More than Miles

These last few months I’ve done a lot of walking.
I walk everywhere.
This week, I also discovered that May is National Walking Month 🥾🥾
For many, it’s a chance to stretch their legs and get outside.
But for me, my daily walks are helping me train for my adventure starting 28th May, along the West Highland Way with 15 dear friends in support of Mary’s Meals.
Years of scripture study have taught me lots about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Many things stand out in His teachings, but I’d like to focus on just one thing today.
He walked everywhere.
As I walk, I’ve been thinking about how much of the Gospel is rooted in the act of walking.
He was often seen walking by the Sea of Galilee, on the road to Emmaus, through crowds of people, with sinners, publicans, to Nazareth, Capernaum and Jerusalem, but mostly He walked with His disciples, and He even walked on water.
The disciples walked everywhere too.
Often not knowing exactly where they were going, but they trusted deeply and followed Him.
That’s what faith often feels like.
Some days I’ll put my boots on, uncertain what path I’ll take, but I hope and believe it always leads somewhere worth going.
We don’t need to walk by the shores of Galilee or among the Judean hills to walk where Jesus walked.
As Thomas S. Monson said, “Walking where Jesus walked 𝒊𝒔 less important than walking 𝒂𝒔 Jesus walked”.
It’s not about the path under your feet, rather it’s all about what’s in your heart, by choosing to follow Him in your own journey through life.
The scriptures teach us not just about what to do, but how to walk; “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
That’s the kind of walk I want to train for.
Not just the miles ahead, but a life filled with service that moves toward justice, mercy, and humility.
I so look forward to walking together with my friends in a few weeks’ time.
Walking is simple.
But walking with purpose, that’s really where the Gospel meets the ground.
Where is your walk leading you, and who are you walking it for?

Big Ben and Breakfast

Catching up with dear friends within 24 hours was almost too much to handle this week, when I was down in London on business.
If one of our Belgium Netherlands missionaries is in town, you better believe we’ll drop everything to make a visit happen!
On Tuesday I saw Ashlynn Lybbert Thomas post on social media that she had just arrived in town with her husband Carter.
I reached out and we were able to meet up briefly late afternoon at the foot of Big Ben.
It was such fun to catch up even if it was for only 20 minutes.
Then on Wednesday morning I had delicious breakfast with Gage Norton at the Dishoom Indian Restaurant in Kensington.
If ever you want a delicious breakfast in town – that place comes with our highest recommendation!
Being able to catch up with all the news of two of our returned missionaries who were in London for just a few days was really special.
It meant a lot to reconnect, even for just a short time.
These quick visits reminded me how meaningful it is to stay in touch with people who’ve shared in some of the most important parts of your life.
I’m really grateful for these special brief moments, even in the middle of a hectic week!
Who’s someone you’d love to bump into again this weekend?

Faith Friendly Workplaces

Yesterday, I attended the Faith at Work Summit in London.
Organised by Dr. Brian J. Grim of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, it was fascinating to explore how UK businesses are advancing religious freedom for all by creating faith-and-belief-friendly workplaces.
I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and making many new ones during the day’s networking sessions.
There were numerous personal takeaways, but one that stood out was the powerful reminder highlighted in the keynote address by Lord Wajid Khan, UK Minister of State for Faith, Communities and Resettlement, that there are “more commonalities than differences” and that deep “friendships across faiths” are not only possible but already flourishing.

Role Modeling

Much discussion centred on the increasing spiritual awareness among youth and young adults in today’s rising generation.
I was particularly inspired by the insights shared by a number of exceptional leaders from diverse organisations that take faith-friendly workplaces seriously.
The recurring mantra of enabling individuals “to bring their whole selves to work” resonated strongly with me, illustrating how inclusive workplaces help people truly thrive.
I have experienced that personally in my career, and know firsthand how faith friendly workplaces can help people to thrive.
Topics such as senior role modeling, multi-faith inclusion, supporting faith groups, and managing the message for sceptics were addressed and provided much food for thought.

Artificial Intelligence

I also had a meaningful conversation with Jeremy Peckham from the AI Faith & Civil Society Commission.
We spoke about the growing influence of AI in our workplaces and its implications for young people, our faith traditions, and even our Churches.
His reflections challenged me to consider how some of our God-given gifts, including creativity, conscience, and independent thought, can be dulled or even overtaken by AI if we’re not careful.
Jeremy’s warning that “the algorithms are intentionally designed to appeal to our vices” was a sobering insight and gave me and others much to reflect on.
Overall, the summit was uplifting, thought-provoking, and full of hope for the future.
I left with a deeper appreciation for the growing movement to integrate faith into the workplace, not as something separate or awkward, but as a source of strength, connection, and shared purpose in a diverse society.
The momentum is real, and I’m encouraged by what lies ahead.
What does a faith-friendly workplace look like to you?

Small Swarms, Big Lessons

Yesterday, I set out to walk the 13-mile trail around Loch Leven as part of my training for next month’s West Highland Way adventure and Mary’s Meals.
I’d never walked this far before in one go.
However, it didn’t quite go as planned!
About a mile in, I reached for my phone to take a photo… only to realise I’d left it in the car.
The choice was simple: press on without it or turn back… I turned back.
So, before I’d even really begun, my 13-mile walk had become a 15-mile one.
Lesson #1: preparation matters.
Back on track, the next surprise wasn’t the rain or the wind, but the sky, it wasn’t blue – it was black, with swarms of tiny flying creatures.
At first, I thought they were midges.
But a kindly old gentleman wearing a midge net (he came prepared!) informed me they were in fact Mayflies, millions of them.
They got everywhere: in my nose, ears, eyes. Yuk.
Soldiering on, my baseball cap became my swatting device, fending off thousands.
The first three miles and the final three were the worst.
The “in-between” parts of the walk were very enjoyable, filled with beautiful spots and moments of peaceful bliss.
By the time I got back to the car, nearly 5 hours later, I had discovered a new pain in my left foot, a good measure of all over stiffness, and a few unexpected memories.
But I had done it! Fifteen miles under my belt, and another step closer to being ready for the West Highland Way.

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on the day, I was reminded of a scripture:
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9
Sometimes our efforts are met with unexpected swarms, setbacks, and small irritations.
And sometimes in life, the walk is longer, harder, and more uncomfortable than we had planned.
I kept walking and in the middle of the struggle, there were beautiful peace filled moments, and I found a new strength I didn’t know I had.
My hope is that as we keep walking, through all the swarms and setbacks, we’ll become a little stronger, a little more patient, and a little more prepared for whatever lies ahead.
How do you handle life’s unexpected swarms?
PS Donate here for Marys Meals… https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/fundraising…

Faith, Freedom, Business & a Touch of Tartan

I first met Dr Brian J. Grim around ten years ago in London, and since then, I’ve quietly followed the inspiring development of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation from afar.
Since stepping into my role as a Trustee with the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Foundation last December, our paths have started crossing more intentionally, most recently in Glasgow at a meeting with OVO Energy.
That encounter sparked a simple question: How could I help further?
Weeks later, after attending a Cross Party Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief chaired by John Mason MSP, I reached out with a thought: what if we brought Brian back to Holyrood for a conversation?
Yesterday, that idea came to life.
As Brian arrived, I quipped, “I’ve assembled a press corps just for your arrival!” (We had a good laugh about that!)
We joined First Minister’s Questions, shared lunch with John Mason MSP and Stephen Kerr MSP, and were later joined by Murdo Fraser MSP.
Together we explored how to raise awareness and engage others in meaningful conversations about religious freedom and its connection to business, community and dignity.
It was a powerful day of learning, sharing and planning for what comes next, including hopes for several other events over the next few months.

Tartan Ties

And yes, I wore my Scottish Parliament tartan tie with just a wee bit of pride.
Not wanting to be left out, Brian made sure to get his own Scottish Parliament tartan tie later.
Clearly he’s catching the spirit of Scotland already!
As for future plans?
Brian and I have agreed that next time he’s in town, we’re climbing Arthur’s Seat together.
A bit of elevation always brings new perspective.
How is Freedom of Religion or Belief showing up in your workplace, community or faith network?
And how might we raise that conversation together?

Unpredictable, and That’s Okay!

“Help me understand how this works for you?”
That’s a question I’ve used a lot in my coaching practice recently.
Especially when working with minds of all kinds, each one wired differently, each one worthy of being understood on its own terms.
There have been a few sessions where, being honest, I thought, “We didn’t go anywhere today.”
Lately, I’ve been learning to see those moments differently.
What’s changed?
I have been doing a bit of work with clients who are neurodivergent.
Those living with ADHD, Autism, anxiety, or simply a different way of processing the world.
I’ve realised: We always go somewhere.
…It just might not be where I expected, or how I expected to get there!
The pace of any progress is much less linear and far more unpredictable.
I’ve noticed that some clients speak in bursts, that are full of energy, with fast and fragmented thoughts being expressed simultaneously.
It’s often messy!
I hold that space without rushing to fill it or “tidy it up.”
And so, I adapt.
I shift.
I follow their cues.
Listening, observing even more.
I flex.
I slow down.
Interestingly, I’ve also noticed my own routines and habits more closely.
I’m growing curious about the ways my own neurodiverse traits and stress responses show up.
In many ways, it feels like I’m becoming a student again.
I used to think my job as a coach was to guide people to clarity.
But now, I wonder if it’s more about staying curious while they create their own clarity, in their own way, and most importantly, in their own time.
And as they evolve… so do I.
I’m still learning.
Who in your life might need you to slow down, adapt, and simply ask, “Help me understand how this works for you”?

Meant to Be

Back in mid-December 2024, I met Ella Henricksen for the first time at BYU, in Provo, Utah.
She was a little excited about a possible internship in Scotland.
What I didn’t know then was just how much of a blessing she’d become for me personally.
Ella was set to become the first intern I was responsible for placing in Scotland.
It was a tall order with an extremely tight deadline, to find her a placement by mid-January, with the Christmas holidays in between.
The clock was ticking.
I’d found a willing museum in Edinburgh, but we soon faced challenges with HR and logistics when she arrived in Scotland, that left us scrambling for a plan B.
In those moments of uncertainty, what unfolded felt less like chance and more like divine help.

Plan B

I was hesitant at first to ask Ella to help with something so personal (Plan B) – the final editing of my own book, on top of her podcast work and a few tasks for the FoRB Foundation.
But the more I considered it, the more I realised she was exactly the person I needed.
Ella brought great editorial insight, discipline, and a sense of calm competence.
We met for lunch, mapped out what was left to do, and she got to work.
From there, something special grew, not just a productive collaboration, but a genuine friendship rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.
We enjoyed many wide-ranging healthy conversations, which became a highlight of our time together.
Ella has made a real difference.
I know she’ll miss Scotland, and truth be told, I’ll miss her too!
As she heads back to the U.S. today, I’m grateful for the way everything came together, even those early setbacks seemed to have purpose.
Some might call it coincidence, but I’d say it was more of a God-incidence.
Thank you, Ella, for all you’ve given. 😊
What unexpected help have you been grateful for?

He Lives

This Easter morning, my thoughts have returned to the empty tomb and the eternal promise it holds for each of us.
Like many million of Christians the world over, our hearts will turn to those whom we love who have passed to the other side.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a story; it’s the foundation of my hope and faith.
The scriptures affirm this hope: “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14).
Because of Christ’s victory over death, the answer is a resounding yes.
Three simple words changed everything that morning at the garden tomb: “𝐇𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧”.
His resurrection ensures that we, too, will rise and be reunited with our loved ones.
This knowledge brings me great peace amidst sorrow and joy amidst loss.
It assures me that death is not the end but a passage to a glorious reunion.
On this sacred day, my message is a simple one, I testify that Jesus Christ 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔.
Because of Him, we all have the promise of eternal life.
Happy Easter.
Who are you thinking of this Easter morning?

Two Roads to Humility…

It has been an interesting week thus far in my consulting and coaching world.
I’ve encountered one word, several times over – 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚.
I’ve worked with different organisations on a number of leadership topics, and yet time and again, our conversations have returned to humility.
Life has taught me that there are two main pathways to humility.

By Choice

Firstly, we can 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 to be humble.
There comes a time when we each have to pause and acknowledge that things aren’t going the way we’d hoped.
It takes real courage to admit, first to ourselves and then to others, that we’re stuck, unsure, or sometimes even, simply way out of our depth.
Humbling ourselves means choosing to open up rather than pretend we’ve got it all together.
It might look like asking for advice, learning from someone who’s walked a similar path, picking up a book, or reaching out to someone we trust.
It’s a quiet but powerful step: a willingness to grow, rather than go it alone.

By Compulsion

Secondly, we are 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 to be humble.
This one can be even tougher, much tougher.
Being humbled often arrives over time, uninvited, through failure, disappointment, or moments when the truth hits home really hard and we realise we’re the ones who got it wrong.
Sometimes even a sense of shame can haunt us for a while.
Its my witness, that it is in those uncomfortable moments that conversely something good can start to happen.
It’s the start of taking ownership, of letting go of pride, and choosing a more sure path.
Though painful, being humbled can become the turning point, where we begin to rebuild more honesty, deeper empathy, and stronger self-respect.
I’ve experienced this in my own life, several times over and it truly is painful.
Research shows, that in the leadership world, when companies hire humble leaders, the whole organisation benefits.
It’s a fact, that leaders who have learned to walk in humility, to be curious, and to engage others collaboratively, are more likely to succeed.
Just think what might happen if we choose to live by this virtue, in our own homes…
Indeed, life is a long lesson in humility!
Which path to humility are you currently walking, and what might change if you chose to take the first step, willingly?

When Angels Meet Again

On Saturday evening, I had the opportunity of witnessing something quietly sacred.
I had taken my mum, to a fireside/devotional in Perth.
As we arrived, she spotted the familiar face of a dear old friend, Anne Crook — and, in a moment that felt suspended in time, they gently embraced.
It had been some time since they’d last met, yet the years just seemed to melt away.
Their smiles widened, their voices softened, and they simply 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆.
I sat next to them.
Watching them was like watching and listening to two angels.

Together

Two lifelong friends caught up in each other’s presence, laughing, reminiscing, and sharing their news, as if no time had passed at all.
Their friendship reaches all the way back to the early 1960s when, as younger women, they found the restored gospel in Dunfermline and Perth respectively.
Not long after, they served together in the District Primary Presidency, quietly shaping young lives with faith and love.
“…they did walk after the commandments which they had received… and they did love one another.” 4 Nephi 1:15
Decades may have come and gone, but their bond, rooted in shared testimony and service, remains unshakable.
Both lost their husband’s, some years ago.
Gentle. Humble. Enduring. Radiating love.
There was no need for any grandeur or noise.
No spotlight.
Just a quiet sweetness, two women of great faith, simply being together.
For me, it was a holy moment and a privilege to sit with them.
In their warmth, I was reminded of those things that matter most, the beauty of enduring friendships, of lives lived in service, sacred covenants and of the quiet strength of discipleship.
Sometimes, the most powerful moments are the stillest ones.
Who are the quiet angels in your life, the ones who have walked beside you through the years?