-
Recent Posts
Archives
Category Archives: Stories
Choosing Life
In the past month, I’ve had conversations with a number of people addicted to alcohol and drugs who are now sober. One day at a time, they are rebuilding their bodies, their lives and their relationships. Each one–whether they’ve been sober for weeks or … Continue reading →
Posted in Overeating, Reflections, Stories, Wednesday Lunch Club
|
Tagged Carlo Scherer, drops, Esther Hizsa, Joshua 24:15, Last Day, Rachel Titiriga, Richard Rohr, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Divine Dance, The Shack, Tylerwardis, William Paul Young
|
2 Comments
Christmas Spent
I didn’t intend to have an unsentimental Christmas. It just turned out that way. I enjoyed gatherings with friends and family, giving gifts of homemade granola, and watching A Charlie Brown Christmas again. But the tinsel and romance of the season left me … Continue reading →
From Weakness to Weakness
There is a dog in Loyola House that soothes the aching soul. Perhaps you’ve heard of the “balm in Gilead that makes the wounded whole”? Apparently someone at Loyola House in Guelph, Ontario has a dog who does the same thing. People who go there for … Continue reading →
Weakness: The Heart of Belonging
My old friend, Insecurity, showed up again when I attended a two-day SoulStream board meeting. Even though I was among people who are open, accepting, and kind, I felt uneasy. Someone mentioned a book I hadn’t read or music I hadn’t … Continue reading →
Posted in Advent, Christmas, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories
|
Tagged 2 Corinthians 12:9, Aimee Ray, belonging, Dolly Rainbow, Doug Schroeder, Esther Hizsa, God was weak, Hugo van der Goes, needy, SoulStream, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Adoration of the Shepherds, weakness of God
|
Leave a comment
The God We Got
God could have come with battle lines drawn, an army of trumpeting archangels, and a legion of patriarchs. But God came in vulnerability, a baby without a home . . . –from “The Arrival” by Ann Siddall Why did God … Continue reading →
Posted in Advent, Christmas, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories
|
Tagged Ann Siddall, Dave & Lorelle, Doug Schroeder, Esther Hizsa, Franz Mayer & Co, God wants to be held, Holding Hands, Luke 11:27-28, Plum leaves, SoulStream, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Arrival, The Nativity, weakness of God
|
2 Comments
God Became Weak
“O come, o come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,” we sing. We too “mourn in lowly exile here” until the Son of God appears. We long for God to come in power and right our injustice, heal our ills, dispel our confusion, and … Continue reading →
Posted in Advent, Christmas, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections, Stories
|
Tagged Cry of Life, Esther Hizsa, God was weak, Madonna Mary and Baby Jesus, needy, Sander van der Wel, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Waiting for the Word, weakness of God, What Child Is This?
|
3 Comments
A Patch of Fog
“Turn on your lights and slow down,” Fred said. The fog on the road was so thick, we couldn’t see more that a few metres in front of us. I drove slowly, silently, looking for red tail lights and road signs … Continue reading →
Posted in Reflections, Spiritual Direction, Stories
|
Tagged Anne Yungwirth, being present, bravelittlebird, David Wagoner, Esther Hizsa, Heavy Fog, Houston Marsh, John Knox Christian School, Lost, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Stand still, Super Thick Fog leaving Montalvo
|
2 Comments
A Sense of God’s Presence
This month I returned to Bowen Island to spend a few days alone with God. I hoped it would help me get through the dark months ahead. I didn’t have much of a sense of God’s presence until I passed by a church and … Continue reading →
Posted in Mystical, Prayer, Reflections, Stories
|
Tagged Alan Feebery, Barbara Brown Taylor, Beeston Church, Bill Ingalls, Bowen Island, Esther Hizsa, FarelGab, Gerald May, Howth St.Mary's Church, Learning to Walk in the Dark, Luke 17:20-25, Metro Vancouver, Perseid meteor shower, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Dark Night of the Soul
|
3 Comments
The King of Kensington
“I have some sad news for you,” the minister said and paused. “Ken Ryan asked me to give you a call. He’s got lung cancer. Stage 4. He’d like to see you.” If you’ve read my book, you may recall Ken, … Continue reading →
God Isn’t Always Trying to Teach Us Stuff
Sorry folks. No new piece of writing came together for me this week. I hope you enjoy this post, originally published in 2013. God knows my thoughts even before I do.* And having heard all my thoughts, God must have a … Continue reading →
Posted in Popular Posts, Stories
|
Tagged Anne Yungwirth, cell phone, Esther Hizsa, everyday, Frederick Buechner, God's love, Karen Tjøstelsdatter, Maltbie D. Babcock, Now and Then: A Memoir of Vocation, Philip Howard, Psalm 139, Psalm 139:4, Song of Songs, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, spiritual journey, Steve Imbach, This is my Father's World
|
2 Comments
An Everyday Pilgrim 