Devotions

Be Still The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. Day after day they pour out speech, and night after night they display knowledge. (Psalm 19:1–2) God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:1–3) Hello, and welcome. My name is David Holdsworth, and this is Be Still. This isn't a sermon. It isn't a service you need to keep up with. There's no live chat, no expectation to show up at a certain hour, nothing to perform and no one watching how you respond. Think of it more like a light left on in a room somewhere — quiet, predicta...

Happy 3rd Week of Holidays!  ​1. Volunteering (Walk for Autism) ​Completed previously.  ​2. Fitness (Nature Walk) ​Evidence:  ​Walked with Lilianna at her Bright Sparks ASN trip to Tubing at Midlothian snowsports.  ​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 returned to Gorebridge Parish Church. The two middle children had to come out to the play space a while as they were a bit overwhelmed and Sunday school wasn't on. However, still a win as they got to church.  Still using the Finch app to continue routines.  The end of this award is almost here! Just about ready to submit! 

"[The Lamb] puts spiritual weapons into [his subjects’] hearts and hands: their armor is the light, their sword the Spirit of the Father and the Son; their shield is faith and patience; their paths are prepared with the gospel of peace and good will towards all the creation of God. …All that are faithful have their armor on, ready day and night to follow the Lamb, as he moves, counting nothing hard to undergo…. And this is love indeed to lay down all for such as are yet enemies." — James Nayler, 1657 Early English Quaker leader Public Domain Image from Wikipedia

“…nothing can be more abhorrent to the Christian man than wholesale slaughter.”

“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

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 second last week of these updates. It has been a jo...

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...