I can remember a time when I did not worry for thirteen years straight. Thirteen years! What about you? Can you remember a time where you didn’t worry for over a decade? It wasn’t even that hard. It was like breathing. Automatic. Unconscious. Living. I don’t remember worrying as a kid. Worry is always attached to […]
You Won’t Be Stretched Beyond What You Can Bear
A few years ago the economic downturn hit us hard. The perfect storm of the recession, a seasonal drop in financial support and some unexpected expenses dug the hole a little deeper. Ouch! I woke in the middle of the night feeling worry and fear rising up in me, so I got up, went to […]
Is Jesus Too Slow?
The question in the title may make you uncomfortable, but whenever we feel impatient with God, we?re basically saying He doesn?t move fast enough for our taste. Kosuke Koyama (1929-2009) was a Japanese theologian who ?defended a theology that he considered to be accessible to the peasantry in developing nations, rather than an overly academic […]
Is Your Retreat Really a Retreat?
A few years ago, I led a weekend retreat for a wonderful church community. It was a very encouraging time. Some commented that the schedule was not as intense as in past retreats. I had input on the content and a little on the schedule. The group chose the theme of ?Rest? and the key […]
Who is the Hardest Person to Love?
?Right now someone exists who has disappointed and offended us, someone with whom we are continually displeased and with whom we are most impatient, irritated, unforgiving, and spiteful than we would dare be with anyone else. That person is ourselves. We are so often fed up with ourselves. We?re sick of our own mediocrity, revolted […]
Prayer: Make the Small Movement Forward
?Merton once remarked that the Church and the world do not need people to talk about prayer, think about prayer or write about prayer nearly as much as they need people to pray. Until we go to pray there is no prayer. And when we go to pray we confront our poverty and our helplessness. […]
A Holy Rhythm of Solitude and Ministry
I lead a lot of retreats that include an extended time alone and quiet with God in the schedule. For many, it?s quite a challenge. For others, it?s a welcome opportunity. Sometimes, I think more would come to our retreats if they were scheduled nice and tight with lots of information to learn or techniques […]
