Leah has been working as a vet for the past three years. University Vet School, whilst invaluable, must be a million miles away from the reality of handling needy animals and their anxious, wallet restrained owners, week in and week out. No doubt Leah has learnt a lot. So I asked her: 'What have you learnt from the animals?' I was expecting something like 'Their remarkabl...
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The Apostle Paul was the greatest missionary the world has ever seen. Called by the Lord Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, gifted and prepared by God, Paul travelled the Roman Empire preaching the gospel and starting churches wherever he went. These churches, in turn, grew into Spirit filled communities that proclaimed the Lordship of Jesus and served their neighbours i...
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Anna and I were in Scotland when I finally finished a heavy non-fiction book I had been lugging around. I decided my next book would be a light, non-confrontational piece of fiction. So off to the bookshop I go. Before long I'm pouring over shelves and displays, looking at titles and authors and cover designs. Nothing grabs my attention. So off to another bookshop, and an...
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My great, great grandparents, Thomas and Ellen Macindoe, married in the Barony Church Glasgow in the mid-1860's. Its minister was Rev. Dr. Norman MacLeod. MacLeod served the Barony Church from 1851 until his death in 1872. During that time the church experienced considerable growth. MacLeod also became Moderator of the Church of Scotland, helped found the Evangelical Alli...
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My great, great grandfather, Thomas Macindoe, lived in Glasgow, Scotland over 150 years ago. One day his flatmate showed him a photo of pretty girl. Thomas was impressed and kept teasing, asking to meet the girl. His friend said, 'No. She's mine'. And then. One Sabbath morning my fellow lodger asked if I would go with him to the church he attended, and I had no objection ...
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It was totally ordinary. I was driving away from our house, as I have done thousands of times before, listening to music on the Christian radio station, HOPE 103.2. Next on cue was a devotion - Linda Bailey. Never heard of her. She had a sweet voice. I didn't want to listen to a sweet voice. 'Nup', I thought, 'I'm out of here. Time to change the channel'. But I didn't. I...
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In 1644 French philosopher, Rene Descartes, wrote his Principles of Philosophy and penned in Latin three simple words that changed the world: 'Cogito, ergo sum'. Descartes was trying to doubt everything and thereby examine what he considered the foundation for true knowledge. His conclusion - translated into English: 'I think, therefore I am'. Those words helped lay the ...
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One of our highlights these holidays was getting two rabbits from the Chong's newly bred litter. I've been assured that they're both female although my confidence was somewhat undermined by the frequency Jade was cross-checking her phone and consulting Eli about their gender. Two weeks on since welcoming the rabbits into our home and I'm questioning our decision. Our r...
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We've done it again! The PennoLife miracle is complete for another year. Who's going to lead? Will the theme work? What about decorating the church? Will anyone come? Will they be glad they came? It takes so much planning and teamwork. It all seems too much but every year God blesses us with a small miracle. Why bother? Here are three things that motivate us: To Bless ...
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A friend sent me a Christmas cartoon that tickled my fancy. A serious looking psychologist sits on a chair holding a notepad and pen, with four other characters facing him. Above them is a banner, 'CHRISTMAS GROUP THERAPY'. They share their struggles. Santa says, 'I don't believe in myself'. The Snowman bemoans, 'I think I'm bi-polar'. Rudolf complains, 'All the other rein...
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