Journal

Tag: listening

The Gift of Spiritual Direction

The Gift of Spiritual Direction

The ministry of Spiritual Direction has grown in popularity and accessibility over the last decade, but for many of us, I expect it remains a bit foggy.  I know it was for me when I joined the Coracle staff.  Not a mentor, therapist, or life coach—a Spiritual Director...
SOUNDINGS: “Learning to Hear God”

SOUNDINGS: “Learning to Hear God”

This reflection is part of our “Discernment: Hearing God in a Noisy World” Series.  Discerning God’s unique voice is one of the most important skills for a Christian and is absolutely crucial for our intimacy with God and our ability to follow him. ...
RECORDING: “The Journey of Discernment”

RECORDING: “The Journey of Discernment”

During this Soundings Seminar, Karla Petty (Coracle’s Dir. of Program Development) facilitates a very impactful conversation on the topic of spiritual discernment with a panel of 3 Coracle Spiritual Directors.  They draw out both the importance (and joy) of...
“Learning Discernment from Trout”

“Learning Discernment from Trout”

In this “Space for God” devotional, Rev. Bill Haley (Coracle Executive Director) invites us to explore the wonders of trout and what they can teach us about the spiritual practice of discernment.  Learning to hear God’s particular voice to us is a...
Deconstruction, Discernment & 2022

Deconstruction, Discernment & 2022

Happy New Year, everybody!  Regarding this Year of our Lord 2022, I’m excited, intimidated, expectant, and sober.   I’m sober because the significant shifts and challenges that we’ve experienced in the past few years will persist and likely intensify.  I’m excited by...
Listening Intercession with Anne Grizzle

Listening Intercession with Anne Grizzle

In this “Space for God” devotional, Anne Grizzle (faculty, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation) guides us through a time of listening intercession.  Too often, we jump right into praying for what we think we should pray for without asking the Lord to...
The Recipe for True Retreat

The Recipe for True Retreat

In May 2021, we were thrilled to help Kayla Allen and MaryJo Peak host “The Retreat at Swift Run Farm,” which started with a desire to create a beautiful experience around the table that would nourish women through storytelling and delicious food.  After...
Halfway Through My Year as a Coracle Fellow

Halfway Through My Year as a Coracle Fellow

As we approach the halfway point of a year of gathering together, I reflect on what I thought this year would be and what its reality has been.  When I discovered the Fellows program, by accident really, I immediately heard God whisper my name, “Kelly, this is what we...
What We Need to Nourish Our Souls

What We Need to Nourish Our Souls

My husband and I live on an Air Force base, and a few weeks ago, I went for an afternoon walk along the trail that circles the runway. I had just purchased a jogging stroller from my sister’s neighbor and wanted to give it a try, but the timing was terrible and the...

Summertime…and the livin’ is easy

A long, slow, exhale as you ease into your chair with something you’ve been wanting to read.  A sultry morning, a soundtrack of cicadas and sprinklers, sans school buses, when you can already feel the heat sizzle at 7am. A warm night outside with a grill going and...

Into the Wild

The imagery can be as gentle as “a feather on the breath of God” (Hildegard) or as shocking as “immolate me” (Margaret Mary Alacoque), but the essence is the same. This is where the Christian life will ultimately lead if we want it and are willing to go there.   This...

The Trouble with Silence

In kindergarten music class, I remember my teacher running an experiment with us.  She had us sit in silence for a full minute. No talking, no moving. Then immediately after she gave us another full minute where we could talk or be silly. Guess which minute seemed...