Reflections on Spiritual Life
trans·gres·sion noun an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense. in·iq·ui·ty noun immoral or grossly unfair behavior. Reflecting on Psalm 51, I understand the psalmist’s plea and why s/he appeals to God’s mercy. I know that before s/he could confess, before s/he could even approach God, s/he had to[...]
Read MoreBeloved, let us love one another, because love is from God. 1 John 4:7 When my boys were young and sibling affection crumbled into mortal combat, I’d occasionally give them a “script” to say to each other. It was usually so formal, so exaggerated, that laughter ended their hostilities. This summer, when my grown son[...]
Read MoreLittle children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 1 John 3:18 Part 2. Marriage as Worship. Welcome in Marriage takes work. A marriage that is welcoming takes practice. Marriage, the blessed arrangement takes work. We’ve heard plenty of wedding warnings about how much work it is. There are plenty[...]
Read More….you shall be my witnesses…..Acts 1:8 Part 3. Marriage as Witness. Witness to a Life. My parents grew up in the same neighborhood. There is one story I heard, I don’t know if it’s true but if it isn’t it should be. My dad was 4 years old and mom was 6 when her younger[...]
Read MoreI always thought it was just a schedule and demand issue, or my season of life. But one of my mentors says that Hurry, Restlessness, and Sleeplessness are indicators of an uneasy Soul. These are symptoms of what are decidedly NOT the Jesus Way, truth, or Life. It takes faith, and trust, to be unhurried,[...]
Read MoreMy parents still live in the house I grew up in, on the 3+ acres at the outskirts of our small hometown. I must have been about 3 or 4 years old when our dad built a tall oversize swingset for my four sisters and me on a large grassy space behind the house from[...]
Read MoreIs it possible to be truthful without falling into legalism? Or is honesty always the best policy? When is it not even a good idea to be honest? Just asking those questions exposes an underlying narrative that though a lie may be an abomination to God it is a very ready help in time of[...]
Read MoreI was sitting this morning with the post-resurrection scenes in John 20 with Mary Magdalene, Peter and John, and especially with Thomas when I was surprised by the gospel writer (John) interrupting his gripping narrative. If it were a movie, there would be a freeze-frame with this voice-over: “Now Jesus did many other signs in[...]
Read MoreThe sun rose this morning in a pale-yellow sky behind the faithful stand of trees at the edge of our lower field. Its rays reach in through the windows of my living room—and the windows of my soul—and bids me to awaken all the more to what still is beautiful. The earth continues to turn.[...]
Read MoreJerimiah 6:16 Stand at the crossroad, and look, and ask for the ancient path, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. I am at a crossroad, precariously poised between what was and what if. With media-bleared eyes I try to see a good way forward. I feel[...]
Read MoreWhile driving downhill on Bald Peak Road, on the Hillsboro side of this ridge in Oregon, there is a stunning view of Mt. Hood. Nearly 95 miles east and south out of Hood River at an elevation of about 3000 feet, is Lost Lake. She reflects her own view of Mt. Hood, but from that[...]
Read More…. as much as I am able, I practice my little Rule, keep my little fasts, do my prayers and meditation, remain quiet and as much as possible I keep my thoughts clean. What else should I do? Abba Lot[1] With 2020 still in my rear-view mirror, I have not yet gained enough distance from[...]
Read MoreI reflected this morning on Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech from 1963. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” I have a dream that[...]
Read MoreThis post is one in a 3-part series at Conversatio.org titled Conversations in the Dark. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.[...]
Read MoreOur family has a Tradition of celebrating Advent and the Nativity that’s rooted in my childhood. On this particular Advent Sunday, in this pandemic diaspora with a couple of my offspring sheltering in their own places, we will still light a candle for Peace that also celebrates the Annunciation. That traditional word refers to two[...]
Read Moretrans·gres·sion: noun an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct; an offense.in·iq·ui·ty: nounimmoral or grossly unfair behavior.Reflecting on Psalm 51, I understand the psalmist’s plea and why s/he appeals to God’s mercy. I know that before s/he could confess, before s/he could even approach God, s/he had to recall who God[...]
Read MoreHave you ever stood in the presence of a tree and listened to the wind pass through its leaves? The roots and body stand defiant and unmoved. But listen. The branches stretch out their tongues and whisper shhhh. Cole Arthur Riley, This Here Flesh While mom is sleeping, I step outside to the back yard,[...]
Read MoreI need to talk to someone, God. Someone who can listen when I’m struggling when I’m grieving when I’m longing for more… Someone who can help me notice, hear, and grow closer to God in freedom, with integrity and joy… Someone who understands my journey just enough to walk with me but not get in[...]
Read MoreBreak Thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me, As Thou didst break the loaves beside the sea; Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord; My spirit pants for thee, O living Word.[1] The Dwarfs are for the Dwarfs. For over 20 years Jack[2] met faithfully with a men’s Bible Study group where[...]
Read MoreMary said, “Let it be with me according to your word.” In her story—as much as we have of it, legend or tradition, myth or conjecture, hopefully holy spiritual imagination— Mary consented to a God initiated, Gabriel-as-emissary-presented God Proposal. She was wary. She wondered. Perplexed, perhaps she waivered as Gabriel kept angel-xplaining finally getting to[...]
Read More“Within the light there is darkness, but do not be attached to this darkness. Within the darkness there is light, but do not look for that light.”* Before there is any Light that I can see while it is still night with me, already you are my heart’s Yes responding to your Presence, more[...]
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