Uncategorized

It remains a fundamental document in my spiritual formation library: pastor and blogger David Terpstra’s article at Christianity Today, entitled “Exit Stage Left: Why the Spiritually Mature are Leaving the Church.” It was my introduction to Janet Hagberg and Robert…

Symbols are important in our spiritual formation.  Ever pointing to icons and sculptures and artwork, Henri Nouwen has introduced us to the concept of “visio divina”, sacred viewing. Even so, the creche or nativity scene (first developed by St. Francis…

Developing teaching media and working in various secretarial capacities through the years has seen me become a fairly proficient desktop publisher. (In coming posts, I might need to share other proficiencies gleaned from the pastorate – including janitorial work and…

In the last two or three years, a seemingly new personality tool has emerged on the scene. The word “enneagram” has begun to pop up. It certainly sounds strange and its diagram even seems suspect. Actually, the Enneagram is an…

With Advent’s approach, a Buddhist saying comes to mind: “When the student is ready, the Master appears.” As we suggested in our first issue of Ruminations (released a little over a week ago… available by clicking here), Advent is more…

As we approach the end of the church’s liturgical calendar this coming Sunday, I can’t help but think of the [true] story given to me by a member of a former church. Unbeknownst to Ralph Mather at the time, it’s…

When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude. —G. K. Chesterton Gratitude is the most passionate, transformative force in the cosmos. –Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance Finally, brothers…

Enjoyed a delightful evening this past Friday, catching up with friends, Steve and Mary Alice. As typical catch up conversations go, he asked about retirement… and the nature of our current “work.” I can vouch (to some extent) for what…