Tag Archive for: faith

A Sure Compass

Just before setting off on my walk along Scotland’s West Highland Way this May with my missionary friends, my brother Paul and his wife Gwen gave me a beautiful gift to mark my 60th birthday: a 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒔, inscribed and deeply personal.
Oftentimes, I’ve carried it with me, not always for navigation, but for what it reminds me of: direction, intention, and trust in something steady.
One of my favourite activities as a facilitator involves asking groups, sometimes 10, 20, or even 100+ people, to stand, close their eyes, and point in the direction of north.
The results are always the same: arms point in every direction.
Some are confident, many are uncertain, and only a few ever get it right.
Then I pull out a compass and show them how quickly truth is revealed when you use the right tool.
I always gift them each a small compass to keep, a simple reminder that knowing where you’re going, starts with knowing what you’re using to guide you.

What tool do you use?

In a similar manner,  I love the words of Marvin J. Ashton:
“…just as a compass is valuable to guide us out of the dense forest, so the gospel points the way as we walk the paths of life.”
There’s something insightful in that comparison.
I know that life can be full of dense forests: uncertainty, doubt, temptation, fear, distraction.
I also know that the gospel of Jesus Christ doesn’t eliminate these things, yet it’s my experience that it helps us move through them without getting lost.
President James E. Faust once said: “The gift of the Holy Ghost is available as a sure guide, as the voice of conscience, and as a moral compass. This guiding compass is personal to each of us. It is unerring. It is unfailing.”
Not perfect circumstances. Not perfect knowledge. But a perfect guide.
I’ve learned that you don’t have to see the whole map if you trust your compass.
Whether you’re navigating the Highlands of Scotland or the hard questions of life, it’s the same principle.
The Spirit points true. The gospel holds steady. And I’ve kept walking.
60 years with the gospel as my guide. I still face storms, but I never face them alone.
As 2 Nephi 32:5 reminds us:
“For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.”
What are you using today to find your way, and is it pointing you to True North?
If you’d like to know more, speak to a member or a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Help Isn’t Always Easy

Recently, whilst in London, I was coming up the stairs from the underground at Victoria Station.
I saw her, seated quietly, seeking help.
In that moment, I reached into my pocket and gave what little change I had.
It wasn’t planned, it was simply the right thing to do in that moment, a quiet offering to help.
Moments later, as I rushed to sort out my ticket and catch a train to Mitcham, another woman approached me, much faster, louder and demanding money.
I had nothing left to give, yet she insisted.
I apologised and kept walking towards my train, feeling shaken and guilty.
That moment has stayed with me, especially this morning as I have been studying all about charity.
I gave freely at first yet somehow, I felt like I’d failed in the second.
Have you ever experienced something similar?
Reflecting further this morning, I remembered that helping people isn’t always simple.
That has certainly been my experience.
Some needs are gentle through a simple act of kindness, others can feel overwhelming.
Showing love isn’t about trying to please everyone, it’s much more about doing what you can with a willing heart.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
We can’t solve every problem, but to give what we can and to let go of our guilt when our hands are empty.
Sometimes our offering is a coin.
Other times it is a simple act of kindness.
And sometimes we simply have to walk away with nothing else to give.
We give what we can and trust God with the rest.
How do you discern between when to give and when to step back?

Shine a Light

Last week whilst in London, I finally met up with a new friend, Jordan Broadbent in person after weeks of working together remotely.
Jordan leads humanitarian efforts for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Europe North Area.
It is such a small world, as it turns out I’ve known his brother Jamie for years through our church connection as well!
The two of us are teaming up this Christmas (yes, we’re making lots of preparations already) with a host of others to help shine a light through service and giving.
We’re working closely to support several charities globally, nationally and locally, through the Light the World initiative.
In December you’ll find donation machines in some hi-profile locations in Birmingham and London.
I’m really excited about what’s ahead this Christmas season and very grateful to be working alongside Jordan on such a meaningful initiative.
Let’s Light the World, one act of kindness at a time. ✨
What small act of kindness could make a big difference in your community?

A Wake-up Call

A few nights ago, whilst down in London, I experienced something very unexpected.
It was late, and I had just fallen asleep in my hotel room when suddenly the fire alarm sounded.
What a noise!
I jumped out of bed, put some clothes on and headed for the stairs.
As I made my way down, I noticed something worrying as some guests had already decided it was a false alarm and were turning back, heading upstairs again.
The alarm was still ringing (loudly), but doubt had crept in for many of them.
Yet, the majority kept moving down the stairs, urging those turning back to reconsider.
Eventually, even the doubters turned around and followed the others out onto the street.
Hundreds gathered outside and I got lost in the crowd.
Some in pyjamas, others clearly having rushed out in panic in their bare feet, I was glad it was a warm evening.
A few were calm, chatting, and there were many others unsure.
Then the fire engines arrived with their lights flashing and sirens wailing.
Eventually, it was confirmed: a false alarm.
We were safe and it was after midnight before we were all able to return.
As I lay in bed, I found it difficult to fall back over as my thoughts returned to the earlier alarm, my rude awakening and to those who doubted.
The alarm had come suddenly and literally pulled me from my sleep.

False alarm or real call?

In Romans 13:11–12, the Apostle Paul wrote: “It is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand.”
It was just an unexpected fire alarm.
Yet the experience left me pondering.
Maybe it was also an unexpected spiritual wake-up call.
A sudden jolt, to stop, think, and look forward with more faith.
How often does the Lord send each of us spiritual wake-up calls?
Are we alert and responsive – or are we spiritually asleep, do we turn back, assuming it’s nothing?
The night is far spent.
The day is at hand.
What might the Spirit be gently waking you up to today?

Every Day Counted

My mum, brother Paul, and niece Linsey, have all been celebrating birthdays this week.
Many family members will gather today to celebrate mum’s 90th birthday this week.
Ten years ago, on her 80th, we stood (all much younger) in a garden and snapped these photos, I’m sure there will be more today.
Look closely and you’ll see a cheeky wee smiler tucked in one corner.

Numbering the Days

Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
There’s something powerful about this verse when you’re celebrating someone who’s lived more than 32,800 days.
But this isn’t just about counting time—it’s about valuing it.
We all know that mortality is very brief, yet so immeasurably important.
The older I become, the more I understand that numbering our days isn’t a maths problem.
It’s a spiritual practice.
It reminds us life isn’t about how long we live, but how well we love.

A Life of Love

In John 15:12 we read, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
I can’t think of a better way to describe how my mum has lived.
Through happy times and challenging times, through grief and many changes, along with every twist that life has brought her way, she’s remained rooted, steady and faithful in her knowledge and testimony of Jesus Christ.
I love the line from C. T. Studd’s poem, “Only one life” …
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Mum’s constancy has been like a gospel soundtrack running in the background of all our lives.
Never demanding attention, just always there.
Always playing.
Her love has outlasted storms, outlived losses, and held our family together as our Matriarch and constant example for years.
So today mum, we come together to honour all that you are and all that you have become.
A celebration not just of age, but of endurance and unshakable faith.
Of a mum who abides in a gospel life filled with love, that never fades.
Mum’s days have truly been numbered and have truly counted for all of her family and friends.
Thank you for enriching all of our lives.
Whose quiet faith and love have shaped your life?

Come What May

Last night Monic and I went to the cinema and really enjoyed watching the new “How to Train Your Dragon” movie.
A simple phrase uttered by the main character, Hiccup, landed with me.
“𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑴𝒂𝒚…”
Facing a challenge much bigger than himself, he didn’t run or retreat.
He stood tall, uncertain but unwavering, and chose to press ahead at a moment of great difficulty.
He didn’t have all the answers, but he had great conviction.
And the path wasn’t an easy one, but it was the right one.
That moment and the phrase is still with me this morning.
It reminded me that we all face dragons, challenges that test our resolve, our faith, our identity.
But “come what may” is more than a line in a movie, it’s a quiet anthem of trust in something greater.
In my personal study this morning I decided to reread a talk from some years ago by Joseph B. Wirthlin “Come What may and love it” – a phrase attributed to his mother.
He said, “If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be the times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead to times of greatest happiness.”
Life has taught me that there is opposition in all things.
I’m sure it has for you too.
And still, we carry on.
Not because the path is easy.
Not because we know what’s coming next.
But because something within us, or someone beside us (in the movie – Astrid), helps us to take the next step.
Come what may, we learn.
Come what may, we grow.
Come what may, we love it.
What “dragons” are you facing – and what quiet strength is helping you stand firm?

Twice is Nice

This morning, I’ve got a bit of a spiritual plot twist to share.
See our pictures….
They’ve got something lovely in common….
Well, yes us of course….… but there is also something else.
Mason Sowards, arrived in the Belgium Netherlands Mission as a new missionary back in September 2023, and Monic and I had the privilege of being his mission leaders.
Fast forward, and now back in Scotland, we find ourselves again with a Sowards missionary, this time Eliza Sowards, who was recently transferred to Dunfermline.
Yep….. Cousins!
Two different missions.
Two different countries.
One shared surname.
And somehow, both ended up serving with us.
Coincidence?
Maybe.
But I prefer to call it a God-incidence.
Both of them head home next month, and we can’t help but feel so lucky to have been part of their journeys, on both sides of the North Sea.
As the scripture says:
“The steps of a good man (and woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” – Psalms 37:23
Well… apparently, so are transfers. 😄
So, here’s my question:
What are the odds that two cousins from the same family would both get stuck with us?!
Or better yet, what are the odds we’d be lucky enough to get to be with them both?
How many ‘coincidences’ does it take before you start calling it divine design?

The Long Road Home

The last few days, I’ve been in Rome attending a world summit that was full of purpose, and hope.
The journey home, however, was quite a different story!
An early morning email from British Airways, warned me of possible flight delays in both Italy and the UK.
It was to prove all true for me.
Delays in Rome, resulted in a missed connection and an unexpected overnight stay in London.
It was a very late night, followed by a really early start again, only to be met by further delays at Heathrow.
To top it off, a hefty bill for 10 extra hours in the long-stay car park, was my welcome home present, which proved to be more expensive than the original 3-day booking. Ouch… ☹
I’ll be reclaiming that and a few other things too in the days ahead.
And then came the realisation… I’m not 30 anymore!
Eventually, I arrived home.
And the moment I stepped through the door, weary and worn, there was some peace and a short period of respite, before attending to another matter at hand.
I couldn’t help but think how often life is like that.
There are moments of real warmth, purpose and beauty, just like Rome.
Then periods of hassle and hardship can follow.
I pressed on through the delays, detours, and discouragement.
And at times, patience was key as it felt like I’d never quite get there, but eventually, I did.
The gospel teaches us that this mortal life is a journey too, often filled with trials that test our faith and patience.
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17
There is no shortcut to eternal life.
No express flight to peace and joy.
But there is purpose in the enduring.
And ultimately, arriving is really worth it.
Are you stuck in your own “layover” season right now – discouraged, delayed, or just plain tired.
If so, take heart. Keep going. The journey may be long, but the destination is glorious.
What helps you keep going when your journey is filled with delays?

The Real Way

For months now, sixteen of us have been preparing for our great West Highland Way adventure beginning this week.
Among our most enthusiastic walkers?
Always full of energy, laughter never far behind, and the kind of person who makes even rainy training hikes feel like a party.
But last weekend, a message from Emily landed like a thud.
She’d been out hiking, went over on her ankle, and managed to break her little toe.
That tiny bone had big consequences.
No walking the West Highland Way.
Not even a few stages.
Her dream of trekking through the Highlands, gone in one misstep.
So then came the question: should she even come?
Now, if you know Emily, you’ll guess her answer wasn’t made lightly.
It came after prayer, reflection, and a few conversations with family and friends.
And in true Emily fashion, she showed up.
Not with boots, but with crutches and a wheelchair rented after landing in London.
That kind of determination is something that typifies Emily!
Yesterday, we wandered (and wheeled) through Edinburgh, up and down the Royal Mile.

Together

Friends took turns pushing, guiding, and laughing along the way.
No complaints.
Just togetherness.
And it hit me; this is what walking the Way really looks like.
“For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:10
Emily won’t be hiking the trail, instead she’ll be in the support van, encouraging us all on, and reminding us that the journey isn’t just about who finishes the miles on foot, but about how we can carry one another through it.
Because that’s the real Way, isn’t it?
Supporting one another even when the road ahead looks different than you hoped.
Who may need a lift from you this week, a push up the hill or a word of encouragement?
Happy Sunday from Scotland ❤️

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?