Fountain Fullness and Good Stewardship
Post by Mary van Balen And since the nature of goodness is to diffuse itself… the Father is the fountain-fullness of goodness. Ilia Delio Yet access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right, since it is essential to human survival and, as such, is a condition for the exercise […]
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is…
Today’s post is by Mary van Balen Hank is one of my favorite people. I don’t know him well, but I’m getting there. At the end of most work days I stop and talk with him on my way out. We talk about politics and religion despite conventional wisdom that warns against it. He shares […]
Travel as Prayer
Today’s post is by Anita Davidson To celebrate my 60th and her 30th birthday, my daughter and I took a trip to Ireland and Lithuania. Ireland because I’ve always wanted to go there and Lithuania because my maternal grandparents emigrated from there to the US. It was my first trip “across the pond” and I […]
Into the Dark
Today’s post is by Joann Nesser I was afraid to follow you into the dark, afraid I would lose your lovely face. But, gently, you took my hand and led me across into the abyss where no one knows the way. Gradually the light began to dawn And then came streaming in. Bright light, shining […]
In Community With All Living Things
Today’s post is by Wendy Adams “Oh Great Spirit, Land and Sky and Sea You are inside, and all around me.” Some of my fondest spiritual experiences have happened while I was on a retreat or pilgrimage. It is no coincidence that I need time away from my busy routine. I have to set aside […]
The Mug and Me
Today’s post is by Mary van Balen I fell in love with a coffee mug. Let me explain. It happened on Friday morning at work. I came in as usual, put my lunch in the refrigerator, walked to my desk, lowered my purse into the drawer, and returned to the kitchen to pour a cup […]
When We Listen to the Bell
Today’s post is by Bryan Berghoef My first introduction to a meditation bell or singing bowl was at my first Shalem staff meeting over four years ago. I clearly remember hearing it ring out—the warm vibrations had an immediate calming influence. It seemed the obvious and natural way to lead us into silence, even though […]
Rain—An Icon of Grace
Today’s post is by Mary van Balen Rain pelted the windows as I fell asleep one Friday night this spring. Thunder rumbled in the distance, occasionally exploding through the thick sky, rattling the window beside my bed. I’ve always loved thunder storms, especially at night when I have nothing else to do but listen and […]
Spiritual Mulch
Today’s post is by Bryan Berghoef Spring is upon us, and the warmer weather has many of us returning to tasks we last performed some months ago. We may find ourselves mowing the lawn, prepping the garden, pruning some bushes, setting out bird seed, or simply enjoying the ever-greening view. As I called upon my […]
Contemplative Leadership: Born of Compassion
Today’s post is by Leah Rampy When compassion fills my heart, free from all desire, I sit quietly like the earth. My silent cry echoes like thunder throughout the universe. – Rumi What does it mean for us to be called to compassion, graced with the capacity and the desire? What do we notice about […]