Why is it that most Christians assume that spirituality is a unisex reality? Why have I, in 55 years of church attendance, never heard a sermon on gender differences in spirituality and only one that even acknowledged it as real (thanks Bob C.)? Why is it that in a culture where we talk more and more about gender difference in how we shop and have heart attacks and think, we neglect to talk about how we experience God differently? Why... Read more
“the night will shine like the day,” I love Epiphany. … the celebration of light. After the feast of love our family enjoyed this Christmas together, it makes letting go again a little easier. Though many celebrate Epiphany only as a day, I prefer to think of it as a season. I fill my mantle with candles, even a fairly over-the top candelabra my husband hates that I save for this season every year (sorry, honey). Who wouldn’t want to... Read more
I admit it: I’ve not bought a single Christmas gift yet. My husband, God bless him, has ordered a few things. My guess is that Amazon is going to become my best friend over these next few weeks. My work schedule has been full as well as continuing to make doctor and physical therapy appointments and block off several whole days for injections. Oh, and my husband had some minor surgery this month, too. There are only 15 more days... Read more
“So many factors work against our visionary initiative.It is a human tendency to become stuck and to build ruts.” Isn’t it funny how we tend to sit in the same place every time within a classroom or at church or sometimes even in our own dining room? I am just finishing up my first semester of teaching as an adjunct professor at the Seminary of the Southwest . I’ve had a great time with a small group of nine amazingly... Read more
“Gentle curiosity has a mysterious way of opening hearts; alternatively, harsh judgment tends to close them. “ I describe myself as a person who loves to garden. And there’s lots of evidence from my past that supports that statement. At the same time, curiously, when we moved to Austin, we elected to live in a condominium with only patio space for gardening. Also curious is the fact that presently most of my plants are dying. As Alice says, “Curiouser... Read more
“In life, suffering does not seem to be optional. Suffering in silence, however, does.” Today is the first day of the new church year and so a great time for new beginnings. As regular readers of this blog (well, better said, those who have attempted to read the non-existent regularly posted content) you have likely noticed that this blog has suffered from a very neglectful mother. I could offer several reasons for my neglect, and may over time, but presently... Read more
Will we cling to beautiful but old forms of being church or will we look for new life, the verdant green moss on the ruins and the mighty river of God’s ongoing work in the world? Granted, the trip itinerary was labeled Monasteries and Vineyards. So, it doesn’t seem far-fetched that we spent a lot of time in holy places. But it doesn’t necessarily follow that the place my thoughts would take me in those holy places is to... Read more
Packing this week, okay, this month, for this pilgrimage has been an interesting exercise in self-reflection. My gathering theme has become: pack light and carry a big heart. Linguistically, it has the same rhythm of that old saying: Walk softly and carry a big stick Though I remembered that saying from a movie decades old it looks like the saying had more noble origins. Years ago I heard Oprah say that women have so many clothes in their closets... Read more
Something is up. I’m not sure what, but something is up. I just get the feeling. Maybe it’s Jesus’ wisdom “To whom much is given, much is required.” (Luke 12:48) I love my work right now; it is a gift. Yet, the question rises: what might be shifting? I love my husband of 33 years. He is a gift. Is my marriage changing,too? I love our children and new granddaughter. They are gifts. How can I love them better? Interestingly,... Read more
Every once and a while, a small fact in Scripture enters my heart and sticks in such a way as to open door for healing and new growth. That happened recently as I was reflecting on the story of the prodigal son. Have you ever noticed that when the son returned, he planned to return as a servant but the father would not allow it? Looking into the eyes of my grand-daughter, Georgia, I get that. Though the son felt... Read more
Women, Wisdom, and the Word
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