No Freedom, No Peace

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Dona Nobis Pacem

Lord grant us peace and freedom forever!

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10 words, 2 lines, 1 message.

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

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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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The poem, originally titled "God Knows" and written by Minnie Louise Haskins in 1908, is most famous for its opening preamble. ​Here is the full text: ​The Gate of the Year ​And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” ​So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East. ​So heart be still: What need our little life, Our human life, to know, If God hath comprehension? In all the dizzy strife Of things both high and low, God hideth His intention. ​God knows. His will Is best. The stretch of years Which wind ahead, so dim To our imperfect vision, Are clear to God. Our fears Are premature; In Him, All time hath full provision. ​Then rest: un...
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Week 7 — Weekly Mencap Gateway Post

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🌟 Week 5 Evidence Checklist

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Mencap Bronze Gateway Sunday check-in  — a quick 5-minute review of this week's evidence across all five areas. Here's what was captured for Week 5! 1 · Volunteering Walk for Autism 🦶 Evidence required:   2 · Fitness Nature Walk 🌿 Evidence required:   3 · Hobby The Digital Parish & Daily Office 🙏 Activity:  Daily prayer using the Northumbria Community Office, with reflections documented here on the blog. Today's morning meditation from Northumbria Community:  "Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery that it is. In the boredom and pain of it no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace." (Frederick Buechner) This practice combines spiritual routine with creative writing — a meaningful double contribution to the Gateway. 4 · Personal Challenge Submitted ✅ + Bonus...
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​This week, my pilgrimage moved between the quiet of nature and the active "armor-on" work of family advocacy. Here is the evidence for my Bronze Gateway Award. ​ 1. The Advocacy Log (New Section) ​This week in my pilgrimage, I didn't just walk in nature; I walked the path of advocacy. I've been pushing for the school transport my kids deserve and visiting potential church homes. It’s a different kind of 'Sanctuary' building—one that requires a louder voice. ​ Evidence:    "Tutting" to Pioneering: Reclaiming the Sacred Table ​ Award Category: Lifestyle (Rights) & Personal Challenge (Community Inclusion). Other Lifestyle: Using tactile tools from Squiggle Society to maintain sensory regulation. ​ 2. Weekly Evidence Checklist ​ Volunteering (Walk for Autism): Route planning and logistics phase. ​ Evidence (testing out how to use MapMyFitness app and introducing my mascot Fluffy ) ​ Fit...
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Gateway Evidence Week 4

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​For a long time, I tried to fit into spaces that weren't built for me. My Personal Challenge for the Bronze Award is in part a commitment to stop masking and start seeking. ​By attending Dad & Me, I am seeking the community help I need to be a regulated parent (it is the February break in Midlothian and Solomon was a bit poorly so we did skip a week). By searching for an ASN-friendly church, I am seeking the spiritual help I need to practice my faith without burnout. This week we went local. These aren't separate tasks; they are two sides of the same journey toward Autism Acceptance. ​1. Volunteering: Walk for Autism ​Activity: Planning routes and tracking fundraising. ​Evidence:  ​2. Fitness: Nature Walk ​Activity: Daily walks for sensory regulation. ​Evidence: Snow, Cake-Topped Trees , and a Little Help from My Friends  ​3. Hobby: The Digital Parish ​Activity: Daily prayer using the Northumbria Office and blog reflections. ​Update: Shifting focus...
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