Birthday Wishes

Tomorrow I will be turning 60 years young!
I’m sure I may receive 1 or 2 well-wisher messages too (thank you in advance).
However, I’d like to ask one simple thing – can you consider this please?
I have always wanted to walk the West Highland Way, and as part of my birthday celebrations, I plan to do so starting in just 10 days’ time, with 15 dear friends from the Netherlands and the USA.
We had our last online zoom planning call last night.
The excitement levels are reaching fever pitch now!
On our great adventure, I am certain we will have lots of fun and create many new memories together.
That said, we also hope to raise some money for a great cause – Mary’s Meals, a global charity, based in Glasgow, that serves life-changing school meals to some of the world’s poorest children.
Their mission is simple but profound: “Every child deserves an education – and enough to eat.”
We have set ourselves a stretching goal to raise enough money feed 1000 children for one year.
“Impart of your substance to the poor… administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.” – Mosiah 4:26
For my birthday tomorrow, if you were planning to send me a message – thank you.
But even more meaningful would be a donation to this cause that’s so close to my heart.
Please click on the link below to make a donation.
And a huge thank you to those who have already donated.
With love, gratitude, and slightly sore feet in advance!

What’s your one word?

In a recent virtual learning session, I kicked off with a simple question as a little icebreaker…
“Give me one word to describe how you’re communicating these days.”
Pausing for a moment to consider their responses, words started to appear in the chat box, including some of the following:
Friendly. Rationally. Deeply. Detailed. Concisely. Comprehensively and many more.
Immediately, we were off to a powerful and thoughtful start.
Some participants then chose to explain further why they were communicating in that manner.
They mentioned their tone, their intentions and the impact it was having.
They began to see and understand the impact beyond their words.
New insights about presence, awareness, mindset and leadership came to the fore.
It turned out to be a moment of powerful reflection for everyone.
Each of us communicate in some way or form every day.
Speaking.
Texting.
Writing.
Posting.
And it doesn’t have to be words, more powerful is our body language and the visual clues we send.
Often, it’s the unspoken that lands the loudest, such as, silence, tone and eye contact.
When was the last time you stopped to ask how you’re actually communicating?
In our session, the simple act of naming how we communicate opened the door to group learning, personal insight, and stronger accountability.
So, pause for a second.
What’s your one word?
And more importantly: is it working for you?

The Power of Stillness

Whilst in an important meeting this week, our host used one word in our conversation on two or three occasions – meditation.
It was used in the context of deep consideration about an important decision to be made.
Meditate – “to engage in contemplation and reflection”.
I’ve learned that you don’t have to sit cross-legged on the floor to meditate, there are indeed lots of ways to engage in the practice.
Meditation is something that just doesn’t happen, it takes some practice, discipline and you need to work at it too.
It’s about finding a time to slow down, gather your thoughts and examine your life in order to find a much healthier sense of perspective.
I love this definition by David O. McKay who described it as “the language of the soul. It is defined as ‘a form of private devotion, or spiritual exercise, consisting in deep, continued reflection on some religious theme.’ Meditation is a form of prayer.”
Amongst all of our preparations for that important meeting, in the last few minutes prior to the appointment, my colleague and I found an out of the way bus stop to sit, reflect and further consider the challenge at hand.

Hopeful Stillness

In our contemplative discussions one meditative moment led us to offer a thoughtful prayer of hope together.
In the book of Psalms (46:10) we learn about the practice of being “still”.
Together, we were still.
That moment of stillness didn’t change the facts on the ground, but it changed us.
We walked into that meeting hopeful, with clearer heads, steadier hearts, and a sense of quiet confidence.
Meditation doesn’t always look like silence in a candlelit room, it can happen on a noisy street, at a weathered bus stop, or in a shared pause before a decision.
What matters is that we make room for it.
Stillness is a strength.
And sometimes, the most powerful move we can make is simply to stop, breathe, and listen, both to ourselves and to something much greater.
In the rush of your day, what are you not hearing?

26D and Me

Yesterday was a long one.
I left home at 5:00 a.m. and returned at 12:30 a.m.
A full on 19.5-hour day.
In between was a drive to and from the airport, two flights, the London underground, two train rides, a few Zoom calls squeezed in at stations and cafés, some meetings, and plenty of walking across a hot and bustling London.
Through all that travel, one small detail stood out: 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝟐𝟔𝐃.
I didn’t book it, I didn’t choose it, but it chose me twice.
The day began with a British Airways flight from Edinburgh to London City Airport.
After an early morning delay of over an hour, due to a faulty megaphone, we boarded, and I found my place in seat 26D.
My mind was on the day ahead, with travel, meetings to navigate, decisions to make, and several planned conversations that really mattered.
The flight was short, but in that little space I rehearsed, prepared, prayed and planned.
The morning version of me was purposeful and hopeful.
The flight down was a chilly one, but London greeted me with warm air and fast footsteps.
It was hot down there!
From Docklands to Liverpool Street, I criss-crossed the city on the DLR and tube.
Through the day were some great face-to-face meetings and Zoom calls too.
It was one of those days where there was a lot going on and I just kept moving forward.
By late afternoon, I was done in.
I made my way to Stansted, weary but grateful.
Boarding the delayed EasyJet flight home, I glanced at my boarding pass, seat 26D again.
Two different airlines. Two different airports. Same seat.
That’s a 1 in 23,040 chance of being randomly assigned seat 26D on both flights!
I may have been in the same numbered space, but I wasn’t the same person.
The morning me, 26D carried a version brimming with intent.
The evening me, 26D carried a quieter, sleepier version.
Tired, yes, but thoughtful, happy and reflective.
The same seat, but a different state of mind.
26D was the same number, but I had changed.
I’m sure we all have days like that full-on, demanding, stretching.
What in your life looks the same on the outside, but feels completely different on the inside?

Haste Ye Back

Over the past few days, our home has been full with visitors.
Last Wednesday and Thursday, we had the absolute joy of hosting seven of our returned missionaries from the Belgium Netherlands Mission.
Adam, Alex, Logan, Landon, Luk, Sam and Trent, came to visit not just as guests but as part of our mission family.
On Wednesday, we walked the paths of Dunfermline, fed squirrels in the park, met the peacocks (thank you Tina and Alex), and learned a lot about Andrew Carnegie.
But the real joy wasn’t just in what we saw, it was more about just being together again.
On Thursday, we explored Edinburgh.
We climbed Arthur’s Seat, walked the Royal Mile, visited St. Giles Cathedral, and learned about the Order of the Thistle.
We laughed over lunch, soaked in the sights from the Castle, wandered through the Grassmarket, and ended the day the way any proper visit should: with fish and chips and a deep-fried Mars bar!
But here’s the thing that’s been on my mind most since they left: missionary service might have an official end date, but the bonds created will never end.
“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20

Service

As we walked side by side through cobbled streets, it hit me, that our friendships were built on faith, service, and sacrifice.
They were forged in the quiet moments of testimony, in praying together, in days sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and serving others.
They left for home on Friday, to their studies, summer jobs and families, yet I want to witness that the spirit they carried as missionaries still shines through.
Their name tags may be gone, but who they became as missionaries hasn’t faded.

Connections

Having them here reminded me that the impact of missionary work isn’t just about the service they rendered in Belgium and the Netherlands, it’s about the deep, lasting connections formed along the way.
As we laughed and reminisced, not as missionaries with schedules, but simply as members of our extended family, we rediscovered a deeper, powerful connection.
One rooted in shared purpose, made richer by our unhurried time, of just being together.
Their footsteps echo with us now, not just in the places we visited, but in our hearts.
And for that, Monic and I are so grateful.
Who in your life has left spiritual footprints you still feel today?

Three Generations of Joy

Yesterday we visited our daughter Megan, son-in-law Caleb and our little grandson Oscar in Glasgow.
It had been a few weeks since we’d last seen them.
We’ve discovered that in baby time; a few weeks is an absolute age.
Babies grow so quickly!
Oscar had grown stronger, more expressive, much more curious.
We each held him for a wee while and had fun playing with him too.
Then something magical happened.
Megan put him in his bouncer chair.
“He loves it” she said.
Sure enough, he bounced happily in his little chair, beaming from ear to ear, giggling, squealing with laughter and babbling away.
His whole face lit up with the kind of joy only babies seem to manage.
It was just pure, unfiltered happiness.
Monic and I sat on the couch, completely captivated and absorbed in that moment.
We couldn’t take our eyes off him.
His energy was contagious and his joy infectious.
I think we both had that wide-eyed, can’t-stop-smiling look that only proud grandparents get from time to time.
What made the moment even more special was Megan catching it all, camera in hand, laughing not just at Oscar, but at us.
Her joy was layered: love for her child, and love in seeing her parents fall head over heels for him.
There’s something deeply beautiful about that, three generations wrapped in a single moment of laughter and love.
We left feeling full-hearted, loved and joyful!
Smitten doesn’t begin to cover it.
What’s a small, everyday moment that filled your heart lately?

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…