Tag Archive for: faith

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?

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?

Turning to the Light

Yesterday, I had the privilege of facilitating a couple of learning workshops with young adults (18-35 years old) from across Scotland and Ireland.
They had gathered for a three-day weekend conference at the Preston Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chorley.
The theme of the weekend was Light the Temple, and I was invited to share experiences from our time serving as Mission Leaders in Belgium and the Netherlands.
For the workshops, I chose the title: Turning Toward the Light – How Missionary Service Changes Us.
And it truly does!
The two one-hour sessions were experiential learning feasts, filled with hands-on activities, meaningful discussions, and plenty of laughter.
From role-playing missionary experiences to heartfelt personal stories, the room was alive with energy, enthusiasm, and faith.
There was something special about being together, learning, sharing, and even laughing about the unique and often humorous moments that come through missionary service.
As missionaries, we strive to follow the Saviour’s example in Acts 10:38 – going about “doing good.”
And in doing so, we are changed.
There were four key learning takeaways:
We become…
• Changed for Good
• Fluent in Discipleship
• Closer to Him
• Builders of His Kingdom
It was an absolute joy to spend time with these incredible young people.
Their testimonies, their light, and their laughter filled the room with a spirit of unity and purpose.
Being with them reminded me of how turning toward Christ shapes not just our missions, but our entire lives.
How has turning to Him changed you?

Weathering Life’s Storms

Storm Éowyn swept across Scotland and Ireland yesterday.
Walking through Dunfermline’s Public Park this morning, I saw lots of evidence of fallen trees.
Some uprooted trees had shallow roots, lacking depth.
I wondered if they’d have withstood the storm had their roots been deeper.
Similarly, each of us faces life’s winds and storms.
When adversity strikes, are you prepared to endure?
Seedlings fall, but only some flourish and grow into mighty trees.
Growth requires time, effort, perseverance, setbacks and adaptation.
“But unlike trees, we can choose to deliberately develop the spiritual root structure for our lives. We decide where to set our roots and how deeply to sink them into the soil. Daily decisions make tiny, almost imperceptible differences in the roots of our faith, the effect of which becomes foundational,” says L. Whitney Clayton.
In the Book of Mormon, Alma likened the word of God to a seed and spoke of nourishing its growth into a tree:
“And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.
But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.” (Alma 32:37-38.)
I testify that as we weather life’s storms, we are strengthened by learning of Jesus Christ.
Rooting ourselves deeply in His gospel and exercising faith in Him will fortify us against life’s winds and storms.
What steps can you take today to deepen your spiritual roots and prepare for the storms ahead?

Are you following me?

My dear friend, Paul and I have a few things in common…
We were both born and raised in Dunfermline.
We both got married to someone from abroad.
We both have three children.
We both work in learning and development.
We both served in the England London Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 
We both served as Bishop of the Dunfermline Ward.
We both served as President of the Dundee Scotland Stake, me 2005 – 2014 and Paul currently.

Chance Encounters

And if the last few Saturday mornings are anything to go by, we both enjoy walking to fulfil our church Ministering assignments at the very same time!
As we’ve crossed paths in virtually the same spot these last few weeks, it’s become a bit of a running joke.
“𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏? 𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆, 𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒎 𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖?”
These chance encounters have added a touch of humour and a smile to our faces in our shared commitment to serve others.
Whilst he is heading north, I am heading south!
Ministering has always held a special place in both of our hearts.
There’s something deeply rewarding about reaching out to others, offering a listening ear, a kind word, or simply letting someone know they’re remembered and loved.
It’s not just a duty; it’s a privilege – a way to follow the Saviour’s example of service and compassion.
We both share a passion for this work.
Even now, as it is his turn to carry the mantle of Stake President, his dedication to these simple but significant acts of care is inspiring.
We both know that real joy in ministering comes not from grand gestures, but from consistent, small acts of love and service.
And yet, life has a way of adding a touch of humour to even the most heartfelt endeavours.
It’s a light-hearted reminder that ministering doesn’t have to be stiff or overly formal, it’s about connection, warmth, and even a good laugh along the way.
As I reflect on these moments, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for Paul, for his leadership, friendship, and example.
Serving alongside him in this way reminds me that ministering is more than a responsibility; it’s a joyful journey we share together, one visit at a time.
What small acts of love and service have brought a smile to your face lately?

Warm Hearts, Cold Days.

Weeks in the planning, Raymond, Paul, Mike, and I set off for the temple in Preston last Tuesday, for three days away together.
It was a journey that proved to be both heartwarming and nostalgic, taking us down memory lane to recall much simpler times of a bygone era.
The trip had its roots in an initial conversation between Raymond and me several weeks ago.
What began as a casual chat, eventually grew into a plan, culminating in our journey this week.
For Raymond, it had been several years since he was last able to visit the temple, between covid times and health challenges keeping him away.

Planning & Logistics

After lengthy discussions with staff at his care home and with other family members, we were delighted to receive the green light to proceed.
However, the logistics required no small amount of effort.
Booking a specialist vehicle, arranging disabled accommodation at the temple, obtaining the necessary recommendations, and figuring out his care requirements were all hurdles we had to overcome.
Add to that the bitterly cold, freezing temperatures and the challenge of manoeuvring Raymond and his wheelchair into the back of the accessible vehicle, proved quite the operation!
Yet somehow, we managed it all.

The Rewards

The reward was three days of service in the temple, filled with gentle camaraderie and timeless moments that felt truly idyllic.

We certainly liked to tease one another – a lot!
Being at the temple and the shared purpose brought a sense of peace and togetherness that was both comforting and uplifting.
As we ministered to one another, sharing acts of love and kindness, I was reminded of Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
The experience was a wonderful reminder of the power of friendship, careful planning, and staying young at heart despite life’s challenges.
This trip wasn’t just about the temple, on reflection it was also about the bonds between us.
Through witty banter, shared memories, and quiet reflections, we experienced a kind of cheerful resilience and a reminder of what truly matters in life.
It was charming, heartwarming, and an experience that we’ll treasure for years to come.
What cherished memories or moments of ministering have brought you joy and strengthened your bonds with others?

Holy Oats!

Arising early, there is an icy chill in the air.
It’s a sure sign that winter has arrived.
I love my morning ritual of preparing my porridge oats…
Porridge is one of the healthiest ways to start your day.
Weighing 55 grams of good quality oats, I then add 325ml of creamy oat milk.
Soaking the oats to allow them to soften and absorb the milk for a while, is key.
Then, I place the mixture over a gentle heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon, allowing the porridge to warm and bubble.
I’ve learned that the simmering unlocks the full flavour of the porridge.
It’s a slow and steady process that cannot be rushed.
The result, as the oats and milk gradually become one, they transform into a creamy delicious porridge.
A sprinkling of fruit, then a drizzle of maple syrup adds the final touch, creating a warming and satisfying dish.
Shock, horror, agog – “no salt!!?” – I hear my fellow Scots shout!
There are few things more comforting than a steaming bowl of Scots porridge oats!
I love it!
I’ve found, that a well-made bowl of porridge somehow brings me real satisfaction and energy for the day ahead.
Just as porridge fills and warms me right through on a chilly winter’s morning, I know that Christ’s love and His light sustains, warms and nourishes our souls, especially as our focus returns to Him during the Christmas season.
I know too, that a well-lived life centred on Jesus Christ brings joy and purpose that can carry us through all seasons, even the coldest and darkest of winter days.
It’s my experience that when the warmth of His light stirs within us, slowly but surely, we can all become more like Him.
Likewise, as my morning porridge warms me through, Christ’s light warms the soul, lifting our spirits and spreading peace, hope and joy.
Just as the simmering slowly transforms oats into something nourishing, His light refines and strengthens us daily.
What small daily rituals help you feel sustained and uplifted, both physically and spiritually?

Faith at Work

Yesterday, I enjoyed catching up with some old colleagues and making some new friends in a virtual café for Fellows of the Association for Coaching.
There was an instant blend of warmth, trust, and camaraderie.
Our shared values and collective openness allowed us to learn and grow together.
The smiles, the attentive nods, the laughter, and the genuine curious interest in one another’s thoughts created a strong sense of belonging.
Some topics for our breakout rooms were suggested and off we went to share our thoughts.
I suggested a current topic at the forefront of my mind “faith friendly workplaces”.
What followed in the next 35 minutes was one of the most insightful and powerful coaching conversations I’ve ever had.
I am truly thankful for Tom Hennessy for his intuitive and penetrating questioning skills.
From the outset, he tuned into my thinking as I shared my experiences of an event I’d attended the day before.

Religious Freedom

At that event, I’d engaged with a diverse group of leaders, advocates, and thinkers who were passionate about the intersection of religious freedom and business.
Hosted by Louise Bailey of OVO, the gathering highlighted the vital role that workplaces play in fostering an environment where faith can be expressed openly and respectfully.
Brian J. Grim of the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation, shared his perspective on how recognising and respecting employees’ faith identities can enrich any workplace culture.
His stories underscored the importance of seeing faith as an integral part of diversity, just as important as race, gender, or any other characteristic.
The event also reminded me that creating faith-friendly workplaces wasn’t just about accommodating faith; it’s about empowering individuals to bring their whole selves to work.
Further, it’s about creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued, not despite their faith but because of the richness it adds to who they are.
As I further reflected upon the conversations at the event, I realised how closely they align with the work I’m passionate about.
Coaching, after all, is about creating safe spaces for people to explore and grow.
If workplaces can become those safe spaces, where faith is acknowledged and respected, it could transform not just individual lives but entire organisational cultures.
Now, I have my work cut out as I consider how to bring my learning and coaching knowledge to this vital cause.
How can we foster workplaces that embrace faith as part of diversity?
It’s a challenge I’m eager to explore, and one I invite you to consider too.

 

The Blessing of Waiting…

When a mother is expecting her baby, the anticipation grows with each passing day.

For our daughter Megan, now overdue with her first child, the wait may feel endless.

Much like pregnancy, life itself is full of waiting periods that test our faith and refine our patience – a hot topic in our recent conversations!

The Lord’s Timing

Yet this period of waiting and preparing mirrors a gospel principle we are all called to live by: faith in the Lord’s timing.

Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, we learn that God’s blessings come according to His divine timetable, not ours.

In the scriptures, the word wait means to hope, to anticipate, and to trust.

The scriptures teach us: “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Hebrews 10:36)

Pregnancy, like life itself, reminds us that much of our joy comes from learning to trust that the Lord knows when blessings should arrive.

Preparation

Just as Megan has prepared her home, her heart, and her body for this new baby, we, too, are asked to prepare spiritually while waiting for answers, blessings, and miracles.

In our home, we have a beautiful painting depicting the Saviour’s parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).

Five were wise and made the most of their waiting time, ensuring they had enough oil for their lamps.

Similarly, waiting for a baby – just like waiting for any of God’s blessings – is a time to spiritually “gather oil.”

For Megan, the waiting has certainly allowed her to grow in patience and hope, enduring her final quiet and sometimes uncomfortable moments, before life changes forever.

For us in life, it’s about staying spiritually ready, trusting that the Lord’s promises will be fulfilled in His way and time.

The baby’s arrival—whether today, tomorrow, or in a few days—will happen at the exact moment God has lovingly planned.

The scriptures teach that God’s timing is always perfect: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Just as birth happens on God’s timeline, not ours, so do the blessings we seek in life.

And when they finally come, the waiting and preparing make the joy that much sweeter.

In this life, we are all “waiting” for the ultimate promise: to return to our Heavenly Father and be reunited with our eternal family.

When Megan holds the baby in her arms for the first time, I’m sure the waiting will be but a memory, a beautiful reminder of the blessing of trusting in the Lord’s perfect plan.

What blessings have you discovered during your own seasons of waiting?