Where We Place the Light

All day I’d been talking about candles.
It was Christmas after all, and I felt the house needed some more atmosphere.
That soft warmth and flickering sense of seasonal intention.
Monic, as ever, was very patient with me.
Perhaps I’d been influenced by recent weeks of encouraging others to let their light shine and light the world. Perhaps I was trying to practice what I’d been sharing. Either way, I eventually settled on what felt like the perfect solution.
Candles, set on the bookcase.
Monic gently suggested I be careful.
We then did what many do at Christmas. We sat down together and started a game of Sequence. Cards dealt. Concentration engaged. Festive harmony achieved.
We didn’t get very far, when only a few minutes into the game, Amilya shrieked:
“𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲𝑪𝑨𝑺𝑬 𝑰𝑺 𝑶𝑵 𝑭𝑰𝑹𝑬!
And indeed, it certainly was.
A sudden dash. A moment of collective disbelief. One glass of water deployed with impressive urgency. The flames were extinguished. The danger passed.
The damage, however, was done – a scorched bookcase…
In all our years together, we’ve never had a fire quite like that at home.
And certainly not one caused by an attempt to create cosy Christmas atmosphere.
It turns out that not all light belongs everywhere.
This has become something of a cautionary fun tale in our home.
Good intentions matter, but so does wisdom.
Enthusiasm is powerful, but it still needs boundaries.
And light, for all its goodness, must be placed carefully if it’s truly going to bless rather than burn.
Life and Leadership can be a bit like that.
We encourage people to shine. To bring energy. Passion. Conviction. Light. But timing matters. Context matters. And listening to those around us matters too – especially the calm voice saying, “Just be careful.”
Too much light, in the wrong place, without enough thought, can cause unintended damage – even when my motive was a pure one.
The aim isn’t to dim the light, rather It’s to place it well.
And perhaps… keep a glass of water nearby, just in case! 😉
Whose quiet voice saying “be careful” might be worth listening to today?

Sixty Seconds of Christmas

And so, this is Christmas…
For weeks, actually months, it’s been anything but simple.
Countless calls and meetings. Spreadsheets. Logistics. Risk assessments. Transport. Permissions. Volunteers. Charities. Launch plans.
A small army of remarkable people giving their time, energy and hearts to make the Light the World Machines in Birmingham and London a reality.
The effort to get those machines switched on and standing proudly in the middle of busy shopping centres was, frankly, huge.
And yet…the most precious moment of my entire year with the machines didn’t come at the launch. It didn’t come from a speech, a photo opportunity, or a “job well done”.
It came in about sixty seconds.
Whilst in Birmingham, a young woman approached the machines and paused in front of them.
She asked me a question, then scanned the machines slowly and thoughtfully. Settling on a hygiene kit, she tapped her card, spent £20, smiled warmly and simply said, “Thank you.”💕
That was it.
No fanfare.
No explanation.
No need for agreement on beliefs, backgrounds or labels.
Just generosity.
Just kindness.
Just a human recognising the quiet opportunity to help another human.
In that moment, all the noise fell away and it just felt good.
It didn’t feel like a campaign.
Or an initiative.
Or even an event.
It felt like Christmas.
Because Christmas, at its heart, isn’t about scale or spectacle.
It’s not about how polished the lights are or how perfectly the plan came together.
It’s about noticing.
It’s about choosing compassion.
It’s about giving – freely, quietly, and without needing recognition.
That young woman will probably never know what her simple act meant to me.
But in that very moment, through her act of kindness, she captured the true spirit of Christmas.
And so, this is Christmas.
Where has Christmas quietly revealed itself to you this year?

Planted in Scotland

I am truly grateful for the opportunity over these last few months to have worked with some wonderful students.
Twelve months ago, whilst in the USA, I met with Dr. Tony Brown at BYU, in Provo, Utah.
From our conversation that day came the opportunity to help coordinate student internship placements here in Scotland and Ireland.
It was one of those moments where we both didn’t quite know at the time what would grow from it.
Amilya, Emily, and Hazel are the latest of that group. They’ve been in Dunfermline and Montrose for the last three or four months, and today is their final Sunday at church in Scotland before heading home in the next few days.
Amilya was one of our missionaries in Belgium/Netherlands, so that has been extra fun having her stay at our home too.
It’s been a real adventure for each of them and challenging at times too.
New country, new accents, new routines, new opportunities. 😊
They’ve worked hard, represented BYU amazingly, and brought warmth and energy everywhere they’ve gone.
A few weeks ago, Tony also made it across to Dunfermline to visit Hazel at her placement at the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum. It was great fun showing him around the Glen that day and seeing things through fresh eyes again.

Lessons Learned

There’s a gospel lesson in all of this that keeps coming to mind.
The Saviour often talked about journeys, planting seeds, and using the talents we’re given. Sometimes the seeds are planted far from home, in unfamiliar soil, but with faith and effort they still grow.
I think that’s what’s happened here.
“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15
The three of them came willing to serve, to learn, and to stretch themselves, and something good has grown for everyone involved.
We’re all better for having had them here, even if only for a season.
Safe travels home, Amilya, Emily, and Hazel.
Scotland will miss you, and we’re grateful for all the paths that crossed, and for the seeds that will keep growing long after you’ve gone.
Look out for many others students arriving in 2026 and if you’d like to host one or two, please drop me a note.
How often do we realise the value of a season only as it ends?

The Pause That Leads

I meet lots of different people.
A term I frequently hear them use is “𝐈’𝐦 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐲”.
In fact, I hear it every day, many times over.
More recently however, I have started to hear a new phrase surface.
“𝑪𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒚 𝒃𝒖𝒔𝒚”.
It seems busyness has reached a new level.
Is that you? How did it get this way?
It’s not wrong to get tired, or stressed or anxious, or even feel overwhelmed.
It not wrong to go through seasons where it feels like you are managing chaos, rather than moving with purpose…
Every one of us will pass through periods of complexity in our lives – it happens.
Those times when work simply accelerates, responsibilities layer on top of one another and our capacity to hold on to everything can feel like too much.
The question isn’t “Why am I feeling this way?”
A better question may be “What is this feeling trying to teach me?”
In leadership, we often speak about resilience, agility and capacity.
Yet before we know it, as expectations shift, demands increase and projects multiply, we aren’t leading anymore, we’re simply absorbing.
That’s when we need to slow down and take some time to think.
Take time to acknowledge the pressure, to set boundaries and choose presence over speed, creating a space not only for ourselves to breathe and reset, but also others too.
Its my experience that these seasons of “crazy busy” don’t define us, they simply 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒆 us.
Those times will pass, they always do.
We all need to slow down a little more, take some time to breathe, reset our boundaries and take some moments to recalibrate.
By taking some time to pause long enough and notice what’s happening within us, we can lead the way not from a point of exhaustion, but from a position of clarity and confidence.
As we do so, we give others the permission to do the same.
So, take that pause today, even a small one and let it steady you.
Let it bring you back to yourself, with a clearer mind, a calmer heart and a renewed sense of purpose.
What one shift would help you lead the way with more clarity and less chaos?

The Welcoming Table

We took a trip over to Edinburgh last night, to visit a Vietnamese Restaurant, Pho.
Unlike many other restaurants, 98% of the menu is gluten and dairy free.
The welcome was warm, and friendly with excellent service too. 😊
So, for those who have any kind of allergies or intolerances, there were no difficult conversations to navigate about what you can or can’t eat.
Anyone who lives with allergies or food intolerances will know the quiet strain that comes with eating out, the apologetic tone and the constant awareness of what could go wrong.
None of this requesting something special or feeling like an exception for anybody at our table, or any other for that matter.
The menu had removed the worry, with a wonderful choice of dishes, and desserts that were delicious.
You simply sit down, and the menu meets you where you are.

Gospel Reflections

Reflecting this morning, the whole experience reminded me about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Saviour created a “menu” that already fits all of us.
Including our struggles, our weaknesses, our limitations and our deepest needs.
We don’t have to apologise for who we are or explain why we fall short.
We don’t have to ask for special accommodations.
In His gospel, the table is already set in a way that welcomes every soul, exactly as they are.
His table is set with grace, mercy, healing and hope.
It is a place where every soul, with all of their fears, flaws, questions and longings will find something nourishing, prepared precisely just for them.
We don’t need to explain why we’re struggling or ask for a separate option on the side.
The meal has already been prepared, the chair is already pulled out, and the welcome is already extended.
All He asks is that we come, just as we are and let Him feed our souls.
The Saviour simply says… “Come unto me…” Matthew 11:28
Come and worship with us this morning at your local service of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
What part of His gospel “menu” can bring you the most comfort today?

Drawn to Learn

One of the habits I’ve carried with me for a long time is having my head buried in personal and leadership development books.

Over the years, I’ve gathered countless ideas and insights through my reading, many of which have shaped my thinking, my coaching, and the way I show up.

In almost every learning session I facilitate, I take a small stack of these books along with me, that I feel relevant for the topics at hand.

I place them quietly at the front of the room, arranged at eye level, just visible enough to stir a little curiosity.

Surfacing Ideas

Whilst facilitating, a thought, a principle, or an idea often surfaces in the room as part of a discussion.

Frequently, I have noticed that somehow in those moments a memory is triggered – a storyline, a poem or a quote and I just quietly reach for the book, to share it with the group.

And without fail, at some point, perhaps during a break, after a reflective exercise, or on the way out the door, someone wanders up to me, half-whispering the same familiar question:

“Can I have a look at your books?”

There’s something lovely about that moment.

It’s a reminder that learning is magnetic.

People are drawn to ideas, stories, and tools that promise to help them become a little more than they were yesterday.

The books aren’t there to impress.

They’re there as a silent, open invitation.

A gentle nudge that says: There’s always more to uncover. More to question. More to grow into.

And perhaps that’s one of my favourite parts of facilitation, the quiet exchanges that don’t happen when I’m speaking, but when someone chooses to explore a new possibility for themselves.

Because sometimes all it takes is the right book in the right moment… placed in just the right spot.

What’s the next idea you need to explore to grow as a leader?

Small Gifts, Big Light

Earlier this week, I took an early morning flight down to Birmingham for a very important event.
What an unforgettable day it turned out to be! 😊
Standing beside the Light the World Charity Machines, surrounded by friends, volunteers, families, shoppers, dignitaries, a missionary choir and even Father Christmas 🎅 himself, I was reminded again of the simple truth that small acts of kindness can create extraordinary light.
The launch was more than just a fun event.
It felt like a gathering of goodness.

Joy

I watched people smile as they discovered they could gift a meal, newborn essentials, clean water, hygiene supplies, job training, a goat, a sheep or even a chicken, right there in the middle of Grand Central, to help our 9 charity partners.
I saw children tug at their parents’ sleeves, wanting to “press the buttons.”
I saw complete strangers talking to one another, volunteers sharing stories, and hearts quietly softening in the bustle of a very busy shopping mall.
And for a moment, it didn’t feel like December chaos in a shopping centre.
It felt like Christmas.
Don’t get me wrong there were many who walked by with that classic “What on earth is happening here?” expression… while others slowed down, curiosity overcoming them, and soon found themselves caught up in the spirit of it all.
I’m grateful for the countless hands, early mornings, late nights, prayerful efforts, and steady teamwork that made this possible.
Many in Birmingham were generous, full of the festive spirit, and I left feeling humbled by the kindness I witnessed over and over again.
If you’re in the city, please stop by and experience it for yourself.
The machines are in situ until 21st December, next to Nando’s in Grand Central.
Look out for them arriving in Spitalfields Market in London from Saturday 6th December too.
As you visit, I promise, it will lift your mood, brighten your day, and maybe even spark something in your heart.
Because when we choose to give, even in the smallest ways, the light we share shines far beyond what we can see.
Who in your world could use a little light this week?

Give a Little Light

Finally!
Tomorrow is the day.
After months of planning, learning, preparations galore and working side by side with so many talented people, the Light the World Charity Machines open at 11.00am in Birmingham’s Grand Central Shopping Centre (Monday 1st December).
I feel excited, but also deeply blessed.
These past few months have been filled with the sweetest moments as I have worked with so many gifted volunteers.
Their talent, kindness, and steady willingness to serve have lifted this whole project.
It has genuinely been a privilege to be part of it.
And now we get to share it with everyone.
Light the World is Christmas at its very best.
It turns the season into something bright and joyful by inviting us to do what Jesus did and “do good” (Acts 10:38) in simple, meaningful ways.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covers every operational cost, which means your entire donation (100%) goes straight to the charity you choose.
Nothing lost. Only love shared.
And the gifts you can choose this year are wonderful.
Food for a family. Clean water for a village. Sleeping bags, hygiene kits, farming tools, job training, school supplies. Even goats, sheep, or chickens.
Nine charities will benefit this year.
This Christmas, you can give a gift that changes lives.
When you donate, I promise you will leave with more peace than you came with, simply take notice of what happens to your mood.
A little spark of joy settles in your heart when you choose to help someone else.
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa.
You can find the machines in Birmingham from 1 to 21 December, and also in London’s Spitalfields Market from 6 to 20 December.
If you are nearby, come stop for a minute, press a button, and let your giving shine.
Together, we can help light the world in a season that celebrates the Light of the World Himself, even Jesus Christ.
Whose Christmas could you brighten with one small gift of love?

 

Lighter Hearts, Better Days…

I meet a lot of people.
Lots.
Politely they’ll ask me, “How are you?”
Over the years, I have tried many different responses…
You know the type…
“Good”… “fine”… “alright”… perhaps even an occasional “great”… “superb” or even “brilliant!”
You have probably tried a few of these yourself.
When I ask the question myself, regularly I get very similar replies.
Some years ago, dear friends gifted me a book written by George Durrant, entitled “My Best day so far.”
Of all the responses I now love to give is “its my best day so far…”
Listen out for it, when I meet you next.
It got me thinking however…
Recently in many facilitated workshops, at the very start of our sessions together, we slow down and check in with attendees asking them how they are feeling, to bring some clarity to their thinking.
We share a “feelings wheel” and ask them to consider how they are really doing as we begin the programme.
Over these last few months, I have heard many responses, including “excited, nervous, curious, anxious, enthusiastic etc…”
In the conversations that follow it’s clear that many arrive with light and buoyant hearts, whilst others are much heavier, often after a long day of travel.
What I’m learning is this: a light heart in leadership isn’t accidental, it’s chosen.
And more often than not, I’ve discovered it’s shaped by simple habits that quietly reveal themselves as we work together.
When we start with that kind of openness, groups breathe easier and conversations deepen.
I’ve learned that’s the best part of checking in with one another, it gives us permission to show up honestly and offers a gentle reminder that we don’t have to navigate the day with a heavy heart.
In fact, if we choose it to be, it really could be “my best day so far…”
What helps your own heart stay buoyant, even on the heavy days?

The Great Physician

All week long I have been working with some very busy people.
Giving them a few days to pause and reflect has been a wonderful opportunity to provide them with some time to think.
It got me thinking about busyness and how it can play into a lot of things in our lives.
In our day, we live in a time of constant noise.
Various demands fill our minds, drain our hearts and can leave very little room for stillness.
A recent example and frustration I hear repeatedly for many, is trying to get an appointment with a GP can sometimes take days or even weeks.
We sit on hold, wait for callbacks, refresh an app, or try and figure out the booking system on the surgery website and hope for a free slot to arise.
Sometimes, even healing can feel just out of reach.
And yet…
So many of us treat the 𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝑷𝒉𝒚𝒔𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏 the same way.
Our lives are preoccupied with seemingly “more important” things, such as deadlines, messages, errands, pressures, noise and perhaps for even some, doom scrolling.
We keep meaning to make an appointment with Him, but somehow the day fills up, and the week disappears.

Availability

But unlike our earthly physicians, the Great Physician is never unavailable.
In a GP surgery, we 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕 for 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎.
With Christ, He 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒔 for 𝒖𝒔.
No queue.
No waiting list.
No reception desk.
Just a standing invitation.
He heals overstretched minds, weary hearts, troubled spirits, and busy burdened souls.
The gospel is the Great Physician’s unfailing prescription for troubled souls, a remedy of peace, rest, forgiveness, purpose, and stillness in a noisy world.
We need the Great Physician to heal our busy lives and overscheduled souls.
His invitation is a simple one… Come Follow Me.
We don’t need to book a slot.
We only need to make space for Him.
Come and worship with us today and allow Him to speak peace to your soul.
What needs to shift in your life, so the Great Physician no longer becomes your last appointment?