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
prayer
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
Ups & Downs
I must admit that I am not riveted to the news broadcasts coming out of Las Vegas this morning after the horrific shooting there last night. Not because I don’t care, but because I care too much. I am aware that knowing a few facts are important – that there were people killed and injured, … Continue reading Ups & Downs
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
Sirens
My office sits right across the street from a local fire and ambulance station in our town. I always feel I have to apologize when one of my spiritual direction clients about jumps out of her seat as we sit in a quiet moment of prayer and suddenly a siren goes off. But when I … Continue reading Sirens
Just a Little Nap…
It’s been a Vacation Bible School week. Not at my own church, but I’ve volunteered at two other churches in my community this week. That’s why I’m a little late with this post. Yesterday afternoon I did not blog. I napped. For a long time. I’d like to say that I lay down on the … Continue reading Just a Little Nap…
Can a Cold be a Sacred Pause?
Prayer does not come easily when I have a cold. In times of “real” sickness and pain, I can at least cry out to Jesus. But mostly I just want to sleep when I have a cold. I’m thinking Jesus understands. I would guess that being fully human means that Jesus caught a cold or … Continue reading Can a Cold be a Sacred Pause?
Psalm 122
"For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good." Just a quick insight today. I was meditating on this psalm, chanting this morning, and this verse (9) caught my eye, so I spent some time there. God seemed to make it clear that I do not seek the … Continue reading Psalm 122
Openings: Let the Spirit in 