In his book Devotional Classics, Richard Foster writes the following about Madame Guyon: Madame Jeanne Guyon (1648-1717) was born in Montargis, France. When she was only fifteen, she married an invalid who was thirty-eight years old. Unhappy in her marriage, she sought happiness in her devotional life. She lived in a convent under royal order… Continue reading Savoring Every Bite
Category: Spiritual Disciplines
You Are Not Alone
Today I am thinking about the privilege and joy of living in the presence of God. I don’t say that in a light, "churchy" sort of way. I really mean this. To live with a sense of his presence not only provokes worship but creates a sense of direction in a world where there is… Continue reading You Are Not Alone
What Do We Really Crave?
My friend drove to Waco the other day from a city located several hours from here. He has been living and working in this city for a number of years. Now he is about to move. He will be living in a new city, a new state, and will be working in a new role… Continue reading What Do We Really Crave?
Read Only If You Are Busy
Busy. That is the word that describes most of us. We have a lot going on. Much to do. It may be your job. It may be responsibilities with your children. It may just be the culture in which we live. Not long ago, someone asked me what Charlotte and I were doing with… Continue reading Read Only If You Are Busy
Living an Authentic Life
This has been one of those weeks in which the weather has been especially cold. The last few days, with the sleet and ice on the roads, the winter weather shut down much of our world in this area. It has been a week, however, in which hot soup seemed especially good and coffee and… Continue reading Living an Authentic Life
Frederick Buechner: Laughter in the Face of a Promise
Frederick Buechner is a novelist/theologian who has written a number of books exploring faith and the meaning of life. Some years ago, I read most everything I could find by Buechner. I found his prose gripping and his honesty disturbing. At times, he seemed to be able to put a finger on feelings/thoughts I’ve had… Continue reading Frederick Buechner: Laughter in the Face of a Promise
John Baillie: “My First Thought”
John Baillie (1886-1960) was born in Scotland. He was a professor, theologian, and author. I first became aquainted with him through his little book A Diary of Private Prayer. My good friend, Chris Bullard, and I were in Steele’s Christian Bookstore (used books) in Kansas City where our family was living at the time. We… Continue reading John Baillie: “My First Thought”
Pilgrim Heart
I have been thinking this week about 2007 — next year. Next year comes in a matter of weeks. As I anticipate the year, I feel a restlessness. I am not always sure what to do with something like this. I have to believe this is (or can be) a good thing. Maybe I am… Continue reading Pilgrim Heart
The Importance of Solitude
In the late 1980s, I discovered the writings of the late Henri Nouwen. Nouwen was a Roman Catholic priest, university professor, and psychologist. After having taught at Notre Dame, Harvard, and Yale, he went on to work with mentally handicapped adults in Ontario. He was a prolific writer. I remember reading books such as… Continue reading The Importance of Solitude
The Big Picture Gives Meaning to the Small Things
Yesterday, I sat in a Mexican restaurant with a new friend. I haven’t known him long. He is about 64 years old and a longtime minister for a Dallas church. He is in Waco for a conference at Baylor. Such an encouraging lunch! He is still growing, thinking, and learning. He reads widely and… Continue reading The Big Picture Gives Meaning to the Small Things