Journal

Category: Contemplative Life

Ashes & Stories

“We honor our parents by not accepting as the final equation the most troubling characteristics of our relationship. In analysis, you work to turn the ghosts that haunt you into ancestors who accompany you. That takes hard work and a lot of love, but it’s the...
“The God I Don’t Understand”

“The God I Don’t Understand”

In this “Space for God: BIBLE,” Rev. Chris Lugo reminds us how frequently in Scripture we meet someone asking a question we all ask at different points in our lives, “God, what are you doing?”  The Psalms, in particular, are full of pointed...
SOUNDINGS: Soul and Brain Food from Sabbatical

SOUNDINGS: Soul and Brain Food from Sabbatical

“SOUNDINGS” posts consider topics that are important for our society, for the Church, and for our own spiritual journeys.  To ‘take a sounding’ is a nautical term about using depth to determine where you are and where you’re going.  These writings are designed to do...
“Art Break: Titian” with Jan Haugen

“Art Break: Titian” with Jan Haugen

In this “Space for God: Beauty” devotional, we welcome back Jan Haugen (Smithsonian National Gallery) for another “Art Break”—this time looking at a 16th Century Italian painting by Titian.  Jan guides us into the beauty and subtlety of the portrait of 12-yr-old...
Sabbatical Ends, A New Season Begins

Sabbatical Ends, A New Season Begins

“You look around, and you see a world that is impenetrable, that cannot be made sense of.  You either raise your fist or say ‘Hallelujah’…I try to do both.”   Leonard Cohen I am back from Sabbatical.  It was wonderful, restful, beauty-full, and...
The Love that is God: A Reflection

The Love that is God: A Reflection

In his July 5th letter while on sabbatical, Bill mentioned a book, The Love That is God: An Invitation to Christian Faith by Frederick Christian Bauerschmidt.  I picked it up and found myself drawn not only by Bauerschmidt’s insight but also by his giving words to...
“The Heart of Spiritual Formation”

“The Heart of Spiritual Formation”

In this “Space for God: BIBLE” devotional, Rev. Chris Lugo (Coracle Community Minister) guides us down to the biblical foundation of spiritual formation—Deuteronomy 6.  Known traditionally as the “shema,” this powerful invitation to worship God...
News from Bill on Sabbatical

News from Bill on Sabbatical

Dear Friends and Fellow Pilgrims, It is a great grace to be writing to you from a place of deep rest and wonder in the middle of sabbatical!  I’m writing with a brief update on the time thus far and also with great thanksgiving.  Yes, thank you for your prayers for me...
The Reality of Humanity (Rom 3:10-21)

The Reality of Humanity (Rom 3:10-21)

In this “Space for God: Bible” reflection, Rev. Chris Lugo (Coracle Community Minister) guides us gently but steadfastly into an encounter with our sin and our need for salvation. He unpacks Paul’s teaching on our universal brokenness in Romans 3 and...
“Everyday Feasting” with Terry Timm

“Everyday Feasting” with Terry Timm

In this “Space for God” devotional, author and vocational coach Terry Timm guides us into the theme of feasting in the Christian Story.  By reflecting on the Eucharist (the feast that was) and the Eschatological Banquet (the feast that will be), Terry...
“Personalizing Psalm 23”

“Personalizing Psalm 23”

In this “Space for God” devotional, Amy Boucher Pye (Coracle Spiritual Director) shares a practice she has come to deeply value for its ability to draw God into the very midst of our daily life—our needs, desires, and feelings. By personalizing Psalm 23, we can come...
“Psalm 139 in Story & Song”

“Psalm 139 in Story & Song”

In this “Space for God: Bible”, Kristy Wallace Grant (Repentance Project Director) guides us into an encounter with Psalm 139 in all its beauty and fullness.  Drawing together Scripture, story, and song from different cultures, she invites us to worship...