August 28, 2026 
6 Comments
As part of our joint birthday gift (in April) from our friend Shivani, Sarah and I were given complimentary tickets to RHS Garden Wisley, so we decided to go today…And what a day we picked! The sun stayed out for us, and the flowers were absolutely stunning.
The flowers were beautiful, but honestly, they still weren’t as beautiful as my lovely wife Sarah. ❤️
August 27, 2026 5 Comments
It’s finally raining. Actually, it’s raining quite hard! After all the heat we’ve had, though, I’m certainly not going to complain. I think God may have heard me asking for some cooler weather and decided to empty the entire bucket at once! Looking back over this week’s activity, I’m really thankful for the progress I’ve been making with my walking. I’ve managed to get out onto the trail and keep building things back up, with walks around the 3.4-mile mark.
Monday’s walk was another 3.46 miles, and it felt good to be out there again. The cooler conditions made such a difference, and I’m grateful that I’m able to keep getting stronger and more comfortable on the trail. It’s easy to look at a walk and think, “It’s only three and a bit miles.” But sometimes it’s not about the distance. It’s about where you’ve come from. Every step represents progress, and I’m thankful to God for giving me the strength, patience and determination to keep moving forward.
And then there’s the rain.
After weeks and weeks of heat, sunshine and dry conditions, I’m genuinely grateful to hear it falling outside today. Rain might not be everyone’s idea of perfect weather, but sometimes the things we complain about in one season are exactly the things we find ourselves praying for in another.
Today is actually a bit of a different day for me. Rather than heading out onto the trail, I’m spending some time behind the scenes. I’ll be diving into the settings menus on my blogs, tweaking things, sorting out a few bits and pieces and generally doing the stuff that nobody sees but that helps keep everything running properly.
And, of course, there will be music.
I’ll be writing more lyrics, working on new ideas and making more songs. The creative side of things never really seems to switch off, and I’m enjoying exploring where all these different ideas can lead. So today I’m thankful for the rain, the walks, the progress, the creativity and the opportunity to keep building things…And most of all, I’m thankful to God.
🙏 “Thank You, Lord, for the strength to keep moving, the creativity to keep making, the patience to keep learning and even the rain pouring down outside my window today, Amen”.
Sometimes we need sunshine. Sometimes we need rain. And sometimes we just need to stop for a moment and realise that both are blessings.
Happy Thankful Thursday, everyone…Stay blessed, keep moving forward, and don’t forget to be thankful for the little things.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
How might you pause to give thanks today? Perhaps it’s saying a simple prayer, reflecting on a Bible verse that speaks to your heart, listening to a worship song, enjoying a peaceful walk in nature, catching up with a favourite blog from your WordPress family, or simply sitting quietly in God’s presence. However you choose to spend the moment, may your heart be reminded of His goodness and faithfulness.
Don’t be discouraged by the rain. Sometimes God sends the storms not to stop your journey, but to help you grow stronger for the road ahead. Keep moving forward. Keep trusting God. And remember, even the smallest step is still a step in the right direction. 💪🏼🙏
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
August 24, 2026 4 Comments
We are never beyond the reach of His care!
(J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Mark” 1857)
Mark 6:50, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Mark how our Lord sees the troubles of His believing people, and in due time will help them.
We read that when the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He was alone on the land, that He saw they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves; He came to them walking on the sea; and cheered them with the gracious words, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid,” and changed the storm into a calm!
There are thoughts of comfort here for all true believers. Wherever they may be, or whatever their circumstances, the Lord Jesus sees them!
Alone or in company;
in sickness or in health;
by sea or by land;
in perils in the city;
in perils in the wilderness;
the same eye which saw the disciples tossed on the lake, is ever looking at us!
We are never beyond the reach of His care!
Our way is never hidden from Him!
He knows the path that we take, and is still able to help. He may not come to our aid at the time we like best, but He will never allow us utterly to fail.
He who walked upon the water, never changes!
He will always come at the right time to uphold His people. Though He tarries, let us wait patiently.
Jesus sees us, and will not forsake us.
“Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” Mark 6:50
August 20, 2026 4 Comments
Today I managed to bring my walking speed back up to 3.5 mph. My knee felt really good throughout the walk, which I’m incredibly thankful for, although my eyes were certainly letting me know that 3.5 mph is quite a pace for me! 😂 Still, it felt great to be moving more confidently again, and I’m genuinely encouraged by how my knee is responding. After everything I’ve been through with it, being able to get back out here, walk at a speedy pace and enjoy the trail feels like a real blessing. And, of course, I had to stop and take another panorama of the pond…
One thing I particularly like about this panorama is that I managed to capture the path on both sides of the pond in the same photograph. Those of you who have been following my trail walks will know this is the very path I walk along from left to right before stopping to take my pond photograph.
And then we come to another familiar part of my route, which I’ve affectionately named ‘Liz’s Super Speedway’. If you’ve been following my walks for a while, you’ll know exactly why I call it that! This is the long, straight section of trail where I can really get into my stride, and today, reaching 3.5 mph made it feel rather appropriate to give the place another panoramic outing. I love how this particular view shows the trail disappearing into the woodland, with the trees and vegetation creating what almost feels like a natural tunnel. It’s a completely different atmosphere from the open clearing around the pond, but it’s just as much a part of what makes this trail special to me.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
How might you pause to give thanks today? Perhaps it’s saying a simple prayer, reflecting on a Bible verse that speaks to your heart, listening to a worship song, enjoying a peaceful walk in nature, catching up with a favourite blog from your WordPress family, or simply sitting quietly in God’s presence. However you choose to spend the moment, may your heart be reminded of His goodness and faithfulness.
Today I’m thankful for so much: for our wonderful trip to Derby, for family and friends, for the encouragement of my WordPress family, and for the simple blessing of being back on the trail. I’m thankful that today I could pick up the pace to 3.5 mph, that the weather finally gave my eyes a break from being burned out by the heat and glare, and that my knee held strong every step of the way. Above all, I’m thankful for God’s faithfulness and for the people He places around us to encourage, teach and walk alongside us. 😀
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
August 19, 2026 12 Comments
I haven’t been on the trail this morning because I’m still writing about our trip up to Derby last Thursday through Sunday, and actually, I think that’s quite fitting for a Wellness Wednesday. Because wellness isn’t just about walking, exercise, fitness, eating well or getting your steps in. Sometimes, wellness is about the people around us. It’s about family, friendship, laughter and making memories together. Sometimes, it’s about stepping away from the usual routine, travelling several hours up the country and surprising someone who means an awful lot to you. And sometimes, wellness is simply about being surrounded by people who remind you just how blessed you are to have them in your life.
About a week before we went to Derby, I received a message from Bridge’s daughter, Laura. She told me that she was organising an amazing surprise 70th birthday party for her mum. Then she said something that really made me smile. She said that Bridge never shuts up about me, and she thought it would be great if I could come up to Derby and surprise her. Well… how could I possibly say no to that?
So Sarah and I packed our bags and headed up to Derby, while keeping the whole thing as secret as possible. We stayed at the Derby Mickleover Hotel, which was perfect for us because it has something particularly important for Sarah: an indoor swimming pool. Sarah absolutely loves swimming, so when we’re looking at hotels, having an indoor pool can make all the difference, as our local pools are simply too crowded and impossible for us to visit. It meant that while we were away, Sarah could still get in the pool and enjoy one of the things she loves doing…And for me, the hotel became our little base while we spent a very busy few days catching up with people.
One of the lovely things about going up to Derby was getting to see my brother Paul, his girlfriend Carrie and my niece Jess. Jess is only four years old, and spending time with her was brilliant. There’s something about being around a four-year-old that reminds you that life doesn’t have to be complicated. Everything is exciting. Everything is interesting…And sometimes the simplest things produce the biggest smiles. (Oh and I also wrote her a great Birthday song of course…Coming up in the ‘Story behind the song’ series).
Ambber had absolutely no idea we were even in Derby! So Sarah and I decided to walk into her coffee shop completely unexpectedly and surprise her. We walked in, and there we were. Surprise…We sat down and had a bacon roll, a lovely coffee and, of course, an egg custard. So discovering one was available was never going to end well for the egg custard. 😋
We also spent some really lovely time with my best mate Rob, his girlfriend Shelley and some of their children Ella, Georgia and Mighty Mike. On Thursday evening, just after Sarah and I had arrived at the hotel, they invited us back to their house for a takeaway, which was a lovely way to start the weekend and catch up properly. On Friday evening, we all went out together to an American smokehouse, enjoying some great food, plenty of laughs and even more catching up. Then on Saturday, we headed into Derby city centre together, wandering around the shops and soaking up the atmosphere before finding some beautiful pink lilies for Bridge’s birthday party that evening.
There was something really special about spending those few days together, not just at the big birthday celebration, but in all those little moments in between – sharing food, walking around the city, laughing, chatting and simply enjoying each other’s company. Those are the moments that often become some of the best memories.
Of course, the whole reason for the trip was Bridge’s 70th birthday. Bridge wasn’t simply someone I knew. Twenty-six years ago, when I lost my sight, Bridge was my home help. But she became so much more than that. Those were some incredibly difficult years for me. I was in a very dark place, and there were times when I was suicidal. Bridge was there during those years. She saw me when life was very different from what it is now. She saw the struggles. She saw the darkness…And she stayed, that’s why Laura’s message meant so much to me. To hear that, all these years later, Bridge still talks about me so much that her daughter thought I should be part of her 70th birthday surprise… Well, that is something pretty special.
Just before the last photo, I want to tell you about the moment that, for me, brought the whole weekend together. Laura suddenly grabbed the microphone, and as the noise and laughter in the garden faded into complete silence, she called out, “Mum, I need you to listen to this song! And where is Steve?” She then told everyone that I had written a song especially for Bridge and pressed play. The music came through the very loud speaker, and suddenly there was nowhere to hide from the emotion of that moment. Laura and her sister Charlotte stood either side of their mum, each holding her close, while I stood opposite them with Sarah in my arms. Then the first verse began… and I just broke down in tears. Sarah told me afterwards that there wasn’t a dry eye anywhere in that garden. I had written every word, heard the finished song and listened to it countless times, but hearing it there, in that garden, with Bridge standing in front of me, was completely different. This wasn’t just a song anymore. This was our story.
Then, after the first chorus, Bridge came over, took me in her arms and we began to slow dance together as the song continued. We were both crying, holding onto each other as those words played around us, and I found myself thinking about everything that had happened since we first met 26 years ago. She had been there when I lost my sight. She had been there when I was in some of the darkest years of my life. And now, here we were, all these years later, dancing together at her 70th birthday party while listening to a song I’d written to tell her what she had meant to me. I’m still not quite sure why I cried because, let’s face it, I wrote the blooming song! Lol. But they were happy tears. Tears of gratitude. Tears for the memories, for the journey, for the friendship, and perhaps for the sheer realisation of how far both of us had come.
On Sunday, before we headed home, my brother Paul came to pick Sarah and me up from the hotel. He then picked up my Dad and the four of us went to the pub for Sunday lunch together. After lunch, we headed to Starbucks for a lovely coffee and a proper catch-up before Paul dropped Sarah and me off at the train station to head home. I don’t get to see my Dad very often at all, so having the chance to spend some time with him, sit together, chat and simply enjoy being in each other’s company meant a lot to me. As we said our goodbyes and Sarah and I boarded the train home, I found myself reflecting on just how full those few days in Derby had been. Family, old friends, surprises, laughter, memories and one very emotional birthday celebration. It was a weekend I’ll remember for a very long time. 😀
August 17, 2026 4 Comments
Strangers and pilgrims on the earth!
Hebrews 11:13, “They acknowledged that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”
This poor world is a boarding-house in which we lodge for a night or two, but it is not our home. The furniture is not ours, the title-deeds are not in our name, and the lease will soon expire. Why then, do we fret over its broken chairs, or quarrel about the best rooms? The Christian’s true estate lies yonder, where Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. Let us hold all earthly things with a loose hand, lest when the Master calls, we be found glued to the toys of the nursery, instead of ready for the palace of the King.
The path of the Christian pilgrim is not strewn with flowers, but with thorns. He must expect to be misunderstood by the men of this world, for he speaks a different language and seeks a different country.
Beloved friends, you and I are passing through Vanity Fair, but we are not free to set up shop there. The true pilgrim buys none of the merchandise of the place–neither its honors, its pleasures, nor its empty praise. He has his treasure in Heaven, where moth and rust do not corrupt.
A pilgrim must travel light. The more luggage he carries, the more weary he becomes. So the Christian is called to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets him. Houses, lands, gold, and reputation are heavy burdens for a man who is bound for eternity.
This world is a wilderness, and though the desert winds howl and the fiery serpents hiss, the pilgrim need not fear. His God has sworn to bring him safely to the land that flows with milk and honey–the better country of everlasting rest.
Our Lord Jesus was the great Pilgrim who had nowhere to lay His head. If we are in Him, we must share His pilgrim spirit. The crossmarks the pilgrim’s pathway, but the crown lies at the end of it!
We are pilgrims and strangers upon the earth, and we do well to remember it every day we live. This poor world is not our rest, for it is polluted! Our home is beyond the river of death, in the land where the flowers never fade and the sun never sets. Let us not build our nests too firmly in these trees that will soon be cut down, but keep our hearts loose from earthly things, that when the trumpet sounds we may rise and enter into the joy of our Lord.
What is this poor dying world, that we should fall in love with it? Its smiles are deceitful, its riches take wings and fly away, and its pleasures bite like adders! The believer has been taught by the Spirit to call it what it is–a broken cistern, a fading flower, a temporary tent. His heart is fixed on things above, not on earthly toys.
To the true believer, this world is a wilderness, dry and barren, full of serpents and thorns. He finds no lasting satisfaction in its broken cisterns. He is a pilgrim passing through, and though the road may be rough and the sky dark, he knows that every step brings him nearer to the city that has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
“Get up, go away! For this is not your resting place, because it is defiled, it is ruined beyond all remedy!” Micah 2:10
“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul!” 1 Peter 2:11
August 5, 2026 0 Comments
Reader, turn aside and see this great sight!
(William Thoseby, “Foot-prints on the Sands of Time” 1869)
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you!” Isaiah 43:2
John Bunyan writes in his Pilgrim’s Progress: “Now I further saw that between the pilgrims and the gate of the Celestial City, was a river, but there was no bridge to go over, and the river was very deep. At the sight of this river, the pilgrims were much stunned; but those who went with them, said, ‘You must go through, or you cannot come to the gate.’ The pilgrims then began to despond in their minds, and looked this way and that, but no way could be found by them, by which they might escape the river.”
How true and touching is this description. There is no way from this world to the Celestial City, but through the river of death. Whether men go to eternal glory or to eternal gloom–they have to ford its depths. There is no way of reaching the Celestial City, without crossing the narrow stream of death. When the summons for our departure arrives, we must enter the deep dark waters. None can disregard the call, nor choose any other mode of transit. But it is given to the Christian pilgrim to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd sounding like sweet music in the intervals of storm: “It is I, do not be afraid!” Jesus may allow you to hear some touches of richest music, and feel some waftings of balmiest air. It has even seemed to some of the pilgrims, that their very names were called; and then with new thrillings of the inner sense, they have joyfully answered, “We are coming! We are coming home!”
But as we near the banks of the river, the prospect of parting with beloved relatives and friends is sometimes deeply affecting. It was a touching scene in ancient Israel, “When all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for him thirty days.”
Oh, there is a luxury in tears! The tears of tenderness, are the jewelry of our humanity. The man who never sheds a tear, is by no means to be envied. Have we not heard of the weeping Savior? Reader, turn aside and see this great sight: the Creator of all worlds, in tears! “Jesus wept!” John 11:35. And those tears formed one of the most touching episodes in His sacred story.
Looking along the line of coming years, the Savior had before Him the believing bereaved of all ages, a picture gallery of the world’s aching hearts, a far and wide spread view of all the deserted chambers, vacant seats and open graves, down to the end of time. Therefore, weeping believer, your anguished heart was included in the Savior’s tear drops!
“Shudder not to pass the stream,
Venture all your care on Him,
Him whose dying love and power
Stilled its tossing, hushed its roar.
Not one object of His care,
Ever suffered shipwreck there;
See the haven full in view;
Love Divine shall bear you through!”
August 3, 2026 8 Comments
This morning’s walk was also a bit of an experiment! I was trying out my new lightweight, wide-brim sunhat to see if it would help stop some of the bright sunlight drilling straight into my retinas. It didn’t perform miracles, but it definitely made a small difference. When you’re registered blind, though, a small difference can be a massive improvement, so I came away really pleased with it.
I also attempted to take a photo of the pond with me standing in front of it wearing my new hat. As always, I have absolutely no idea how it turned out, but I’m hoping it came out alright! One unexpected bonus was that I seemed to get more friendly greetings than usual. I heard quite a few “Good morning!” and even a cheerful “Morning, mate!” Perhaps the new hat makes me look like a park ranger, lol! 🤣
I also had another go at taking a panorama this morning. After some helpful advice from my lovely Wife Sarah, I tucked my elbows into my sides and rotated my whole body instead of just moving my arms, hoping to keep the phone a little more level throughout the sweep. It certainly felt steadier, so I’ll let you be the judge of whether it made a difference! There was another encouraging moment on the walk too. I accidentally jolted my recovering knee a few times on some uneven ground, and each time I instinctively waited for the pain… but it never came. There was no pain during the walk and none afterwards either, which feels like another small but significant milestone on the road to recovery. Tomorrow, all being well, I’ll be attempting my first two-lap walk since the injury, so today’s outing has given me plenty of confidence that things are continuing to move in the right direction.
Never underestimate a small improvement. When you’re walking by faith instead of sight, even the smallest step forward can change the whole journey.
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
July 30, 2026 0 Comments
Today marks my fourth consecutive day of completing one full lap of my local trail, and I honestly couldn’t be more thankful to God. Just a short while ago, after suffering a meniscus tear in my right knee, I wasn’t sure when I’d be able to walk this beautiful route again, let alone enjoy it day after day. Every gentle step reminds me that healing doesn’t always happen overnight, but with patience, perseverance and God’s faithfulness, progress comes. This isn’t about speed or distance today. It’s about simply being out there again, surrounded by His incredible creation and appreciating every moment.
The photo above really captures the scale of this amazing woodland. If you look carefully at the image (thanks alt text descriptions), you’ll notice a tiny runner dressed in black disappearing into the distance beneath the towering trees (they blasted past me when I stopped to take the photo, lol). That small figure almost disappears amongst the giants of the forest, giving a real sense of just how vast and majestic this trail is. It’s one of those scenes that reminds me how small we are in comparison to God’s magnificent creation, yet how deeply loved and cared for we are by Him every single day.
I also decided to try something a little different by creating a panorama at “Dayle’s Rest Stop”, with the familiar audio marker bench sitting right in the centre of the image. Normally Sarah is the undisputed panorama Queen in our family. She’s simply brilliant at capturing those wide, sweeping scenes, so I was stepping well outside my comfort zone! Whether I managed to do the location justice or not, it was fun to experiment and continue learning as a blind photographer armed only with an iPhone using Voiceover, lol. Every outing is another opportunity to improve, explore and see the trial in new ways.
Finally, on this Thankful Thursday, I simply want to thank God for each and every one of you. Your encouragement throughout this week has meant far more than you probably realise. Every comment, every kind word, every ‘like’, every shared smile over a photograph, and every prayer has lifted my spirits and reminded me that this wonderful community is about so much more than walking or photography. It is about friendship, encouragement and walking life’s journey together. Thank you for continuing to support both Sarah and me. We are truly grateful, and we pray that God richly blesses every one of you. 🙏 ❤️
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
How might you pause to give thanks today? Perhaps it’s saying a simple prayer, reflecting on a Bible verse that speaks to your heart, listening to a worship song, enjoying a peaceful walk in nature, catching up with a favourite blog from your WordPress family, or simply sitting quietly in God’s presence. However you choose to spend the moment, may your heart be reminded of His goodness and faithfulness.
“Gratitude turns ordinary moments into reminders of God’s extraordinary faithfulness. Every step taken, every breath drawn, every encouraging word received, and every glimpse of His creation becomes another reason to trust Him for the road still ahead. Today’s thanksgiving strengthens tomorrow’s hope.”
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
July 29, 2026 0 Comments
With temperatures forecast to reach a scorching 33°C today, I was determined to get out nice and early before the blazing sunshine turned the trail into a giant flame thrower! Thankfully, the cooler morning air made for a much more comfortable walk, and after three days on the bounce, my knee is still behaving itself. That’s a milestone in itself because I haven’t managed three consecutive trail walks since before my meniscus injury earlier this year.
Today’s 1 lap trail walk doesn’t feel particularly hilly while you’re walking it, the route still packs in 214 feet (65 metres) of elevation gain. That’s the equivalent of climbing a 22-storey building! To put that into perspective, I climbed higher than Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World in Florida, which stands at 189 feet (58 metres), and reached almost half the height of the London Eye, which rises 135 metres (443 feet) above the Thames. Not bad for this hobbling blindman for what most people would simply call “a walk in the woods!”
What’s encouraging isn’t just today’s walk, though. It’s the consistency. Three consecutive days tells me my knee is coping well with the repeated effort, and that’s every bit as important as the distance itself. Recovery has been a long road, but little by little the confidence is returning.
I’m already looking ahead to next month, when I hope to start tackling two laps of the trail again. That would mean covering 6.84 miles and climbing around 428 feet (130 metres) of elevation, the equivalent of 44 storeys. Amazingly, that’s higher than The Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando (formerly known as the Orlando Eye), which stands 400 feet (122 metres) tall. It’s funny how a woodland trail in Surrey can quietly rack up enough climbing to rival one of Florida’s best-known landmarks!
Every walk is another step towards my long-term goals. Not just getting fitter, losing weight and strengthening my knee, but preparing for the adventures Sarah and I hope to have together next year. Sometimes progress isn’t measured by speed or personal bests. Sometimes it’s simply measured by getting out there again, putting one foot in front of the other, and being grateful that you can.
Thanks, as always, for following the journey. Your encouragement means more than you know.
Have a wonderful Wednesday, and if you’re in the middle of this heatwave too, take care, stay hydrated, and try to find a little shade along the way! 😊
Today’s walk reminded me that some of life’s biggest achievements don’t always look spectacular from the outside. To most people, it was just another stroll through the woods. Yet hidden beneath those woodland paths was the equivalent of climbing a 22-storey building. It made me realise that our progress is often the same. We quietly overcome obstacles, grow stronger, and move closer to our goals without the world noticing. Keep taking those small, faithful steps, because one day you’ll look back and realise you’ve climbed far higher than you ever imagined. Great achievements are rarely built on giant leaps. They are built on thousands of faithful, ordinary steps that refuse to stop.
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
July 27, 2026 0 Comments
James Smith, “The Pastor’s Morning Visit“
“Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you!” 1 Peter 5:7
The Lord knows all His people–all their needs, and all their trials.
He thinks upon them–to bless, deliver and supply them.
He keeps His eye upon them–in all places, at all times, and under all circumstances.
He has them in His hand–and will not loosen His hold.
He looks upon them always as His own ‘treasured possession’ . . .
the objects of His eternal love,
the purchase of His Son’s blood,
the temples of His Holy Spirit.
They are precious in His sight!
He knows they are weak and fearful, and that they have many enemies. He teaches them to cast themselves and all their cares into His hands! And He has given them His promise–that He will care for them.
It is a Father’s care which He exercises.
It is a wise, holy, tender, and constant care.
Therefore all will be well with you–only trust Him.
Believe that He cares for you this day. Carry all your concerns to Him, in the arms of faith! Leave all with Him, persuaded that He will manage all by His infinite wisdom, and bring all to a good outcome by His omnipotent power.
Cast all your cares upon Him–as fast as they come in.
Do not worry about anything.
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will support you!
He will never allow the righteous to be shaken!” Psalm 55:22
July 27, 2026 5 Comments
Yay, it feels like I’m really back after my time out from my meniscus tear injury…As this is my first ‘Motivational Monday’ post. I managed another lap this morning without much knee pain at all. The trail was very quiet today, so I spent the whole lap wondering if the trail was closed, and at any moment I’m going to crack my shin again…I didn’t! 💪🏼
I’m certainly MOTIVATED at the moment, not only because my knee is actually getting better…But there is now a real chance of me and Sarah (The Blind Sightseers) flying over to Florida for our birthdays next year! 😲
This is one of our dreams as we’ve never done the USA before, we’ve cruised all around the Caribbean islands, Mexico and Honduras…But not the USA! It would be amazing to get over to Florida and were trying not to get too excited…But it’s not easy and we can’t stop looking everything up that we’d love to do, lol! 🤣
I think I need a little sit down on ‘Sarah’s Sunshine Bench’ and think about the \Florida Goal Challenge’ ahead. There’s still lots to do but I love a challenge, and when the goal is set…I get focused, lol! 🤣
Sometimes all it takes is one reason to look forward instead of looking back. A healing knee, a dream worth chasing, or the thought of tomorrow being better than today can reignite your determination. Goals have a way of pulling us through the ordinary days because every small step suddenly has a purpose. Trust God with the journey, stay faithful in the process, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. You may be closer to your next adventure than you think. – Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
July 23, 2026 3 Comments
After Tuesday’s first walk out on the trail for 3 months, I wanted to go out and see if it was a fluke…It wasn’t! 😀 I managed it again without any knee pain, which meant I can really start trusting my knee again, and stop keep waiting for it to crumple and leave me face down on the floor, lol! 🤣
And after comments like this from Dayle (see blow) on my Tuesday’s post on iChristian, how can I not be thankful and get out there and keep going just a little bit further…
“I’m so glad you’re able to do this! You’re being courageous–you’re not quitting! And the pictures are glorious, my friend. You should be so thrilled with what you’re able to do, what you’re willing to work towards” – Dayle.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How might you pause to give thanks today? Perhaps it’s saying a simple prayer, reflecting on a Bible verse that speaks to your heart, listening to a worship song, enjoying a peaceful walk in nature, catching up with a favourite blog from your WordPress family, or simply sitting quietly in God’s presence. However you choose to spend the moment, may your heart be reminded of His goodness and faithfulness.
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. I’m thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. I’m thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
April 20, 2026 2 Comments
Well I think I’ve finally recovered from the ‘Steve’s BIG 50’ fundraising challenge, lol. So walking out this morning and listening to all of the donation markers was such a blessing. The sun was out but still cold (it is England, lol). At least it makes the photo look nicer with a bit of colour. I had no dramas out on the trail, which was really quiet, yay! 😀
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
March 9, 2026 0 Comments
Is there any trace of Judas in your heart?
Charles Spurgeon, et al.
(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
Luke 22:48, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”
Among all the sins that defile the soul, hypocrisy is especially detestable to God. It is not merely sin–it is sin under the mask of righteousness. It is rebellion, dressed in the robes of religion. No man exemplifies this dreadful evil, more than Judas Iscariot.
Judas walked with Jesus. He heard His voice, saw His miracles, and shared in His ministry. To all appearances, he was a faithful disciple–trusted enough to keep the money bag. But beneath the surface, his heart was cold, covetous, and corrupt. His outward profession, masked an inward love for self and silver. And in the end, he betrayed the Son of God–not with a sword, but with a kiss! That which should have been a sign of love and friendship, was desecrated to the vilest of purposes.
What a solemn reminder that hypocrisy is often found among the religious! “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!” Matthew 23:27
The most chilling aspect of Judas’ sin, is how close he was to the Savior, yet how farhis heart remained. He called Him “Rabbi,” kissed Him as a friend, and yet sold Him for the price of a slave. Judas kissed and killed his Lord. The kiss and the betrayal came together.
Hypocrites betray Christ still in this way: they profess to love Jesus, they kiss Him, they worship Him with their lips–but their hearts are far from Him.
Jesus’ question pierces like a dagger! “Are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” The betrayal was not done in hatred, but in false affection. This is the essence of hypocrisy–using the appearance of devotion, to cover up sin. Many a man has kissed Jesus, and then gone to Hell.
Let us not be content with mere outward religion. God sees beyond the lips, beyond the motions, beyond the performances–He sees the heart! A hypocrite may fool men, but he cannot fool God. He may be applauded by the crowd, but he will be condemned at the judgment. The nearer a man lives to Christ, if he is not truly converted, the more terrible will be his eternal ruin.
Search your soul. Is there any trace of Judas in your heart?
Are your lips speaking peace, while your life denies it?
Do you name Jesus as Lord, but refuse Him as Master?
Do you have the form of godliness, while denying its power?
There is mercy for the repentant–but certain judgment for the pretender. Let us flee from the sin of hypocrisy, and run to Jesus in truth. Let us love Him, not with kisses of pretense–but with hearts that are humble, sincere, and wholly His.
“You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me!” Matthew 15:7–8
March 2, 2026 8 Comments
This morning everything aches. Stairs are now a tactical exercise. Sitting down is fine. Standing back up requires prayer and leverage. Yesterday i completed my ‘Steve’s The BIG 50‘ challenge…And it wasn’t just about distance, it was a fundraiser for the MS Society, and in memory of my mum.
My mum died at 50 because of Multiple Sclerosis. MS took her mobility long before it took her life. I grew up watching a strong woman gradually lose the ability to walk. To move freely. To trust her own body. Yesterday I walked 50 kilometres at 50 years old — something she was never physically able to do because of MS.
By mid-afternoon, when my hips were burning and my feet felt like they’d been introduced to a cheese grater, I reminded myself that this pain is chosen, this pain is temporary…For thousands living with MS, the limitations are not. That perspective changes how I’ve endured this challenge.
This was the hardest physical challenge I’ve ever taken on…
11 hours moving.
Over 2,200 feet of elevation.
30.37 miles recorded before my watch shut down just before the finish. Yes, the watch quit…I didn’t, I walked the final 0.7 miles hand in hand with my lovely Wife Sarah.
At 50, eleven hours of constant impact leaves a mark. Today my legs feel every mile. My back is stiff and my feet are tender…But I didn’t collapse.
I had never encountered so many cyclists, runners, dog walkers, and entire family convoys walking three abreast across the full width of the trail. When you’re blind, that’s not an inconvenience, It’s cognitive load.
Every approaching voice requires processing. Every bike needs direction tracking. Every dog lead is a potential hazard. Every blocked path demands spatial recalculation. For eleven hours…By late afternoon yesterday, the mental fatigue was as real as the physical fatigue. This wasn’t just a leg test. It was a neurological endurance test.
Now let’s talk about the quiet hero of yesterday, My lovely Wife Sarah. She was extraordinary. Every lap I came in, she was waiting like an F1 pit crew.
Fast. Slick and Efficient. ❤️
On lap five, Sarah and her brother Marshall were waiting at Sarah’s Sunshine Bench (her donation marker on the trail). Marshall (the man behind Marshall’s Mosh Pit marker) was there too. They met me at the bench and we walked a short stretch together before they peeled away so I could stay in rhythm, they didn’t want to disturb the zombie stagger too much, lol.
This wasn’t about proving I’m tough…It was about honouring my mum Valerie, and raising funds for the MS Society. When it hurt…Especially when it hurt, I remembered that… Temporary pain is not the same as permanent limitation. If this challenge helps raise funds for the MS Society, If it supports research, If it moves us even slightly closer to treatments that spare other families what ours endured…Then every step was worth it.
I have to say thank you to God. Truly. There were moments yesterday (especially in the later laps) where strength felt borrowed rather than generated. Where steadiness wasn’t just physical but spiritual. I don’t take that lightly.
And to every single person who donated and placed a motivation GPS marker on the trail (when your names were spoken in my ear as I passed them), it genuinely felt like you were there. Like you’d stepped onto the path and were walking alongside me, offering encouragement stride for stride. Those markers weren’t just fundraising ideas. They were fuel. Presence. Momentum. You carried me further than you probably realise.
Today I’m under strict orders to stay off these battered feet, so I’m parked in my chair typing this out. Every part of me has clocked the mileage…Feet, ankles, knees, hips, back, even my neck is chiming in. 11 hours on trail leaves a signature. So instead of pretending I’m indestructible, I’m doing the smart thing: recovery mode, front of the computer, reliving yesterday one stiff keystroke at a time. 😀
The ‘Steve’s The BIG 50‘ challenge wasn’t just about distance…It was about perspective, about using what I still have…It was about legacy!
And if you’ve followed this whole slightly mad adventure, cheered from the sidelines, or just enjoyed picturing me negotiating stairs like a malfunctioning robot this morning… the fundraising page is still open until 30th May 2026. The walk may be done, but the mission isn’t. If you’ve been meaning to donate, this is your nudge. Every pound goes toward research, support, and real progress for families living with MS. Let’s not let the momentum stop at the finish line. If 50km at 50 proved anything, it’s that forward movement matters…So let’s keep moving. 🧡 DONATE HERE 🧡
February 26, 2026 1 Comment
This Sunday is the big one…
50Km (31.07 miles), my longest walk ever…One continuous ultra around the trail that has become part of my story.
If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be preparing for a 50km ultra as a registered blind man, I probably would have smiled politely… and quietly looked for the nearest coffee shop.
But here we are.
On Tuesday’s training walk, I hit a problem. A large tree had fallen straight across the trail. Completely blocking it. No easy way through. For a moment, I just stood there thinking “Seriously? This week?”
Today, I went back out to check (photo at top of post) and it was clear. Fully cleared. Open Path and no obstruction.
That hit me harder than I expected. Obstacles don’t always stay planted in your way. Sometimes they’re moved before the biggest challenge of all. The timing felt like a gift.
Today I also did something intentional. On this final walk before Sunday, I stopped at every single Donation Motivation marker along the route. Every name. Every bench. I paused, thanked God for that person (you), and prayed for them.
Some of those markers belong to friends and supporters right here at home…And some belong to people much further away — even in Florida, USA, you know who you are, lol!…That blows my mind. 😲
People across towns, across counties, across the Atlantic, backing a 50km ultra on a local trail in the UK. I didn’t rush those moments. I stood there and genuinely thanked God for each one of them/you.
This walk is deeply personal. I’m 50 years old. My mum died of MS at 50. So this 50km isn’t random…It’s intentional. I’m walking in her memory, and I’m walking so that other families don’t have to endure what ours did. MS takes enough. We need better treatments. We need breakthroughs. We need research that changes the future, not just manages the present. That’s why this matters. And it’s even closer to home because my lovely wife Sarah works for the MS Society and yes, she is genuinely the greatest. The work they do supporting families and driving research forward isn’t theoretical for us. It’s personal.
If you would like to support the challenge, click HERE for my JustGiving page. At the bottom of this post there’s also a QR code — just hold your phone up to it and it’ll take you straight there.
Every pound genuinely helps.
And because it’s Thankful Thursday, I want to say this clearly:
I am deeply thankful to God.
For strength in my legs.
For breath in my lungs.
For safety on the trail.
For the tree being moved.
For every donor.
For every prayer.
For Sarah — who supports every bold, slightly unhinged challenge I dream up.
Sunday will hurt. Fifty kilometres isn’t a casual wander. There will be heavy miles. There will be moments where I’ll need to dig deeper than comfort allows…But I’m going for it!
If you’re praying, pray for steady legs and sharp focus.
If you’re cheering, cheer loudly, even from Florida I’ll hear you, lol.
If you’re donating, thank you — truly.
Next time I write, it’ll be after my longest walk ever.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
February 12, 2026 1 Comment
I can’t believe I made it around 7 laps yesterday…I’m posting it today as I couldn’t move afterwards, and I’m still very delicate and suffering with DOMS! And of Course it was the perfect day to give thanks with a grateful heart! 🙏 🧡
I generally kept my iPhone in my pocket as I was too focused on enduring this walk, but I did take it out once and took a photo of the pond that I passed 7 times, lol! 😀
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Today wasn’t just about pace, distance, or stats. It was about gratitude. 7 laps, countless uneven small hills, and a body that kept going when it could’ve stopped. I thank God for the strength to move, the mind to stay focused, and the opportunity to even be out here doing this. Every step is a gift, and I don’t take a single one for granted. 🙏 😀
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
February 2, 2026 1 Comment
Can you believe there’s only 29 days to go until my 50K (31.07 miles) trail walk?? It’s getting serious now, especially after another week on walking was halted last week due to calf painaafter I cracked my shin..But today I went out and the rest must have done me good, as I had no calf pain at all! 💪🏼
The weather was also grey and dim which is great for me, and it lasted for the whole 3 laps too.
I’m happy to report there were no dramas today, and the trail was pretty quiet so I managed to walk around eating a few hobnobs, drinking my flask of coffee and sipping my water without damaging myself, yay! 😀
I also tried to slow my pace by around 1 minute per mile, and walk really slow at the beginning and end of my walk…Which helped lots! 😀
When progress isn’t pretty and your body feels like it’s running on fumes, showing up still counts. Dragging, shuffling, zombie-mode laps after injury teach you something comfort never will: resilience isn’t about looking strong, it’s about refusing to quit. When your vision blurs and your legs argue back, you learn to move with a different kind of sight…The kind that sees purpose instead of excuses. Faith keeps you grounded, fitness keeps you moving, and focus gets you to the finish. One lap, one step, one stubborn decision at a time. – Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
January 19, 2026 1 Comment
I’m happy and a little surprised to be typing this post, as I thought going this far after my two month cracked shin injury was pushing it. I can’t say it was pretty or easy in any way, but I dragged, shuffled and no matter what I was going to finish, lol! 🤣
The weather was great and overcast the whole 5 and a half hours, really good for me but not the best for the photos. I knew with the immense cognital load that I’d be in ‘Zombie Mode’ fast, so I thought I’d only get my iPhone out and take a photo of the pond on each lap.
I tried to get a few different angles of the pond, as just taking the same shot would drive you guys crazy, lol. I was ready for my pitstop after the third lap. I have 10 minutes to refill my two 500ml soft flasks, my two tubs of chocolate hobnobs and also a much needed toilet break. It’s funny trying to refill flasks and tubs as I have no coordination when in zombie mode! 🤣
I was happy to start the fourth lap without stiff legs as they just slowly stomped on and on…I think it was the super sausage roll I’d just had during the pitstop. 😋
The overcast weather didn’t keep people in today, as the trail had dog walkers, cyclists, runner and lots of other moving obstacles, but I still managed to get around without any dramas! 💪🏼
Now lap 6 wasn’t pretty, I kept telling myself off and not to stop, collapse or do anything that will keep me from finishing. My legs were hurting, my eyes were just washed out (like rubbing vaseline in your eyes and swimming under water without goggles) and I just wanted to stop…But I’m so glad I didn’t! 💪🏼
When progress isn’t pretty and your body feels like it’s running on fumes, showing up still counts. Dragging, shuffling, zombie-mode laps after injury teach you something comfort never will: resilience isn’t about looking strong, it’s about refusing to quit. When your vision blurs and your legs argue back, you learn to move with a different kind of sight…The kind that sees purpose instead of excuses. Faith keeps you grounded, fitness keeps you moving, and focus gets you to the finish. One lap, one step, one stubborn decision at a time. – Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
January 17, 2026 1 Comment
With just 43 days to go, I can’t believe I created this challenge (questionable judgement confirmed), the training hurts, and my body is already lodging complaints. It’s happening whether I’m ready or not…So if you fancy supporting a good cause and watching me suffer with purpose, a donation would mean so much. Every pound helps, every share adds pressure, and both are very much appreciated! 🧡
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
January 15, 2026 3 Comments
As you may have guessed…It was chucking it down with rain when I left the house this morning, so the photos automatically qualified for the mono filter! 😀
I managed another 2 laps this morning in the rain. I had no dramas to report, mainly because there were not many people out again…They seem to hate getting soaked by the heavy rain, lol! 😀 But for me it’s fantastic as it means the blazing sun isn’t ruining my walk.
I thought for the second lap pond photo, I’d try and take a photo of myself with my ultra bright yellow jacket…I didn’t use the mono filter for this one as you need to see the colour, lol. I also wanted to show you my new flask filled with Sarah’s hot milky coffee. I got the flask as a Christmas present from Sarah’s friend Ilkay, it works perfectly in the heavy rain as I can stop and have a lovely warm drink in the cold and wet weather…Thankful! 😀
Each time I reach this part of the lap, I imagine the tree that’s at about 45˚ (photo above) finally falls and squishes me into a pile of bone fleshy mush…I’ll give thanks that it hasn’t yet, lol! 🤣
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe it’s lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. I’m thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. I’m thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
January 12, 2026 3 Comments
You were fitter to be loathed, than loved!
(Be sure to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
Call to mind the state you were in formerly: “Remember that at that time you were without Christ . . . having no hope and without God in the world.” Ephesians 2:12
Now you are no longer a child of wrath–but an heir of God, and a joint heir with Christ!
Remember, that in the day our Lord first took you by the hand, you were in no better a condition than others. O, what moved Him to take you–when He passed by so many others who were much better than you? He found you a child of wrath, even as others–but He did not leave you so. He came into the common prison where you lay in fetters, even as others. From among the multitude of condemned criminals, He picked you out, commanded your fetters to be taken off, put a pardon in your hand, and brought you into the glorious liberty of the children of God–while He left others in the devil’s fetters!
Remember, there was nothing in you to engage Him to love you. You were a child of wrath, even as others. You were fit for Hell, and altogether unfit for Heaven! Yet the King brought you into His palace. The King’s Son loved you, a condemned criminal, and espoused you to Himself–on the day in which you might have been led forth to eternal execution! “Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight!”
Remember, you were fitter to be loathed, than loved, in that day. Be amazed and wonder, that when He saw you in your blood–that He did not look upon you with abhorrence and pass you by!
Remember, it was He who took off your prison garments, and clothed you with robes of righteousness, garments of salvation! He took the chains from off your arms, the rope from around your neck; and put you in such a spotless robe, to fit for the court of Heaven–even to eat at the King’s table!
Admire that matchless love which brought you out of the state of wrath! Christ’s love brought your soul from the pit of corruption! He gave His life for your life. He gave His precious blood to quench the flames of wrath–which otherwise would have forever consumed you! He took you out of the horrible pit, and out of the miry clay.
How broad is His love, which covers such a multitude of sins!
Note the length of it–reaching from everlasting to everlasting!
See the depth of it–going so low as to deliver you from the lowest Hell!
Ponder the height of it–raising you up to sit in heavenly places!
That your soul is not overwhelmed with the wrath of God, is owing purely to the Lord Jesus! That your heart is not filled with horror and despair, is owing to Him alone!
That your eyes are not now blinded with the smoke of the bottomless pit;
that your hands are not now fettered with adamantine chains of darkness;
that your tongue is not now broiling in the fire of Hell;
that your feet are not now standing in the lake of fire and brimstone
–is owing purely to your precious Savior!
Walk humbly, as it befits debtors to free and sovereign grace!
You have no reason to complain of your lot in the world, whatever it is.
Well may you bear the cross for Him . . .
who bore your curse for you;
who has freed you from eternal wrath;
and who has quenched Hell-fire for you!
“By the grace of God, I am what I am!” 1 Corinthians 15:10
January 12, 2026 2 Comments
It seems ages since I actually walked down to the pond to capture one of my fave photos! I’m about 2 months behind on my training, and I have less than 2 months until the 50Km (31.07 miles) trail walk! 😨 Now this is going to be a Brobdingnagian of a challenge for me!
After the last post Sarah & I were completely snowed in for a few days, and I was totally snowblind and it was fully iced up…So no walking at all until this morning. The snow had completely gone this morning and it was a little bit warmer, but raining…That works fine for me as that nasty sunshine was nowhere to be seen, and it didn’t melt my eyeballs and brain to mush!
“When your vision is blurred, you learn to walk with a different kind of sight, the kind that sees purpose in every challenge. Faith, Fitness & Focus.” – Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
January 5, 2026 4 Comments
HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope all of you had a lovely Christmas and are having a great and healthy start to the new year?
I was itching to get back out on the trail after over a month off with my shin (November), then travelling around England through December catching up with family. I’m almost 2 months behind on my training…So when I couldn’t even get to the start of the trail as it was -3˚C, the paths were iced up and I was snowblind…I wasn’t amused, lol! 🤣
It took me ages to walk (ice slipping the whole way) to the path (photo above) that leads to the trail start line. But I knew there was no way I could carry on, I just hope the temperature starts to warm up soon and evaporate the snow! 💪🏼 😀
“Life doesn’t promise smooth paths or even a clear start line. Some days the trail is frozen solid, the cold bites at –3°C, and the conditions turn you back before you’ve even begun. That’s when FAITH teaches patience, FITNESS reminds you to live to fight another day, and FOCUS means knowing when stopping is the strongest step forward.”Faith. Fitness. Focus. — Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
December 11, 2025 3 Comments
The Ways and Ends of the Wicked
Charles Spurgeon, et al.
(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
Psalm 1:4-6,
“Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish!”
“Not so the wicked!” With these solemn words, the Psalmist draws a sharp contrast between the godly and the ungodly. The righteous are like fruitful trees–rooted, nourished and prosperous. But “the wicked are like chaff that the wind blows away.” Chaff is the worthless husk separated from grain–light, dry, and empty. It is easily scattered and quickly forgotten. Such is every life lived apart from God: rootless, fruitless, and ultimately futile. However impressive the wicked may appear for a season, their prosperity is short-lived and their end is destruction! (Psalm 73:18-19)
The wicked “will not stand in the judgment.” They will have no defense, no covering, no hope. When they stand before the Judge of all the earth, their works will be burned up as stubble. All their excuses will be silenced. The day of judgment will reveal what they are: rebels against the Most High God, having rejected His Son and despised His Word. They will not be counted “in the assembly of the righteous.” They may have mingled with the godly on earth–but in the last day, the Shepherd will infallibly separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32). Their exclusion will be eternal.
“For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” Here is the final contrast.
The Lord lovingly and attentively watches over the path of His redeemed people. He guards their steps, directs their course, and brings them safely home.
But the way of the wicked, though it may seem smooth for a time–leads only to ruin! Their end is not annihilation, but everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46). The broad road may appear pleasant, but it descends into outer darkness, with weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth!
Reader, Psalm 1 presents only two ways:
The way of life, and the way of death.
One is watched over by God, ending in glory.
The other is forsaken by God, ending in judgment.
Which way are you walking? The only escape from the perishing path, is found in Jesus. He bore the wrath for sinners, that all who turn from their wicked ways and trust in Him, may be counted among the righteous. “The Lord knows those who are His!” (2 Timothy 2:19) Let every soul flee to Him and find life!
December 8, 2025 2 Comments
Yay it’s good to be back out on the trail, and there were much less leaves causing mayhem. My shin didn’t fold in half and stayed strong and I managed to walk around the lap and almost enjoy it, lol. 🤣
It was a great feeling to get back out and walk without any dramas. Sarah was very happy too as she had a lovely hot fresh coffee and a cuddle waiting for me. ☕ 😀 No excuses now so I’m going for 2 laps tomorrow!
“Life won’t always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes it’s mud, sweat and grit. That’s when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
November 30, 2025 5 Comments
The world crucified!
Charles Spurgeon, “Three Crosses“
Galatians 6:14, “But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
The apostle Paul speaks with Spirit-given clarity: the world has been crucified to him. He looked upon the world–its pride, its rebellion, its mockery of God–as crucified and dead. The same world that crucified the Lord of glory (Acts 2:36) cannot be trusted, admired, or feared.
The world’s character is condemned. Paul saw a world that rejected Jesus, the eternal truth; and hated and murdered Jesus, the only Savior of sinners, in His perfect innocence. The world’s values, judgments, and opinions were worthless to Paul.
Just so, must the believer think biblically about the “spirit of the age.” Public opinion, cultural trends, and fashionable ideas–deserve no authority over a Christian conscience held captive to the Word of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). The Christian will never deny or soften Scripture truth, to satisfy a world that despises his Savior and Lord.
The world’s pleasures are rotten. Today’s entertainments spring from the same soil of depravity (Ephesians 5:11). The world’s pleasures are not neutral; they reveal a heart in rebellion towards God (James 4:4). Paul looked upon all the world’s pleasures as so much rottenness–a carcass nailed to a cross.
The world’s honors are empty. Most who possess power, wealth, and applause–are enslaved to lust and pride. Worldly status is but a chain of vanity (1 John 2:16–17). The Christian must never seek those painted vanities which the world desires.
The world’s riches are futile. Content with food and clothing (1 Timothy 6:8), Paul viewed mammon as temporary and ultimately useless. The world shouts, “Make money at all costs!” Scripture whispers a better wisdom: “Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death (Proverbs 11:4). Grasping, hoarding, and coveting are idolatry!
When Paul said that the world was crucified to him, he meant just this: “I am not enslaved by any of its pursuits. I care nothing for its maxims. I am not governed by its spirit. I do not court its smiles. I do not fear its threatenings. It is not my master, nor am I its slave.” So says every true believer.
To be a follower of Jesus is to nail the world to the cross, and to find in Him a new Master, new desires, and a new destiny.
Christian! Can you say that the world, in its riches and honors, as well as in its despicable vices, and its manifold vanities–is a crucified thing to you?
November 24, 2025 3 Comments
It’s almost a whole calendar month since I’ve been out on the trail properly. My shin has kept me out for nearly a month and I really didn’t need that! Now this monumental challenge has now got even bigger for me! 😨
I tentetivly walked around the lap this morning as a test, to see if the too many leaves were blocking my way (sounds crazy but it really ruins everything). It was better but still not great as I had to do a shortcut right at the end and knock off about 400 metres as the leaves were too much and there is a lamppost somewhere along the path which I really don’t want to hit on my first day back. Good news is that I made it around one lap in one piece, and my leg seems ok so I can hopefully get back on with my training…Only now I’m a month behind. 💪🏼 😀
“Life won’t always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes it’s mud, sweat and grit. That’s when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
November 10, 2025 6 Comments
After my ‘5 Lapper (14.72 miles’ a couple of weeks ago, you may remember I cracked my shin on a fallen tree or rock)…Well I havn’t been out on the trail since, as I’ve had my shin in a large dressing as I try and get the wound to heal. It’s quite a big one and is right up the shin bone, my lovely Wife Sarah has been taking care of it and I’m hoping to try and get out on the trail this Wednesday! 😀
So I hope you can imagine my joy as I received 2 more donations yesterday from our church friend Ken and my lovely Wife Sarah! This was not only fantastic…It meant I also earned the raised over £500 badge (see above) for the MS Society. It truly is overwhelming how amazing you guys are, who keep believing, praying and encouraging me throughout my rollercoaster challenge! 🧡
If you’ve already donated…Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And if you haven’t yet, there’s still plenty of road ahead and every pound really does make a difference. Let’s keep this momentum rolling, help me smash through to the next milestone! 🧡 DONATE HERE 🧡
“Life won’t always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes it’s mud, sweat and grit. That’s when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
November 9, 2025 3 Comments
The necessity, source, effects, and end of regeneration!
Charles Spurgeon, et al.
John 3:3, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is BORN AGAIN, he cannot see the kingdom of God!”
Regeneration (or the New Birth) is the sovereign act of God, performed by the Holy Spirit through the Word, bringing a Hell-deserving sinner from spiritual death, to life in Christ.
1. The NECESSITY of regeneration.
Every man and woman enters this world not as a blank slate, but as a fallen creature–“dead in trespasses and sins”. (Ephesians 2:1). Our hearts are deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked! (Jeremiah 17:9). By nature, we are enemies of God (Romans 8:7), children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3), and slaves to sin and Satan (John 8:34). In our natural state, we have no spiritual life, no spark of goodness, no inclination toward God. Our will is bound by sin, our affections are corrupt, and our understanding is darkened! (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Since this is the spiritual condition of every person, then nothing short of a new birth can save us. The words of Jesus to Nicodemus are absolute–unless one is born again, he cannot even see the kingdom of God. Neither reformation, education, morality, or religion; can produce spiritual life from spiritual death. The heart of man is a little Hell; full of sin, and only fit for the eternal fire. We are all born with a bias toward evil, and leave the womb as heirs of wrath!
“Do not be amazed that I told you, that you MUST be born again!” (John 3:7) To be born again is not a luxury, it is a necessity. There is no other way to Heaven. Without the new birth, you can never enter the kingdom of God.
2. The SOURCE of regeneration.
Regeneration is not man’s work, but the Spirit’s work from beginning to end. Man can no more create a new heart in himself, than he could create the world! It is the sovereign act of the Holy Spirit, applying the saving work of Jesus to the heart. The Spirit quickens whom He wills, through the preaching of the Word, according to the Father’s eternal decree, and the Son’s redeeming grace (Titus 3:5).
3. The EFFECTS of regeneration.
When the Spirit regenerates, He gives a new heart. The man now loves what he once hated–Jesus, holiness, and truth; and hates what he once loved–the world, the flesh, and the devil’s delights. In regeneration, the man becomes a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17); his affections are transformed, his desires are sanctified, and his life is increasingly conformed to the Lord Jesus.
4. The eternal END of regeneration.
The life begun by regeneration on earth, is consummated in the glories of Heaven. The believer, once a child of wrath, is now an heir of God and a co-heir with Jesus (Romans 8:17). The end of regeneration, is eternal communion with Jesus, and the enjoyment of His presence forever! (Revelation 22:4–5).
Christian, marvel at the sovereign mercy of God–that when you were dead in sin, He made you alive in Jesus! (Ephesians 2:5). Let this truth humble you, sanctify you, and move you to worship Him who has rescued you from the dominion of darkness, and brought you into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom you have redemption, and the forgiveness of sins! (Colossians 1:13–14)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be BORN AGAIN to a living hope!” 1 Peter 1:3
October 27, 2025 8 Comments
I can’t believe I’m writing this, and I’m going to celebrate once I’ve stopped feeling like a zombie! 🤣 The sun was on killer mode this morning for the first few laps and I thought about stopping as It was cooking my brains…But I’m glad I powered through!
The trail was quite clear for the first lap, and I thought it was a mistake choosing to walk 4 hours 20 minutes today as I was feeling a little sluggish. But I was fully loaded with water, chocolate hobnobs and my new Under Armour HeatGear base layer! 😀
The Mental Fatigue Side of a Long Walk
It’s funny — my body seems to be adapting really well to the long-distance walks now. I can handle the miles better, my legs just about keep up, and even the recovery’s getting shorter. But the thing that’s been catching me off guard is how mentally tired I get afterwards — especially when the sun’s blazing like today’s first 3 laps.
When that bright light hits, it feels like my eyeballs and brain are being fried. It’s not physical exhaustion, it’s mental. Being registered blind, my brain’s already working overtime to process what little I can see. Add in the glare, reflections, and flickering sunlight through the trees, and it’s like someone cranks the sensory volume up to 11. My brain’s visual circuits go into overdrive trying to make sense of it all, and that’s super draining.
The concentration side of things makes it worse. I’m not just walking — I’m navigating, listening, keeping my balance, tracking sounds and surfaces, and staying aware of every step. Other people can zone out and cruise; I’ve got to stay switched on the whole time. That constant focus eats through mental energy faster than my legs ever could.
It’s kind of like running an amp at full gain for hours — it’ll keep working, but it’s going to heat up, or blow up. My brain’s the same. It can just about handle the load (so far), but it needs time to cool down after.
It’s not a body problem — it’s a sensory load problem. The fitness is slowly coming; now I’m learning how to manage the mental side too! 💪🏼
Towards the end of the second lap I finally found a little boost as I passed the finish line to start lap 3…I think it was me getting excited as I knew I was about to crack open the chocolate hobnobs! 😋
Passing the pond for the third time, I was starting to think about stopping the whole walk as the sunshine was simply exhausting me. My body felt like it could cary on but my brain, eyes and mental overload just wanted me to stop…I really can’t describe the feeling but it makes you want to finish and finish now. 😨
My shin bone suddenly cracked against something hard and I instantly said “OUCH”. I had no idea where it’d come from or what it was as I was walking on the left hand side of the trail. After a few hobbles I stopped to feel throbbing and pain from my shin. My first thought was “I hope it hasn’t ruined my new UA base layer”. As I was about 2 miles from home and I knew I had my 10 minute pitstop after this lap I carried on with my shin throbbing and feeling a little wet.
I knew Sarah was in a ‘Teams meeting’ during the pitstop so I had to decide whoever to stop or carry on…I thought I’m NOT doing this on another day this week so I’m going to ‘Man Up’ and carry on.
The pitstop went fantastic as I filled up my soft flasks, put more chocolate hobnobs in my tubs and had a toilet break. It’s the first time that my legs had not felt tight at all when I started out walking again…I really like those UA base layers! 💪🏼
Yay come on Steve only one more lap to go, it was nice to see the pond again for the 5th time as I knew it was the last, lol! My shin had stopped throbbing finally as I kept walking and didn’t give it time to complain.
As I got home after 4 hours 20 minutes with a average pace of 3.5 miles per hour, I was happy I could finally stop. Sarah welcomed me with a lovely fresh hot coffee as I told her about my shin. She quickly turned Into a medic and got the first aid kit. I’m still not sure what’s happened to my shin, I only know I hit the bone and my skins ripped off…I’m sat typing this with a large dressing and cream over it and it’s throbbing now…But YES I DID IT!! 💪🏼 😀
My watch also beeped after I’d completed this months challenge badge after my walk!
“Life won’t always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes it’s mud, sweat and grit. That’s when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
October 20, 2025 2 Comments
Wow it was proper chucking it down out on the trail this morning. I havn’t walked in the rain yet since I started at ‘June time to prune’ over 4 months ago. It’s drizzled before but nothing like this. I got to try out just how waterproof my layers are!
The trail was really clear and I think I only seen 2 people, that’s never happened before. I had no dramas and I stayed nice and dry whilst staying warm. And when I arrived home to my lovely Wife Sarah who also had a fresh coffee in hand…Wow just wow! ☕ ❤️
YAY…I’ve just hit 25% of my fundraising target! I was sat at church yesterday and Michael & Ann came over to me and handed me an envelope and said “Here is a donation towards your great challenge”. I’m honestly blown away by the support so far. Every donation, every word of encouragement, every prayer and every share has helped keep me going. This challenge isn’t just about covering 50 kilometres in 1 day; it’s about pushing limits, raising awareness, and doing something meaningful together. If you’ve already donated…Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And if you haven’t yet, there’s still plenty of road ahead and every pound really does make a difference. Let’s keep this momentum rolling, help me smash through to the next milestone! 🧡 DONATE HERE 🧡
“Life won’t always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes it’s mud, sweat and grit. That’s when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
October 16, 2025 0 Comments
The Exclusivity of the Gospel
Charles Spurgeon, et al.
The message of the gospel stands as a divine declaration of absolute truth in a world that hates absolutes. In an age intoxicated with pluralism and compromise, few doctrines are more offensive to human pride than the exclusivity of the gospel. Yet Scripture is crystal clear: there is only one way to be reconciled to God, only oneMediator between God and man, and only one name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). This is not bigotry or arrogance, but divine revelation. The exclusivity of the gospel does not reveal God’s narrowness, but His mercy–for He has not left the world in confusion, but has clearly revealed the only way of salvation in His Son.
The Scriptural view of salvation rests upon three foundational truths. Together, they display both the gravity of man’s condition, and the glory of God’s grace.
1. All people without exception are lost sinners and in need of salvation.
The gospel begins with the bad news. Every man, woman, and child enters this world under the dominion of sin and the curse of damnation. “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God” (Romans 3:10–11). Sin has corrupted every faculty of human nature–the mind is darkened, the heart is hardened, the affections are perverted, and the will is enslaved. Humanity does not merely need forgiveness; it needs spiritual life. “You were dead in your transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1).
All stand guilty before the bar of divine justice, and the sentence is eternal condemnation. Man cannot climb to God through morality, good works, or religion. All human virtue is tainted, all human merit is worthless, for “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).
This first foundational truth strips man of every excuse and leaves him speechless before God. It prepares the heart to receive grace. Until a sinner sees that he is utterly lost, he will never value the Savior. Until the soul feels the depth of its ruin, it will never cling to the Redeemer. The exclusivity of the gospel begins with this: that apart from divine regeneration, all mankind is hopelessly lost.
2. There is no salvation without conscious faith in Christ.
The second foundational truth proclaims that salvation is found in Christ alone. “I am the way and the truth and the life,” Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Every other so-called path to God is false. Every other foundation is sand. Jesus did not die to make many ways possible, but to open oneway to God–through His sin-atoning death.
He is the exclusive Redeemer because He alone met the demands of divine justice. On the cross, He bore the sins of His people, endured the wrath they deserved, and cried, “It is finished!” His resurrection is the Father’s declaration that full payment has been made and accepted. Therefore to seek salvation outside of Him, is to reject God’s provision and insult His grace.
Here the words of the apostle Paul ring with terrifying solemnity: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!” (Galatians 1:8–9)
These verses underline the seriousness of tampering with the gospel. Paul does not leave room for multiple paths to Heaven. He twice pronounces a curse–anathema–upon anyone who alters, dilutes, or distorts the message of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
This second foundational truth, illuminated by Galatians 1:8–9, reminds us that the exclusivity of the gospel is not a secondary issue–it is the essence of Christianity. To alter it is to forfeit salvation itself.
From this passage flow several solemn principles:
(1) The gospel’s purity must be guarded.
No message, no teacher, no experience, no dream is above the written Word of God. Even an angelic revelation is to be rejected, if it departs from Scripture. Truth does not evolve. The gospel proclaimed by the apostles remains the only saving message for all generations.
(2) The gospel’s exclusivity must be proclaimed.
To say that Jesus is one of many ways, is to preach “another gospel.” To teach that moral effort or human goodness contributes to salvation, is to deny grace itself. There is only one gospel–and it centers on the crucified and risen Savior who alone saves sinners by His grace.
(3) The gospel’s enemies must be exposed.
Paul’s words remind believers that the gravest threats to Scripture truth often come from within religious circles. False teachers preach “Christ,” but not the biblical Christ. They use the language of grace, yet deny its substance. The church must therefore test every spirit and measure every message by the Word of God.
(4) The gospel’s authority must be submitted to.
If the true gospel alone saves, then every human philosophy, every religious sentiment, and every self-invented spirituality, must be rejected. God’s truth is not subject to man’s opinions. The gospel commands repentance and faith, not negotiation and compromise.
3. There can be no faith in Christ without first hearing the gospel message.
The third foundational truth reveals the necessity of gospel proclamation. “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the message about Christ” (Romans 10:17). God has ordained that His saving gospel be made known through preaching, teaching, and witnessing. He could have saved men through visions or nature, but He has chosen the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe.
“How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14). These rhetorical questions leave no doubt: there is no salvation apart from the hearing of the gospel. Sinners cannot believe in a Savior they have never known, and they cannot know Him unless someone tells them.
Therefore, the exclusivity of the gospel compels evangelism. If Jesus is the only Savior, and His gospel is the only saving message, then Christians must speak with urgency. Silence is cruelty. To know the truth that saves and to withhold it from others, is unthinkable. The narrowness of the way, demands the breadth of our witness.
Conclusion
The exclusivity of the gospel is not a man-made doctrine–it is the heartbeat of divine revelation. It humbles man’s pride, glorifies God’s grace, and exalts Jesus as the only hope for a lost world. All are sinners, none can save themselves, and only conscious faith in the crucified and risen Savior brings forgiveness and spiritual life.
Galatians 1:8–9 thunders across the ages as God’s unchanging verdict against every counterfeit gospel. It warns us that to corrupt the gospel is to be cursed; to cling to it is to be saved.
You must be saved by faith in Jesus Christ, or be lost forever. There is no other gate, no other way, no other door. All roads do not lead to Heaven. Some lead to perdition. Only one road has the blood-stained footprints of the Savior upon it.
October 16, 2025 3 Comments
Wow…When I ended my walking workout at my front door after walking 2 laps, I couldn’t believe it was exactly 6.00 miles. I think I’ve managed to create a very measured lap, great for my stats, lol! 🤣
As you may have guessed, there was a slight drizzle when I left the house this morning, so the photos automatically qualified for the mono filter! 😀
I thought for the second lap pond photo, I’d try and get the usual pond and the path inside one photo. I think I have the path on the right that I usually stop and take the photo on. I don’t often walk across the grass to get close to the pond, as I don’t want to risk twisting my ankle…Or falling in the pond, lol! 🤣
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe it’s lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. I’m thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. I’m thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
October 13, 2025 2 Comments
Can you believe it’s been 7 years since i did my first fundraiser?! I thought this would be my first and last! I thought you’d like to look back with me on the day this blindman tackled the Tough Mudder…And survived…Just! Looking back on this post has given me some more motivation to keep smashing away at my current (and 7th) fundraising challenge…”Steve’s The BIG 50“
Yay…..We did it!
Tough Mudder 5K – Saturday 13th October 2018…….Here Goes!
It was amazing to have my friend of nearly 30 years Adie Monk join our “Hard As Nails” team. I thought we’d sit and catch up over a coffee….I didn’t have this in mind, lol!
Thanks John Atherton for taking another great photo. I can’t thank you and Sarah Atherton enough for giving us all these memories to cherish! 😀
After jogging a little, we came to this…….
“At over 2 stories high, this is one of the most impressive obstacles in the UK. It is a giant A-shaped cargo net that you and your team will have to scramble up and over it. Working together will be the only way to overcome”.
This is where my new trainers just hooked perfectly around the rope and it felt completely solid. Also my blindness helped me out for once as i couldn’t see how high i was, and didn’t freeze like a couple of people i heard up there!
Then….When getting to the bottom i hear “Yay, Whoop Whoop, Steve, Steve, Steve” and the sound of the plastic clapper hands were going crazy! What a feeling to know my lovely Wife Sarah and the Crazy Clappers team were cheering me all of the way, a great feeling! 😎
More jogging….Adie and the team were excellent at guiding me when jogging. Moving low hanging branches, telling me of tree roots and pulling me in the right direction. Adie said “I tried running with my eyes closed for a few steps…And there is no way i’d try any of this if i couldn’t see”.
Then…..
“We’ve taken the 10′ Hero Walls and tilted them right at you. By removing the ability for you to climb up and over this wall, you will have to form a strategy with your team, work together and boost each other to the other side”.
Ouch, my leg hasn’t bent that far in about 20 years, lol!
More Jogging…..
“This obstacle will have you crawling on the ground, pinned down by a giant cargo net. Working your way through this one will require lots of communication, teamwork and a strong will”.
You’ve guessed it…..More jogging and then….
“The aim of the game is to get your team up and over this stack of super-sized hay bales. There is no right or wrong way so boost, shove or yank every last team member over the other side”.
Next…….
“Can’t go through it, can’t go round it, you’ll have to go over it. Work together to boost and shimmy your teammates up and over this 10′ Tough Mudder staple”.
Yep, more jogging…..
“Time to get swinging. Grab on, hold tight, feel the momentum and swing yourself from ring to ring like a regular Tarzan. This obstacle will test your strength, coordination and flow. Hang in there, you got this”.
Really didn’t do well on this one…And i can’t really blame my sight for lack of strength, lol!
After a little more jogging……
“One of the most teamwork-inducing obstacles in the Tough Mudder portfolio, this obstacle is difficult to complete alone. You’re going to have to work together to form a human pyramid and, like its namesake, climb up and over your fellow Mudders on the way to the top”.
As Vini was making everything look so easy…..It was great to look at the photos afterwards and see it wasn’t all too easy!! 💪🏼
AND NOW……MY NEMESIS!!!!
“A true Tough Mudder legend. Everest will challenge participants to run up a quarter pipe to reach the summit. Can’t do it alone? Not to worry – teammates are encouraged to hang over the top to pull their new friends up and over”.
I knew this was going to be more difficult for me as i needed to try it and get hands on before i could calculate what exactly i needed to do. Adie & Ashley explained the process….But i knew i just had to do it before i would really know….As running at a half pipe wall thingy when blind is going to be interesting!
Here Goes Nothing…..
I took 1 step too many….and before i knew it the wall was in my face! Ooooo i was so close to reaching the ledge.
After hitting the wall i dropped down on both knees, and as the obstacle was made of hardish tyre rubber, it simply burned and ripped the skin off both knees….Wow that stings, lol. Time to regroup and recalculate!
“Ok Steve, just do the same but with 1 step less”. Here i go again!
Yay….That’s better…..And once i had my talon trainers gripped to the ledge, i could just heave myself up. Wow i made it! 💪🏼
⇧ Ashley showing how it should be done! ⇧😎
The team were fantastic and we all made it up. No-one was being left behind and you could just feel the team growing closer with each obstacle, it was amazing.
Now the final obstacle was overcome, it was time for a short jog to the finish line,Yay!
The Finish Line & The Headbands……
WE DID IT……
⇧ When words fail to say how thankful you are!!! ⇧
WOW WHAT A JOURNEY……
I can’t thank everyone enough….
With more than a week past….My knees are still scabbed and bruised…..But i’d like to give an Elephantine amount of thanks for everyone involved! 💪🏼
First, I’d like to give a stupendous amount of thanks to my lovely Wife Sarah….The amount of love and encouragement was/is mind-blowing! And the “Hard As Nails” team…..”“my muscles were fading but the sense of team work was overwhelming and no matter what…..We were getting over those obstacles”.💪🏼
Second, i’d like to give a monumental amount of thanks to the “Crazy Clappers” team. “When i’d finished an obstacle and was about to collapse……I’d hear the Cheering Team and you’d put a big grin on my face to remind me it was alright and to keep going! 😎
Third, i’d like to give a gargantuan amount of thanks to all of you guys for your donations to “World Cancer Research Fund” and encouraging me(& the team) every step of the way! “Intention isn’t Prevention……And you all have helped me spread the good news with everyone so we can all be aware and empowered to start fighting the cancers we can prevent.”
Fourth, A colossal amount of thanks to John & Sarah Atherton(from the Epsom Camera Club) for giving up your Saturday and taking the amazing photos of us all….We’ve got fantastic memories of the day!
“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated” – Bak of my INOV8 t-shirt.
October 13, 2025 0 Comments
The necessity of fearing God
Charles Spurgeon, et al.
Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
The fear of God is not a mere emotion–it is the soul’s rightful posture before the majesty of the Almighty. It is the awe that grips the heart, when the creature truly beholds the Creator. It is the reverent submission that arises when one recognizes that, “our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases!” (Psalm 115:3). To fear God rightly, is not to cower as a slave before a tyrant–but to bow as a redeemed child before a holy Father who is infinitely glorious, righteous, and just.
In Scripture, the fear of God is the fountainhead of all true knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). It anchors wisdom in humility, restrains sin, and cultivates holiness. When Moses drew near the burning bush, he was told, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground!” (Exodus 3:5). That moment captures the essence of godly fear–an awareness of divine holiness that commands reverence and shapes obedience.
This fear is not abolished in the New Covenant, but deepened. Through the gospel, believers encounter God not only as Creator, but as Redeemer. Jesus bore the wrath which we deserved, and in Him God’s justice and mercy meet. The cross reveals that our holy God cannot be trifled with–our sin costs the blood of Jesus! Yet it also shows that in Jesus, the God who should consume us, has chosen to cleanse and forgive us. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire!” (Hebrews 12:28–29).
To fear God is to live under the perpetual sense of His presence, which sanctifies our speech, our thoughts, and our actions. The fear of God purifies our hearts. It . . .
slays pride,
mortifies lust,
silences worldly ambition,
and fuels sincere worship.
Those who fear God revere His majesty and walk in righteousness, because they love His holiness more than their sin.
It is this fear that drove Joseph to flee from Potiphar’s wife; that sustained Daniel in Babylon; and that emboldened the apostles to say, “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29).
To live without the fear of God, is to live as though God were small and man were great. But to live in the fear of God, is to see Him rightly: He is infinite majesty–and we are creatures of the dust. And yet this same majestic God stoops to call us His beloved children.
Let us therefore cultivate a holy fear–a reverent joy that delights in God’s glory and obeys His Word. Such fear guards our souls, sanctifies our desires, and anchors us in wisdom. For only those who fear the Lord, truly know Him; and only those who truly know Him, can truly love Him.
October 13, 2025 2 Comments
It was nice to be back out on the trail after a lovely weekend of rest, reflection and filling up the tanks. Spending time with my lovely Wife Sarah is the most special and blessed thing for me! Once again I had no idea it was drizzling until I left the house, I even checked the weather app and it said there was zero chance of rain, lol! 🤣
It was pretty clear out on the trail as I think the drizzle kept most of them away. This is also good for me as I have to spend most of my concentration on not hitting anyone or any dogs etc…Another win win for me. 💪🏼
I seriously didn’t want to do 2 laps this morning as I just wanted to come home early for my coffee and big hug…But I knew it’s ‘Motivational Monday’ and it wouldn’t be very motivational if I just gave up and put comfort first!
“Life won’t always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes it’s mud, sweat and grit. That’s when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
October 9, 2025 0 Comments
I’m so thankful that there is not much to report from today’s walk. The trail was nice and quiet, I didn’t hurt or injure myself and I actually enjoyed myself out there as I slowed down and gave thanks for everything! 🙏 😀
My lovely Wife Sarah welcomed me home with a lovely fresh black coffee, a big hug and that amazing sunshine smile that I can feel as it warms me up instantly! 😀
Speaking of Sarah…As you know we were up in Yorkshire for Alfie’s (Sarah’s youngest brother) wedding last weekend, and there was an opportunity to capture a photo of all six siblings in the same place together. The six siblings havn’t been together like this for over 20 years!! 😲
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe it’s lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. I’m thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. I’m thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
October 2, 2025 2 Comments
It was a 3 lapper this morning, and I was so thankful for the quiet trail and the weather that was cloudy and overcast…Perfect! 😀
I walked at an average pace of 3.60 miles per hour, and I arrived home tired but not in too bad shape. I can’t believe I’m saying this as I couldn’t even imagine a 3 lapper a few months ago! 😀
The temperature was a little warmer today at 10˚C, so I could just wear my t-shirt and tracksuit bottoms with my INOV8 ultra pack and it was cool but manageable!
Oh and yes I had my chocolate hobnobs with me too! 😋
The trail was nice and quiet so I could focus on walking speed and staying on the trail without all of the distractions.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe it’s lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. I’m thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. I’m thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
September 29, 2025 2 Comments
A woman to be remembered!
J.C. Ryle
Luke 17:32, “Remember Lot’s wife!“
Few words ever spoken by the Lord Jesus are more solemn or searching than this brief, three-word warning: “Remember Lot’s wife!” How striking it is that, out of all the women of Scripture, our Lord singled out one for us to remember–not Sarah for her faith, not Ruth for her devotion, not Hannah for her prayer, not Mary for her love–but Lot’s wife, for her destruction! The Spirit of God has placed this warning before us as a perpetual beacon, lest we too be deceived by the bewitching world and perish.
Yet all of this availed her nothing. She perished miserably because her heart was never truly separated from the world. Outwardly she fled Sodom, but inwardly she lingered. Her body was on the path to safety, but her affections were chained to the city of destruction. With one glance backward, she revealed the state of her soul. That look cost her eternal glory, and she was turned into a pillar of salt–a monument of God’s righteous judgment against hypocrisy and divided hearts.
The tragedy of Lot’s wife stands as a warning to all who imagine that religious advantages, spiritual associations, or outward privileges can save. Many think that because they were raised in a Christian home and attend church, that they are safe. Lot’s wife shows us that one may be surrounded by light and truth, and yet perish in eternal darkness. She had seen angels, heard warnings, and been led by the hand of mercy–yet she never savingly believed. The heart is what God is concerned with–and her heart was still in Sodom.
Her backward look was not a small matter. It was the outward expression of inward rebellion. God had said, “Do not look back” (Genesis 19:17). In disobeying, she revealed where her treasure lay. She longed for the life she left behind–the comforts, the pleasures, the society of Sodom–and in doing so she despised the salvation of her soul. Jesus declares, “No man having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The danger of worldlinessand divided affection is real. How many professors of religion today claim to follow Jesus, yet their hearts cling to the world! They say they are bound for Heaven, but they look longingly at Sodom. They want to go to Heaven when they die, but they also want the soul-ruining world. The end of such double-mindedness is eternal destruction.
Scripture is full of warnings against this very danger. John writes, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). James tells us that “friendship with the world is hatred toward God” (James 4:4). The Savior Himself declared, “Remember Lot’s wife!” She was almost saved, yet lost forever! There are many in churches today who will come just that far–they will hear sermons and sing hymns, and yet their hearts remain with the world. Their empty profession will not hold up in the Day of Judgment.
Beloved reader, let us examine our hearts. Are we secretly longing for the very things that God calls us to forsake? Are we following Christ with a whole heart, or are we still glancing backward toward Sodom? When Jesus calls us to take up our cross, we must not look back to our Sodom. Salvation demands the forsaking of sin, and the forsaking of the world. It demands a heart fixed on Christ. “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17).
The warning of Lot’s wife is not written to terrify the believer, but to search the heart of the hypocrite and to awaken the careless professor. If you are resting in your church attendance, your upbringing, your knowledge–then remember Lot’s wife. If you are unwilling to forsake the world and to follow Christ–then remember Lot’s wife. If you are almost persuaded, almost a Christian, almost saved–remember Lot’s wife. If you are but almost saved–then you will be altogether damned!
“Remember Lot’s wife!” Let us take warning. Let us not dally with sin, linger in compromise, or toy with the world. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). For the soul that looks to Him in faith shall never be cast away, but the soul that loves the world will be lost forever.
September 29, 2025 2 Comments
Today is the start of my 2 lap minimum each day to try and build up more strength and stamina…I’m really going to miss the 1 lapper. After managing 12.12 miles last Thursday(4 laps) it’s time to level up ready for the October 5 lapper which I’m really not looking forwards to! 😨
The trail had lots of runners, cyclists and dog walkers and I managed to miss all of them, lol. I even managed to overtake some walkers too…Yay this blindman is getting faster! 😀
This photo of the pond through the trees is right next to the path. The photo doesn’t show how bright and blinding it is as I can’t see the trail and try really hard not to walk straight into the pond…Now that would surprise me, and of course I’d try and get you photos from the bottom of the pond, lol! 🤣
I averaged a 3.56 mph pace over 1 hour 41 minutes which is quick for me, and to arrive home without any damage or dramas at that speed is fantastic!
“Life won’t always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes it’s mud, sweat and grit. That’s when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
After last Thursdays 4 laps (12.12 miles) I achieved the ‘September Challenge’ badge. I don’t think I noticed it until the following day as I was too tired from my trail walk! 🤣
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
September 25, 2025 2 Comments
Wow, if that was the fundraising trail walk challenge…I’d be happy that I finished it! BUT this was only 4 laps plus a pitstop and the challenge is 11 laps and 3 pitstops! 😨 After how I felt after today’s walk…That’s too much especially at the moment…But I’m getting stronger week by week. 🙏
It was a cold 7˚C again and as I was going to be out for around 3.5 hours, I thought I’d leave my tracksuit bottoms at home, as I’d soon get too warm as I stomp around the trail…I was wrong, my legs were ice blocks for about 2 laps! 🤣
As I was cold I think I tried to walk so fast I’d out pace the cold and my legs would warm up nicely…They didn’t.
At least there was some good news. As I’d burn about 1200 calories on this walk I was wearing my trusty INOV8 ultra pack which not only had 2 x 500ml of zero calorie orange water…But 8 chocolate hobnobs (the best biscuit in the world). They are 93 calories each and they should start being absorbed around 30 minutes after that amazing taste! 😋
It was overcast mostly for the first 2 laps but then the blazing low hanging sun come out to play (ruin my walk). My pace slowed lots as I tried to stagger around like an extra in a zombie movie.
I only had to do 3 laps before I leave the trail and walk to my pitstop (home). It’s only 0.4 miles to and another 0.4 miles back so quite a quick pitstop. I managed to not collapse (good start), keep moving whilst eating half a sandwich and try to get back out within 10 minutes max. When my 50Km walk starts I have to try and have 3 pitstops whilst doing 11 laps, so today was the first time to see if I sieze up?!
My legs were a little tight after destroying my leg stabiliser muscles on the trail, then slowing down in the pitstop. But after about a mile they were broken but still moving! I was simply so thankful and so happy that I’d managed my first pitstop and was back out stomping out the miles!
I was overwhelmed with joy as I arrived home and stopped my workout which was exactly 12.12 miles, that made me smile for some reason. It really felt like I was walking on prayers from you guys! I really had nothing left and was laughing to myself that my legs were still going right to the end when I wanted to just give up! 🙏 😀
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe it’s lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. I’m thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. I’m thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
September 24, 2025 2 Comments
Everyone needs a little kindness!
Don Fortner
1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is kind“
Often, the best thing one man can give another is kindness. Oh, how sweet it is to hear a kind word, when your heart is breaking! How delightful it is to see a kind smile, when you have seen many growling faces! How pleasant it is to feel the kind embrace of a friend, when you have felt the betrayal of those you thought were your friends! Kindness is always right. Kindness is always in season. It is never wrong to be kind, but always good.
Kindness must have for its object: one who is weak, poor, fallen, outcast, down-trodden, or needy.
To be “kind” is to be useful, generous, sympathetic, and tender.
Kindness accommodates itself to the needs of its objects.
If a man offends–kindness forgives him.
If a person is fallen–kindness picks him up.
If one is hungry–kindness feeds him.
If a brother is lonely–kindness visits him.
If a sister is downcast–kindness encourages her.
If one is weak–kindness offers strength.
If one is needy–kindness helps.
If a person is afflicted, in trouble and hurting–kindness is tender-hearted.
Sometimes kindness is a word of appreciation, encouragement, or compliment. Sometimes it is a visit, a gift, or an expression of love. Everyone needs a little kindness. And those who love one another, are kind to one another. They overlook and find excuses for one another’s faults and failings. They speak well to one another, and about one another.
Kindness is never wrong.
God, give me grace to be kind to sinners like myself.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
September 18, 2025 1 Comment
Yay, I managed another 2 laps (6 miles) this morning, and I wasn’t in a total heap when I returned. I must be getting a bit stronger (and lighter) as I have to start doing 2 laps each day and not wimp out for a 1 lapper! 🤣
As this was my last proper trail pounding walk of the week, I do 4 trail walks then have 3 days off to recover, spend time with my lovely Wife Sarah, and also get supplies ready for the next week on the trail! My legs just wanted to give up on lap 2, I think they’re just empty from the last 3 days walk! 🤣
I love walking past the pond for the second time, as it means I can get a different angle. What is also fantastic is that all of your markers are called out for the second time, so I get to pray and give thanks for you all over again! 🙏 😀
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe it’s lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. I’m thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. I’m thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
September 16, 2025 2 Comments
The exclusivity of the Gospel
Charles Spurgeon, et al.
In an age of religious pluralism and tolerance of error, the biblical teaching on the exclusivity of the gospel is essential, even though most people find it to be offensive.
Scripture leaves no room for ambiguity: there is only one way of salvation. There are not many paths to God, nor are there multiple gospels tailored to different groups. There is but one Savior, one gospel, and one way to eternal life. The way to Heaven is not left to our choice, but is revealed by God. And that way is Christ alone.
The apostle Paul, under divine inspiration, wrote with utmost clarity: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel–which is really no gospel at all!” He immediately pronounced a curse upon anyone who preached a gospel contrary to the one he had delivered (Galatians 1:6-8). There is no allowance for alternative methods of salvation. There is no second gospel for Jews, Muslims, sincere religious people, moralists, the heathen or the young. The gospel is singular, exclusive, and absolute.
Jesus Himself declared the narrowness of the way when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me!” (John 14:6). He did not say He was A way, but THE way. Faith in Jesus and His sin-atoning death is not one option among many, but the only gospel by which sinners can be reconciled to God. Peter echoed this exclusive claim when he boldly proclaimed, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to men by which we must be saved!” (Acts 4:12).
This one way of salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast!” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
To deny the exclusivity of the gospel, is to deny the very heart of the gospel. To suggest that sincere people in other religions can be saved apart from Jesus, is to make His sin-atoning death unnecessary, and His words untrue. It is a rejection of the only remedy for sin that God has provided.
There are not fifty ways to God–there is only one. The road is narrow, and it is marked with blood. Let us then stand firm, unashamed, and uncompromising in proclaiming the one true gospel–the only gospel that saves.
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes!” Romans 1:16
September 15, 2025 2 Comments
The gusty winds were blowing loudly against the windows this morning, and the weather app had given out weather warnings for strong winds…But thatj’s not very ‘MOTIVATIONAL’ is it?! I thought the trees on the trail don’t need much wind to blow them over, but I’ve got a challenge to prepare for so I don’t have time for excuses, lol! 🤣
As it was very windy today I decided to leave the shorts at home and put on my cosy tracksuit bottoms. I also put on my cosy yellow wind proof jacket too. I was very warm and cosy out there, totally wind proof…I just had to walk slow as I was a little too warm, but well worth it! 😀
I was quite enjoying being blown around whilst staying wind proof and warm, it was a nice feeling. It was also nice that there were no fallen trees, especially as the sun was blazing so it was extremely difficult to see the trail at all. I was about three quarters around the lap when…🤔
Thankfully as I was so warm I couldn’t walk very fast at all, so I managed to stop instantly when my foot connected with the tree. I quickly felt it with my foot and stepped over it…Yay I didn’t have to try and find another way out! 💪🏼
Over the weekend I was sent an email to say I’d unlocked the £250 badge, as my last donation to ‘Steve’s BIG 50’ challenge made my total fly past the £250 mark…Now that MOTIVATES ME! 😲 💪🏼
“Life won’t always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes it’s mud, sweat and grit. That’s when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
September 11, 2025 1 Comment
Today I headed out on my last FitBlitz walk of the week, and I was certainly thankful for this beautiful place. I walked nice and slow actually enjoying (instead of racing) around the trail.
I took the time to listen properly to the markers in my ear, and say prayers for the people who’s marker it was named after as I walked towards, and past the marker. It really was a beautiful, relaxing and prayerful walk. 🙏 😀
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How might you pause to give thanks today? Maybe it’s lifting a prayer, holding onto a Bible verse that leaps off the page (or screen), letting a worship song wash over you, walking in nature, reading a fave blog post or simply soaking in a quiet moment of reflection.
“Every step I take is a gift I refuse to take for granted. I’m thankful for the legs that carry me, the air that fills my lungs, and the strength God gives me to keep moving forward. I’m thankful for the quiet moments on the trail where I can hear His voice in the wind and feel His presence in the steady rhythm of my steps. Life may not be perfect, the path may not be smooth, but the journey is still beautiful. Faith, Fitness, Focus” – Steve (me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
September 8, 2025 2 Comments
No matter what I do, when I walk 2 laps around the trail from door to door…I always hit 5.99 miles and not 6.00 miles! 🤣 Well at least my route and Apple Watch are accurate! 💪🏼
I’ve had plenty of MOTIVATION this weekend ready for today. On Friday I’d lost exactly 2 stone (28 pounds) in total in around 3.5 months…And 18 pounds in total on my BIG 50 challenge, I only had the challenge idea after I already started losing some weight, lol. This meant that I could finally use the gift Sarah had bought me a year ago but it didn’t fit…So today was the first day I wore my INOV8 Ultra Pack Pro 2in1 (5ltr or 12ltr thanks to it’s removable 7ltr pack). It also has 2x 500ml soft flasks which is perfect for my training as I’m now doing a minimum of 2 laps a day! 💪🏼 😀
I managed 2 laps today which meant 4 photos of my trail, and when I arrived home after sipping my water, I’d felt better (and didn’t collapse)…A BIG thanks to my lovely Wife Sarah for her amazing gift! 😀
And the best thing about walking 2 laps is that I get to take a different photo of the pond. I’m writing another MOTIVATION post at the moment to tell you about a massive dose of MOTIVATION I received this weekend too…I know I’m spoilt beyond belief! 😲
“Life won’t always hand you smooth paths or easy walks. Sometimes it’s mud, sweat and grit. That’s when you lean harder on your faith, push deeper with your fitness, and keep your eyes on the goal…Faith, Fitness & Focus” – Steve (Me)
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2025 Together! 💪🏼
September 6, 2025 0 Comments
When Sarah hits the kitchen, it’s not dinner time…It’s showtime. And this time, she turned out a plate so bold it felt like a headliner at Wembley.
Front and centre: chicken breasts. Not just any chicken breasts, but juicy, golden seared beauties marinated in that black pepper paste with coconut, belting out heat and aroma like a Marshall stack cranked to eleven. Every bite had punch, swagger, and enough kick to make you sit up and take notice.
Then came the pilau rice, rich and spiced with that deep Tamil-style stock, laying down the rhythm section like a phat bassline, keeping the whole dish grooving.
But Sarah doesn’t stop at rhythm, oh no. She brings in solos. Caramelised onions swirled through the rice like molten guitar licks, then…Out of nowhere, she threw down fried mushrooms and lettuce, sizzling away like pyrotechnics on stage. Totally unexpected. Totally EPIC. Totally Sarah!
And just when you think the flavour’s going to take your head clean off, in comes the turmeric yoghurt seasoning…Creamy, fragrant, and cooling, like the encore that leaves you wanting more.
The result? A dish that didn’t just feed the body…It set the soul on fire. Epic Sarah cooking isn’t just about food…It’s about creating an experience. This Tamil Black Pepper Chicken wasn’t just tasty. It was a culinary anthem. 🎶🔥🍴
They’ll be talking about this meal for centuries. The night Sarah took the humble chicken breast and forged it into a weapon of pure flavour will go down in history as one of the great culinary creations ever made! 😋
iChristian 
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