After my writing retreat a few weeks ago, we all sent around lovely emails to acknowledge what a gift our time together had been. And then the fateful email arrived in my inbox, jumbled up with the good wishes in such a way that I had no idea it was so dangerous. “Does anyone want … Continue reading The Horror – and Exhilaration – of Deadlines
Discernment
Words vs. the WORD
So I’m working with a wonderful writing coach in a class on memoir trying to give myself accountability on writing regularly. It’s supposed to be accountability for writing every day, but let’s be real here; it’s almost every day if we count blogging and sermon writing. But the memoir project is coming along too, albeit … Continue reading Words vs. the WORD
Top Ten Ways a Flat Tire Can Lead to Good Spiritual Practice
So, this is later than I anticipated this week, not in small part because I lost 2 hours of good work time sitting by the side of the road with a flat tire. I lost good work time, but found good spiritual time. Here were my top ten spiritual thoughts as I sat and waited. … Continue reading Top Ten Ways a Flat Tire Can Lead to Good Spiritual Practice
Before the Storm
About a week ago, people in Savannah, Georgia, where I live, were panicking. Two years in a row we have had hurricanes hit in our area after decades of watching others deal with the effects of these deadly storms. Before Hurricane Matthew in 2016, there was almost a universal belief that something about the Savannah … Continue reading Before the Storm
On My Way Again: Thoughts on Enough
As you read this, I will be in Germany for a friend’s wedding. I am leaving my laptop behind and sticking to pen and paper for my writing. I hope to return with some tales of my travels and a spiritual insight or two that we all can share. As I prepare to leave, I … Continue reading On My Way Again: Thoughts on Enough
First Step on a Writing Odyssey
So the rubber meets the road today as I submit a character sketch of my mother for a creative nonfiction class I am taking. This tiny 300-word essay is the first piece I have written for public consumption in a memoir of my life told through my parents’ accounts of their lives. Just over a … Continue reading First Step on a Writing Odyssey
Embrace the Mountain
Recently I was listening to a webinar on next steps and the leader suggested that we close our eyes and envision the path before us. Now generally I am not a visualization kind of person. I often lead these kinds of exercises because it is so valuable for many people to “see” something in order … Continue reading Embrace the Mountain
Prayer Practices for Congregations
Happy Resurrection Monday! After a wonderful Easter yesterday, I have a bit of a church-y post today. As you probably know by now, I am big into prayer practices. I have my own spiritual director whom I talk with monthly (going Wednesday!). I spend time in centering/silent meditation and prayer almost every day. For several … Continue reading Prayer Practices for Congregations
Disconnected
By the time you read this, my first-world problems today will have been solved – they’ll have to be because I can’t post this until I have internet. But for some reason the wireless connection at the library where I’m spending the morning is out of commission. I have a video conference tonight and one … Continue reading Disconnected
By the Numbers
Late last month I went to an Enneagram workshop. The Enneagram is a way of describing basic personality types, based on ancient wisdom, about our motivations and core of our behaviors. When I first saw the chart many years ago, I thought it looked a bit like a pentagram, some spell-casting charm. It’s not, but … Continue reading By the Numbers
Openings: Let the Spirit in 