Tag Archive for: faith

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…

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?

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?

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?

Let Go and Grow

Some experiences in life are so deep, emotional and meaningful, that it can be difficult to let go and move on.
 
We find security and comfort in clinging to possessions, roles, titles, and identities.
 
Yet we all go through this process many times in our lives.
 
These things provide us with a sense of self worth, continuity and stability in a very unpredictable world.
 
Loosening our grip on them, or sometimes being forced to do so, can bring with it, uncertainty and fear.
 
I have learned that we are naturally wired to seek stability and familiarity.
 
Letting go can feel like losing a part of who we are.
 
And yet for many of us the unknown is frightening!
 
Life changes, people move on, titles shift.
 
As we’ve discovered recently, even the physical possessions we carefully store away (in our big loft – those things we forgot we even had) often lose their meaning over time.
 
And yet, we resist letting go because it forces us to confront the unknown.
 
One of life’s greatest lessons and one of my biggest challenges is learning to accept that relationships evolve.

Acceptance

 
Acceptance means acknowledging and valuing the significance of what you’re releasing, while also understanding and embracing the need to move ahead.
 
While we often imagine the people, we cherish will stay with us forever, the reality is that connections naturally shift, change and move on.
 
Embracing this truth, allows me to appreciate others much more deeply in the present moment, honour those seasons of our relationships, and gracefully welcome new connections when the time arrives to move on.
 
Letting go, isn’t about forgetting or dismissing the past, it’s about making space for what’s next.
 
When we loosen our grip, we open ourselves to growth, fresh opportunities, and deeper meaning in our lives.
 
Why not start small and let go of one thing, an old habit, a long-held expectation, or even a physical object you no longer need.
 
Notice how it feels.
 
Sometimes, releasing something minor can build the confidence to embrace bigger changes with greater ease.
 
In the end, letting go isn’t about loss, it’s about making room for something new.
 
What fears surface when you consider letting go?

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?

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?