The Joy of Reunion

These last few days, we were blessed with a visit from one of our returned missionaries from Texas, Ashley, and her husband, Connor.
And what a joy it was!
There’s just something really special about reconnecting with those we worked alongside in our missionary efforts in Belgium and the Netherlands.
It’s been a few years since our last meeting, but somehow the bond created doesn’t fade; in many ways, it simply deepens.

Time Together

We shared a few meals (yes, they bravely ate a lot of haggis and liked it!), laughed over games, and visited some of our favourite tourist places, including Culross, the Kelpies, the Wallace Monument, Castle Campbell, Dollar Glen, Dunfermline Abbey, and the Carnegie Birthplace Museum.
It wasn’t the locations that made our time special, rather it was the stories, the shared memories, and the new moments we created together, especially Connor with the amazing video footage he filmed with his drone – wow!
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;” – Philippians 1:3-5
There’s a special kind of joy in seeing how life unfolds for those you once served with.
To hear of their continued faith, their marriage, and their journey since returning home is a tender reminder that missionary service is never the end, it’s a new beginning.
A beginning of lifelong discipleship, and forever friendships too.
Paul’s words in Philippians resonate with me: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”
That’s exactly how we felt as we spent a little more time together, with so much gratitude for our shared experiences, and for the fellowship of the gospel of Jesus Christ we enjoy.
I hope we never underestimate the power of a visit, a meal, or a conversation to strengthen those ties that bind us as brothers and sisters in Christ forevermore.
Who brings you joy when you remember them?

He Calms Storms

I’m no expert on global markets, but this last week has been a torrid one for the world with sweeping tariff plans and many of us scratching our heads and asking what is going on?
Watching the news I see chaos unfold, day after day, right before my eyes.
There is a heck of a lot of noise, all swirled together in a whirlwind of 21st-century geopolitics.
My thoughts turned back to our service in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Many of our missionaries wore little wristbands with the following letters inscribed – WWJD.
In other words What Would Jesus Do?
I found myself asking that question early this morning, and how might Jesus Christ respond to all of this.
Jesus lived in a world not unlike ours – occupied, politically fraught, filled with division, economic hardship, and many leaders vying for control.

A Peacemaker

In my mind as I think about Him, He was first and foremost a peacemaker, not a panic maker.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (John 14:27).
He calmed the stormy seas.
He also taught that “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Truth is not merely political positioning; it is clarity, honesty and transparency.
More than anything, He ministered to the one, healed the poor and uplifted the outcast.
In His economy, “the last shall be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16).
Jesus would see people, rather than percentages.
In all of this mayhem, I’ve asked myself – who benefits from all of this?
Jesus would serve, not dominate.
I am mindful most of all of His prophecy in Matthew 24:7 regarding the last days – “Nation shall rise against nation”.
In His great intercessory prayer, He pled with the Father that “they all may be one” (John 17:21).
Jesus tore down walls, bridged divides, and showed us the power of collaboration and mutual respect.
He taught patience, perseverance, and hope.
He didn’t play a 90-day game chasing popularity polls or political wins, but rather His view is an eternal one, built over lifetimes of love, sacrifice, and service.
He calls us all to be peacemakers.
And to remember that real power doesn’t come from political moves – but from love, truth, and trust in Him.
When the world rages, will we still follow Him?

Brain FM: Now Playing…

Have you ever had a song or tune stuck in your head?
It frequently happens in our home.
Randomly, from nowhere, a catchy piece of music keeps replaying involuntarily through your mind.
It’s usually just a few notes, a little fragment, a snippet of music, a catchy chorus, a little jingle, or a repetitive melody from a familiar song.
Do you know what I mean?
It just loops over and over in your head, without intentionally even thinking about it.
It’s if your brain hits repeat on a song, you didn’t even ask it to play!
They’re commonly called “𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒔”.
They can last for a few minutes, many hours or even days on end, at least that’s our experience.
In our home, Monic and I are pretty good at infecting each other too.
Randomly, either one of us will start humming a tune or whistling a song, only to find that the other one joins in by completing the next part of the melody.
Then, the other one completes the next part, and we go back n forward, over and over again!
And just like that, we’ve passed the earworm on.
It’s like a musical baton relay with no finish line.
Its relentless!
We don’t even know who started it, or why we’re suddenly singing “Sweet Caroline” in the middle of our breakfast.
Or, one hum, one whistle “da-da-da-da-da-DAAA- da…and boom – we’re off again!
But we always end up laughing, every single time.
But here’s a thought: if our brains are that good at replaying nonsense jingles, imagine the power of putting something intentional on loop.
What if we chose our mental soundtrack a little more deliberately?
Like a kind thought, a hopeful mantra of some kind, or a bit of truth you need to hear today.
Gratitude. Encouragement. Hope.
So, tell me, what song gets stuck in your head?
And what thought could you intentionally replace it with today?

Many More Miles

This week I’ve walked – a lot!
Up and down hills, along quiet trails, through rugged country park tracks, and even across many miles of noisy city centres footpaths in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
My legs have been a wee bit tired, my boots are now well-worn in, and I’ve gone through a few snacks, but I am so grateful for my health.
I’ve also met a few people and had some interesting conversations on my journey too.
One of the highlights was a lovely walk with Monic around part of Loch Leven.
We weren’t in a rush – just walking, talking, and soaking in the stillness.
It was one of those slow, steady walks that grounds you, body and soul.
With every step however, I feel a little more ready for the West Highland Way in May.
It’s taken effort, daily discipline, and a lot of desire to keep going.
Right now, there’s a real focus in my life – a reason to lace up my shoes and get out the door, even when the weather’s been a little chillier or the route ahead feels long.
As I’ve walked, I’ve thought a lot about how this kind of preparation mirrors something spiritual too – especially with General Conference weekend here.
Just like a long-distance trail, the journey of faith requires daily effort.
We don’t prepare for big spiritual moments overnight.
It’s the small, consistent choices – prayer, scripture study, quiet service, that build our spiritual endurance.
General Conference is like a pleasant rest stop on that path.
A time to refill, realign, and refocus.
It doesn’t replace the journey; it helps us stay on it and grow stronger.
And just like how training for the West Highland Way has helped me feel more capable and more clear-headed, taking time to prepare spiritually helps me get more from the experience.
One verse keeps coming to mind:
“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” – Hebrews 12:1–2
This journey, both physical and spiritual, isn’t about speed.
It’s about steady progress, and keeping our eyes fixed on where we’re going.
So, here’s my question:
What are you doing right now to stay spiritually ready for the path ahead in your own life?

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?