Mental Health

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The Kaleidoscope 

Diverse Conditions Abound

Healing Empathy

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Written for 'Poetry has the power to heal' prompt for World Mental Health Day.

A Highland Theological College graduate and non-conformist follower of Jesus living at the crossroads of neurodiversity and faith. Writing through the lens of the proverbial Forest Parish on the wild grace of the Gospel.

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Welcome to the Forest Parish

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​A Place of Hearth, Home, and Holy Ground ​ Dear friends in Christ, ​Welcome to this clearing in the woods. Just as the forest offers shelter to all and the hearth provides warmth to the weary, I hope this space serves as a sanctuary for your spirit. ​There are many voices in the world, but here is the rhythm of my own heart and ministry—a way of life rooted in the ancient soil of the Gospel and the quiet light of the home fire. ​The Three Great Trees: A Foundation of Faith ​In my journey, three truths stand like ancient oaks, providing shelter and strength: ​ 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: Salvation is found by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. Like the rain that falls on the forest floor, grace is a gift—unearned, refreshing, and life-giving. ​ T...
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Be Still

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“Be still, and know that I am God.     I will be exalted among the nations,     I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10) The Dedication: ​ ​ For the "Zoomers" and the "Beepers"— For every child who feels the world a little too loudly. ​ And for the Grandpas— The quiet anchors who teach us that the best way to find our way through the noise is to simply be still. ​ Dedicated to the memory of those who taught us to listen.   Above is silent story based on my short story of the same title: Once there was an old man who took his grandson a walk in the countryside. The old man's face was creased with wrinkles. Like the rings inside an ancient log tree, each signified age and wisdom. The man, to the boys surprise stopped suddenly. He was calm, so calm the boy didn't feel it right to interrupt this moment of solititude. 'Listen', the old man said. The boy listened. At first he could hear nothing but his own racing thoughts. 'Tru...
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Take Heart: A Catechism

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Take Heart A Catechism By David Holdsworth  Authors Note: There are many good Catechisms available. But, somewhere along the line Christians in many parts of the church at large seem to have lost this age old practice of simple instruction in the format of questions and answers. In no way is this little contribution meant to take away from good Catechisms already written, but rather to be a compliment to them. This is a simple way for me to share the good news with others. It is my hope that you the reader or listener may find biblical help from the simplicity of the good news. I have included biblical proofs as standard so you may go and examine the scriptures (and indeed your heart) for yourself. Pax et Bonum. (1) Q. What comfort may be found for the believer? A. A heart that need not have trouble or fear. One that can rely on God in troubled times and that can glorify His name.  Proofs. John 14:27, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 50:15 (2) Q. What message does scriptures give to those st...
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Happy Autism Acceptance Month!

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Thanks to all who supported my walk for Autism Initiatives. My challenge was 80000 steps over 8 days. I managed over 123,385, including a team walk. My personal goal was £50 and I beat this goal well thanks to kind sponsors. As a team, No6 One Stop Shop raised £1,022 + £181.32 GiftAid. Our collective goal was £500. All support has been much appreciated. Donations and sponsorships are still open until end of the month. All contributions of any amount happily received. 
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Walk for Autism Half Way

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Today I joined a team from No6 One Stop Shop (Autism Initiatives) in Edinburgh for a walk. It was a lovely walk toward Inverleith Park near the Botanical Gardens and back again. It was nice seeing the swans and blowing the cob webs away. It did get a little cold due to the partial eclipse of the sun. Link here to todays  photo . Sponsors and Donations big or small most welcome . My personal present step count is 63,567 towards 80,000. More than half way there. I will hopefully reach the rest of my goal by Autism Acceptance Day and Month. Watch this space.
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Meet Fluffy: My Pint-Sized Partner for a Big Cause!

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​Hold onto your hats (and your honey pots), because I have a new teammate for my sponsored walk for autism ! ​Everyone, meet Fluffy . ​He’s small, he’s round, and his stamina for walking is... well, mostly dependent on how well I carry him. But don't let the stuffing fool you; Fluffy is on a mission! He’s joined the team as my official mascot and morale booster. ​Fluffy’s Trail Essentials ​A bear of his stature doesn't just "go for a walk." He prepares. Here is what Fluffy is packing for our big adventure: ​ Extra Fluff-Support: For those steep hills. ​ Invisible Hiking Boots: To keep his paws pristine. ​ A Very Large Heart: To hold all the support you're sending our way! ​How You Can Help Us Reach the Finish Line ​We are walking to raise vital funds and awareness for the autism community. If you’d like to sponsor Fluffy (and me, his loyal friend), here is how: ​ Click the Link: Visit our fundraising page at [ my walk for autism ] . ​ ...
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Mr Kirk

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Describe your take on the Charlie Kirk murder: I have held off judgement as whatever happens he was human and I refuse to speak ill of any dead. I agreed with him on some things and strongly disagreed on other things. I will let God be his judge, not me.  None the less I always have questions: Was it weird Netanyahu said it wasn't him?  Why this one killing got so much attention when it is daily, even hourly in the USA?  What's in the files?  Why wasn't the flags even at half mast for the senators murdered only months before for example?  Thoughts about the service I admittedlly only saw bits of:  Horst Wessel effect? Pyrotechnic show? Political rally?  Were some people just acting?  Mega church concert? Is revival, as some claim it is, not more than some nice songs and words?  Isn't revival conviction, repentance and fruits showing, social reformation?  Can God not also use it for good even if some of these speakers, as some may claim, ...
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Ares or Christós?

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What if we aren't the "goodies" after all?  What if propaganda from all sides of all conflicts reveals a darker truth?  There are no heroes only villains and their victims. The broken cisterns of this world are truly overflowing.  There are no righteous, no not one!  There never have been, for all our supposed righteousness is as filthy rags. It is a sad reality that so many, even those of the faith, seem to effectively kneel before Ares.  This idolatry of violence and war is in such contrast to worshiping at the feet of the Prince of Peace.  Sometimes it feels as if the entire world is marching toward destruction and chaos.  Worst of all is that we know the mistakes made in our histories, but we seem to learn nothing from history (other than that we learn nothing).  We do it all again and again.  Sin after sin. When posterity comes to judge us will they look upon the arms trade unchecked, the governments unhindered in iniquity and the...
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The Lord's work continues

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Acts 8:1-5 Despite being persecuted and in suffering, the church continues the work of sharing the gospel. They gave their best and didn't give up. Don't assume that in suffering, God is not on the job. We follow a crucified Lord. However, some Christians seem to think that depression and disillusionment are signs of sin. This is clearly untrue. (cf Psalm 22:1 and the words from the cross). His light shines brightest in the valley. Managing uncertainty forces us to rely on God. He is our refuge and our strength. As we walk with Him, He will strengthen us even as we go through the valleys and storms of life. Jesus can see around every corner, and he has got our backs. Worries will come. But, turn your worries into prayers and petitions. Place it all in God's hands. Sometimes, it is OK to say things are not OK. But, the Lord's work continues.
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Gateway Bronze: Week 1 – Setting the Foundation

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​ 1. Lifestyle (Health and Wellbeing) ​ The Rhythm: This week I’ve used the Finch app and the Northumbria Office to keep a consistent daily sanctuary. It’s helped me stay grounded as I start this six-month journey. ​ Evidence:   ​ 2. Personal Challenge (Self-Awareness) ​ The Connection: I attended the Dad & Me group at Midlothian Sure Start . It was good to be in that space and start building that weekly habit of connection. ​ Evidence:   This week involved normal play and some messy play. Gabriel came as "Dads helper" this week which was cute!  ​ 3. Fitness & Volunteering (Nature & Service) ​ The Progress: I completed my nature walk this week and spent time getting set up for  Walk for Autism ( my fundraising page is now live ).  ​ Evidence: Other: I also started to explore resources from Health in Mind. And follow the advice to keep a journal. ...
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