Blog

A Scotsman, a Tongan and a Hat

One of the funniest moments of our recent Mission Preparation…

Just Be There

At work, I’ve been thinking a lot about empathy recently. Some…

A Pinprick of Light

Like many others, I got caught up in solar eclipse fever on Wednesday…

The Bridges We Keep

Yesterday we had one of those lovely reunions that reminds…

The Music That Remains

With the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Festival Fringe…

A Flurry of Facilitators

A group of lions is a pride. A group of geese is a gaggle. And…

The Boy on the Bridge

Walking down to visit my mum yesterday morning, I chose to…

Off You Go Then…

Earlier this week, Annmarie and I were preparing to welcome…

Stories that Help us See

I tell stories all the time. At work, I use storytelling…

Beyond the Badge

Another Lead the Way programme cohort concluded earlier this…

The Language of Friendship

Yesterday, Monic and I collected our dear friend Ans from the…

Finding North

Last week, during another Lead the Way programme, a small theme…

Faith for the Climb

Over the past 18 months or so, I have had the privilege of working…

The Pillow Principle

At the start of a recent Lead the Way programme at Aviva in Perth,…

Heaven Has Many Accents

Reflecting back this morning on our church history tour a whole…

What We Carry

Last week, I had the pleasure of working with one of my co-facilitators…

Where Prayers Echo

Recently, I found myself walking up Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh…

Beneath the Lid

Returning from holiday recently, I noticed a new addition to…

The Missing Number Five

It’s always a joy visiting my mum on a Saturday morning. Towards…

More Than Words

Around the Learning Centre at Aviva in Perth, we have a number…

Fresh Eyes

For most of the last twenty years of my career in learning…

Liberty in a Jail

A couple of weeks ago, our Church history tour began in Philadelphia.…

Scotland Was Ready

One evening on our recent historical tour and holiday in the…

Duct Tape Leadership

There are moments in life when you begin to realise just how…

A Pilgrimage of Faith

Several times over these last few days, my attention has been…

Beauty Born of Sacrifice

These last few days have been quite incredible, but yesterday…

The Stones Remain

One of our favourite experiences over the last few days has…

It’s Not About the Price

A couple of days ago, we visited the Grandin Press Building…

Dressed for the Journey

Yesterday morning, before setting off on our…

The View from the Top

It's been 41 years since Marty and I served together as missionary…

Liberty Still Rings

There was something rather symbolic about standing beside the…

The Sugar Snap Incident

Recently, we arrived in Philadelphia for a church history tour,…

Juggling Four

There’s something about a trip to the loft. You normally…

A Little More Brave

Yesterday felt a little like David versus Goliath. Recently,…

The Power of Playfulness

I think somewhere deep down, most of us would quite like to…

Simple Things Shared with Glad Hearts

Despite having lived in Dunfermline for many years, Monic and…

Every Club Counts

Yesterday, while co-facilitating a Lead the Way session at Aviva…

Fleeting Days, Eternal Bonds

Sometimes life quietly reminds us just how fleeting it is. We’re…

The Gentle Rewind

My day always begins early. This morning, as I sat to write…

To the Rescue

Yesterday, Oscar and I headed to the little park in the afternoon. He…

The Thinking Face

The other day, I was co-facilitating a virtual learning session…

Mission to Marriage

Yesterday, I spent part of my afternoon doing something that’s…

The Quiet Realisation

After graduating from university many years ago, I found myself…

Twelve facilitators in a room…

It’s been quite a journey. A year ago, this might have felt…

Hope in Extra Time

Yesterday, I found myself back at Hampden Park for the first…

The Art of Not Hurrying

I tried a little experiment recently. In my determination…

Ladybirds in the Stairwell

Last week, Monic and I spent a few days at the Preston Temple. It…

Make it Fun

Sometimes, life can bring along difficult situations, hard…

The Stationery Aisle Experiment

I read a lot. Its been a habit of my lifetime. If anything,…

The Work of Waiting

Two years ago, this weekend, I was in Leidschendam in the Netherlands. It…

Slenteren: The Case for Moseying

Yesterday, Monic and I found ourselves doing what many couples…

A Better Beginning

Since I was 12 years old and my morning paper round, I’ve…

The Palms of Their Hands

In my personal study this Palm Sunday morning, I was drawn…

26 Names. No pressure.

Yesterday I saw something I’ve only witnessed a handful of…

Formulas

Recently, I’ve noticed a bit of a trend at work… formulas. Not…

Unhurried

Recently, I received a message from a few of our returned missionaries…

Check in – Check out

I bought myself a ball recently. In fact, I bought three,…

Past Blessings, Future Promises

Last week we had two of our missionaries from our time in Belgium…

A View From the Other Side

I’ve always liked learning something new. Last week was…

The Loom of Time

This morning I came across the beautiful poem 𝑻𝒉𝒆…

Delays, Diversions and Leadership

As I set off for work yesterday, my travel was beset with delays…

The Breakfast TV Effect

At the end of a Lead the Way leadership session last week with…

The Mission Never Really Ends

Whenever one of our missionaries from the Belgium Netherlands…

The Wizard of Wi-Fi

Last week whilst running a leadership programme for Aviva in…

Climate Before Content

Charley, Hannah, Holly and Taylor are our events team in the…

Shoes That Don’t Fit

This week, during a leadership session, I decided to make things…

Clicker in Hand

This week I had the pleasure of co-facilitating a Lead the…

The Missing Piece

Arriving at Kyle and Emily’s on Saturday evening, we found…

Etrenal Connections

This week Monic and I had the opportunity to spend some time…

A Warm Response

Recently, we arrived at an Airbnb after a long day of driving. It…

In the Room

There was an air of excitement and anticipation in the learning…

Two Doors, One Important Lesson

Yesterday I popped into Marks and Spencer for a few bits n…

The Quiet Signals We Send

I was reminded of an old, but meaningful story yesterday, while…

Facilitating Learning

Last week, while facilitating a leadership development session…

A Quiet Carriage

On my return journey home yesterday from Preston on the train,…

Let’s take this for a walk…

Yesterday on a Lead the Way programme for Aviva in Perth, my…

Be Prepared

Our Monday morning team call yesterday was focused on something…

No Spark at Breakfast

Yesterday, whilst enjoying breakfast, Monic shouted from the…

Better Together

Back in June last year, I found myself in Rome at a 2-day conference. After…

Sitting alongside

In a recent learning programme, a participant asked a question…

In Due Time

On Monday, one of the brown laces in my favourite shoes snapped. It…

The Power of the Small

Yesterday, whilst driving to Perth, I was listening to Radio…

Why leaders tell stories

We’re all unique. If you are anything like me, through…

Elders

Every week, along with one or two others, I sit in a meeting…

Signals

At the start of our leadership session yesterday, my fellow…

Learning by Doing

Last week, whilst down in London, I spent some time with a…

A Small Adjustment

It had been well over three years. It was time. I’d…

Care as a response to Chaos…

After a long and productive day of team meetings in London yesterday,…

The Parable of the bicycle – updated.

As a facilitator and a learning protagonist, over many years,…

One Step at a Time

On a New Years Day trip to Glasgow, we enjoyed taking our grandson…

Becoming along the Way

Since I was a teenager, goals have been a big part of my life. Sometimes…

Gathered Home

Like a few others this year, I was asked to share a tradition…

Where We Place the Light

All day I’d been talking about candles. It was Christmas…

Sixty Seconds of Christmas

And so, this is Christmas... For weeks, actually months,…

Planted in Scotland

I am truly grateful for the opportunity over these last few…

The Pause That Leads

I meet lots of different people. A term I frequently…

The Welcoming Table

We took a trip over to Edinburgh last night, to visit a Vietnamese…

Drawn to Learn

One of the habits I’ve carried with me for a long time is having…

Small Gifts, Big Light

Earlier this week, I took an early morning flight down to Birmingham…

Give a Little Light

Finally! Tomorrow is the day. After months of…

Lighter Hearts, Better Days…

I meet a lot of people. Lots. Politely they’ll…

The Great Physician

All week long I have been working with some very busy people. Giving…

Shared Purpose, Individual Paths

This week I’ve been delivering to a senior group on the new…

Reality? Aye, Right!

Last night Scotland reminded the world that we do not qualify…

The Slowless Society

Earlier this week, a nasty bug forced me to slow down and spend…

Bouncing Back

This week reminded me that life has a funny way of keeping…

When Love Leads

With the recent passing of President Russell M. Nelson, we…

Moments That Move Us

I’ve been so focused on facilitation and delivery lately that…

Bruised, But Not Broken

It all started so promisingly. Arriving early at Murrayfield…

Small Moments, Big Shifts

Its been nearly two months since I stepped into my new leadership…

What’s in a Name?

As participants arrived in the room, one by one, they’re…

The Light is Building

These last few months have been filled with long hours, careful…

Reflections from the Edge

Yesterday, I was co-facilitating a leadership session in Perth…

Learning to Lead

Yesterday whilst co-facilitating the new Lead the Way leadership…

Sharing Light, Building Hope

Earlier this year, I was asked to coordinate the Church’s…

Creating Space to Learn

Its been a quick week. On Monday, I arrived at our venue a…

A Fireside Chat to Remember

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of observing a fireside chat with…

Looking Up

Last weekend, speaking at General Conference, Elder Jeffrey…

A different kind of tired

I’ve had a great, but exhausting week! At the start of the…

New. Uncomfortable. Stretching.

Yesterday was my first time running the new Lead the Way leadership…

Lit with Fire and Faith

Every six months, I sit down to watch the General Conference…

Savouring the Small Moments

Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had the privilege of…
Tunnocks

Foiled Again!

This week, like last, I’ve been quietly observing the new…
spiders and chestnuts

Spider Time

I was visiting my mum yesterday, and we started talking about…

Back in the Flow

After many years of working for myself, stepping into a bustling…

The crazy side of leadership

Having a BYU student come stay with us,…

A Divine Seating Plan

As we entered Kyle and Emily’s wedding celebration last Monday,…

Wisdom with a Giggle

On Monday, we celebrated Emily and Kyle's wedding near Liverpool. It…

Prepare with Purpose

Lately, my life has been full of preparation. Starting…

A spanner in the works

Early yesterday morning around this time (05.30am), I opened…
journaling

Why I journal every day

Last week, I started a new chapter in my life with Aviva, joining…

The Three Pillars of Life

As a child, I grew up attending The Church of Jesus Christ…

Lighten the Load

Last Saturday, I climbed Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh for the…

A new chapter

I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as…

One Stone at a Time

While we were up in the Sma Glen this week with Carter and…

From Rolls to Rest

My wife and I enjoyed a mini tour and a wee wander through some…

Full Hearts

We’ve had the sweetest few days with some of our returned…

The Cost of Forgetting

After picking up Emerson Randle and her mum Lindsey, from Edinburgh…

The Power of Being Heard

Recently, while running a virtual learning session for an organisation,…

Defining Experiences

Over the weekend, we spent time with a dear friend, Phenix…

Lessons from our Plum Tree

Six years ago, we planted a plum tree in the corner of our…

A Perfect Placement

A few months ago, I found myself in Melrose for the first time…

Shoulder to Shoulder

Life is complex and human beings are complex. In my…

A 400-year leap

One of my favourite ways to start a learning session is with…

Doorstep Deals

The doorbell rang. A stranger stood there offering milk…

The Oscar Shift

On Saturday, Monic and I headed to Glasgow bright and early…

The Crazy Zone

Coming home from a mission can be a disorienting time – that’s…

The Power of Networking

A few days ago, out of the blue I received a message on LinkedIn… “It's…

The Senior Discount Advantage

A few weeks ago, I officially joined the “Golden Club.” I…

A Sure Compass

Just before setting off on my walk along Scotland’s West…

Help Isn’t Always Easy

Recently, whilst in London, I was coming up the stairs from…

Mentoring

One recent Sunday morning, I went over to Edinburgh, to meet…

When the Journey Stalls

Recently, while driving south on a long trip, we hit a massive…

Still My Favourite Part

It’s been just over a year since Monic and I returned home…

A Reflection on My Coaching Journey with the AC

As a Fellow of the Association for Coaching (AC) since last year,…

Shine a Light

Last week whilst in London, I finally met up with a new friend,…

Surprise!

Last week, whilst I was in London, brought a beautiful and unexpected…

A Wake-up Call

A few nights ago, whilst down in London, I experienced something…

Roadshow Surprise

My brother and I had a great day recently at the BBC Antiques…

Lost in the Hurry…

We live in a world filled with “hurry”. For many,…

Every Day Counted

My mum, brother Paul, and niece Linsey, have all been celebrating…

Built Right, Still Wrong…

At home these last few weeks, Monic has been on another mission,…

Generations Rolling On

We had a lovely visit on Sunday from Megan and our grandson…

Not Everything has a Burning Fuse

At the end of my recent walk along the West Highland Way, on…

Front Row Seats

In May 2023, I found myself in Frankfurt, Germany, at a Europe…

The Final Scene of our 96 mile expedition

On our last evening after walking the full West Highland Way,…

Come What May

Last night Monic and I went to the cinema and really enjoyed…

Twice is Nice

This morning, I’ve got a bit of a spiritual plot twist to…

When Tech Fails, Breathe!

Yesterday was a marathon of virtual facilitation for me: two…

The Patience Spectrum

Following a recent coaching conversation, I decided to study…

The Long Road Home

The last few days, I’ve been in Rome attending a world summit…

From Rome, with Hope

  Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the Shape…

Learning Off the Tracks

On the final day of our West Highland Way Walk, a few of us…

Not Hidden, Just Unseen

Our walk along the West Highland Way was simply magnificent. Reuniting…

Highland Swarms

We all gather today to set off on our epic West Highland Way…

The Real Way

For months now, sixteen of us have been preparing for our great…

Switching Hats

Recently whilst visiting Edinburgh with friends, we wandered…

Bart = Instant Joy

When Bart walked into our house the other day, the whole place…

Birthday Wishes

Tomorrow I will be turning 60 years young! I'm sure…

What’s your one word?

In a recent virtual learning session, I kicked off with a simple…

The Power of Stillness

Whilst in an important meeting this week, our host used one…

26D and Me

Yesterday was a long one. I left home at 5:00 a.m. and…

Haste Ye Back

Over the past few days, our home has been full with visitors. Last…

Three Generations of Joy

Yesterday we visited our daughter Megan, son-in-law Caleb and…

More than Miles

These last few months I’ve done a lot of walking. I…

Big Ben and Breakfast

Catching up with dear friends within 24 hours was almost too…

Faith Friendly Workplaces

Yesterday, I attended the Faith at Work Summit in London. Organised…

Small Swarms, Big Lessons

Yesterday, I set out to walk the 13-mile trail around Loch…

Faith, Freedom, Business & a Touch of Tartan

I first met Dr Brian J. Grim around ten years ago in London,…

Unpredictable, and That’s Okay!

“Help me understand how this works for you?” That’s…

Meant to Be

Back in mid-December 2024, I met Ella Henricksen for the first…

He Lives

This Easter morning, my thoughts have returned to the empty…

Two Roads to Humility…

It has been an interesting week thus far in my consulting and…

When Angels Meet Again

On Saturday evening, I had the opportunity of witnessing something…

The Joy of Reunion

These last few days, we were blessed with a visit from one…

He Calms Storms

I’m no expert on global markets, but this last week has been…

Brain FM: Now Playing…

Have you ever had a song or tune stuck in your head? It…

Many More Miles

This week I’ve walked - a lot! Up and down hills,…

Generations Connected

Yesterday held many important moments - business in Edinburgh,…

Miles that Matter – Milngavie

Yesterday, I spent some time in Milngavie, standing at the…

Up for the Chat

Yesterday, Cristi and I climbed Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh. It…

A Mothers Gift

Yesterday, I had the chance to visit with my mum for a wee…

A Quiet Strength

One word has been on my mind a lot lately. ...𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. “…the…

Life is Finite

You can look at it in lots of different ways. An average…

5am; No Hype, Just Habit

Over the last few days, my social media feeds have been flooded…

Lighter Hearts, Clearer Minds.

Real change doesn’t usually come all at once. It comes…

Let Go and Grow

Some experiences in life are so deep, emotional and meaningful,…

Two Journeys, Two Spirits

This weekend, Monic and I travelled south, to the Bridgewater…

The Depth of Feeling

Life is full of transitions. Some are joyous, others…

Wagging Tails and Woodland Trails

Yesterday, early in the morning I decided to change my walk…

Adjusting our Sails

Every day, something happens to me. I see, feel or understand…

Please Give!

“Give – Charity and the Art of Living Generously” is…

The Power of Opposition

"Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors" - African Proverb I…

Eyes that Shine

I have heard it often said that the “eyes are the windows…

Midges 1, Hikers 0

Highland Midges (pronounced “mi-jees”) are nasty wee biting…

Fellowships

Throughout my life I have enjoyed a whole range of different…

Consequences

Spring 1998, Kyle was a baby, around 6 months old. It…
Walking boots

Step by Step

An old proverb states that a journey of a thousand miles begins…

Miles for Meals

Four years ago, Cristi and I jumped out of a plane and raised…

Frazzled and Frayed?

Lately, I’ve heard the phrase “spreading myself too thin”…

Making Metamorphosis Stick

Graduating from university many years ago, literally changed…

The Cost of Being Lukewarm

Have you ever taken a sip of lukewarm water? It’s…

Speaking Up for Faith

Last week, I spent a couple of days in London on business, attending…

Bee-Inspired

Last night, I had the chance to meet up with some dear friends…
the keyboard cat

The keyboard cat

Since returning home a few months ago, we’ve inherited our…

Turning to the Light

Yesterday, I had the privilege of facilitating a couple of…

Treading Water?

Returning home a few months ago has been an opportunity for…

Scheduling with Heart

I enjoy a large network of people, including coaching &…

Revisiting the Vineyard

Family and business matters took Monic and me back to Belgium…

Weathering Life’s Storms

Storm Éowyn swept across Scotland and Ireland yesterday. Walking…

Lines that define

Recently whilst working with a business client, we explored…

Miles for Meals

For a long time, I’ve wanted to walk the 96 miles of the…

Echoes of Dad’s Love

And just like that… In the blink of an eye… It’s…

Pearls of Wisdom

Yesterday, Monic and I had a rather interesting and refreshing…

Are you following me?

My dear friend, Paul and I have a few things in common… We…

Warm Hearts, Cold Days.

Weeks in the planning, Raymond, Paul, Mike, and I set off for…

The Power of Focused Attention

Yesterday, I returned to my management consulting work for my…

Habits that shape us

As 2025 begins, I’ve been considering the habits I’ve developed…

The LinkedIn Miracle

On 9th December, I embarked on a journey from Edinburgh to…

Holy Oats!

Arising early, there is an icy chill in the air. It’s…

Faith at Work

Yesterday, I enjoyed catching up with some old colleagues and…

From Birth to Rebirth

On 26th November 1999, at 3:02 am, Monic gave birth to our…

We Are Our Thoughts

Our thoughts are incredibly powerful. They affect us…

Steady Effort

Since returning to Scotland in the summer, I’ve had a few…

The Blessing of Waiting…

When a mother is expecting her baby, the anticipation grows with…

Looking Back

“You’re looking well Dave” I said. “And you…

The Laboratory of Life

Life is a laboratory, much like the scientific lab where our…

New Beginnings

Life is filled with many twists and turns. “When one…

Games We Played

Growing up in the 1960’s, I played lots of games outside…

Remembrance

The world I live in, is not what I want it to be. I’d…

Morning Routines

“Nothing much happened today….” Those were the…

In Harmony

Every Sunday morning, ever since I can remember, I have attended…

Unhurried

Whilst attending a coaching summit for a few days this week,…

A Ball of String

Recently I was asked, “As a facilitator, what are your favourite…

Psychological Safety and Experiential Learning – A Powerful Combination

Creating a psychologically safe space combined with experiential…

Guarding Against Silent Judgment

Five years ago, I wrote about the dangers of pointing out faults…

A snapshot of joy

Laughter is one of the most powerful and life-affirming experiences…

“I don’t know…”

And yet - why can so many of us not say it? Perhaps…

Is it time to move on?

Recognising that you’ve outgrown something—whether it’s…

The Source

In my preparations for a forthcoming learning intervention…

Go and Do

It is one thing to go. It is another thing to do. Missionary…

Accreditation, Certification and Experience

Recently, I was asked; “What is your coaching certification…

Retreat and Recover

In my studies through the years, I find it fascinating that…

God-incidence

For those of us who have put our faith and trust in God, there…

Showing Up

Will you be attending a meeting of any kind today? Perhaps…

Post Mission Life

Voicemails Letters Emails Videocalls Zoom calls Phone…

Human Connections

All week long I’ve been building relationships, making new…

Are you dependable?

In life, one value stands out as a true game-changer: dependability. Whether…

Paying the Price

It is my experience that we do not achieve things of value…

Remember

Meeting the Gubler family last week was fun. Last year,…

Someone to lean on

Yesterday, I spent some time with a dear friend and sat with…

Grit

It’s been over 7 years since Talmage last walked through…

My Witness

Throughout my life, I have witnessed many physical events that…

Testing your Moral Compass

On Sunday in my local church congregation, I was invited to…

lost Luggage

Returning from London Kings Cross last Friday, the train pulled…

Fruits

And off we went on our morning sabbatical. We decided…

The Good Old Days

We are made up of our memories. And last night a few…

Stretching, Growing and Learning

Over many years, I have had the opportunity and privilege to…

Pilgrims

Since returning home to Scotland, Monic and I have done a lot…

Reading the Room

Some years ago, I was sat in a room in a hi-powered negotiation…

Heart to Heart

If your heart could speak, what would it say? What does…

Promptings

In my prayers one morning this week, I specifically asked that…

Thinking Together

I marvel at the thoughts, insights and commitment that I see…

Wedding #30

Finally! Over the last three years, we have received…

London

It’s approaching nearly 5 years since I was last in London. Unbelievable. My…

Pruning

Since returning home four weeks ago, Monic has spent quite…

Familiar Lessons

We’ve been home in Scotland for 3 weeks. Already,…

Landmarks

On Thursday, I met up with a friend for lunch and enjoyed a…

Collaboration

Working together, with a group of returned missionaries is…

Lost and Found

Meet Blue. On returning home two weeks ago, our youngest…

New Friends

Last week, whilst on BBC Radio 4’s “Beyond Belief”, the…

Familiar Melody

A few weeks ago, Monic and I enjoyed a wonderful evening of…

Return to Edinburgh

The phrase “a return to Edinburgh please” is one I have…

Fleeting Visit

Yesterday, I had the briefest of opportunities to meet up with…

Joyful Reunions

Time insisted that we finally move on. Arriving home…

Tuesday Mornings…

Tuesday mornings aren’t going to be quite the same anymore! For…

It’s in their hands…

Over the last three years, I have penned many Sunday morning…

Goodbyes aren’t easy…

As the curtain comes down on our time here in Belgium and the…

Surprise!

Monic and I visited church in Almere yesterday for Father’s…

Mission Dad

Today, throughout much of the world, its 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬…

Assembled Ones

After our final mission conference on Friday, Monic and I excused…

Life is a Book

Life is a book made up of days; Each one of us writes one; Its…

Beyond words

Today, will mark the end of missionary interviews, the last…

Gathering

These are days never to be forgotten. On Monday, approximately…

Pens to the ready

What questions do you have for God? - God – do you…

Senior Missionaries

Yesterday we had the most wonderful time with our senior missionaries. We…

Divine Tutorials

It’s been an enjoyable week of 1-1 coaching interviews for…

Friendly Rivalry

I don’t know how exactly, but somehow, I was 1-0 up. The…

Worn Out

After our missionary interviews in Apeldoorn on Thursday, we…

Relentless

Its been a great week in the Belgium Netherlands Mission. On…

Tartan

On their recent visit, family members brought a final new supply…

Mothers of Faith

Across a large part of the world today, it’s Mother’s Day. To…

Be

Put your mobile down. Set your tablet or laptop aside. Turn…

Walk and Talk

As we approach our last missionary transfer, I reckon that…

Set Apart

In our recent missionary zone conferences in Antwerp and Utrecht,…

Koningsdag

The Dutch love a good party, and yesterday, King's Day, may…

Brolly to the ready

The Dutch love to talk about the weather. I believe…

Consecrated

I gave one of our missionaries a blessing this week and as…

The Best Ships are Friendships

These last three years we have formed so many of the most incredible…

Appetites

How is your appetite? Appetite – “a natural desire…

New Arrivals

Last Friday, we welcomed 10 new missionaries to the Belgium…

Because of Him

Yesterday, I sat atop the stairwell. Flooding my mind,…

Leadership Tools

As a facilitator and a learning protagonist, I have lost count…

Palm Sunday

In the Christian calendar, today is the start of Holy Week. My…

Bricks

Remember the story of the three little pigs… These…

Differences

I love this picture of Isaac Greene and Gilbert Staepels. (Twins!) Side…

Values

Is it time to evaluate your values? Some of my favourite…

“Look how far we’ve come…”

After their final departing testimonies, I asked the six missionaries…

Joyfully United Together

On Saturday, I travelled to Vienna in Austria, with my fellow…

The Multiplier Effect

I offered a 1 Euro coin to the missionaries on Friday. “How…

Busy

Yesterday, Monic and I were busy with coaching interviews in…

Everyday Items

As we began our Social Media Leadership Council (SMLC) yesterday,…

Running on Empty?

Our car doesn’t run at all when the fuel gauges show empty. Yesterday,…

Letters – Heaven Sent

I'd like to share a short story about a treasured possession. Days…

Mission Leadership Council

Every six weeks, the leaders of the mission gather together…

Touched – First Hand

Many years ago, shortly after graduating from University, I…

At the Front Door

10 seconds into your car journey, you get that sneaky feeling… You…

Cheerleaders

As an 11-year-old, I recall trying out for the school football…

Time Heals

Our time on earth is limited, yet the things to be done with…

Confronting ourselves with ourselves

How often are you confrontational with yourself? A couple…

The Road to 200…

“Can it be done?” asked the missionary. “That’s…

Hope

Recently I was asked "How do you build hope?" There…

Missionary WORK

“This is hard work,” said the young missionary. “Yes,…

Think and Thank

To thank is to think and to think is to thank. When…

Study Time

On Friday evening, we started our online winter devotionals. Our…

Curious?

“How do I have better conversations?” the young missionary…

Hold on

It was a simple example… Last week we met with our…

Handwritten

“Thank you” I said. I was moved by another handwritten…

Groundhog Day

Every six weeks, Monic and I return to Schiphol Airport. In…

Divine Passports

Travelling to a foreign land? A passport verifies your…

It is a Privilege

Privilege: a special right or advantage that a particular person…

I’m grateful

Reflecting this morning on 2023, I have an overwhelming sense…

Christmas Eve

It was noisy. Then it changed. Missionaries arrived. Our…

The Candlestick

Recently, we discovered that the mission home didn’t have…

My Finest Friend

Forty years ago this week, my missionary companion trainer…

To a Mouse

When missionaries stay at the mission home, I love to share…

Biographies

At our Mission Conference in Brussels on Friday, I shared some…

Too daunting?

Have there been moments in your life when you didn’t achieve…

Try Again!

Learning something new and making changes in your life can…

Chargé d’affaires

On Friday evening, Monic and I attended a “Light the World”…

Heaven’s View

They came. One by one. Hesitating for a moment. Apprehensive. Nervous. Suddenly,…

Don’t Compare!

Some years ago in the UK, there was a very popular tv advert,…

Questions of the Soul

The autumn winds of seasonal change are blowing. Leaves…

Hand in Hand

As I sat listening to the testimonies of 16 departing missionaries…

Consider the background

Group photos are always one of those things that always happen…

Beguiled?

“...to trick somebody into doing something, especially by being…

Acts

I have sat in many theatres throughout the world. Yesterday,…

Fires and Flames of Faith

A few days ago, 12 new missionaries arrived at Schiphol Airport. Their…

Are you at a 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬?

Every day our missionaries young & old, present & past…

Maturity

I am a witness to the power of missionary service. Serving…

Back 2 Basics

Yesterday in our mission leadership council, we met together…

Tartan

We said farewell to six incredible missionaries this week. As…

Taught

You cannot teach without learning. One day in every…

Things of My Soul

Ever since I received my first blank diary on Christmas day,…

Unearthly

General Conference was a smorgasbord of spiritual instruction…

Connections

You are not Alone. Despite having a companion, sometimes…

Growing Older

I paused. Watching General Conference at the weekend,…

Conversation Buddies

At our recent zone conferences, we held a communication activity. We…

Noise

In the Netherlands, noise pollution is a huge challenge. One…

Tick Tock

𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 – it’s always running out for someone. My…

Step by Step

The dictionary says that to walk means to move along on foot…

Notetaking

It is an interesting little four-letter word “note.” There…

Rubbing Shoulders

Today, is Elder Douglas Glauser & Sister Marcia Glauser’s…

Disciplined Hearts

Daily, missionaries are invited to be disciplined. At…

Looking for answers?

Missionaries receive lots of questions – daily! I’ve…

Sister’s Shoes

Missionaries constantly come and go. From every nation around…

People May Wonder

- Who is Jesus Christ? How can He help me and my family? -…

Empowerment

Yesterday, we met in our six-weekly Mission Leadership Council…

Arm in Arm

Early on Friday, we said farewell to our departing missionaries…

Walk and Talk

Never before have we lived so close to a temple of the Church…

Councils

I was excited to receive the picture attached from my dear friend,…

Companion Study

Yesterday, I met at the temple with two missionaries, Megan…

Endurance

Growing older is never easy and it can be challenging. We…

Shared Purpose

Purpose is good. The pursuit of purpose is better. 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅…

Valiant Hearts

I am grateful for the rhythm of my heart. It beats about…

Healing Hurts

After breaking my collar bone last Wednesday (see picture),…

People May Wonder

- What is the purpose of life? - Where did I come from? -…

Ministering

After breaking my collar bone last Wednesday, it’s been an…

My Best Thinking

Frequently our minds are at warp speed, with a jumbled clutter…

The Gift of Weeping

There are many spiritual gifts. Gift: a notable capacity,…

Work in Progress

Are you satisfied with where you are now? Preparing…

Dialogue

It was an afterthought. Leaving for the office yesterday…

Sleep

“President why are you always up so early?” – is a question…

Change Your Life

Earlier this week at FSY, I used one of my favourite icebreaker…

Pause

On Tuesday morning, I was sat with my other co-facilitators…

FSY

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend FSY Nederland-Vlaanderen…

His hand to the Plough

Around 1 year ago, whilst preparing for Zone Conferences, an…

Tiny Obstructions

On Saturday morning, Monic was sat in the car, ready to go. Time…

Aligned

Over the course of the last 10 days, I have met face to face…

Uncommon

Yesterday, whilst waiting on others, it wasn’t long before…

No Regrets

Reflecting this morning, I recalled a phrase I’ve used many…

Nuts and Bolts

The phrase “nuts and bolts” means all the basic components,…

The Power of Purpose

“I’m exhausted!” - is a phrase I hear regularly. Do…

Prepared

Missionary Zone Conferences arrived again this week, in Antwerp…

Leadership Behaviours

In my experience the greatest leaders - exemplify all of these…

Twos

Double of one; 2 It is the natural number following 1 and…

𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐣𝐨?

Years ago, in one of my many coaching conversations, I worked…

Ones

Half of two; 1 One is singularly unique and one of a…

Letters to President

Are you excited when you receive a letter? Every week, I…

Rebuilding

It’s been an emotionally charged week in the mission field. Change…

Crucial Conversations

Consider the two words below. - rea𝐂tive -…

Faith precedes the Miracle

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 Over…

Missionary Couples

Many years ago, “President Spencer W. Kimball encouraged…

United we stand, divided we fall

“𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝,…

Anxious About Something?

Everyone will experience anxiety feelings from time to time…

Priesthood Keys

Yesterday, I travelled to Frankfurt in Germany, to meet with…

Small and Simple Things

Time is precious for all of us, isn't it? Even more…

The Mission Presidency

“What’s the function of the Mission Presidency?” –…

Above Reproach

Perhaps you’re serving a mission, served previously, want…

Reframing

“What do you mean by reframing?”...asked the missionary. In…

Mothers who Hope

Today throughout much of the world, it’s Mother’s Day. To…

Diligence!

“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧…

And we’re off! (again)

The 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 constant in life is 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆. Fasten…

Heirs of the Kingdom

This has been perhaps the heaviest week of our missionary service. I…

Faith v Fear – The Mull of Kintyre

Counselling many of the missionaries as they return home, reminded…

Counselling Together

“In the abundance of council, there is wisdom” – Dallin…

The List

Preparing to go shopping this morning, Monic asked “Have…

Good, Better, Best.

This week, we joined with other European Mission Leaders at…

An example of the Believers…

There is never a typical week in missionary work. And…

Forgotten Wedges

I want to share part of a talk given by Spencer W. Kimball…

He Lives!

Today is 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. On…

Good Friday

Today is 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲. Christians…

He is Risen

Gran to the left. Nana to the right. A little 2 year…

Hear Him

It’s been a busy week of interviews for us, in Leiden, Amsterdam…

Voices

We are beset by a clamour of voices, to which our ears are…

Without Guile

Recently we said farewell to Hannah Hammer and several other…

One cube or two?

That’s a question I’ve asked myself several times recently. Most…

What great leaders do…

Yesterday was amazing. Every six weeks, we meet as a…

Handling Failure

Experience has taught me, that to suffer some anxiety, some…

Side by Side

I enjoy my early morning studies. Sleep is very important,…

In a dark place?

Sometimes, we can find ourselves in some dark places in our…

4 Ingredients for Success

As a child, I enjoyed baking scones, cakes and biscuits under…

Lingering

It started last Saturday with a tickle in my throat. By…

The Flu…

I don’t like being sick. I’ve spent the last 24…

Smile

I am not too certain what it is about missionaries, but they…

In Summary…

In any coaching conversation, one of the most important skills…

Lost in Translation

Anyone who speaks two languages knows that some phrases in…

Living Waters…

In the Netherlands, water is everywhere. The Dutch are…

Are you big-hearted?

The heart is a tender place. Often, we may describe…

Ambition

When Joe Wilson finished college and joined his father in a…

Love Letters

Last night we had some good friends visit, John and Rebecca…

Using time wisely

"𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲…

A Big Hug

There is nothing like a hug, to help someone feel loved. In…

Good things take time

Everything important in life takes time. This week one…

Sandpaper

Regularly, I enjoy watching “The Repair Shop” on BBC1. Oftentimes,…

Undaunted

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬…

All My Heart

My daily routine… After I dress myself in my shirt…

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰?

12 months ago, I recall listening to a Europe wide devotional…

Just Ask

After completing my university studies, I encountered Meta-Morphose,…

A treasured delicacy

A new fresh nut stall has appeared outside our local supermarket. For…

Habits

𝐇𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐬! I have a regular early morning…

Conversations Matter

Yesterday, for a while Monic and I sat in conversation together. Conversation:…

Self-reflection

Daily, I consciously make time for self-reflection. It…

Seekers Wanted

As a child, I often played hide-n-seek. Hide-n-seek…

𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 – the key that opens every door.

“𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 is the key that opens…

Jump in!

Did you dip your toes in the water a little? OR Did…

Time is Life

𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞. It is irreversible…

Treasures

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young…

Three Gifts

𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓖𝓲𝓯𝓽𝓼... Our missionaries…

Welcome Back

𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌! It seemed…

All In

Ａｌｌ Ｉｎ This weekend marks a significant date…

Oops!

Ｏｏｐｓ！ Yesterday, after a busy morning at Schiphol…

Tangled

Ｔａｎｇｌｅｄ？ Looking at Christmas fairy…

Lamplighters…

Ｌａｍｐｌｉｇｈｔｅｒｓ Jesus Christ is the light…

The Rear View

Ｔｈｅ Ｒｅａｒ Ｖｉｅｗ Are you spending…

Standards

𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔.... stan·dard:…

No Room?

Ｎｏ ｒｏｏｍ？ We had an incredible Christmas…

That’s Nuts!

We were in Ijsselstein on Saturday visiting my brother-in-law…

Glorious!

Ｇｌｏｒｉｏｕｓ！ Friday was a long day of…

A Pale Blue Dot

What is your 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞? It…

Don’t forget to laugh!

A fun experience from Belgium last week. Departing our…

“It made my day.”

Travelling has been a constant for us this week, with nights…

To the Rescue

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐱... He is an energetic…

The Master Puzzler

"I’ve seen a lot of posts lately about the church, why people…

Remembrance

Today is Remembrance Sunday in the UK. On the 11th it was…

Practice!

What makes a man or a woman a good musician? 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞. What…

Information leads to Inspiration

“𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧…

Are you being tested?

Many things look good until they are 𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝. Many…

Scaling

“On a 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 of 1 to 10, where do you currently…

What is of greatest worth?

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭…

Are you tiptoeing through the tulips?

We need 𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬! Over the last…

Are you hungry?

“That’s it then, sadly we won’t be going…” Monic…

Patterns

That's a 3-year-old me on the left, with my younger sister…

Sifting

“Would you like a hot chocolate?” That’s a favourite…

Procrastination!

Are you putting things off - again!? Aren't you tired…

“Will we take the stairs?”

Heading down to breakfast from our 6th floor hotel room in…

Armed with Righteousness

“Can we get a light sabre photo?” asked Elizabeth Anderson. Following…

Your true potential

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝…

Seasons

“There’s that clatter again…” I thought. This…

Emotions!

Do you pay attention to your feelings? Yesterday, as we drove…

J-O-Y.

Do you feel 𝐣𝐨𝐲 in your life? Are you searching…

Too much to do?

Are you pushing yourself too hard? Personally, I’m…

Expect the Unexpected!

Things don't always turn out the way you planned! On…

Discouraged?

𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨…

N.O. Two simple letters – No

Do you ever say “𝐘𝐞𝐬” to someone, when you mean…

Do you care?

Do you question your motives? The crux of my personal…

Who is your wise guide?

𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞? Harry…

Let’s huddle!

𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞…

Are you wrestling?

Are you wrestling with something or someone? Perhaps…

A Heroes Journey

Have any of these people touched your heart recently? Harry…
Elevate our thoughts

Elevate Your Thoughts

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭…

Where can you turn for peace?

𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮…

Prayer – an act of faith.

"𝐈𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝…

As a Man Thinketh

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤…

Building Rapport

Recently I was asked – “How do you build rapport?” Rapport…

Why not religion?

Why not Religion? As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks taught: “[Religion]…

Turn it Off!

“𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭.” In…

Stay in the Boat

“Let’s get in the boat” I said. However, it wasn’t…

Medium…

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲…

Words Matter

Do you listen to your heart? Words matter. All week long…

Transfers

“𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫…

Slow Down.

Did you miss anything? Every day, I try to learn a new…

Just this once

“Can’t we do it just this once President?” Sound familiar? Small…

Motivation

“Do you have time for a game President?” This question…

Warnings!

“There it goes again” – I thought. At that moment…

Somethingism

Do you believe in 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠? Our…

Is it for real?

𝐃𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤…

Cullen Skink

“President, you look a little tired, you should take a 10-minute…

Feeling Forgotten?

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞? I…

Choose to Play

"𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨…

Being Heard

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝? Years…

The Enos Challenge

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲? “Studying…

Its time to wake up!

Are you wide awake or sleepwalking through life? Are…

A still small voice.

𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮…

Emotional Rollercoasters

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫…

Strength in unity

Why should less be more? A few days ago, we received a letter…

A little wink

Do they smile back at you? Last weekend, Monic and I…

Learning takes practice.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭…

Attitude

“How do I remain 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, when so…

A stranger here

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞…

Being heard

Have you ever met someone who not only listened to you but…

Understanding

Let me dispel the misunderstanding... Today I will be…

Silence has power

The world is getting louder. There is a lot of noise…

The Book of Life

I was asked recently, "𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞…

The Right Thing

"𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭…

Being one.

Manchester, Dundee, Leeds, Newcastle, Carlisle, Torquay and…

Be there!

𝐁𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞! Whilst on a video call…

What is my destination?

Daily we travel throughout Belgium and the Netherlands –…

The extra mile

Recently I was asked, “𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬…

Finishers Wanted

Recently I was asked; "How do I improve my self-discipline?" It…

Is love the answer?

𝐈𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫? Celebrating…
learning from mistakes

Do you accept mistakes?

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬? We…

Cramming!

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠…

Self-Mastery

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭…

What path are you on in life?

Recently I was asked "Am I on the right path?" Throughout…

Gen Z Children

“That is so annoying!” I said to Megan as we laughed and…

Sweet Reunions

𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 were…

Exhortation – Menin Gate, Ipres

One word played through my mind over and over again on Tuesday,…

What do you want to become?

Are you clear about what you want to become? Dallin…

Is there a God?

Frequently I'm asked - "Is there a God, is there a creator?" In…

Coincidence or Tender Mercy?

Looking Back and Moving Forward. When – April 2008…

Under Pressure?

Under pressure? Feeling stressed? A lot on your plate? Usually,…

Do you act or react?

Do you act or react? I like this story told by Dallin…

Face the Fear!

“Aren’t you a little nervous?” asked the missionaries.…

I’ll be happy when….

I often hear people say…. "I'll be happy when....(fill…

My Favourite Dutch Words

One of the missionaries asked….“What are your favourite…

Attitude – The Little Engine That Could

“Make no small plans. They have no magic to stir men’s…

Straight and Tall

Walking along the Vliet (our local canal), into town this week,…

Lessons from Juggling….

“Can anyone juggle?” I asked. A few raised their hands…

The Book of Mormon Musical

Our version is 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲…

Once Upon A Time….

Consider the meaning of “𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒖𝒑𝒐𝒏…

Do, Feel, Learn….

I have listened to hundreds, if not thousands of workshops, talks…

You….growing older.

It is later than you think. Remember how short our time…

Marathons and Missions – the same, but different

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭…

Courage

Courage is the great need of our time. Courage requires consequence. If…

Remember to say please.

Remember to say 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.. Not too long ago,…

Feet that bring peace!

As our missionaries walked into the mission home for Mission…

Growth Rings

Every human being is also a human 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈. A…

Lessons that change us

𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭…

Deep Roots

Storms blew across Europe on Friday. Whilst walking…

Unity

“Leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less”–…

Are you sleepwalking through life?

Are you sleepwalking through life? I remember years…

Learning Patience

Almost daily, I pass this traffic light as I set forth on any…

Signatures

“That simply cannot be…” I thought puzzlingly to myself…

How do you honour someone?

How do you honour someone? If you are the Queen, you…

Look Up!

Look Up! "I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and…
Sharing

Honour, Help, Obey

Growing up in Scotland, I enjoyed going to cub scouts for a…

Are you drifting?

One of the common traps of life is 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈. From…

Disappointment

After coming in contact with someone with Covid this week,…

Time

As a teenager, only moments ago, I had time aplenty. However,…

Improving!

“Wees niet bang om fouten te maken, iedereen die een nieuwe…

Curiosity

Out for a walk in the Scheveningse Bosjes yesterday, “that’s…

Customs

Do you have any customs or habits in your country that communicate…

What lies within us….

I love quotes! They are insightful, oftentimes intriguing and…

What’s in a name?

Missionary coaching interviews – our favourite time as mission…

Measuring Progress

How do you measure your progress? ....It's just gone…

Overloaded?

Last Sunday, we decided to gourmet with the missionaries for…

Enjoying the Moment

Recently I was asked, “How can you be really present and…

What does it mean to commune with God?

Arising from my knees early this morning, I asked myself had…

What will I write about today?

Picking up my new journal for 2022 this morning, “What will…

Goals – do we need a bigger truck?

Another year, and goal setting is back on everyone's mind again…

Friendship

What new friendships have you made this year? Reflecting…

The difference between a good and a great leader.

Recently I was asked "what is the key to becoming a leader?" In…

Christmas Memories

This Christmas season has brought many opportunities to spend…

Learning – Lighting the way ahead.

I love to learn. The older I become, the more I enjoy…

Interruptions!

“Will I answer that?” I thought. It had been an extremely…
stress

Dealing with stress…

Recently I was asked "How do you cope with stressful situations"…

Like flame unquenchable – passing the torch

"What do you see in this image?" I asked in the online mission…

Light the World

"Big bobbles at the bottom and small ones at the top" said…

Honesty

"That's amazing! We have never received that amount ever in…

Speak up

"Do any of you attend church?" asked my English teacher in…

The Pursuit of Excellence

"And what are you going to do now?" asked President Goodman,…

What path are you following?

Where will you walk today? We love to walk! Walking…

Devotion

What are you devoted to? What happens when you live…

Mission Service

Recently, I have been asked this a few times; “What do you…

Ask first!

Standing in the kitchen, Monic passed me the jar of beetroot. Having…
Ministering

Ministering

Several times in the last week or two, I have been asked "What…
Growth mindset

Nobody is a Nobody

𝐍𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐧𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲! Through…

What personal battles do you face?

What do you wrestle with? What is your biggest personal…

Enough!

Okay people.... seriously, when is enough, enough? Are…

Adapting to Change

Years ago, I worked for a company whose logo incorporated a…

From Dark to Light

Are you fumbling around in the darkness? The storms…

Culture

"What is that for?" she asked. "Its an egg cup." I replied. Then…

How do I become a better leader?

Recently I was asked, "How can I be a better leader?" My…

Agile Thinking!

"It's okay" I said, "I'll pop down to the car for it...." Let…

Simple Symbols & Formulas

Pondering after general conference weekend, it struck me this…

Oops!

Now that was a little embarrassing! Yesterday, Monic…

Change one Thing

Change One Thing.... Have you ever asked yourself what's…

Asking Questions

"What questions do you have for me?" I asked that question…

Shopping

Yesterday, in preparation for our busy week ahead, we went…

Signs of Progress

How do you measure progress? After 9 weeks of immersion…

Its all a matter of perspective

Recently, on a couple of instances, our attention has been…

Change 6 things!

Facilitating a meeting earlier this week with our Mission Leadership…

Its a marathon, not a sprint!

"𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧, 𝐧𝐨𝐭…

Trust

"What will be our focus?" I was asked. In a flash my…

Understanding

"Do you understand what I mean?" he asked. In many relationships,…

Doubt your Doubts

"No, I just can't do it!" said the coachee. As a professional…

Friendship

And that's the end of our first full month (already!), back home…

Talents

"Would you like to play something on the piano?" I asked. Yesterday,…

Slow Down

This is my watch. ...For a while yesterday, time seemed to…

To don’t list!

"How about a "to don't list"" - that's a new idea I thought. Working…

Baby Steps

𝑨 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅…

A lesson from slippers

"Where are my slippers?" It was dark, 5.00 am and the…

Asking Questions

What will you do differently because of what you learned today? Asked…

Self-Belief

Q. When does a draw feel like a victory? A. When you are massive…

How have you changed?

Arriving home, fighting my tiredness, my bed was screaming…

Safety, Instruction and Preparation

Jumping, or more accurately, 'falling' out of a plane is easy,…

Surprise!

Every now and again, you get a pleasant little surprise. Yesterday…

“Its as easy as ABC”

"Oh yes" I thought, "its as easy as ABC." At extremely…

Deep Change

"What is your favourite book on change?" asked a course participant. I've…

Penalty Points…

No! Not again - another 3 points! 1989, an unforgettable…

Don’t just do something, sit there!

"Don't just do something, sit there!"- is a phrase I have stumbled…

Extremes

For those old enough, you will remember the summer of 1976,…

Generosity

When you think of a generous person, who first comes to mind? Generosity…

Tips!

The problem with the word “tip” is that it has many definitions. At…

Perfect Pizza!

"It's the centrifugal force" I said, as my daughter Cristi gave…

Mind the Gap

In a podcast interview yesterday I was asked, "Why is personal…

Who am I?

"Who am I?" That question surfaced a few times this…

Swimming Lessons

Yesterday, I returned to the swimming pool. It's been a while!…

Relevance

As I sat at a breakfast table in London 16 months ago, a question…

Profanity

Walking through the town centre on my way home yesterday, I certainly…

Love one another

As we looked across the street I saw our neighbour's door wide…

A new chapter

As one chapter in life draws to a close, another is set to begin... One…

Frustration

What frustrates you? Frustration: "...the feeling of being…

Naps!

"Yep - I am getting old" I thought. Let me explain further... After…

The Speed of Change

Events happen that create change. Being change agile has been…

Curiosity

"Tell me, on a scale from 1 to 10, where are you right now?"…
To portray my last 12 months

My world has turned upside down

In the last 12 months my work has literally turned upside down.…
Study

Why study?

"Studying - the act of texting, eating and watching Netflix with…

So, you want to be a mentor?

"So you want to improve your 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠…

Civility lifts people

"Thank you" she said. "No, thank you" said another. Out campaigning…

Are you FITT?

Are you FITT? The FITT principle is a smart acronym that gives…

New beginnings

I know I can’t turn back time, but this I do know...... it’s…

Daily habits

In my quest to refresh my Dutch language skills for an up and…

Forgetfulness!

"That'll be £29.50 please." "No problem" I replied.... And then…

Pranks!

Siblings can be annoying at times, right? (I guess I can be…

Reflective learning

"So, what have you been learning about yourself through this…

Authenticity – the courage to be yourself

"That's just not right...let me explain further..." I said to…

Milestones

The last few weeks, several milestone birthdays have popped up…
Graduation

“How did you get into coaching then…?”

Recently I have been asked several times..."So Daryl, just…

Friendships

I love this picture!  Look at our huge smiles. I can still remember,…

Be Prepared

“Remind me again, what did he wear on the old scooter?” I…

What is your strategy in life?

'The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do' says Michael…

Its time to laugh!

Sometimes when it gets really tough, perhaps in a challenging…

Honesty

A few months after Decimal Day (15 February 1971), walking home…

Small steps everyday

Stuck in a rut? Feeling a bit flat? Every day just feels the…

Slowing down, to Speed up

On this chilly snow filled February morning, my thoughts turned…

How are you being finely-tuned?

Are you being 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲-𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 ? Over…

Are you going nowhere?

Are you going nowhere? 1 year ago, on February 1st 2020, I…

Don’t Give Up!

Tuesday morning my brain was completely fried due to the complexity…

Unity

Joe Biden spoke last week on #unity. We all know that in society…

Discovering your gifts.

A life time of coaching experience has helped me realise that…

Coaching in style!

Recently I was asked "Where is the best place for a coaching…

Expect the unexpected!

The unprecedented, unexpected, exceptional and unimaginable…

Thank you NHS

Millions are suffering. Fear, worry and anxiety have…

Are you asking the right question?

Asked any good questions lately? As a coach, I am constantly…

Looking & Learning

"Daryl, I love your object lessons!" said a course participant. …

Don’t interfere!

A recent experience reminded me that as a leadership coach, one…

Council Together

I am grateful for the many opportunities to council together…

What pulls you?

In my coaching conversations, regularly I find that individuals…

Travelling the Road of Life

What a challenging year. As I slow down for Christmas…

What holds your team together?

Evidence in the garden suggested the storm had been a rough one. There…

Generosity

When you think of a generous person, who first comes to mind? Generosity…

Gratitude

Some years ago, the District of Columbia police auctioned off…

My witness of The Book of Mormon

In my daily study of The Book of Mormon this year, I have arrived…

Followership

"What must I do to become a better leader" asked a coachee? All…

Barnacles

"What is holding me back from success?" asked a coachee. "Many…

Using humour!

In a recent virtual workshop we discussed the value of 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒓…

Learning – one by one

I was ready and prepared for 15 participants in the virtual…

Becoming a somebody

Have you reached that point in life where you can afford to allow…

Never dissemble

A few years ago, I sat listening to Brad Agle, co-author of "The…

Appreciation

"What is the best way to express appreciation to a team member?"…

Endurance

ooh, ouch, Ouch! OUCH! 𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛! Maybe I'm just a…

The parable of the bicycle, dad and leadership models

As a facilitator and a learning protagonist, over many years,…

Respect

Why is 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 so important in building…

Eye contact – connections!

Why is making eye contact so important? Yesterday, I recorded…

Why would anyone want to be led by you?

Why would anyone want to be led by you? Yesterday, I was busy…

Emotional Triggers

You're having a lovely civil conversation, then BOOM! Suddenly…

Feeling overwhelmed?

Stressed, anxious, worried, tense, overwhelmed, working harder…

“How do you walk in another person’s shoes?”

"How do you walk in another person's shoes?" asked the workshop…

Creativity – walking in the rain

"What shall I do now" I thought? Yesterday, I had planned…

Opportunities

Its easy to feed the 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒔 and starve…

Are you listening?

This past week it struck me that the word listen is made up of…

Developing Patience

"The best thing about the future is that it only comes one day…

Zoom Fatigue…

Are you Zoomed-out? It has been an extremely heavy week with…

Each of us is a somebody!

Nobody is a nobody. Through my life and career, oftentimes…

Shortcomings – do you have any?

Shortcomings - do you have any? "A fault or failure…

Outgrown something?

What are the tell tale signs, when you know you have outgrown…

Finding Happiness!

It is easy to compare what we have, our jobs, lifestyles, talents…

Do you follow up?

Do you follow up? No matter how successful a coaching session…

Work

"There is no substitute for hard work" - so said Thomas Edison. It…

Loud voices

As the flames rage, smoke billows and the embers burn, 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲…

One by One

Over the last 30 + years, I have had many opportunities, with…

Out of your depth?

When was the last time you were "out of your depth?" Out of…

What part will you play today?

What "𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭" will you play today? Every day - I…

Determination

And then it changed. In our virtual session, all of the participants…

Does 9.00 am exist?

"Does 9.00 am exist" I asked the delegates on the virtual time…

Optimism

Life constantly sends us challenges to test our positivity,…

Accountability 1984!

Yes - that's me, I was 19. It was November 1984 and I was…

A big stick!

You’re safe, I’m not going to hit you with this big stick! Do…

Under pressure?

When under 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞, I think I am a little…

Simplify

Slowly, ...in fact very slowly, I'm beginning to learn that small…

Eat Cake

How do you cope with failure? Coping with failure and disappointment…

Lessons in Leadership

Being appointed to lead an organisation brings with it a host…

Spontaneous!

Familiar regular routine – that’s me! Yet, listening to that…

Great leadership behaviours…

It's in times of crisis when leadership matters most. The…

Emotional Triggers

Why are we all in a hurry? After a beautiful Sunday afternoon…

Small things

"Let's see how far you can reach" said the optician. As it turned…

Mistakes

It was a painful error. “That one wrong move cost me the game”…

Massage!

Four months ago today, the UK went into lockdown - everything…

Annoying!

"There's something not right with that tyre dad, I've had to…

Obstacles

As a youngster, I was always picking up a new sport, entering…

How do you decide?

The tension was tangible in the gymnasium as the girls lined…

The 18th Camel

Many years ago, an old man died and left his camels to his three…

Thinking!

"What do I want to do from here?" said the small voice in my…

Building Trust

"The job's yours - when can you start?" asked Tony. It was December…

Presence

Walking recently in our local park, my wife remarked about the…

Intuition

At the start of my coaching career I often thought - "I can't…

Disruptive Innovation

Dinosaurs are extinct. A seismic cataclysmic change brought their…

Tomorrow

What does the world of tomorrow need from you? As a coach,…

Rule #6

How is your week going? A little challenging perhaps? Some…

Disruption!

"You're kidding dad aren't you?" was one reply, when I said…

Good enough?

I have realised - its actually okay for me not to know the answer! Several…

Promise

I know I can’t turn back time, but this I do know—that…

Discouragement

Even in the darkest of nights, never give up.... Just married…

The 4 best ways to get through tough times.

In difficult times, I frequently find little gems of insight…

Turbulence

Turbulence is an unpleasant experience when flying. Such was…

Slow Ahead

Are your summer holiday plans in ruin? Our hopes of a Norwegian…

Order

Is your life in order? Our lives are typically often hectic…

Connections

Is disconnection from Wi-Fi an annoyance in your home? It was…

Serving

What can I give today? That thought alone - has helped me…

Storms

I celebrated my birthday in lockdown yesterday.  One of my daughters…

Teaching

How do you learn? Experience has taught me that the best way…

Learning in Lockdown

The first 50 days (and counting) in lockdown. Here is what I…

Bored?

Bored? Confused? Fed up? Scunnered? Fatigued? Unhappy? Floundering?…

3 Principles of Happiness

These last few weeks I have really enjoyed reading my journals. Whilst…

Punctuality: A Rare and Powerful Virtue

Punctuality is becoming a rare skill in today’s fast-paced…

Choices

Earlier this morning, I discovered this poem circulating on social…

Normal

We’re quite protective over the notion of normal. Before…

Life

In "A Tale of Two Cities" - Charles Dickens wrote these words…

Think!

Lately, I have reflected on many of the wonderful experiences…

Extraordinary

To be someone out of the ordinary means to be successful, unique,…

What are your anchors?

Our greatest struggle is within ourselves. Consider…

Fragility

Life remains fragile. Like many people all across the world,…

Strings of Life

Summer holidays were always something to look forward to for…

Becoming

Changes in life have been many recently: good and…

Are you OK?

How are you coping? Are you OK? Whilst out for my exercise allowance…

Do not Fear

In the course of our life, we do not exactly know what lies ahead.…

Compassion

We are entering unknown territory. One word plays constantly…

Influence or Persuasion

In preparation for a forthcoming learning event I was reminded…

Mary’s Meals

Over the last 2 years, I have worked with the leadership team…

Do you see?

Are you quick to observe? It was 1972 - one Sunday morning,…

Touched

The energy in the room was high. Then in a reflective moment…

A little push

"All it took was a little push" said the taxi driver.  Let me…

Choose the right

"There is a great loneliness in leadership, but, I repeat, we…

Good Manners

Okay, maybe I'm a little old fashioned, old school even, but…

Stay or Go?

"Do I stay or do I go?" Hinge Points are pivotal moments of…

Harvesting

What we sow, is what we reap. Anything of great value and…

Support

Who supports you? As a 4 year old, I set off with family…

Commitment

Are you committed to succeed? Are you all in? As I think of…

Mortality

As Goethe put it, “things that matter most are not at the mercy…

Punctured?

Have you ever felt a little flat?.. Yes, me too. This personal…

Hinge Points

What kind of person are you? Yesterday, I spoke in a meeting…

Career Choices

It was 2002. Setting off in the early hours of the morning, I…

Stewardship

Think about it for a moment, we own very little, but are stewards…

Being

I hesitate to share this story, but as I reflect upon what happened,…

Traditional Feasts

Yesterday, one of my daughters and I were the Chef's for Christmas…

Pathways to Purpose

Why am I here? What is the purpose of life? Where did I…

Purpose, Meaning and Life Long Learning

I was inspired by Neal A. Maxwell when he observed "Each generation…

Finding your Flow

4 days, 21 workshops, 600+ participants, great fun, powerful…

Decisions

We're always deciding something. Stripped down to its essentials,…

Shared Repertoire

“Would you like a pair of slippers Daryl?” “Yes please”…

Suspend Judgement

Have you been too quick to judge or too slow to listen lately?…

Repetition

I was just married, living in Holland in 1994 and was struggling…

Recharge!

How often do you recharge your personal "life" batteries? Whilst…

Lessons from Flights

"What time is your flight Daryl" "4.50pm" I replied. We agree…

Let the E-Go

Is your ego getting in the way of your personal progress and…

Being me

Do you like being you? My days are filled with being me! More…

Priorities

3.33 am this morning. My mind was alert, in full flow. "Go to…

The Kaleidoscope of Leadership

As a child I remember having a kaleidoscope, with each simple…

Someday

"𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒂𝒚" is an all too frequent response…

Listening

The time to listen is when someone needs to be heard. Listening…

Anchors

What anchors you in the challenges of life? A dictionary definition…

Change – Speed & Agility

In our topsy-turvy, commotion-filled world, the pace of constant…

Be true to who you are

Our values are under attack.... personal, societal, organisational…

Balance

In recent coaching conversations, the topic of "balance" has…

How change agile are you?

How change agile are you? Do you anticipate, adapt and plan for…

Are you stubborn?

Are you stubborn? Or obstinate perhaps? Stubbornness is defined…

Selfish vs Selfless

Recently, these two words have played over and over again in…

Self-awareness

"How do I improve my self-awareness?" asked a course delegate.…

Empathy

Empathy is the "capacity to understand or share the feelings…

Authenticity

Love her or loathe her, the long-lasting legacy of the Oprah…
Sharing

The Loneliness of Leadership

This image of Theresa May in Brussels a few months ago - sparked…

Moments

It's often really surprising what a considerable part very small…

The inner chimp

What happened to Rory McIlroy? Day 1, destruction +8, Day 2,…

Patience

So, your patience is wearing thin..... Perhaps a certain amount…

Commitment

So, what a week that was. Seven days, eight places, people,…

Responsibility

I love this true story shared by Lynn G. Robbins recently, some…

Fear

I'm usually always very confident, but on this occasion I was…

Are your boundaries set?

It is never too late to learn about boundaries.  Are yours set?…

Polishing

Its time to polish the car again! I don't know about you,…

Are you on the right track?

Living in Dunfermline, I have frequently travelled over the Forth…

Therefore, what?

Puzzled, quizzical or completely lost by the keynote address? Frequently…

The Dangers of Pointing out Faults in Others

It is all too common place and easy to find fault. Do you often…

Preparation

Are you ready to lead? Are you sure? Why should anyone be led…

Sleep

What are you doing about your sleep? - is a question I frequently…

Wisdom

“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt…

Waiting

"What can I do whilst I'm waiting?"- The thought passed through…

Serendipity

Stepping on the train yesterday was far different from a few…

Shortcomings

How do you measure up to your shortcomings? At every stage…

Consistency

My experience is that what we do consistently - will truly shape…

Thinking Time

"Don't just do something, sit there!"- is a phrase I have stumbled…

Leadership Essentials – Humility vs Pride

“Pride is your greatest enemy, humility is your greatest friend.”…

Charitable Service

In regard to service, Jeffrey R. Holland stated it is "the finest…

Vision

Whether you are familiar with the bible or not, you are likely…

Values – questions

"How do I figure out my personal values?" asked a course delegate.…

Roles

Have you considered the many different roles you have in life? Our…

Learning

I have lost count of the number of learning & development…

Compassion

Sadly, our dog, Fawn died last week.  However, I was a little…
Intuition

Intuition

Something wasn't quite right, and I knew it. Intuition - "a thing…
Sharing

Momentum

England and Scotland's remarkable match on Saturday was a game…
Commitment

Commitment

Are you committed to succeed? As a young salesman in 1989,…
Hand Shake

Respect

My parents taught me to be respectful of others.  It is a lesson…
Learning

Learning

I love this story I learned about again at the weekend.. "Two…
Sharing

Sharing

"Life is about creating and living experiences that are worth…

“Having worked with Daryl for both group facilitation and individual coaching, he delivers tailored insightful programs which have resulted in real, tangible business and individual improvements. Often challenging, often supporting, often driving self-reflection, clear stretching individual and business goals have been set, measured and achieved – all of this using interesting and fun tools to illustrate key areas for improvement. Our relationship with Daryl has proved to be a great asset to our business.”

“Working with Daryl has been an incredibly insightful, helpful and inspiring journey for me.  In each of our coaching sessions Daryl helped me to understand my strengths and worked with me to overcome challenges.  A hugely beneficial investment of time, both personally and professionally.”

“As a personal coach, Daryl was able to uncover weaknesses and help turn them into strengths that could then be translated across the business bringing tangible results.”

“I have found coaching with Daryl to be extremely beneficial and more helpful than any professional course I have ever attended. He creates a very kind and supportive environment to critically analyse issues and come up with tangible new approaches and techniques. His support has helped me to grow as a senior leader and to be more effective in my role.”

“I have been fortunate to work with Daryl as a colleague but more recently as a trainer / coach. Through our sessions Daryl has helped me understand my strengths and identify areas for improvement. I have found him very knowledgeable and very engaging. I would very much recommend his services and will use him for my team going forward”

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