Devotions

​Hi everyone! I am so excited to share a major update today. I finally received the official word from the Gateway Award team, and it's official—I have completed the Bronze award! ​Getting this email made all the hard work totally worth it: ​ "Hi David, That all looks great, congratulations on completing the Bronze award. I will get the certificates and medals out in the post for you today. Many thanks" ​I can't wait for the postman to arrive so I can finally see the certificate and medal in person. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, even if just following along on this blog. Stay tuned for other future posts on both my life journey and the usual devotional content! ​What is the Gateway Award? ​The Gateway Award is a fun activity program where you set your own goals and do things at your own speed. Anyone of any age or ability can take part. ​When you do the award, you get to choose what you want to do and when you wa...

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...