My husband and I have an ongoing disagreement. I like many video games and think within reason they are a positive, not a negative. Now this is not shoot ‘em up, adult-rated kinds of things, but if our son escapes for an hour or two after school from the “real” world by entering the world … Continue reading Board Games
Spiritual Direction
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
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
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
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
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
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
Openings: Let the Spirit in 