Category Archives: Poetry

The Wisdom of Tara Brach and Pádraig Ó Tuama

Posted on August 28, 2020 by

Last week’s Love Mischief led me to a talk by Pádraig Ó Tuama. Before I had a chance to listen to it, this short video from Tara Brach landed in my inbox. What came up for me as I listened … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Mindfulness, Poetry, Prayer Retreat Outline, Reflections, Stories, Wednesday Lunch Club | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Big Reveal

Posted on August 21, 2020 by

(Warning: This video contains strong language.) Comedian Hannah Gadsby begins her new show, Douglas, by telling her audience what to expect. “This way I can meet your expectations–or alter them,” she says with a smile. Gadsby goes on to say … Continue reading →

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Embracing the Power I Have

Posted on May 8, 2020 by

If Jesus were my spiritual director and had read Becoming What I Eat and Drink, he wouldn’t ask me about my desire to be Mr. Rogers. He would ask me about the agitation I felt watching that scene from Jesus … Continue reading →

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Remaking History

Posted on April 10, 2020 by

We were about to make Canadian history: the first Living from the Heart course day on Zoom. Audrey, Brent and I had put in extra hours rearranging the material, learning how to do break out rooms, and prepping the participants. … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Week, Poetry, Prayer, Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

I Am Both

Posted on February 28, 2020 by

It’s Ash Wednesday. Tonight our priest will press her thumb into ashes and impose the truth of our mortality on my forehead. “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” Pastor Ruth will say. When I think about it, fear kicks in … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Ash Wednesday

Posted on February 25, 2020 by

Pilgrimage Ash Wednesday He’s on the road          waiting for me today we begin a forty-day walk to Jerusalem I lace up my shoes and follow from a safe distance but it’s bound to happen His eyes will … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Poetry, Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

What My Heart Wanted to Hear

Posted on February 7, 2020 by

  A friend asked if I had written any poems about loneliness. I hadn’t. Then I listened to Brad Aaron Modlin’s poem “What You Missed That Day You Were Absent from Fourth Grade” and Pádraig Ó Tuama talk about it. … Continue reading →

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You Are Mine

Posted on January 24, 2020 by

Worry is the first sign. I’m attached to an outcome. What if the bus is late? What if I get to the airport and the planes don’t fly and the buses don’t run and I’m stuck at the Kelowna airport … Continue reading →

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Advent IV: Say Yes

Posted on December 20, 2019 by

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the … Continue reading →

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Advent III: Retreat

Posted on December 13, 2019 by

Three cancelled appointments and a no show at Bible study gave me the breathing room I needed. I know that was You looking after me. Sometimes You’re about as quiet as a three-year-old trying to sneak up on mommy. Then … Continue reading →

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