As Harry preached this past Sunday on Jesus walking on the water, I was deeply moved as I realized that recently I had been weathering my own storm… it is hard to know where these storms originate and why. Sometimes they arrive as quickly and as unexpectedly as they subside… like a squall on a… Continue reading making it through the storm
Tag: prayer
The spirituality of place…
During his ministry on earth, Jesus would often steal away from the crowds to reconnect with God. I am keenly aware that if Jesus needed this in his ministry, it is a good idea for me also. But it is not just because Jesus did it. I am aware that I can quickly get caught… Continue reading The spirituality of place…
Should blogging be added to the list of classic spiritual disciplines?
Recently, I have heard the comment that perhaps blogging takes away from the pastoral role… that maybe if the pastor spent less time typing away at the computer, they would have more time to… You can imagine all the things one could say to finish the sentence. For me, as a pastor, blogging has become… Continue reading Should blogging be added to the list of classic spiritual disciplines?
What does it mean to be playful?
As I continue my practice of prayer, Jesus continues to invite me to play. Recently as I prayed through Psalm 23, I noticed that in my time of centering prayer, Jesus was with me in the green grass by the still waters. It was a beautiful place. Instantly I saw that we were moving around… Continue reading What does it mean to be playful?
A prayer for those who feel caged…
Over the past years, I have become increasingly aware of my own “caging” experience. Sometimes, circumstances and people unknowingly squelched my sensitive spirit. There were other times where I, unknowingly, entered the cage, wounded and afraid, thinking that it would some how keep me safe. Still other times, persons in my life were uncomfortable with… Continue reading A prayer for those who feel caged…
Sometimes, practicing the presence seems a little like digging holes…
Sometimes my practicing the presence seems a little like digging holes along the river looking for living water… let me explain. In the Exodus account, God gave Moses the power to perform miracles and signs so that the Egyptians would know that He was Lord, the One True God. After turning his staff into a… Continue reading Sometimes, practicing the presence seems a little like digging holes…
It takes some effort to frame our days…
Like Jacob… we can take the time to re-frame our days. Just has he stopped before moving into Egypt to honor God and offer himself to God, we too can take time to do that. There are many ways to frame our days that have been passed down throughout the history of Christianity. Morning and… Continue reading It takes some effort to frame our days…
What frames your day?
What frames our days? Is it coffee, alarms, our appointments, exercise, children, work? What motivates us to get out of bed and begin our day… expectations of others? Obligations, classes? Sermons? There are many things that pull at my day and try to become the centering narrative for everything that I do. This past week,… Continue reading What frames your day?
Why settle for yesterday’s manna when there is a feast today?
Recently I have been amazed at the provision of God, to meet me in times of prayer, to “tweet” me messages of encouragement when needed and inspire me when I am feeling dry. At the same time, I am also aware that I must cultivate an awareness of this provision and an attitude of thanksgiving.… Continue reading Why settle for yesterday’s manna when there is a feast today?
sometimes it is just hard to see
Sometimes it is hard for me to see this God reality… especially when I am keenly aware of the war and violence that is currently happening in Egypt. Or, when I am aware of the suffering and unexplained tragedies and illnesses that my church community experiences. Violence, crime, murder is very present in my living… Continue reading sometimes it is just hard to see