Tag Archive for: Walking

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?

Wagging Tails and Woodland Trails

Yesterday, early in the morning I decided to change my walk routine, in preparation for walking the West Highland Way in May/June for Mary’s Meals. (Don’t forget to click the link below to donate!)
Recently, Monic encouraged me to change my routines a little bit, as my walking routes were becoming a bit stale!
I messaged my sister Elaine, at 05.15 and asked her if I could pick up Fern at 09.30 to take her with me for a walk around Blairhall Forest.
Fern and I had the best time ever.
It is only the second time since being home, that I’d taken the time to be with Fern.
There is a certain magic about it, that I’d truly missed.
It was a real joy to just walk and run with her, along with playing fetch with many sticks and stones.
Watching Fern sniff, explore, and revel in the natural forest surroundings, her tail wagging with constant excitement was just pure magic for my soul.
Because she was so happy, that made me happy too!
Somehow, just being with her, in the forest, breathing the fresh air, filled me with so much joy.
It’s a wonderful way to slow down, be present, and appreciate the simple joys of companionship and nature.
Its also a great way to destress.
Have you had that experience?
I returned with a clear head, fresh and ready for my day ahead.
Fern on the other hand, returned ready for a big sleep!
Admittedly, I did have a wee nap in the afternoon too!
It won’t be too long before I’m back borrowing Fern once more.
Have you had a particularly memorable forest walk with a dog recently?
And please, don’t forget to donate to our Miles for Meals campaign, by following the link below….

Miles for Meals

For a long time, I’ve wanted to walk the 96 miles of the West Highland Way in Scotland.
Over the years I’ve been inspired by many friends who have already walked the Way.
I’m not get any younger, and in a few months’ time I’ll be turning 60.
So, it was time to make the plans and the effort to go and do!

Marys Meals

Yesterday, I laced up my walking boots, put on my Mary’s Meals t-shirt and put in some more training miles…
Commencing 27th May 2025, I’ll be walking the West Highland Way with circa 25 returned missionaries that I served alongside in the Belgium Netherlands Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints between 2021 and 2024.
They’re all travelling from thousands of miles away at their own cost, to journey with me.
Together, we’re not just embarking on a physical challenge; we’re walking with purpose to raise funds for Mary’s Meals, an organisation that provides millions of children with life-changing meals every day.
As a Christian, I’ve always endeavoured to follow the example of Jesus Christ.

Doing Good

Just like Jesus “went about doing good,” (Acts 10:38), Mary’s Meals follows that same Christlike example, serving millions of children with love and compassion.
By feeding hungry children, they enable them to attend school and build a brighter future.
It’s humbling to think that our steps along the rugged paths of the West Highland Way can play a small part in such a significant cause.
Walking too, has always been a powerful metaphor for life’s journey.
Each step, no matter how small, brings us closer to a greater purpose.
As we walk, we’ll face steep climbs and rocky descents, and the uncertainty of the ever-changing weather, but these challenges mirror the struggles faced by those we are striving to support.
Our efforts, combined with faith and determination, can make a difference.
I invite you to join us in this effort, whether by donating to Mary’s Meals, or finding your own ways to serve others.
Look out for our social media posts in the days ahead too, where you’ll be able to sponsor and donate to this worthwhile cause.
As you lace up your own shoes this week, whether for work, worship, or service, why not consider how you might walk with purpose.
Every step counts, and together, we can make the journey meaningful.
What small steps can you take this week to “go about doing good” in the lives of those around you?

Habits that shape us

As 2025 begins, I’ve been considering the habits I’ve developed over the years – the small, steady practices that have shaped who I am today.
Daily journaling, something I began decades ago, has grown into something far more meaningful, even inspiring me to finish my book this year.
It reminds me that the smallest, most consistent actions can lead to unexpected and fulfilling results.
This year feels like an opportunity to build on those routines and make them even more purposeful.
Our daily walks, for instance, could become a time for deeper reflection, meaningful conversations and they’re certainly helping me prepare for the West Highland Way’s 96 miles in May!
I think my writing could even evolve into exploring new forms.
For instance more storytelling or allowing creativity to stretch me in new directions – poetry perhaps!
As we slow down and notice our positive habits, they seem to have a way of growing with us.
What starts as a small step, making time for gratitude, connecting with others, or simply being in the moment and present, can compound over time, shaping our lives in powerful ways.
What good habits or productive practices have shaped your life in recent years?
As you look ahead to 2025, how might you take them further or adapt them to your current needs?
I’d love to hear what’s worked for you – your journey might just inspire someone else to start theirs…

Walk and Talk

As we approach our last missionary transfer, I reckon that Monic and I are now approaching some 3,000 coaching interviews – each!
From the outset, we chose to invest a lot of time (15 to 30 minutes) per interview, as a catalyst to enable change with each of our missionaries.
We started off sitting for all of our interviews, but as time has passed we now both enjoy the occasional walking interview too!
Pacing ourselves in our walking is a joy and it can slow down the conversation.
It got me thinking about the process of our interviews…
Our journey together always begins in a similar manner.
We smile, greet one another, say hello and settle in.
Then, the conversations go something like this.
I speak and ask a simple question.
The missionary listens.
The missionary speaks.
I listen.
I speak and carefully, ask more questions.
The missionary listens.
The missionary speaks.
I listen.
I try hard, very, very hard not to interrupt.
I am curious and interested as to what the missionary thinks.
There usually always comes a point when they ask me a question.
I push the missionary hard to see how far they can go in their own thinking, before I offer any of my own thoughts.
Like any great coaching conversation, the process is all about helping the missionary to become more self-aware.
Frequently I find that I reinforce their strengths and help each missionary to explore their challenges.
And the walking?
Well, it simply helps to stretch our legs and our minds!
Changing the environment can also really help us change how we look at things.
Fresh air can really awaken all of our senses and aid both our thinking and every conversation.
“Walking is man’s best medicine.” - Hippocrates
Little wonder then, that the most frequent question we are asked at interviews is “Are we going for a walk today?”
When will you next venture outside for a coaching conversation?

What path are you following?

Where will you walk today?
We love to walk!
Walking in the Netherlands is a big thing! The annual avond vierdaagse of 5, 10 or 15 km, usually held in May or June around the country are always massive events. I have fond memories of taking part in an event in 1995, when I think virtually the whole community participated!
For many years walking has been prescribed as an exercise that is very beneficial to our health. There is something very stimulating about walking, not only the physical exercise, but it also refreshes our spirits and lightens our mood.
The dictionary says that to walk is to move on foot, step by step. To advance in life we are required to take several kinds of steps.
In the book of Romans 6:4, in the New Testament, Paul speaks of some of those steps when he shared about those who were baptised and then walked forth in a newness of life. And in his epistle to the Ephesians 5:2, Paul invited them to follow Christ by walking in love.
The primary purpose of the gospel is to allow Jesus Christ to guide us in our path and walk through life. At the end of the day, this is the path that leads to the greatest reward of all. In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus stated that it is the strait and narrow way that leads to 𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 – this is the right path, leading to the greatest reward.
What path are you following?

Do you remember the song ” I walked Today where Jesus Walked”?

I walked today where Jesus walked,
In days of long ago.
I wandered down each path He knew,
With reverent step and slow.
Those little lanes, they have not changed,
A sweet peace fills the air.
I walked today where Jesus walked,
And felt Him close to me.
My pathway led through Bethlehem,
A memory’s ever sweet.
The little hills of Galilee,
That knew His childish feet.
The Mount of Olives, hallowed scenes,
That Jesus knew before
I saw the mighty Jordan row,
As in the days of yore.
I knelt today where Jesus knelt,
Where all alone he prayed.
The Garden of Gethsemane,
My heart felt unafraid.
I picked my heavy burden up,
And with Him at my side,
I climbed the Hill of Calvary,
Where on the Cross He died!
I walked today where Jesus walked,
And felt Him close to me.
We may not be able to physically walk where Jesus walked today, but perhaps we can be mindful of Him, walk in his footsteps by following His example in our lives through humility, faith, love and service.
I hope that each of us will choose the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life – missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, can help you to find it.
Enjoy your walk today – wherever that may be!