Tag Archive for: Hope

Hope in Extra Time

Yesterday, I found myself back at Hampden Park for the first time in many years.
Dunfermline vs Falkirk in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
Fans on both sides were filled with hope for a victory.
Kyle and Emily drove all the way up from Liverpool to see the game!
It had everything that you’d expect from a semifinal match – noise, colour, scarves in the air, and above all that shared sense of anticipation.
We bumped into a few familiar faces from Dunfermline too.
But the game itself… it was very tight, and to be honest… it wasn’t a great spectacle!
It certainly wasn’t a classic, nor one that I will rush to watch again.
90 minutes passed and it was still 0-0.
An extra 30 minutes played out too – then it was penalties.
Those tense few minutes turned into an incredible celebration victory for the Pars!
Unbelievably – they won!
As I drove home, I found myself thinking about how much of life feels a bit like that.
Dunfermline’s fans hopes were fulfilled with joyful smiles, laughter and singing all the way home with their eyes now firmly set on the final in a few weeks’ time.
Whilst the Falkirk fans… well, their hopes were dashed.
They left more quietly, with their heads lowered, carrying the disappointment of what might have been… and yet, perhaps, still holding on to the thought of better days ahead.
So, what is Hope?
In a general sense, I think hope is a feeling of desire and confident expectation that something good will happen in the future, a belief even that a specific desired outcome is indeed possible.
This morning, my mind turned to a more spiritual definition, it is the Sabbath after all.
The Gospel sense of hope is different.
“Happy is he,” said the Psalmist, “that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” (Psalm 146:5)
Hope isn’t a certainty we can prove, but a quiet, steady trust that the Lord, Jesus Christ will do exactly what He has promised.
I know that with hope we can find joy in this life as we trust in God’s promises.
So perhaps, whatever “extra time” you find yourself in right now…
hold on to hope a little longer, because even there, I believe He is still at work.
Where in your life might you need to trust that just a little more today?

In Due Time

On Monday, one of the brown laces in my favourite shoes snapped.
It had been fraying and wearing thin for quite some time.
In a rush to fix it, I made a rudimentary knot and tied the two parts together again.
The next day I looked for some replacement laces in the supermarket but couldn’t find a match.
For a split second, I thought about measuring them.
But then, I simply stretched the old lace in my two hands, guessed the length and ordered them online.
They arrived the next day.
Unfortunately, I’d ordered the wrong size.
They were 20 centimetres too short.
So, I ordered online again.
This time the correct size arrived the next day.
Reflecting this morning, it struck me how much time I put into something so small, yet so important.
A lace breaking.
A guess that was close, but not close enough.
A second attempt that finally worked.
The hassle of having to return something online.
If I had slowed down a little longer, taken out a measuring tape, then I would have avoided the mistake.

Small things are really big things

It was a simple lesson again for me about slowing down, taking time and paying attention.
Measuring the old lace properly, would have taken me a few seconds to do so, but I chose to guess.
This morning, preparing for church, I held the old and the new laces in my hand and placed them next to a favourite scripture in Romans 5: 3-5

One set is old, frayed and held together with a knot.

The other is new, strong and fits as they should.
In our journey through life, we often forget the importance of the small things.
I have learned many small and simple things in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He is patient with our haste. He heals us through our mistakes. He renews what is worn.
I know that if we are willing to slow down, we begin to see His hand in the small things.
What small thing are you rushing past right now?

Gathered Home

Like a few others this year, I was asked to share a tradition that was special to our family at our Christmas Carol Service.
One word kept returning to my mind: 𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓.
I then realised how deeply gathering is woven into the Christmas Season.
At Christ’s birth, people gathered to Him, including shepherds drawn from the fields, wise men from afar, and even angels filling the heavens.
Christmas, from the very beginning, has been about coming together around the Light of the world.
This year has felt much the same.
With family and friends gathering, around tables, games, stories, cemeteries, memories, laughter, and a rather delicious turkey dinner too with our family once more.

Gifts

These past few days of simply being together have been a beautiful gift in themselves.
And tomorrow, we’ll be gathering again!
This time online, with so many dear friends from our Belgium Netherlands Mission.
Different places, familiar faces. Screens instead of stables perhaps, but the same spirit of connection, shared faith, and shared memories.
For me, there’s something sacred about gathering.
It slows us down. It reminds us of who we belong to. And it quietly points us back to Him.
Perhaps that’s why the idea of being “𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆” feels so meaningful at this time of year.
Not only in the sense of coming back to familiar places and faces, but also in the deeper, eternal promise that those we love are never truly lost, only gathered ahead of us, safely home with Him.
As the angel declared on that first Christmas night:
“Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11)
May our gatherings, both large and small, in homes and online, continue to centre on Jesus Christ, the reason for the season and why we gather at all.
Remember Christmas begins with Christ.
And I hope that the warmth we feel together this Christmas will linger much longer, even after the decorations come down.
What has it meant for you to be “gathered home” this Christmas?

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?

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?

 

The Three Pillars of Life

As a child, I grew up attending The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dunfermline. My faith has been with me all of my life.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ has made a huge difference, bringing me peace, purpose and direction in the good and especially the tough times.
With a lay clergy, I’ve been privileged to serve in many roles locally, nationally and in the interfaith community. In those years, I have noticed something quite interesting.
Many people who rarely step inside any church, of any denomination, still choose to come to the church for help when it really matters most, especially on the three sacred pillars of life: 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡, 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡.
A new baby is blessed, a couple is joined in marriage, a loved one is remembered and laid to rest.
These moments are special, tender, and deeply human.
It makes sense to me, that people turn to God at such times, because they break the bonds of our earthly thinking and touch eternity.
But here’s the thought that has stayed with me: if God is there for us at life’s bookends and milestones, how much more is He willing to be with us in the ordinary days in between?

The Life Lesson

That’s where my photo comes in…
A simple question: 𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝒅𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒐?
Most of life is lived in the day-to-day events… you know the type…the school runs, the work deadlines, the quiet evenings, and the unseen struggles we experience.
It’s in those moments, we need people we can look up to, but even more, we need Someone to look up to.
We read in the Psalms; “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:1–2).
To me, that isn’t just for beginnings or endings… it is for every day.
So, while I love being present with others at births, marriages, and funerals, I believe the gospel is just as much about Tuesdays and Thursdays as it is about weddings and farewells.
Christ’s promise is to give us life “more abundantly” (John 10:10), not just occasionally, but constantly.
My invitation this Sunday is simple: don’t wait for the great events of life to seek God.
“It is neither too early nor too late to become a devout disciple of Jesus Christ” – Russell M. Nelson.
Let Him walk with you today and look up to Him in the small and simple things.
Come join with us in Dunfermline this morning. Perhaps today’s a good day to ask: who do you look up to?

Lessons from our Plum Tree

Six years ago, we planted a plum tree in the corner of our garden.
Monic was keen to give it a go with a couple of apple trees too.
It felt like a bit of an experiment.
Yesterday, as I stood before the plum tree’s heavy branches, the plums were full, blushing with colour, and I think this year will be our best harvest yet.
For me, it’s simply impossible not to see the spiritual reflection in the tree.
The scriptures are rich with imagery drawn from the land, such as vineyards, fig trees, wheat fields, branches, and fruit, Jesus Himself using these metaphors over and over again.
They speak of work and growth, of patience, of what it means to truly abide.
In John 15, Christ declares, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.”
He goes on to say that we are the branches, and that no branch bears fruit unless it abides in the vine.
To me, that’s such a clear and powerful message.

We need each other…

The branch can’t produce anything on its own.
Cut off, it dries up, withers and dies.
But even the vine, strong and rooted though it is, does not yield fruit without the branch.
Working together, in harmony, one gives life, the other bears fruit.
At least, that’s what I see in our tree.
The rootstock is strong, having endured storms, warm summers, and cold winters.
The branches didn’t bear fruit right away.
Like us, they had to mature through careful pruning and care.
Monic, too, had to learn when to water, when to cut, and when to wait.
Now the branches are heavy with lovely fruit.
And it is so with our walk-through life with Jesus Christ.
Being rooted in Him isn’t a one-time decision, it’s a constant daily connection.
Growth comes in time to carry the fruit, enduring different seasons life brings, responding to pruning, and holding fast to the vine.
In time, and with the Lord’s tending, the fruit comes.
As we pick the plums, we’ll be mindful of the years it took, the patience required, and the grace that made them grow.
What kind of fruit is your life producing, and what are you rooted in?

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?

From Rome, with Hope

 

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the Shape the World Summit in the shadows of the Vatican, at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, a place fondly referred to – as Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle reminded us – as “the missionary university.”
And it was HOT!! 35C!
It was a gathering rooted in the Jubilee of Hope, where more than just ideas were exchanged. We heard of leaders shaped not by power or platform, but by kindness, goodness, and humility.
Cardinal Tagle drew a moving contrast between Christian hope – anchored in divine purpose – and the kind of wishful thinking that so often falls short.
The theme of faith over fear became a recurring call throughout the day.
The summit didn’t shy away from the complex realities of our world: deepening conflict, climate disruption, the acceleration of AI, and demographic shifts across ageing western societies.
One sobering statistic lingered long in my mind: over 800 million people go to bed hungry each night.
Amid such weighty truths, a quote from Baden Powell, founder of the Scouts, brought clarity and resolve, especially meaningful to me as a former Boy Scout myself…
“Try and leave this world a little better than you found it.”

Too small?

And just when the scale of the challenges felt overwhelming, Oliver Pawle shared an African proverb that really resonated with me:
“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito.”
A wise and timely reminder to us all.
For me, one of the most stirring contributions came from James Moore, whose talk “A Broken World Needs Creative Leadership” struck a powerful chord. He spoke of the USA at a geopolitical crossroads, but also of a broader truth – that we are all, in his words, “temporary shepherds of our global world.”
A powerful reminder of our shared stewardship of the earth and each other.
Much was also said about the appointment of the new Pope, significant not only in the choice of leader, but in the values that come with his Augustinian roots: humility, unity, contemplation, and deep interior commitment.
These are virtues our fractured world urgently needs.

The Common Growth Fund

As a Trustee of the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Foundation, I was honoured to stand alongside my fellow trustee Matthew Jones for the launch of the Common Growth Fund, in partnership with Lawrence Chong of Consulus. This initiative seeks to reimagine our economic systems, supporting faith-based enterprises and creating space for values-led, socially impactful transformation.
Again and again, familiar themes emerged:
• Respect and dialogue as essential tools for peace
• Compassion and empathy as the birthplace of change
• A growing hunger for creative, values-based servant leadership across all sectors of society.
But perhaps what moved me most wasn’t any single keynote or statistic. It was the spirit of the gathering.
People from diverse backgrounds and many faith traditions, all united in a shared desire to build something better, to shape the world with courage and conscience.
And yes, I came away with a few new friends, too.
So, what kind of world are you trying to shape, and who are you shaping it for?

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?