Inverness Flower Show - 5

Another First Prize display of vegetables.



Although I have been told to consider entering my runner beans in next years show, I have to report that my carrots this year would have won the booby prize!

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today we hear of Jesus giving clear speech and hearing to a deaf man who had a speech impediment.



O for a thousand tongues to sing
my dear Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

Jesus! the Name that charms our fears
and bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life and health and peace.

He speaks, and listening to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.

Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
ye blind, behold, your Saviour come;
and leap, ye lame, for joy!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim
and spread through all the earth abroad
the honours of thy Name.

Happy Sunday!

Inverness Flower Show - 4

A special treat for any Welsh viewers of this blog...



... prize winning leeks!

Inverness Flower Show - 3

Drop, drop, slow tears...



.. not with these onions - I think the tears will be flowing very quick!

Inverness Flower Show - 2

As you can see...



... this fine display of fruit and vegetables won first prize!

Inverness Flower Show - 1

Inverness Flower Show was held at Inverness High School during the Late Summer Bank Holiday weekend...



... as you are about to see, the standard was very high!

The Queen at Balmoral

It is great to know that The Queen will be spending the whole of September in residence at Balmoral Castle.



To Thee, our God, we fly
For mercy and for grace;
Oh, hear our lowly cry
And hide not Thou Thy face!
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

Arise, O Lord of hosts,
Be jealous for Thy name
And drive from out our coasts
The sins that put to shame.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

Thy best gifts from on high
In rich abundance pour
That we may magnify
And praise Thee more and more.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

The powers ordained by Thee
With heavenly wisdom bless;
May they Thy servants be
And rule in righteousness!
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

The Church of Thy dear Son
Inflame with love's pure fire;
Bind her once more in one
And life and truth inspire.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

The pastors of Thy fold
With grace and power endue
That, faithful, pure, and bold,
They may be pastors true.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

O let us love Thy house
And sanctify Thy day,
Bring unto Thee our vows,
And loyal homage pay.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

Give peace, Lord, in our time;
Oh, let no foe draw nigh,
Nor lawless deed of crime
Insult Thy majesty.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

Though vile and worthless, still
Thy people, Lord, are we;
And for our God we will
None other have but Thee.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

I pray that Her Majesty enjoys a peaceful month with us in the Hills of the North.