Generations Connected

Yesterday held many important moments – business in Edinburgh, and a meaningful meeting in the Scottish Parliament on Freedom of Religion or Belief.
But the real highlight was something quieter, more personal: I had the chance to connect with Victoria, the daughter of one of my missionary companions from 40 years ago in London, Dana McBride, whilst she was on a very short trip to Edinburgh with her husband – and I just happened to be in town at the same time!
Time slipped away as we talked.
Though our meeting was brief, it held the weight of decades.
The last time I saw Dana was in 2016 in Phoenix, but yesterday – in a lovely twist – we bridged continents and years with a short video call to Dana and his wife Sheri.
For a few minutes, it felt like no time had passed at all, although it was evident that we are now both a little greyer!
There’s something profound about those kinds of connections – friendships rooted in shared purpose, carried forward into the next generation.
They remind us that the work we do, the relationships we invest in, often echo much further than we ever realise.
“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” — Psalm 145:4
It made me wonder, what seeds are we planting today that our children or those who come after us might one day reap with joy?

Miles that Matter – Milngavie

Yesterday, I spent some time in Milngavie, standing at the very start of the West Highland Way.
It was the warmest day of the year so far, and as I walked along the High Street, I could feel the anticipation rising.
In just eight weeks, I’ll be back there – this time with a large group of returned missionaries from Belgium and the Netherlands who are traveling from all over the world – ready to begin our 96-mile journey along this iconic route in Scotland.
We’re walking not just for the challenge, but for a cause close to our hearts: Mary’s Meals.
This charity provides life-changing meals to children in some of the world’s poorest communities.
Every penny we raise goes directly to feeding children, because each of us taking part is covering our own costs.
Yesterday gave me a glimpse of what lies ahead, and reminded me why we’re doing this.
If you haven’t donated yet and are able to support us, please do.
It makes a real difference.
Click on the link below.

Up for the Chat

Yesterday, Cristi and I climbed Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.
It was a small adventure, but one that left a big mark on both of us.
It was just fun to talk, share and climb up together.
The hill rises about 251 metres (823 feet) above the city, and as we walked up its winding paths, we found more than just a view.
It was a beautiful warm spring day.
The kind where the sky feels a little brighter and people seem just a bit lighter too.
Tourists galore dotted the path, stopping for photos or catching their breath, but for us, the climb was more than a walk – it was some special time together.
Life is full on for both of us right now.
Cristi is deep in her final year at university, juggling studies, dissertations, and all the pressure that comes with finishing strong.
I’m balancing new work opportunities, coaching sessions, and leadership programmes that challenge and excite me in equal measure.
Plus, I’m putting in the final few weeks training for my big walk along the West Highland Way for Marys Meals in May.
In a way, we’re each climbing our own hills.
But yesterday reminded me how good it feels to pause, move our bodies with some good exercise, talk without any agenda, and share space with each other.
No rush.
No screens.
Just the rhythm of our steps and a conversation that flowed as easily as the breeze.
These moments may be brief, but experiences like these breathe life into the everyday.
They remind us of what really matters most: connection, movement, nature, and presence.
I’m grateful we made time for our walk and a healthy lunch afterwards!
We both needed it and enjoyed it too, more than we probably realised.
So, when’s your next moment to pause, breathe, and climb a little higher?

A Mothers Gift

Yesterday, I had the chance to visit with my mum for a wee while.
Mum is in her 90th year and looking well.
Today is Mother’s Day in the UK.
I am so grateful for my mum.
I love her dearly and we feel blessed to have had a lifetime of love and laughter together.
The gift of a mothers love is a priceless treasure.
Her gentle words, quiet strength, and unwavering faith have shaped who I am.
Reflecting upon my time with my mum, I feel immense gratitude for her enduring example and many quiet sacrifices.
In Proverbs 31:28 we read, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
Mum’s love can sometimes go unnoticed, yet I know it forms the very foundation of our family lives.
On this special day, may we all take a moment to reflect on our mothers.
“God bless you, mothers. When all the victories and defeats of men’s efforts are tallied, when the dust of life’s battles finally settles, it is the mother’s love that will be remembered. It is the memory of your arms, your prayers, and your constancy that will live on.” – Gordon B. Hinckley.
Let’s cherish our mothers, each one of them, not just today, but every day – with love, words, and time.
How can you honour and show appreciation for your mother and the mother figures in your life today?

A Quiet Strength

One word has been on my mind a lot lately.
…𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆.
“…the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.”
All around us, I am a witness to adversity, challenges of uncertainty, trials, pressure, and all kinds of tribulation in today’s world.
Daily, I see dear friends, family and many colleagues suffering from all kinds of concerns, including emotional, financial, health, mental health, physical, spiritual and other work-related matters.
Grief at the death of a loved one, low self-esteem or self-doubt, anxiety or depression, loneliness or isolation, struggling with motivation or purpose, marital or family tensions, work related stress or burnout, job dissatisfaction, doubting personal beliefs, chronic illness or pain, recovering from surgery, feeling stuck or like life isn’t going anywhere and on and on…
Is it something to do with the times that we live in?
How does patience play into all of these challenges?
Even after nearly sixty years on planet earth, I have my fair share of patience still to learn.
Thus far, I’ve learned that patience can act like a steady anchor amidst life’s storms.
“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” – Joyce Meyer
I have also learned to trust in God’s timing and not my own.
To wait with purpose, continue to pray, study, and serve, even when I can’t yet see the results.
We ought to be patient with ourselves, acknowledging both our strengths and our limitations.
As we face life’s choices and decisions, I hope we can exercise careful and sound judgment, making the most of each opportunity that eventually comes along.
It’s easy too, but we must not become disheartened or fall into despair when we are doing all we can.
Instead, my experience has taught me to find contentment in steady progress – even if it comes more slowly than I’d like.
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” – A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh
Patience may not take away the storm, but it can certainly help us stand firm through it.
Where could a little more patience bring peace or strength into your life today?

Life is Finite

You can look at it in lots of different ways.
An average life span is 76.9 years.
That’s 4,000 weeks.
Or 28,000 days.
Or consider even – 672,000 hours.
I’m rapidly approaching my 60th birthday, which means I only have around 882 weeks to go or 6,174 days!
Not too long really, some of us will get a little more, some a little less.
Thinking about things like this in purely numerical terms can certainly change your perspective about a few things.
Dr Seuss – “How did it get so late, so fast!”
Yes – our mortal lives are finite, a time of learning, growth, challenges and development.
James 4:14 – “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away.”
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 #𝟏 – each of us will die.
Our earth life is brief, yet crucial for each of us, as we prepare for eternal life beyond deaths door.
Death is part of life.
Beyond death, immortality and eternal life awaits.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 #𝟐 – each of us will live again.
Eternal Life is infinite.
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” – 1 Corinthians 15:22
As Easter approaches, my thoughts are returning to the infinite atonement of our Saviour Jesus Christ, providing resurrection from the dead and immortal life for all of mankind.
Because of Him, to all those who have lost loved ones, I wish to assure you that there is indeed life after life, death is not the end – it’s a doorway.
“Life does not begin with birth, nor does it end with death. We are eternal beings… God’s plan for His children includes not only mortal life, but also life beyond.” – Russell M. Nelson.
I find great comfort and reassurance in the great plan of salvation, a perfect plan which helps us to find our way back home to God, who gave us life.
Life is finite, but His love and plan are infinite.
So, with whatever time remains, how will you choose to live it – and what truly matters most to you as you journey home?

5am; No Hype, Just Habit

Over the last few days, my social media feeds have been flooded with ads for something called The 5am Club – endorsed by a host of famous celebrities.
Curious, I explored further.
What’s the big deal?
The concept is a simple one: wake up at 5am, then spend 20 minutes exercising, 20 minutes in meditation, reflection or prayer, and 20 minutes learning something new in personal study.
Done and dusted by 6am, and you’re supposedly on the fast track to success, wisdom, and eternal youth (OK, maybe not the last one…).
But here’s the thing – I’ve basically been doing this for years.
In fact, I go for the deluxe version.
Two hours every morning.
No fanfare, no hashtags, no glossy book deal – just a quiet commitment to starting my day with purpose, movement, and meaning.
The benefits?
Increased productivity, improved health and well-being, enhanced self-awareness, and (perhaps best of all) a head start while the rest of the world hits snooze for the second or even third time.
So, to all those influencers and early risers out there just discovering the magic of a morning routine… welcome!
But as for me, I think I’ve been unknowingly running the 5am Club – Advanced Edition.
And guess what?
You don’t need celebrity endorsements when the results are clarity, discipline, and a morning filled with purpose.
See you at sunrise. 🙂

Lighter Hearts, Clearer Minds.

Real change doesn’t usually come all at once.
It comes like water, sometimes in a 𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒍𝒆..
A passing moment.
A small insight.
A gentle nudge of encouragement or an unexpected kindness.
Other times through full 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏.
Those deeper moments that may require repeated attempts but yet call us to change at a more profound level.
A courageous conversation.
A personal crisis.
A significant realisation.
Both matter.
A sprinkle might be a kind word, a thoughtful question, a moment of silence that invites reflection.
These are small, sacred touches, gentle reminders that growth is possible.
Immersion goes deeper.
It’s the honest heart to heart discussion, the shift in thinking, the willingness to step fully into discomfort and come out changed.
It’s not always easy, but it transforms.
In my coaching work and life, I’ve come to see my purpose this way:
To sprinkle hope.
To immerse in presence.
𝑻𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒓, 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑰 𝒈𝒐.
Whether coaching, mentoring, counselling, teaching, listening, or simply being there for someone, I offer what I can: a drop of trust, a wave of clarity, or even a simple whisper of encouragement.
A small adjustment in the way we think about something can bring great change in our thoughts and behaviours.
Change comes drop by drop and other times, it’s a plunge into something much deeper.
But it comes.
“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” – Alma 37:6
What are the sprinkles you offer to others?

Let Go and Grow

Some experiences in life are so deep, emotional and meaningful, that it can be difficult to let go and move on.
 
We find security and comfort in clinging to possessions, roles, titles, and identities.
 
Yet we all go through this process many times in our lives.
 
These things provide us with a sense of self worth, continuity and stability in a very unpredictable world.
 
Loosening our grip on them, or sometimes being forced to do so, can bring with it, uncertainty and fear.
 
I have learned that we are naturally wired to seek stability and familiarity.
 
Letting go can feel like losing a part of who we are.
 
And yet for many of us the unknown is frightening!
 
Life changes, people move on, titles shift.
 
As we’ve discovered recently, even the physical possessions we carefully store away (in our big loft – those things we forgot we even had) often lose their meaning over time.
 
And yet, we resist letting go because it forces us to confront the unknown.
 
One of life’s greatest lessons and one of my biggest challenges is learning to accept that relationships evolve.

Acceptance

 
Acceptance means acknowledging and valuing the significance of what you’re releasing, while also understanding and embracing the need to move ahead.
 
While we often imagine the people, we cherish will stay with us forever, the reality is that connections naturally shift, change and move on.
 
Embracing this truth, allows me to appreciate others much more deeply in the present moment, honour those seasons of our relationships, and gracefully welcome new connections when the time arrives to move on.
 
Letting go, isn’t about forgetting or dismissing the past, it’s about making space for what’s next.
 
When we loosen our grip, we open ourselves to growth, fresh opportunities, and deeper meaning in our lives.
 
Why not start small and let go of one thing, an old habit, a long-held expectation, or even a physical object you no longer need.
 
Notice how it feels.
 
Sometimes, releasing something minor can build the confidence to embrace bigger changes with greater ease.
 
In the end, letting go isn’t about loss, it’s about making room for something new.
 
What fears surface when you consider letting go?

Two Journeys, Two Spirits

This weekend, Monic and I travelled south, to the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.
We journeyed down to enjoy a production of Rob Gardner’s Lamb of God.
For weeks now, I’ve watched several videos of the British Saints’ Symphony Choir and Orchestra rehearsing.
It certainly built a hi-level of expectation on our part, and we weren’t disappointed.
The “Lamb of God” is a powerful oratorio about the final days of Christ’s life from the last Supper through to His Resurrection.
Unlike other choral compositions, it combines orchestral arrangements with both solo and choral performances, creating a distinctive and immersive experience that appeals to people of all faiths.
To fully appreciate the musical, it is helpful to understand the events of the last week of Christ’s life, including His entry to Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Gethsemane, the Betrayal, His Crucifixion and glorious Resurrection.

Hope

Even in the darkest moments of Christ’s life, the musical production communicates hope.
In fact, some of the most impactful spiritual moments of the oratorio came during the number “Here is Hope”, which touched our hearts and moved us to tears.
We both thoroughly enjoyed our evening, and it was fun to catch up with so many old friends.
The train we caught back to our hotel in Chorley was completely full, with standing room only and filled with a contrasting type of revelry all together.
We commented to each other that the vast majority of those on the train were filled with a different kind of spirit.

Opposite experience

Reflecting on the contrast between the sacred, uplifting spirit of the oratorio and the boisterous atmosphere on the train, I couldn’t help but think about the journey of discipleship.
Life often presents us with a choice – do we seek after things that elevate and inspire, or do we allow ourselves to be swept along by the distractions of the world?
Just as the oratorio beautifully depicted Christ’s final days, our own lives are a journey filled with trials, joys, and moments of profound decision.
The music reminded me that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope- through Him.
In our daily walk, are we seeking to fill our lives with the spirit of Christ, or are we merely going along with the noise of the world?