Closer!

Yes, after some time thinking over many things that have happened recently, I find myself closer than before. The thoughts that had previously passed through my mind before now were not the only reason, and are but a small part of my journey. I don’t know if I will hurt anyone, I hope not, as this was never my intention. And anyway, this might not get past the thought process, or be a permanent or final situation.

What could be so important to me that would cause such heart and thought wrenching? Let me ask you, what kind of situation generally speaking, would cause you most grief? For me, that would be family whether direct or indirect, including my chosen church family. In each case, we are close, and in each case I would never want to hurt anyone at any level. But that may not be possible.

Having been an active part of my church for over 55 years, it does not come easy to switch allegiance. But what would make me do this, let alone consider it? If I am being open and honest, there are a few and enough to list. Some small and incidental, and sadly some which are bigger, and ones I have tried to ignore. Some at my General church level, and others at a local church level. Funnily enough it’s not usually the big issues that cause most trouble, it’s the annoying niggles that won’t go away, and that itch which needs to be scratched.

Just for the record, I am fully aware that no church is perfect. That said, there are some less imperfect than others, also those that would possibly differ in theology, doctrine, or more likely the (non) practice of their stated beliefs. Since God looks on the heart, He will look beyond the outer appearance of any church or person, but more importantly see the motivation of each heart.

The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1Samuel16:7NLT

However it is equally important to balance that truth with the verse which tells us that it’s also what is in the heart, that comes out in our actions. (There may be little in the heart to come out in our actions!)

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs23:7NKJV

Pride, Prejudice, and Independence

It won’t make any sense to the younger readers, but as you get older you might encounter the problem of role reversal with your family. God has been good to me, and blessed me with a family who would do anything for me. This is ok as long as it isn’t necessary to ask, but… BIG BUT, the time comes when you have to give in to your prideful independence, and the prejudice of the only person who can and should do things, is me!!

In a few weeks I will be going into hospital for a significant knee operation to remove one implant, and replace it with another fuller and better one. The result is a while to recover, the physiotherapy, and all the while trying to keep house. Having lost my wee wife some years ago, I miss her and that everything would have been done and covered properly. My pride gets in the way. My two lovely daughters are straight from their mum as far as being Godly, and a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen and home. But ask them to step in and help me? That is a step to far, isn’t it??

There has come a time when events overtake you, and such is the case now, but without a hesitation, they have stood in the gap for me when it was needed, and I didn’t have to ask. Take note, all you lonely dads with daughters, you don’t have to tell then when you need help. They are way ahead of you there, and have already figured it out. You see each side doesn’t want to step in and take away a level of independence, until it is absolutely necessary.

So, my failings are out in the open. My pride, prejudice and independence have taken a much needed knock, but for the best. I have always loved my girls, but I have a new respect and appreciation for them both. They truly are a Godsend, and I don’t use that term lightly. I wasn’t happy with God when He decided that heaven needed the presence of my wife, and although there can never be a substitute, in His infinite wisdom, He gave me two mini-mums who are heaven’s treasures to me. A simple thank you is not enough.

Just Talk?

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy6:6-7NIV

Our biggest, best, and most important mission field is our family. Not the world, or the nation, or even the community, all of which are important, but not as significant as our children. The biggest influence on any child is their mum and dad, especially in their younger formative years, so what are we doing about it?

I don’t know about your church fellowship, but I was used to missionary meetings which always featured brave men and women who left home and family to take the gospel to the poor tribes in the third world. What amazing stories they told, but every convert was a tough challenge, and certainly not easy. Going into a culture which is contrary to the Christian Gospel, and going against the grain for every convert is not easy and every one should be commended.

We are not all called to be missionaries, preachers, or teachers, but every parent has the ability to tell their children about the love of God, and better still, they can show that love first hand. The impact is clear and unmistakeable, and our verse shows the importance. But why do it at all? Taking the following verses in context shows God’s heart and intention for using the family unit as the mission field that most adults can identify with, and He gives us good reason to talk so that we don’t forget the Lord. Just talk with your family, and walk the talk!

When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you – a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant – then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Deuteronomy6:10-12NIV

Love Family

Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. 1 Peter 2:17 NLT

Every family will have differences. Some stronger to the point of arrogance, some timid to the point of weakness, and even some that no one can stand. Before you think, I am an only child, you still have a mum and dad, aunts and uncles either by blood or chosen, and cousins. This would be your family unit and the same dynamics exist. You will get on better with some, than you do with others. No surprises there!

Peter’s reminder of respect and love goes further than our earthly family. If you are a part of God’s family having been accepted into His care by repentance and faith, we all have a responsibility. Think about the good folks in your church. Do you get on equally well with everyone? Probably not. Do you have some friends close enough to confide in, enough to share your deepest thoughts and fears. Probably.

The family of believers is worldwide, and not limited to our own little pocket in the town we live in and attend. You are blessed with a family who are diverse, and many thousands you don’t even know. We are encouraged, expected and directed to respect them in the Lord. More than that, we are commanded to love them in the Lord. That’s whether we naturally gravitate towards them or not.

I am reminded, once again, of the massive family of believers that I am blessed to be a part of, and it is an honour and blessing to be able to worship with them when I get the chance. You see, this command is not just for me. This command is for all of God’s family, so wherever we go, the feelings of mutual respect and love are the same. Put simply, church feels like home, and there is a massive benefit because: All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:35 ERV

Family

It has been a year, but twelve months later I am visiting my Texas family for an extended holiday. Frankly, I don’t know how they put up with me and my quirks, but they do. Or maybe the truth lies in the fact that we are not just friends, or even good friends, but family! Close family. And don’t we always make allowances for those we love? The more we love, the more we see the good, and happily ignore or forget the ‘other stuff’, and let’s face it, we all carry some stuff from our lives into the lives of others!

In a similar way, I am privileged to meet up with folks in the local church here that I had the pleasure and blessing to meet last year. It was like an extension of family, but these same folks don’t really know me, but they know my faith and values. On top of that, my family has been reminding their friends that their dad/granda was coming to visit. They accepted me on the strength of the word of those they trust. Their word is good, acceptable, and trustworthy almost without question, and all because of their integrity.

What an amazing picture of the family of God. Those who profess the name of Jesus Christ, as Christians, will happily accept others they may not even know well, if at all, on the word of a trusted friend. We are close to God when we are close to His followers, whoever they are and wherever they live. It is a double blessing when those Christians are also family. I am blessed on both counts, and have a reminder of how the love of God flows through His followers, to everyone they come in contact with. How do I know this? Because it was Jesus who said:

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34,35  

A Worried Christian?

Don’t worry about things—food, drink, and clothes. For you already have life and a body—and they are far more important than what to eat and wear. Matthew 6:25 (AMP)

I have heard it said and preached that we shouldn’t worry or be anxious about anything, because it shows a doubting heart, and that you don’t trust God. I would agree with the verse which talks clearly about things like food, drink and clothing. But what about people? Are we not all, every one of us, worried about our friends and family? Worried to the point of being distressed as we watch them grow and enter a world they don’t know anything about.

Can I kindly suggest that it does not show a distrust in God when we are concerned, and yes anxious about our parents, children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers or friends. It does not show a disbelief in the power of our God. When we pray, do we not weep for them? Would we not rather any harm would come to us, than to them? Sometimes our grief is measured by the measure of our love. The more we love, the more we grieve, and yes worry.

Can I let you into a secret? There is no age limit to this kind of concern. A parent will always worry for and about their children and grandchildren, no matter how well things would appear to be going. Sometimes the worry is contained easily behind a smile and a laugh. But sometimes that anxiety fills the praying heart, and spills out of the eyes in unwelcome, unusual, hot salty tears when no one except God sees or would ever know or understand. That’s a parent’s love, and there is nothing like it from the baby’s birth to the grandparent’s grave. As tough as it is, I wouldn’t change the gift of that role or responsibility for anything.

Faith, Family and Friends

Sometimes something old hits you again, but with more force, as if to impress within you ever deeper than before, of its truth and significance. The month of December, as it leads up to Christmas, is full of reminders of gifts and giving, but what do you think are some of the most important Blessings we can enjoy, not only in December but year after year?

These three ‘F’s go together in my mind, and they are linked unlike any others which might run round my brain at any given time. Sometimes I need a reminder of their importance amidst the hustle and bustle of December when we get busy, and can temporarily leave some other good thoughts behind. I am blessed among many to have such a good trust and Faith in God, my Family, Friends in general, and a ‘Friend of Friends’, all of whom make me feel loved, needed and special.

This is a simple thought, and I know I am not alone in having these three ‘F’s in my life, but I am thankful for them not only in December, but always. They say all good things come to an end, but that is only partly true. As I come to the end of another great holiday in Texas, I can’t believe how fast the time has gone, but I feel thankful that I can travel to be with them. On top of that are my old and new friends at Arlington First Nazarene, where worship is felt and the Word is preached with power. Everyone has played a part in making my stay memorable. But the cement that binds us all together is the common Faith in the saving grace of God. In the words of the Bill Gaither song: “I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God”.

Hidden

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 NIV

This old and well worn verse, memorised from Sunday School times, has a depth of meaning. On a surface level, it is an exhortation to learn, and remember Scripture, and commit as much as possible to memory. The reason for this is to give strength when we face tough times and need to know what His Word says to us in that situation. We use our memory to its best advantage while we can.

The psalmist doesn’t use the word memory, or brain, he uses the word ‘heart’ and I think deliberately to give us a deeper insight and meaning which goes beyond our capacity to remember. The heart goes far deeper than our heads, but we don’t remember with our hearts, do we? Or do we?

In these days where we are all living longer, one of the increasing problems we may face is forgetfulness, and in up to 80% of cases, we could develop some kind of mild or severe dementia. Our memory will not always be as alert or useful. We might find ourselves unable to recall the things we did yesterday, but can bring to mind in great detail what we did on our street 50 years ago in our childhood or youth. I think this is the secret of hiding God’s Word in our heart.

If you should ever see signs of memory loss starting in your own life, what would you like to keep in your heart? For my part, I would say the faces and names of my loved ones. My wife, children, grandchildren, friends and that very special friend too. The heart can be a treasure trove of good things, and on top of it all, could and should be God’s Word to keep us in tune with His work in our lives in the past, at present, and into our perhaps unknown future.

Have you seen a saint of God grow old, while memory fades? I have, and my experience is that they kept a glow, when their memory had no reason to make them happy. Without exception, they had hidden God’s Word in their hearts, and when their memory failed, the reserves of the heart kicked in and sustained them until it was time to come face to face with the Author. I pray that my gracious God will allow that same blessing for you and me!

My Family

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1 NIV

How many families do you have? I have two terrific families, and I am so thankful for both. The first, and obvious one, is my earthly family, and I am proud of them all, right down to my Children and Grandchildren. Of course this family includes Aunts, Uncles, Sister, Brothers, ‘In-Laws’, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and those ‘specially adopted’ members. Each one special in their own way, and with their own unique gifts and talents. You will know my thoughts on family if you have read any of my Blogs. I am not only pleased to be a member of this family, I am proud to be a very small part of it. Not more important than any other, but just a part of the overall good of the unit, and one of the pieces of glue which holds it all together. A family is a gift from God, and is to be cherished.

The Church is a group of ordinary people who make up the other family, the ‘Family of God’, and is not a building. It also consists of different folks at various ages and experience, who help encourage and protect each other. This is not a secret society, but a very open and public family unit. To be a part, you must acknowledge Jesus as Saviour. That’s it! Of course when you do this, you want to reach out to others in His Name. I have been humbled to see this in action recently, where young and old pull together to feed the homeless in one of the biggest cities in the USA, and all in the name of the ‘Family of God’. I have also been overwhelmed once again by the welcome of people who do not know me, but the bond of Christian love crosses all sorts of lines of language and nationality, and makes me feel one in the body. Like before, I am only a small part of the glue which helps to hold it together. Just like my other family!  

Two family units, and both are precious. I am also conscious that sometimes these two family types overlap. Our human and church families merge or overlap, and there can be no greater Blessing or privilege than to play a small part in the life of these two distinct bodies, as they combine into one living union. Am I allowed to be proud? I hope so, because I am, but am so much more thankful to God for allowing me to see this heavenly union in my lifetime, than any earthly pride I may feel. Thank you Lord, for both families.

Reunion

School friends do it, military friends do it, university graduates do it, and many more besides, but the greatest reunion in this life is a family reunited! There are some cases of long lost family members meeting again, who were possibly separated at a very young age. As the years have rolled by, they have been granted a reunion in old age. Some have learned about siblings they never know they had. These are wonderful, heart warming stories, and cannot fail to touch the hardest of hearts.

Those who know the circumstances will not be surprised at the appearance of this subject on the Blog Page. After all, the Blogger is enjoying the happy experience of a Family Reunion, and making the most of the holiday time together. How can I, a Dad and Granda, not be overwhelmed by the love shown as we enjoy a simple family reunion? It’s not as if we are not close to start with. We are, but it is in the re-union (literally) of the individual parts that we realise how we are joined together. In family love yes, but it’s greater than that.

We, who claim Christ, are all due to celebrate our own family reunion, perhaps not now, or even very soon, but certainly in the future. We are not in control of the timing, but all those dim and hazy experiences we have enjoyed with our God here, will become clear as day as we are joined together in heaven. Not only that, there is the bonus of being truly reunited with family we still miss from our lives. Now that is a double bonus, great family reunion in Glory, to be fully enjoyed only by those who own the name of Jesus.

A double bonus of a family re-union on earth, and in heaven. Now what greater family reunion can there be?

Family

It is my opinion that there is no greater example of God’s love in action, in this life, than the outworkings of a Godly family. It has been said that the earthly family unit is a microcosm of His love in action for us to enjoy, here on earth, before we enjoy the real thing in Heaven. I like that thought.

Of course, there are many examples of the family unit in crisis. We only have to read the newspapers or watch the TV news to be made painfully aware that the intended safety of the family unit is much abused, and there are many court cases to make that painful point. Each and every child, should be at their safest in the family home, and so it follows that every parent has a great responsibility to protect their sons and daughters from harm. I would go further and say this is a God given, divine charge.

I accept that there are many families, that instill good values in their children, both natural and adopted. This is commendable and to be congratulated. However, I am suggesting that the pinnacle of family living is found in a family where the children are not only given good values to pursue, but Godly, moral and ethical ones to adopt as their lifestyle choice too. I believe God smiles on parents who take their responsibilities seriously, and carry out a lifestyle befitting a Christian, and as a result enjoy Heavenly approval.

It is a fact, supported by independent studies, that children thrive much better in a loving, and caring family unit where there is a Mum and Dad. Did we really need any kind of study to tell us that? I don’t think so. To repeat and restate the obvious, I said a Mum and Dad. Also, children who are ‘chosen’ may not have their natural Mother or Father, but I suggest it is much better to have a loving Mum and Dad. The analogy is unmistakeable. It is humanly possible to be a mother or father, but it takes something special to be a Mum, or a Dad. We are all children of a loving God, adopted into His care. No one can look after our lives and loves better than our Lord and Saviour, so who better to emulate?

So, to parents who may be struggling to provide a safe and loving family unit for their family, take heart. Our father God has trouble with us too. We don’t always accept His teachings or discipline easily either, but that does not make it the wrong lifestyle. Let’s protect and promote the safe values of the family unit, and especially the Christian family unit, where a fine Godly example is not only taught, but seen to be lived. The rewards are good in this life, but also eternal.

Sorry or Caught?

I have tried to follow some of the Commons Select Committee questioning of Murdoch father and son, regarding the ongoing phone hacking investigation into the 'News of the World' reporters and private investigators. Ok, so I am a sad person, but I was interested to see the Murdochs in action under questioning.

I hadn't thought it possible, but I actually started to feel sorry for the ageing tycoon. He was not as sharp as I had imagined, and didn't come across as the fearsome individual he has been portrayed as. In fact, the committee came across as a group who were happy to tear them apart, and relied on the stumbling age of the elderly man under investigation. They sensed blood, and went for the jugular. As far as I could see, they didn't uncover anything new. All they did was allow the guilty pair to say 'sorry' again. Maybe the committee will feel better now that they have 'given them a kicking', but not done anything else constructive. I saw them being questioned as if they were guilty of genocide in the European Court of The Hague.

We should be very aware of these tactics. The same kind of courtroom antics were used 2,000 years ago when Jesus was tried before his crucifixion, by a group of select leaders, albeit church leaders. Very few people gave Jesus any chance to prove his innocence, and yet he was very innocent.

When I pull myself back, and look at the situation, I am not sure if the Murdochs are sorry for their illegal actions, or sorry they were caught. There is a great big difference, and it is the difference between regret and repentance. Oh I know that's a very old word, but if you think about the deeper meaning, it determines how they will behave in future. Will they go back to their old ways after the heat has died down, or will they change their ways. That would also be seen as a change of heart. Maybe, just maybe, this very rich old man is now getting the chance to see what his ruthlessness in earlier business life has caused, and maybe just maybe he is truly sorry. If there is any remnant of goodness left from his family upbringing, and he is aware of the concept of a heavenly reward, and a deserving hell, he may now be reviewing his life through different eyes.

This all comes back to the question of 'who is our judge?' I would suggest it is not the Commons Select Committee, or any Judge Led Inquiry, but an Almighty God who sits above all other earthy judges. I don't know about you, but I am increasingly grateful that my eternal future is in His hands, and none other. 

Family

What is family? Who are family? In a word, it's 'blood'. It runs from generation to generation, right through each person's DNA, like a family fingerprint. I have done some Family Tree research, and there is a blood line to follow when looking for ancestors. In a sense, it doesn't matter if someone in a marriage has been remarried, because the blood line can still be traced.

Another good thing is that, in the event that someone has been adopted, there is a clear and undeniable link to their new family. In the eyes of the law they are treated in the same way as 'blood' family. I like that. Not just because it helps me to find family who have gone before, and that can be full, or half, or adopted ancestors, but because it speaks to me of a higher and greater worth we all enjoy in our Heavenly Father through the blood of the Son of God. I love these verses:

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor 6:18 (KJV)

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. Romans 8:15-17 (KJV)

It is good to belong to a close knit physical family, where we can enjoy all the benefits of loving parents, but I feel it is so much better to be part of the greater Family of God, where we can all find peace and release to be ourselves, along with all those other brothers and sisters who are doing the same thing, in Christ. There is a dimension to our heavenly family that can not easily be described. It cuts across the boundaries of time, distance, colour, creed, age and finds a unique and common ground in our Faith and love of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I will be the first to admit that I have been privileged to have been loved and reared in a Godly family unit, and have tried to do the same thing with our own children, but that is not the whole story. Without the added dimension of God's love in our lives, something here on this earth is missing. We can see evidence of that all around us, if we just take the time to look. So, thanks are due to my Mum and Dad, for their earthly love and care, but also for their Godly example. Without that vital piece, who knows how I would have turned out, and from there, our own children?

Next time you question God, or wonder if this Christian life is of any value, think again, and thank God for the honour of being placed in the greatest mission field in the world, your home. Your Family!! 

Twin Family Bonus

Sound family units hold the future. A good future, and this can sometimes been seen in the results of a photo shoot. Children who have a secure family unit to grow up in, are fortunate indeed, and this was the setting for this outing to get some family portraits updated.

It is always a pleasure to work with children, even when they are unpredictable, and maybe because they are unpredictable! In this case, it was easy to settle into a routine of fun for the family (well the children!), and work for me. Actually, work is too strong a word, as this was a bit of enjoyment for me too. 

The most important element is the finished result, and whether the parents are pleased with the outcome. Any amount of fun on the day is unimportant, compared to the satisfaction of the end result! I hope you can see the bond of this family unit. Separate people, but united in their love for each other. It's in the eyes!!

For more photos from this series, see my photo gallery on http://www.picasaweb.google.co.uk/picsmphoto

You Think YOU'RE Confused?

Ok, I am a blogger. I put my thoughts down so that others can read them, and agree or disagree. Like most other bloggers, I am not sure why I do this in my spare time, but I would not like to mislead, or give the wrong impression of who I am, or even worse still not know what I stand for myself!


In the process of blogging, you find yourself seeking out others who seem to think like you. Maybe that's to confirm in your own mind that you're not the only nutter out there who actually believes that what you think is important to somebody else! Perish the thought!


So that you know where I am coming from, and to avoid confusion, I follow the 'F' words for my life. Faith, Family, Family tree research, and Photography. Sorry about the last one :-). All in that order. I am not ashamed of my choices. Actually it is usually easier to mention any of them except Faith. That's where others have their own opinions, and a lot of heat gets generated (usually more heat than light!). But having said it, you are in no doubt where I stand, agree or disagree. I will try to understand your opinion, all I ask is that you respect mine.


I say all that because I came across a blog by someone I know. Very clever, and well educated, even articulate, but I had to conclude that I didn't know her at all, and I thought I did! She belongs to that group of people who theor-'ise', and psycholog-'ise', and psychiatr-'ise', and philosoph-'ise', around a subject, and although clever is not very w-'ise'! I used to work with a man who would say from time to time, 'I might be daft, but I'm not stupid'. A good and understandable witticism. Trouble is, some bloggers are 'daft AND stupid' and it comes across. Like politicians, they talk a lot but don't say much. An aide to an old US President used to say about him, 'he don't say much, but when he talks, he don't say much'. Ouch!


I hope I never get to the stage when people wonder what I am saying when I talk, or even worse can't tell what I stand for, and where my priorities in life are. If, or when, that happens, I will expect my family and friends (my real friends) to tell me sincerely, but quietly. That is when I will stop. In the meantime, I will say again that my life revolves around my Faith, Family, and Fotography. (Ok is that better :-)?), and in that order. Clear? Oh, I also have a 'C' word in my life, and this goes with me wherever I go, helps to form the real me, and is non-negotiable! Even clearer?      

Contagious Grins!

You can't tell a child when to smile, no matter their age. You can say the words 'smile please' and mean them, but if the child (of ANY age) doesn't want to smile, well, they won't!! But when that same wee person decides they are enjoying the whole lot of attention, and they want to smile, well then it just bursts forth like a well or a fountain. 

The smile on these young subjects became contagious as the night went on, and they realised that they were enjoying themselves and having fun!! These are portraits of a family of sisters with their 'baby' cousin, and boy did they look after each other that night. 

A family is a wonderful thing. A God given institution of visible love, protection, happiness and unity. Just like my young subjects that night. I was allowed to be a part of their family fun, and in return, I think you will agree, the images portray that whole protective and happy family feeling. We owe it to ourselves to enjoy our children while they are young, and if like me, you get the chance to be allowed into their private world, take it! There is no safer, more wonderful place.

For more of this photo shoot, go to my gallery website at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/dmmclean1.