As part of our spiritual, emotional, psychic journey we are wanting to move towards “wholeness”. The “wanting to move” is significant – do we want to be whole or maybe the path seems too strewn with rocks over which to stumble and briars too prevalent to escape scratching, bruising pain.’ “I call with my whole… Continue reading
I have facilitated many pre-marital conversations; at some point the order of service to be used at the wedding is discussed. The order varies from “by the book Episcopal” to multi-faith (Christian/Jewish/Hindu) to seriously spiritual but not sectarian nor denominational. I am always ready to explore with the couple what it is they want and… Continue reading
I find this rather fascinating. The practice once by our glorious Celtic Christian ancestors was to find pagan symbols, rites, places and then “baptize” them, make them Christian. This was not to deny their origin and meaning, not to denigrate and ignore the behavior of others but, in the name of the Holy, to include… Continue reading
“For many others, the overwhelming spread of evil will do them in—nothing left of their love but a mound of ashes” – Matthew 24:12. The processes of an evil deed… After the bloodshed and massacre of Roseburg, some have started to admit (though hesitantly) that they are becoming inured to such tragedies. The murders of… Continue reading
There has, without doubt, been a a truly “Papal glow” hovering and permeating the cities visited by Pope Francis. His magnetic and charismatic presence of authentic devotion, humility and service have astounded the cynic, inspired the faithful and brought hope to the doubtful. His words have been congruent with his person, truly “he has taught… Continue reading
Aesop and the Power of Story Newly ordained and fresh from seminary, thirty seven years ago, I was foolish enough to believe that I had “the power”. The power to change, transform lives by the dry and arid sharing of theology. Such power, I then believed, would only be harmed by stories. Given all this… Continue reading
How beautifully simple! Only last night I was telling the most useful way of remembering names that I learned in US, but not in UK. You will know the technique… once introduced to someone used their name as often as possible in the conversation. Not so often as to appear a dullard and automaton, but… Continue reading
Breaking the confines of iphone isolation This NYT article writes warmly of the days when address books, newspapers were touched, held, reviewed and seen by others. Even the very act of seeing a friend, a parent, was nourishment to the soul. Now we battle against what is both the panacea for lack of communication but… Continue reading
It’s almost part of my refrain when I’m talking with pre-marital couples… weddings are truly minefields. Remember people are attending a wedding who have had relationships recently ended (not always at their request) and some attend who are still hoping for a long-term relationship of love and commitment. Now, mix all this alcohol and the… Continue reading
In pre-marital conversations I will often raise the question, “What place have secrets in a loving and trusting relationship?”. Really this involves the presence and consequence of lying about the truth. The lying, deceiving partner must recognize that it will take some time, an incalculable time, for the other partner to regain confidence in the… Continue reading