Please Give!

“Give – Charity and the Art of Living Generously” is the second book by Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, CEO of Mary’s Meals.
It’s a powerful reminder that charity is not just an act but a way of life, but rather a way of seeing others with love, of lifting burdens, and of making small sacrifices that ripple into something greater.
Many of you know that from May 28th, 2025, I will be walking 96 miles along the West Highland Way in Scotland over 8 days.
But I won’t be doing it alone.
I’ll be joined by 20 of my dearest friends, all of whom I had the privilege of serving alongside in the Belgium Netherlands Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Together, we are embracing this adventure with excitement, determination, and a shared commitment to raising money for Mary’s Meals – a cause close to our hearts.
Each of us has spent months preparing, walking mile after mile, training our bodies and minds for the challenge ahead.
But more than the physical preparation, this journey is about something far deeper – it’s about walking with purpose, with faith, and with love for those in need.
The way we practice charity reflects the depth of our compassion, humility, and willingness to serve – not for recognition, but simply because it is the right thing to do.
True charity isn’t just about donating money; it’s about offering our time, kindness, and understanding.

Charity Never Faileth

It is in giving that we receive, in serving that we grow, and in walking together that we strengthen not only our legs but also our hearts.
As Mother Teresa beautifully said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Along the way, we may come to realise that charity is not only something we give to others, but something we, too, need from time to time, whether in the form of support, encouragement, or simply a helping hand.
Many of my friends are travelling from the USA and the Netherlands at their own expense, ensuring that every penny we raise goes directly to feeding children in need.
If you’d like to be part of our journey and help provide a meal for a hungry child, please consider making a donation through the link below.
Together, we can turn small acts of generosity into something truly life changing.
Will you join us in making a difference, one meal at a time?

The Power of Opposition

“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors” – African Proverb
I have learned that winter is just as necessary as summer.
Work is as good for us as rest.
Uphill is just as important as downhill.
Life includes some sunshine and rain, success and failure, as well as good and evil.
There is a natural law of opposites at play in all of our lives.
Life has taught me that there is “an opposition in all things” – 2 Nephi 2:11
The struggles, adversity, difficulties that we encounter are oftentimes the most powerful teachers we face in life.
I am certain too that discouragement will be a visitor for all of us at some point in life.
Misery can set in, and for some we can get stuck in the mud pretty quickly.
Difficulties can keep us alert and on our toes.
They teach us to fight and prevent us from being over-confident.
Indeed, sometimes we are compelled to be humble.
We can only truly recognise joy because we have also encountered sorrow.
There is growth in opposition
Many times, I’ve learned the hard way, that in every negative, there is always a positive!
“There is no growth without challenge, no triumph without struggle, and no joy without sorrow.” – unknown.
And so, rather than resisting opposition, we can choose to embrace it as a necessary part of our growth.
Setbacks too, can prepare us for something greater.
The hard times can refine us, and the struggles can strengthen us.
Each challenge we face is not a roadblock, but a stepping stone, an opportunity to become wiser, stronger, and more compassionate.
So, when the storms come (and they will), stand firm.
When the road gets steep, take another step.
When darkness falls, remember that morning always comes.
With faith, perseverance, and an open heart, we will not only endure but thrive.
The law of opposition is not meant to break us, it is meant to build us.
And through it all, we learn the greatest truth of all: joy is worth the journey.
How has opposition in your life shaped you into the person you are today?

Eyes that Shine

I have heard it often said that the “eyes are the windows of the soul.”
Have you ever made eye contact with someone and simply smiled?
I know that our eyes are the means whereby people can look into our hearts.
They reveal more than words ever could, including joy, sorrow, love, pain, truth, or sadly even in some, deception.
A glance can reassure us, uplift us, or even pierce through a carefully constructed façade.
Over the years, I have learned that our radiant, eternal spirits, shine through our eyes.
The Saviour taught, “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light” (Matthew 6:22).
I know that when our hearts are pure and our intent is righteous, that light shines forth, illuminating not only our own path but also touching those around us.

Childlike

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a child filled with innocence and wonder?
Lately, I’ve had that opportunity several times with our newborn grandson, Oscar.
It is always such a simple, wonderful, beautiful experience, filled with love and joy.
I know that little children are full of faith and receptive to feelings of the Spirit.
Or perhaps you have had the chance to gaze into the eyes of someone who has suffered much, yet somehow through it all, their soul radiates peace.
Their eyes reflect the spirit within, and a quiet testimony of who they truly are continues to shine through.
I remember that look in my fathers eyes in the last few days of his life.
Sometimes, darkness enters our lives through sin, doubt, or despair, and it can dim the light in our eyes.
Over years of ministering to many, I have felt and seen that on numerous occasions.
Eyes that once sparkled with faith may have become clouded with sadness or indifference.
Have life’s experiences taken away your childlike faith and trusting heart?
I witness to the fact that the miracle of the gospel of Jesus Christ, is that light can always return.
Christ’s love, when embraced, will always brighten our souls.
And when our souls are full of His light, it is unmistakable.
So, the next time you look into someone’s eyes, pause.
Seek to truly see them.
In that moment, you may catch a glimpse of the divine within.
What do your eyes reflect today?

Midges 1, Hikers 0

Highland Midges (pronounced “mi-jees”) are nasty wee biting beasties, roughly the size of your fingernail, but with the ambition of much larger predators!
Scottish midges are tiny, gnat-like flies, about 1-3mm in size, much smaller than mosquitoes but significantly more obnoxious.
The problem?
You never get just one.
They arrive in swarms, determined to turn your scenic hike into a full-scale battle for survival.
These relentless little nuisances dominate the Highlands from June to September, with a particular fondness for humid, damp conditions and shady spots.
Seemingly, they’re most active at dawn and dusk, presumably because they enjoy making sure you start and end your day in absolute misery.
And so, with great enthusiasm (and just a hint of trepidation), we set off on our 96-mile trek along the West Highland Way to raise money for Mary’s Meals on May 28th for nine days of adventure, blisters, and, most likely a few midges too.
Well maybe, lots and lots of midges.
Yesterday, on the advice of a dear friend, I invested in a midge-proof head net.
I put it on this morning and felt utterly ridiculous!
What do you think?
But I’m not stopping there.
My anti-midge survival kit will also include:
– Light-coloured clothing (because apparently, midges prefer dark colours)
– Avon Skin So Soft (allegedly a midge repellent)
– Bite treatment lotion (Sudocrem – because hope is not a strategy)
I’ve also been assured that midges prefer some people over others, so I can only hope that I’m one of the lucky ones.
Don’t forget you can donate to Mary’s Meals by clicking in the link below in the comments.
https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/fundraising#/detail/701P500000Nq7bGIAR
Let the adventure begin!

Fellowships

Throughout my life I have enjoyed a whole range of different fellowships.
I simply love the word.
It is associated with so many other “F” words.
The foundational meaning of the word is friendship.
In many ways our family is the first fellowship, where we experience life, a sense of belonging, where we learn to serve, lift, help and strengthen one another.
A family of fellowship provides the foundation for relationships built on love, trust, mutual understanding and respect.
It has been my experience that when families prioritise faith, forgiveness, and fortitude, they create strong fellowships within their homes.
Faith can also unite people in a spiritual or religious community.
For instance, after our church meetings on Sunday, our congregation enjoyed a warm fellowship at a munch and mingle together.

Fraternity

Fellowship also suggests a fraternity, where a deep bond of brotherhood or sisterhood can emerge.
Recently I became a Fellow of the Association for Coaching.
It is made up of a group of followers who share a common path.
I’ve discovered, that at the very core of the association, there is a fraternity of a close-knit group of individuals who support, challenge, and uplift one another – its great!
Fellowship and fraternity go hand in hand.
Last week I was in a deep conversation with another fellow of the association discussing how to build lasting connections and shape the lives of the rising generation of new coaches.
In a strong fellowship, where we have a focus on something, everyone has a role to play, whether in service, leadership, teaching, or simply offering encouragement.
And when that fellowship is strong, it builds a sense of community and people begin to flourish.
Flourishing is more than just a state of well-being, it’s about thriving, growing, firing up our faith, and reaching our full potential.
As each member flourishes the entire fellowship benefits.
My experience of fellowships is that they are also places that provide freedom to grow.
They are the foundation of friendships, families, and faith communities, that lift, strengthen, and inspire us to become our best selves.
What fellowships are shaping your life today?

Consequences

Spring 1998, Kyle was a baby, around 6 months old.
It was Saturday night, and I was in the bath with him playing with some toys.
One of which was a rattle with a big suction cup attached.
We were having such fun with this toy, that I decided to attach the suction cup to my forehead to entertain him further.
I remember Kyle smiling and laughing.
After the silliness wore off, I tried to take the toy from my forehead.
But it was stuck, really stuck!
The powerful combination of air, water, and suction made the toy stick to my forehead like glue!
It was only much later with Monic’s help; we managed to pry the toy off.
The result – burst blood-vessels!!!
A huge dark red mark on my forehead caused by the intense suction, just like a massive hickey! 😆
I’ll never forget the next day, as there I was sitting on the podium in church, as the final speaker in Sacrament meeting.
I sat through the whole service, feeling as if everyone was directly staring at me.
In my opening remarks, I set the record straight, sharing my rather embarrassing story, much to the amusement of the entire congregation!

The Moral of the Story

Sometimes, we make choices, whether in fun, ignorance, or even good intentions, that can have unintended consequences.
While some consequences are light-hearted, others can be more serious.
The important lesson is how we respond, whether with humility, humour, or a willingness to correct our mistakes.
Likewise, we can’t always control the consequences of our actions, but we can control how we respond.
The gospel teaches us the power of humility and honesty in all situations.
“If thou art humble, thou shalt be made strong, and shalt bring forth much fruit.” (Doctrine & Covenants 136:32)
When we are willing to acknowledge our imperfections, we invite others to do the same, strengthening relationships and fostering a spirit of love and understanding.
How can embracing humility in our daily lives strengthen our relationships and bring us closer to the Saviour?

Step by Step

An old proverb states that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
To achieve something, you need to start with a small step.
In preparation for the walk with Mary’s Meals in May, for some months now I have been putting in many daily steps.
Recently, I purchased a new pair of walking boots and whilst breaking them in, one boot caused some discomfort around my right ankle.
Starting a new adventure often comes with initial discomfort or challenges.
In life, we progress on our journey by taking each day one step at a time, repeating the process consistently until we arrive at our destination.
I love this verse found in the holy scriptures – “It is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize.” Mosiah 4:27
In other words, we don’t need to rush; we just need to keep a steady pace and head in the right direction.
Likewise in life, our focus should be on doing our best, taking one step at a time.
Each step, no matter how small, moves me forward.
Some days, the journey feels effortless, and it is no problem at all.
Other days however, progress is slow, and the weight of the steps press down on me.
But what matters most in those moments, is that I keep going.
What felt like a long distance some weeks ago, now seems much easier indeed.
Training for the walk with Mary’s Meals has reinforced this lesson for me.
The cumulative effect of daily effort builds resilience, strength, and an inner confidence that I can succeed.
Small, consistent actions, whether in physical endurance, spiritual growth, or personal development, lead to meaningful results over time.
This principle applies to all aspects of life.
Whether we’re striving for a personal goal, strengthening relationships, or deepening our faith, steady, deliberate effort brings lasting change.
So, as I prepare for the miles ahead, I remind myself that success is not found in speed, but in perseverance.
Every step taken with purpose can bring each of us closer to where we want to be.
Take that small step towards your success.
What small steps can you take today that will lead you closer to your goal?

Miles for Meals

Four years ago, Cristi and I jumped out of a plane and raised £4000 for Mary’s Meals, just as covid restrictions were being eased.
The goal this time around is to raise £20,000 with 20 of my dear friends from our Belgium Netherlands Missionary days.
That’s enough to feed 1000 children for one year.
Since launching our campaign 24 hours ago, we’ve raised over £1000 for Mary’s Meals – its a great start!
We are so grateful for all those who have donated – Thank You!
This May, we’ll be walking the 96 miles of the West Highland Way – an incredible challenge through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes.
We are literally walking miles for meals.
We are both excited and grateful to walk and raise money for such a good cause.
Your support means everything to us and to the children who will benefit.
Please give generously as we get our fundraising efforts underway.
Use the link in my story or in the comments below.
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference!
Thank you!

Frazzled and Frayed?

Lately, I’ve heard the phrase “spreading myself too thin” over and over.

It seems to be something that many of us struggle with from time to time.

We simply take on too much, pushing ourselves beyond our own capacity and then eventually start to feel overwhelmed.

Academic pressures, job changes, work life imbalance, self-doubts, digital overload, trying to please everyone, multiple roles, workloads, endless to do-lists….and so forth!

Have you found yourself in that space recently, with lots to do and juggling lots of different responsibilities?

I know I have a little.

Sometimes the weight of “too much” can simply become too burdensome.

My experience is that in order to catch up, we need to slow down.

The scriptures offer some wisdom on this very issue.

In Mosiah 4:27, we are reminded: “See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.”

It’s easy to believe that saying yes to everything is a virtue, but I’ve learned that wisdom teaches otherwise.

Even the Lord’s counsel acknowledges our limitations.

Overexertion can lead to exhaustion rather than effectiveness.

I love the promise in Isaiah 40:31, which gives us a greater perspective: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

For me, the key is finding a way to get the balance right.

Essentially its about knowing when to run and push forward and when to walk and regain strength.

Wisdom lies in our ability to discern what truly needs our time and energy.

Are we aligning our efforts with the Lord’s priorities for our lives?

My invitation today is to reflect a little longer and consider this question:

Are you running faster than you have strength?

If so, perhaps it’s time to slow down, reassess, and let the Lord renew your energy in His way and in His time.

 

Making Metamorphosis Stick

Graduating from university many years ago, literally changed the direction of my life.
I recall attending one of a myriad of careers fairs, where numerous companies visited the university and talked about job opportunities.
One company in particular “Metamorphose” sourced and developed graduates for sales positions and after enduring an intensive selection process, I was offered my first graduate sales role with a major company.
Over the course of the next year Metamorphose were set to fine tune my sales skills through a series of training seminars and inspirational leadership events.
During each session and the subsequent year-long follow up, the big idea was to transfer some of the greatest sales skills and ideas into our daily conduct and routines.
To make it “sticky” enough to make a real difference in our sales abilities, our effectiveness and ultimately the results that we achieved.
In essence it was important for Metamorphose that their training manifested itself in the personality, conduct and performance of each graduate student.
The training certainly was first class and to this day, I still use their materials and powerful techniques.
Sadly however, along the way, there were many who failed.

Adaptation

In life, I’ve discovered that there are many who can hear a great message and not be deeply stirred – we are all different after all.
Yet others, have the ability to take ideas successfully through the early stages of their metamorphosis to where they become ingrained habits that drive long-term success.
The difference often lies in commitment, mindset, and the willingness to apply what is learned consistently.
I saw first-hand how some graduates thrived, seizing every opportunity to refine their skills, while others struggled to implement the lessons.
The most successful individuals were those who embraced continuous learning, adapted to challenges, and stayed persistent even when results were slow to appear.
An effective way to make learning “sticky” is through constant practice, by applying new skills in real-world scenarios until they become second nature.
Another is by repetition, revisiting key concepts over and over to reinforce retention.
For me, coaching and mentoring others has proven to be the best “sticky” method of all.
Looking back, I realise how much of that early training has shaped my approach to business and personal growth today.
What’s one lesson from your early career that has stayed with you?
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