My heart thumped in my chest as the current in the river picked up speed and the water roiled about me. I knew that I was approaching one of the largest rapids I had ever navigated as the river began to funnel itself into a narrow chute ahead. I had spent the previous day paddling […]
A Promise in the Desert
The photo awes me. It is stunningly beautiful, the shadows, the softness of the angles, the vastness of the sand dunes. I am pulled in by the lone figure walking, his footsteps behind him with a long journey ahead of him. I feel a touch of sadness because he is alone, and overwhelmed because there […]
The Life of a Stone… and I
I Lying here Cold, dark, still, Powerless. Only acted upon. Still but not at rest Motion flowing over and around Forces greater than I At work? One moment gently brushing past my face Like quiet breeze Refreshment and life, then, Disorientation, tumbling, Drifting to unknown. Impacting without grace or respite. Edges breaking, Cracks splitting, Will […]
All Things for Good
Editor’s Note: Today’s post is from guest author, Heidi Stout, who is finding creative ways to incorporate spiritual practices into extended time at home with four teenagers. Heidi and her husband Kurt were members of Journey Generation 26, Faculty Training 2, and Spiritual Direction. They live in North Manchester, Indiana where they are raising Isaac, […]
Step Back: Lessons in Art. And Life.
Three years ago, I took up oil painting. I had zero experience but as I became aware of a long-buried desire to paint, I decided to get past my insecurities and go for it. I have found this new thing in my life to be fulfilling, challenging, exhausting, inspiring, extremely frustrating and surprisingly healing. […]
Happy Birthday to You! And From You!
When I was growing up, birthday celebrations were a big event in my house. Not because they were particularly fancy or expensive, but just because they were celebrated. Despite whatever other activities or work pressed in, my parents tried to set aside time to make these days special. My mom always would make a dinner […]
Mary ~ Free to Say Yes to God
I seem to think about Mary quite a bit during Advent. Her story is compelling. We first see her when an angel shows up on her doorstep. Gabriel. From the very Presence of God, no less. He tells her about what is going to happen in her life. Her world is going to be completely […]
