The Forest Parish: Above All Love

The barefoot Buddhist monks from the Huong Dao Center are closing in on Washington, D.C., nearing the end of their incredible 2,300-mile journey. What began as a spiritual pilgrimage has blossomed into a global conversation, sparking a fascinating "critical appreciation" among Christian communities—from the pews of the American South to faith circles in the UK. ​As I follow their journey, I find myself holding a nuanced view that merges several of these perspectives. I believe in Jesus —that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the source of ultimate peace. In that sense, I hold a conservative theological conviction. However, as many know, I am also Theologically Radical Reformed (Anabaptist) and a Red Letter Christian , which leads me to see this walk through a kind lens. Also as a Theologian and Social Scientist I can look at these things through the lens of an anthropologist.  ​1. The Progressive Voice: "Modern Magi on the Road" ​For some Progressive a...

​ The Life: St. Thorlak (1133–1193) was the Bishop of Skálholt and is the patron saint of Iceland. He was a brilliant scholar known for his extreme devotion to routine , a quiet and reserved personality, and an "unbending" commitment to rules, even when it made him socially unpopular. ​ The Autism Connection: Modern advocates and the Autism Society of Iceland identify him as a likely autistic person . Historical accounts describe him as: ​Socially awkward and averse to small talk. ​Deeply reliant on predictable rituals. ​Intensely focused on specific tasks to the exclusion of all else. ​Because of these traits, he is widely regarded as the unofficial patron saint of people on the autism spectrum . Image Source:  Autism Consecrated

​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 ] . ​ ...

It is time for family. It is time to trade the exhaustion of "making do" for the radical act of self-advocacy. ​For a neurodivergent family carrying the weight of autism and NF1, the traditional pew has often felt more like a sensory gauntlet than a refuge. I’ve realized that seeking Additional Support Needs (ASN) isn't about force-fitting our "square peg" family into a round-hole sanctuary. It is a theological act of pioneering. ​ A New Liturgy ​As a father and carer, I am reclaiming a fundamental truth: the table of fellowship is just as sacred in a quiet living room or an adapted setting as it is in a stone church. We aren't looking for a place to just "sit"—we are inviting the church into a "Thin Place" where our neurobiology is recognized as a reflection of the Creator, not a distraction. ​ Advocacy in Action ​Building this sanctuary also requires a louder voice. Alongside our church search, I am currently fighting for the scho...

We aren’t just walking; we’re moving toward a more inclusive world. Scan the QR code below to contribute directly to our goal. Your support provides vital resources and advocacy for the autism community! My  Walk for Autism

​If you’re looking for a fresh detective fix, look no further than Patience on Channel 4. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Yorkshire—mixing moody countryside with stunning towns and cathedrals—it has a distinct Morse or Endeavour vibe, paired with a truly impactful soundtrack. ​The show follows Patience Evans, an archivist who becomes an invaluable police asset. What makes it stand out is that Patience is autistic, played by the brilliant Ella Maisy Sutherland (who also starred in A Kind of Spark ). Knowing the actress is autistic in real life makes the performance feel grounded and intentional. ​My Life vs. Patience’s Life ​As an autistic viewer, I find the representation really interesting: ​ The "Savant" Gap: Patience has an incredible memory. I definitely don’t relate to that—my memory isn't exactly a steel trap! ​ The Shared Reality: I really connect with her social awkwardness and her hatred of loud, overwhelming spaces. ​ Safe Circles: Her "f...

​It is so easy to get lost in the immediate terrain—the steep hills we’re currently climbing or the fog of a difficult week—that we forget to look back at the horizon. But there is profound power in the simple act of stopping to notice the distance already covered. What a distance that might be!  ​When we strip away the noise and focus on the truth of the journey, we are often met with a beautiful, humbling realisation that we need to:  Take a moment and look at how far God has brought us. ​The Evidence of Grace ​In the New Testament, the apostle Paul captures this sentiment perfectly in 1 Corinthians 15:10 : ​ "By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain." ​Turn around and look at the trail behind you. You are a survivor of seasons that felt like they would break you. So am I. If the Lord has been watching over you your current standing isn't an accident. In fact there are no accidents. His sustained divine support is eve...

​If you’ve seen my recent posts about the Mencap Gateway Award, you might be wondering: What is the purpose behind all of this? Why turn my quiet, daily rhythms into a six-month "official" project? ​The truth is, life as an autistic person can often feel like you’re drifting in a sea of other people’s expectations. The "Sanctuary" I talk about isn't just a place—it's a practice. I’m doing the Gateway Award because it gives that practice a backbone. It’s about intentionality over accident. ​ The Purpose Behind the Plan ​ 1. Building My "Sanctuary" The award gives me a reason to stick to the rhythms that actually make me feel good. Without this commitment, it would be easy to skip my Finch goals or the Northumbria Office prayer when I’m tired. This turns my self-care into "official progress," helping me stay grounded when life feels overwhelming. ​ 2. Proven Independence (The Folder Effect) By working directly with Mencap and manag...

​ 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. ...

​I’m walking solo this year, but I’m carrying my family of six with me every mile. If you know us, you know our house is a whirlwind of resilience, neurodiversity, and strength. ​ I’m walking for my family: ​ My wife Sarah: The strongest person I know, navigating ADHD, Dyspraxia, NF1, Spina Bifida, and a host of other health challenges every single day. ​ Solomon (1) & Gabriel (4): Both born with NF1. Gabriel is currently being monitored for a tumor behind his eye—it’s stable for now, but the future may involve chemotherapy. ​ Lilianna (6): Our daughter, who was diagnosed as autistic with developmental delays in December. ​ Ezra (9): Currently on the waiting list to get his own answers regarding autism and ADHD. ​I’m also walking for myself. As an autistic adult with social anxiety, I know how much a supportive community matters. That’s why I’m proud to be walking alongside friends from No.6 One Stop Shop (Autism Initiatives) . They are a lifeline for people like me—a p...

For those from Reformed, Anabaptist, or Quaker backgrounds, the "Sign of the Cross" often feels like something belonging to "someone else’s" church. We are people of the Word, the Spirit, and the Inner Light. Yet, there is a deep, historical hunger to involve the body in our devotion—to find a "physical Amen" for our faith. ​Beyond its historical roots, the Sign of the Cross serves as a powerful form of non-verbal communication . In a faith that is often "word-heavy," these gestures offer a visible language that transcends literacy levels and provides a grounding, sensory experience for neurodivergent individuals (ASN) or those who find vocal prayer a challenge. ​1. The Small Cross: The Secret Sign of the Martyrs ​The absolute oldest layer of Christian ritual dates back to the 2nd century, long before there were cathedrals or complex liturgies. In the era of Roman persecution, Christians used their right thumb to trace a tiny cross on their f...

This week marks the beginning of a six-month journey as I work toward my Bronze Gateway Award. I’ve decided to frame this experience as a 'Sanctuary'—a dedicated time to build a rhythm of health, service, and reflection. ​Over the next 26 weeks, I am committing to a balanced path: supporting my Health and Well-being through the Northumbria Office and the Finch app, and challenging myself to build Self-awareness and connection at the Dad & Me group with Midlothian Sure Start. My days will include mindful nature walks for fitness and the creative outlet of this blog. Most importantly, I’ll be spending my volunteering time planning and completing my  Walk for Autism . This journey isn’t just about ticking boxes for a medal; it’s about intentionally creating a consistent, peaceful routine that supports my autistic profile while giving back to the community. I look forward to sharing the quiet milestones and the steady progress of this path as it unfolds.

Revisiting Nagasaki, Hiroshima, and the Questions of Intent ​"The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." — Psalm 9:9 (ESV) ​Seventy-nine years later, the mushroom clouds over Hiroshima and Nagasaki still cast long shadows over our understanding of warfare, morality, and geopolitics. While the conventional narrative holds that these bombings were a tragic necessity, a closer look at the historical record—and the specific destruction of Japan’s Christian heartland—reveals an unsettling debate. ​The Weight of Regret: Oppenheimer and Einstein ​The men who birthed the atomic age were among the first to be haunted by it. ​ J. Robert Oppenheimer , upon witnessing the first successful test of the bomb, famously recalled a line from the Bhagavad Gita : "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds." This quote has become the definitive expression of the scientist’s burden—the realization that his intellect had provi...

​“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son...” — Hebrews 1:1-2 ​The "True Myth": How Ancient Whispers Found Their Voice in the Forest ​In the quiet corners of the proverbial Forest Parish, where the wind through the pines feels like an old conversation, we often find ourselves standing between two worlds. On one hand, we have the earthy, rugged wisdom of our Pictish and Norse ancestors. On the other, we have the radical, transformative message of the "Red Letter" Gospel—the direct words and life of Jesus. ​At first glance, these might seem like opposites: one rooted in pagan myth, the other in sacred scripture. However, there is a robust theological tradition that suggests they are actually part of the same story. This is the theology of Fulfillment , or Praeparatio Evangelica —the "Preparation for the Gospel." ​1. The Greek Connec...

The Red Letter Challenge ​"For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others?" — Matthew 5:46-47 ​The Brotherhood We Fear: A Logical Challenge to Modern Faith ​In the 1995 film Cry, the Beloved Country , James Jarvis (played by Richard Harris ) reads a letter written by his late son. The words provide a sharp logical challenge to anyone who claims to follow a faith of love. ​The quote says: ​"The truth is that our Christian civilization is riddled through and through with dilemma. We believe in the brotherhood of man, but we do not want it. We believe in justice, but we are afraid of it. When posterity comes to judge us, will we be consigned to the pages of history as tyrants, or as men who had the courage to be free?" ​Historical Parallels: A Logic Check ​History shows that this "dilemma" follows a predictab...

I have the pleasure of being an outdoor learning assistant (ASN) at Vogrie Early Learning Center here are a few of my nature photos from the area this season. 

​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...

This article is written with Easy English principles. It uses shorter sentences, simple words, and clear ideas. It is designed to be accessible for young readers and people with learning disabilities, while keeping the heart of an important message. ​ THE FOREST PARISH ​ Finding God in the Wild and at Home ​ What is the Forest Parish? ​Imagine a huge forest with no walls. This is the Forest Parish . We believe that God is like a Shepherd, and the whole world is His church. ​Since the beginning of time, people everywhere have looked at the trees, the stars, and the animals. They felt in their hearts that Someone made them. This feeling is a gift from God. He put a "seeking instinct" inside everyone. ​In this forest, everyone is welcome. It does not matter what country you are from or how your brain works. God made every kind of mind, and He loves them all. ​ The Five Big Truths (The Solas) ​These are the five "roots" that keep our faith strong: ...

​"And with all these things, love each other. Love is the thing that holds all these good things together in a perfect way." — EasyEnglish Bible ​"Think about how the flowers in the field grow. They do not work. They do not make clothes for themselves. But I tell you this: Even King Solomon was very rich. But he did not have clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers." — EasyEnglish Bible ​ Title: Above All Love: From the Highlands to the Forest Floor Theme: Life Seasons, Caregiving, and the "Hidden" Ministry ​To my friends and fellow travelers, ​There is a season for everything under heaven. For some years, my calling was a semi public one—heard through preaching, singing, and the deep study of social science and theology. This was coupled with living in intentional communities such as Lee Abbey (summer 2006 in Devon), L'arche (Highlands), London Catholic Worker (during a 'free month'), and Kilravock Christian Trust (based i...

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...