I have to admit, I have no idea how people with cable television ever get anything done! I took some time away from the family for a writing retreat, but found myself captured the first evening by the Food Network. I know not everyone must watch other people eat and prepare food 24/7, but there … Continue reading Cold Turkey
Discernment
Starting Over
I had a non-spiritual experience today – it was purely technical and yet I keep thinking about it. Because, of course, I tend to see everything through a spiritual lens, so nothing is exempt from having a spiritual lesson to teach. The experience was that I have decided to update the Openings web pages, so … Continue reading Starting Over
Touching the Pain
My spiritual director had the room all set up for me when I arrived yesterday morning. There were small stones set around a candle on a low table in front of where I usually sit. Of course, I commented that it was different. She asked if she had my permission to push me a little … Continue reading Touching the Pain
Now Playing: The Theo Tacos
I spent several days this month with a wonderful group of pastors exploring how improvisation – especially the skills learned for comedy improv – can also help us with spiritual formation. This is true in the church, where most of my colleagues are currently serving – and it is equally true for those of us … Continue reading Now Playing: The Theo Tacos
Anticipation
“We can never know about the days to come But we think about them anyway, yay” -Carly Simon I’m on my last day before a three day vacation (oops -- I mean conference) in Atlanta. Yes, I will be working, but these breaks always seem like such a lovely time to get away from housework, … Continue reading Anticipation
Pirates
I have spent the past week after Hurricane Irma shut the town down* watching Pirates of the Caribbean again. My son was finally old enough to brave the skeletons of the first movie, Curse of the Black Pearl – though he still preferred to let me handle the second movie with its eerie fish creatures … Continue reading Pirates
Laboring
I love to work. Not hard, get-sweaty, break-a-nail work, mind you, but I have always loved my jobs. One day, I think when I was still doing non-profit development work in Boston, I was telling my mother about all the hours I had worked that week. Never an early riser, I generally wasn’t in the … Continue reading Laboring
On a Journey
I’ve been packing my bags this morning for a quick trip out west for my niece’s wedding. Medicines, underwear, nice dress, t-shirts… oh, and don’t forget the swimsuit for the hotel pool. (I once took the top, but not the bottom of my two piece swimsuit. I now pack both the original and the one … Continue reading On a Journey
Spiritual “Fawn”a
I’m not sure when I stopped lying on my back under leafy summer trees and watching the sun play through the green. When I moved to the south and it became so hot? When I received my first fire ant bite? When I thought I might be too old to get back up again with … Continue reading Spiritual “Fawn”a
Featured
Opening Up
The Holy Spirit is as real and present for me as either of the other two persons of the Trinity. I cannot have a relationship with Jesus without that Spirit dwelling in me. I can never begin to accept the vastness and mystery of the One Jesus called Father without relying on the Spirit to … Continue reading Opening Up
Openings: Let the Spirit in 