..

When we went up on the wheel we were able to see many more of the city’s attractions, including the two cathedrals. If anyone invites you to visit Liverpool, be prepared for a very busy time.