by Bill Haley | Dec 6, 2013 | Contemplative Life
Recently, I had another all too familiar conversation with a man preparing for a retreat at Corhaven. He said, “Even though I’ve been a Christian for many years and heard a hundred sermons on this, I have a hard time accepting God’s love for me. If I had to climb 10...
by Wade Ballou | Nov 29, 2013 | Contemplative Life
A Japanese red maple graces the front of our home. We planted it about 20 years ago. It provides wonderful shade while in leaf and lately has been home to a family of doves. It does however have the bad habit of dripping a sticky resin onto our cars. In the Fall its...
by Wade Ballou | Nov 27, 2013 | Contemplative Life
I have been trying to write about icons since attending Betsey Malloy’s retreat at Corhaven on Praying With Icons (June 2, 2013). I own a handful of icons. They look nice. But, pray with them? Afterward, I agreed to write a reflection and it would “not...
by Coracle | Nov 27, 2013 | Contemplative Life, Liturgical Seasons
by Carol Jackson Appealing: attractive or interesting. synonyms: attractive, engaging, alluring, captivating, tempting, enticing, irresistible, winsome, 2. (of an expression or tone of voice) showing that one wants help or sympathy. “an appealing look”...
by Soren Johnson | Nov 7, 2013 | Church Unity, Contemplative Life
The original blog was posted on the catholic herald. “Long-confession-line graces” I’m still trying to make sense of it all. In the past few months, I’ve attended several Catholic mega-gatherings where penance was offered. In each, men, women and children...
by Wade Ballou | Nov 3, 2013 | Contemplative Life
Several weeks ago we celebrated with our son Daniel his marriage to Brittany and I was able to share the following blessing: Daniel, you have our blessing to leave our home and to make a new home with Brittany and to take with you the best that we could give you....
by Coracle | Sep 25, 2013 | Contemplative Life
Recently a man in his mid-30s (professional, deep Christian, father of four young children) came out to Corhaven from Arlington for a retreat, and met God. He was kind enough to put it into words. He had an experience that was uniquely his, but one that I’ve heard...
by Coracle | Aug 7, 2013 | Contemplative Life
by Chrissy Koach Movie fans may already know what I’m talking about: one is obsessed and the other is oppressed. One is consumed with desire to possess something, and one is feeling crushed by circumstances surrounding him. Neither one is perfect: George verbally...
by Coracle | Jul 31, 2013 | Contemplative Life
The other week, I assisted my wife and some other adults in advising a group of sr. high aged kids from around the country, in a week of service and volunteering. This “Work Camp” was held in Concord and Charlotte, NC at a therapeutic horse farm...
by Soren Johnson | Jul 15, 2013 | Contemplative Life
The other day, I was driving home with my boys after a rained-out Little League practice. Lightning flickered behind receding clouds, a headache lingered from a long day at the office, and my 8-year old, Owen, predictably asked if they could play outside when we got...
by Lucas Koach | Jun 30, 2013 | Contemplative Life
A mantle is the place where we display prized valuable possessions in the most prestigious spot in our house. I always feel like my mantle at home is always missing just the right object. By contrast, a simple bird house, exposed to the elements, is built to be...
by Wade Ballou | May 23, 2013 | Contemplative Life, Liturgical Seasons
Two on a journey have an encounter: upon reflection, “weren’t our hearts strangely warmed,” they said. (Luke 24: 13-35) Jesus sending his followers out by twos with instructions not to take anything and with authority over the unclean spirits. They...
by Wade Ballou | May 9, 2013 | Contemplative Life
(to be read slowly, with much silence between the thoughts) In John 21:3 Simon Peter said, “I am going fishing.” They said, “We’ll go with you.” Although they fished all night, they caught nothing. After being directed by Jesus,...
by Bill Haley | Apr 25, 2013 | Contemplative Life, Vocation
Recently with World Relief in Philadelphia, mention was made in a room of about a hundred people that I had met (very briefly) Mother Teresa some years ago. A few minutes later, a man found me across the crowded room, because he wanted to share his own experience. ...
by Soren Johnson | Apr 18, 2013 | Contemplative Life
Jolts of inspiration don’t arrive in the mail every day. But a while ago, my uncle called. He told me that in cleaning out his basement, he’d come across my great-grandmother’s Bible. He’d be happy to pass it on to me. Nanny — as we affectionately knew her — fled...
by Gabriel Dodd | Mar 21, 2013 | Contemplative Life
What is retreat, and why do we do it? Retreat is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director.” A Christian retreat is often referred to as a definite time spent away from...
by Soren Johnson | Mar 6, 2013 | Church Unity, Contemplative Life
Soren Johnson is one of Coracle’s board members, and recently he gave this address to over 800 (mostly) Catholic men on retreat in Herndon, VA. His words apply to all men who long to follow God while living in these times. “Where do we go from here?” Annual...
by Bill Haley | Feb 23, 2013 | Contemplative Life
At this point in a conference like this on justice, it’s already overwhelming. It’s quick and easy to feel like there’s so much to do, and so much I’m not doing, even when I’m already trying to do as much as I know to do. What to do with these longings, these...
by Soren Johnson | Feb 19, 2013 | Contemplative Life
Soren Johnson is on the board of Coracle, and in this short blog, he truthfully hits on the structure of a family. Soren shares how his ‘house’ is made, and nudges us to be mindful of what matters. This entry was originally posted here, or you can...
by Bill Haley | Jan 3, 2013 | Contemplative Life, Liturgical Seasons
I’ve often mentioned that I’ve come to discover the deepest truths about life, God, and the spiritual life from the lives and insights of those who have suffered much, and those who have chosen the religious, viz the monastic, life. Perhaps one could add to those...
