I’m curious about something. I’ve generally (not always) heard that we’re given at least one gift when we come to faith, and that this is our gift for the rest of our earthly lives. But my experience and observations of others’ lives over the years don’t necessarily bear this out. Nor do I see strong Biblical support for this idea. The other tea…[Read more]

Here’s some of what Simon Tugwell has to say about humility’s close cousin, meekness: “We know so little of the divine intention in what we do that it is foolish to have more than the most provisional purposes in mind while we do things. But this surely makes it much more possible for us to act. If heaven and earth depend on what we do next, we sh…[Read more]

I’ve also experienced my share of hurt within the church. Much of it I’m still working to resolve. And I’ve encountered several barriers along the way to resolution. But I’m starting to wonder…

Is it possible that I’ve been navel gazing too much? Could it be that, when I have considered others, I’ve only been considering THEIR false selves? Wha…[Read more]

Emanuel, your comments encourage me greatly. Christ, the Great Physician, always points us in the direction of healing for both ourselves and others. Our Benedictine Rule speaks clearly regarding discipline, that it is always to heal, not to punish.

If I am honest, I must admit that there are several relationships in my life where I have not…[Read more]

David was so blessed to have Nathan! Before Nathan confronted him, how aware was David of the depth of his sin? Surely he had some awareness. After all, he did try to get Uriah to sleep with his wife and then essentially had him killed when that plan fell through. Without Nathan, would David have been able to repent? I don’t like the Nathans in m…[Read more]

I’ve observed an interesting phenomenon in this season of life. I used to really struggle to fulfill the roles I thought were mine. I always felt that I somehow fell short, likely because I couldn’t force others to respect me, like me, listen to me, etc. These days, I don’t try so hard and it seems to have resulted in my taking on roles I never…[Read more]

Had a great conversation with a dear friend last night about how we tend to identify our “gifts”, usually via some sort of spiritual gifts inventory, and then turn ourselves into spiritual pretzels trying to “live into my gift”. Meanwhile we neglect to do the needed things right under our noses because “that’s just not my gift”. (She sees a good b…[Read more]

Br. Monty!! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts in this forum. Welcome, Brother!

Blessings,
Sr. B

Hi Br. Monty! The Lord has a way of getting our attention one way or another, doesn’t He? If we won’t slow ourselves down, He tends to arrange our lives so we have no other choice! 😉 Blessings on your recovery, brother!

Welcome, Emanuel! I hope you find being a part of the order as much of a blessing as I have!

This business of having to plan for the future makes it a bit tricky to simply live in the present, doesn’t it? Blessings on your preparations…and on your “being” and learning to listen!

Sr. Becca

Vacation presented me with a challenge. The different environment gave me an excuse to allow my regular rhythm to be disrupted. I became my “vacation self”. Then, when I returned and resumed my regular rhythm, everything felt sluggish, like the spiritual plumbing was clogged. Lesson learned!! I need to be the same “me”, wherever I am, whatever is going on!

Looking forward to being part of the course and getting to know the other participants! Blessings,
Sr. Becca