I spent the week before Christmas – the last week of Advent in my Christian tradition – at Ormond Beach in Florida. I am not a morning person, so it was quite a surprise the first morning when I was up in time to watch the sun rise over the water. I’ve never been to … Continue reading Son Rise
postaweek
Cold Turkey
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
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
Christmas Lights
I have had a set of Christmas tree lights since before I was married almost 15 years ago. They were early generation motion lights with settings to make it seem like the lights are chasing each other or twinkling or fading or…, well, there were 6 settings and I couldn’t tell you everything they did. … Continue reading Christmas Lights
Soul Knowledge
There is a huge difference between book knowledge and soul knowledge. I started thinking about this on safari in South Africa where my family and I have been traveling over the past two weeks. Before we left I bought guide books and “South African History in an Hour.” I bought Nelson Mendala’s autobiography, though I … Continue reading Soul Knowledge
The Thanksgiving Turkey
A couple weeks ago in Sunday School we read Jesus’ Parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son from Luke’s gospel in the Christian New Testament. Long story short – and this does not do it justice – younger son asks for his inheritance then runs away and wastes it all. He ends up broke just as … Continue reading The Thanksgiving Turkey
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
Superlatives
It was the only marginally o.k. of times, it was some pretty bad times…. Not much of an opener, right? I went to a writers’ workshop this weekend, and mystery writer Nancy Pickard offered us some amazing advice on reworking drafts and looking for places to add lift and excitements to our scenes. She shared … Continue reading Superlatives
Be Brave
My son and I went to the Carolina Renaissance Festival this weekend with some friends. It was incredible. Of course, any time I get to pretend I’m a princess is incredible – that’s been true since I was two years old! My child had a wonderful time too, but he did get kindly called out … Continue reading Be Brave
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
Openings: Let the Spirit in 