We may not remember much of anything from the story of Christmas in Bethlehem. The one thing we know is that Jesus was born in a manger because there was no other room. That baby was born into a busy world. People had things to do, places to go, people to see, taxes to pay. Their lives were filled […]
Spiritual Life Creates Sacred Space Read More »
So, what have we learned this year? 1. Back row leaders have probably taught me more than those up in front of the room. Back row leaders tend to be more open to the questions I ask. When do you lead from the back row? 2. Spiritual life has a way of breaking or transcending the rules. There is very
12 Things We Learned in 2015 Read More »
Some people think spiritual life has already happened in the past. They may feel spiritual life is like chivalry or falconry, a memory of some distant glory. Some people dispute and argue about arcane differences of interpretation. They work to understand ancient sacred texts or study the history of spiritual heroes. Some people look for enlightenment in books written
Spiritual Life is Now Read More »
We are immersed in a culture with a clear perspective on violence and force. Our nation was born through a violent revolution. While violence may not always be our first inclination, we often do not hesitate to rely on it. We believe it is possible to use force to resolve conflicts. We believe it is possible
Violence and Silence Read More »
My understanding of spiritual life, the ways I live it in the world, are shaped by my experiences. Some of my experiences are gained from my church. I am part of a liturgical church. One of the things we do is divide the year into liturgical seasons. This weekend we begin a new season, the first
Spiritual Life is Light in the Darkness Read More »
We often think of spiritual life as being ethereal, floating in the air like smoke. We assume spiritual life is theoretical, conceptual, vague, or even imaginary. The idea of spiritual life makes us a little uncomfortable. Spiritual life always seems to be just beyond our reach, outside our experience or understanding. For many of us,
Spiritual Life From the Ground Up Read More »
Seeking Surrender: How My Friendship With a Trappist Monk Taught Me to Trust and Embrace Life by Colette Lafia is an honest, intimate description of spiritual formation. We are shaped by how we reflect on and come to terms with our experiences. Spiritual life is sparked and stretched by challenges we face, disappointments and discouragements we feel, people
Book Review: Seeking Surrender Read More »
There are people who believe spiritual life is based in being afraid. Some are afraid of what other people think of them, and what they think of themselves. Some feel guilty and responsible, and are afraid they will never be forgiven. Some are afraid that, when they break the rules, it means they are bad people. Some
Spiritual Life is Not Being Afraid Read More »
There are people who believe spiritual life is inextricably interwoven with being religious. Some people are convinced they can only experience spiritual life in a church or other sacred location. They see spiritual life as dependent on where they are, what they do, who they know. They think spiritual life needs help to reach them;
Spiritual Life and Being Religious Read More »
There are people who seem to think spiritual life is super human. Some of us appear to believe in superheroes with special powers to help us get out of trouble. Other people have faith in their own ability to control life and create positive results. For other people, spiritual life is so far beyond them they prefer
Spiritual Life is Deeply Human Read More »
