Devotions

Welcome back to the weekly roundup! It’s Sunday, which means it is time for our quick 5-minute evidence check-in for the Mencap Gateway Bronze Award. I am officially at Week 19 , and things are progressing beautifully across all sections. ​Here is how the checklist is shaping up this week, along with some exciting new developments in nature connection and pioneering ministry. ​1. Volunteering (Walk for Autism) ​ Status: Completed previously. ​ All evidence for this section has already been successfully logged and submitted! ​2. Fitness (Nature Walk) & Prescribe Nature ​ Status: Active ​ Evidence:  ​This week's fitness and nature connection overlap beautifully. I've wrapped up Week 5 of the Prescribe Nature program at Newbattle Abbey College . It was another incredibly enriching week of nature-based activities. The outdoors continues to be a profound source of healing, grounding, and joy. ​ I have also...

1. Volunteering – Walk for Autism Completed previously. ✅ 2. Fitness – Nature Walk Evidence: Getting outside and connecting with nature is something I find genuinely grounding. 3. Hobby – The Digital Parish & Daily Office This week's hobby evidence continues to come in the form of prayer, though using the Northumbria Community Office less. I've been documenting my faith reflections here on the blog as I go, which ties in beautifully with this Digital Parish project.  4. Personal Challenge Previously submitted. ✅ 5. Lifestyle – Sensory & Advocacy This covers a lot of ground, and this week felt particularly full in the best way. On the sensory side, I'm continuing to manage daily regulation using my Squiggle Society and other art supplies, fidgets, and planned sensory snacks. The Finch app has also been a really helpful tool for keeping up with routines — small steps, but they add up. Currently on a 90 day streak.  This week I also started doin...

​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...

​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...

​ 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. ...

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.