Category: Spiritual Formation

Question: How Does Startling Economic News Impact Your Spiritual Life?

You’ve seen the news.  Apparently, this economy is in a real crisis.  No doubt, you are watching, along with the rest of us, as those in Washington seek to formulate a plan to help this economy.  The proposal by Treasury Secretary Paulson will cost $700 billion dollars.  This week, Washington is trying to come to… Continue reading Question: How Does Startling Economic News Impact Your Spiritual Life?

Getting Back to the Center (Part 2)

This is now day six since I have moved from Windows to Mac (MacBook Pro).  It has been a fairly smooth transition so far.  Occasionally, I will come across some little thing that is just different than what might happen with Windows.  (Such as attempting to "right click" on the Mac the way I would… Continue reading Getting Back to the Center (Part 2)

For Those Who are Willing to Read Slowly

After all, some truths are meant to be savored.  They are more like a good steak in which you desire to savor every bite.  Far too many people come across important statements and treat them like a hot dog at the ball game.  Scarf it down quickly and get on with eating something else.  … Continue reading For Those Who are Willing to Read Slowly

Getting Back to the Center (Part 1)

This week, I have posted very little as I am transitioning from a PC to a Mac.  For about three days this week, I have not had access to either my new or the old computer.  Anyway, the transition phase of this is almost over.  Thanks for your patience.  In the meantime, several people in… Continue reading Getting Back to the Center (Part 1)

Question: What Are Some Warning Signs?

Yesterday, I spent much of the day with a small group of very fine ministers and church leaders.  In the course of conversation, we talked about the importance of raising good questions regarding the various dimensions of our lives and then addressing those questions.  This has to begin by first addressing the center.   Ideally,… Continue reading Question: What Are Some Warning Signs?

Marriage: What I’ve Learned at 30 Years (Part 4)

(You can read part one here, part two here, and part three here.)  Just a few weeks ago, we were at Mitchell’s Fish Market in Sandestin, Florida, celebrating our thirtieth anniversary.  Now did I ever enjoy that!  Celebrations are that way, aren’t they?  You just enjoy them.  I do continue to think about what I… Continue reading Marriage: What I’ve Learned at 30 Years (Part 4)

The Ordinary Moments That Shape and Form

I have now read about a hundred pages in Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered by James Wilhoit.  He speaks of what forms us as believers.  While classes, sermons, and special seminars may be significant in our formation, ultimately the most important formative experiences are those everyday life experiences and the way we approach… Continue reading The Ordinary Moments That Shape and Form

Marriage: What I’ve Learned at 30 Years (Part 3)

We had two small children.  My wife, Charlotte, stayed at home with them.  I was working with a church that was a wonderful place to be but in many ways was consuming me.  (I don’t mean for this statement to be a reflection on that church.  Rather, it had more to do with my inexperience… Continue reading Marriage: What I’ve Learned at 30 Years (Part 3)

Waiting

Richard Foster, who for many years has worked with Renovare, has written about waiting.  Foster is the author of several good works related to spiritual formation including Spiritual Disciplines, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home, and Life with God.   Foster writes:  Waiting!  It is among the most universal of human experiences.  Waiting to begin school.… Continue reading Waiting