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Welcome!

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Dear Friends, Welcome. ​This space exists for one reason: ​love — ​the love of God poured out in Jesus Christ, ​the love we are called to extend ​to one another, ​and to the world. ​There are many voices clamouring for our attention. Here, you will find the rhythm of one heart seeking to follow the way of Love. My ministry does not happen behind heavy church doors or within rigid institutional walls. It happens in the quiet, ordinary spaces of life where we learn to walk together at an unhurried pace. This is a faith rooted not in tradition for its own sake, but in the living, active, self-giving love at the heart of the Gospel. ​Three truths have become my anchors: ​The Living Word Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh. Apart from Him, the true God cannot be fully known. In Jesus, we see the face of a God who is Love, and whose Gospel is the path of Peace. ​The Gift of Grace I believe salvation is found by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Grace is a t...
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Spurgeon: "We are up to the hilt advocates for peace..."

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“We are up to the hilt advocates for peace, and we earnestly war against war. I wish that Christian men would insist more and more on the unrighteousness of war, believing that Christianity means no sword, no cannon, no bloodshed, and that, if a nation is driven to fight in its own defence, Christianity stands by to weep and to intervene as soon as possible, and not to join in the cruel shouts which celebrate an enemy’s slaughter. . . . Today, then, my brethren, I beg you to join with me in seeking renewal.” From An All-Round Ministry, (Charles Spurgeon’s Annual Conference Addresses at the Pastors College), “A New Departure.” [SIXTEENTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE, Spring 1880] Public Domain Image from Wiki Commons
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Weekly Evidence Checklist for week 25 for Mencap Gateway Bronze Award

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Happy 2nd Week of Holidays!  ​1. Volunteering (Walk for Autism) ​Completed previously.  ​2. Fitness (Nature Walk) ​Evidence:  ​Examples: Walked around bird gardens with family. Only took one photo as I wanted to be present to the moment.  ​3. Hobby The Digital Parish & Prayer ​Activity: Prayer using the Northumbria Office and documenting reflections on this blog. ​ ​4. Personal Challenge: Previously submitted.  5. Lifestyle (Sensory & Advocacy): Managing daily regulation through Squiggle Society, fidgets and other art supplies. Still exploring church ideas This week for Faith activity we visited The Logos Hope ship that is docked in Ocean Terminal. I also did a Muddy Church style walk with my children. I have also been in touch with a minister in Newtongrange.  Still using the Finch app to continue routines.  This is the third last week of these updates. It has been a jou...
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Weekly Update: Finding Rhythm & Connection (Week 24)

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Happy Summer Holidays! ​As we hit week 24, the pace of life feels a little different. Whether it’s the shift into summer mode or the gentle routine of daily life, there is always something to celebrate. This week has been a unique mix of digital reflection, sensory grounding, and some much-needed travel time. ​Here is a look at what I’ve been up to for this week’s Mencap Gateway Bronze Award progress. ​🌿 Fitness: A Moment in Nature ​Even when the schedule gets busy, there is immense value in simply stepping outside. This week’s focus was a Nature Walk , a perfect way to clear the mind and get moving.​ ​✍️ Hobby: The Digital Parish ​My commitment to The Digital Parish and Prayer  remains a cornerstone of my week. ​ Activity: I have continued my practice of prayer.  ​ Reflection: Documenting reflections on this blog has been a rewarding way to process my thoughts and keep a record of my spiritual journey. It remains a peaceful anchor.  ​🧠 Lifest...
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Finding Moments of Peace: My Weekly Evidence Checklist (Week 23)

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Happy Summer Holidays! As the school term draws to a close, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the past week. Balancing the chaos of family life with the requirements of my Mencap Gateway Bronze Award can feel like a lot, but this weekly 5-minute check-in keeps me grounded and on track. ​Here is my evidence log for Week 23. ​My Weekly Evidence Log ​1. Volunteering ​ Activity: Walk for Autism. ​ Status: Completed previously. ​2. Fitness ​ Activity: Nature Walk. ​ Evidence: Today’s focus was on connecting with the outdoors. I’m including a photo from my walk around the Crichton estate after dropping Ezra off at his last Cubs session of the season. ​ Note: While I also enjoyed a magical moment seeing frogs and deer while setting up a treasure hunt at Vogrie, I chose to put my phone away and simply enjoy the moment rather than documenting it. Sometimes, living the experience is more important than the evidence! ​3. Hobby ​ Activity: T...
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Weekly Update: Gateway Bronze Award (Week 22) – Growth, Nature, and Reflection

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Happy Father’s Day to all those celebrating today! ​As we move through another week of the Mencap Gateway Bronze Award, it’s a good time to take a breath, reflect on the progress made, and get organized. This weekly ritual—my "Sunday Five-Minute Check-in"—is essential for keeping track of the evidence needed for the award and ensuring I’m staying balanced. ​Here is the breakdown of my progress for Week 22 . ​1. Volunteering: Walk for Autism ​ Status: Completed previously. ​2. Fitness: Nature Walk Some time with family at Porty Beach.  ​3. Hobby: The Digital Parish & Prayer ​ Activity:  Prayer and exploring vocations. Working on my Muddy Church idea and exploring Monk in the world concepts. Writing things here on the blog.  ​4. Personal Challenge ​ Status: Previously submitted. ​5. Lifestyle: Sensory & Advocacy ​ Focus: Self-regulation and active advocacy. ​ Tools: Using my Squiggle Society and other art supplies, v...
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Weekly Evidence Checklist: Week 21 – Mencap Gateway Bronze Award

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It is time for the Sunday check-in! Taking five minutes to document these activities is a great way to stay on track for the Mencap Gateway Bronze Award. Here is my evidence for Week 21. ​1. Volunteering (Walk for Autism) ​ Status: Completed previously. ​2. Fitness & Wellbeing (Nature & Outings) ​ Nature Walks:  Being outdoors remains a key part of my physical and mental well-being routine. I have also been doing gardening. ​ Prescribe Nature (Newbattle Abbey College - Week 7): Another enriching week of nature-based activities. The outdoors continues to be a profound source of healing and joy. This is the second last session.  ​ Family Zoo Trip: We enjoyed a wonderful family trip to the zoo this week. It was a great opportunity for movement and fresh air while spending quality time together. ​3. Hobby: The Digital Parish & Prayer ​ Activity: Continued prayer and exploring pioneer ministry.  ​ Reflection...
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