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How to Avoid Spiritual Gluttony During Lent
As a spiritual director, I’ve asked a few people what they are doing for Lent. I was impressed by the variety of responses: a new biblical or spiritual reading plan, extra hours in Adoration, regular Stations of the Cross meditations, subscribing to a daily app or podcast, or volunteering at a local charity… Some were planning to do more than one. These are all good activities, but I was a little overwhelmed. My follow-up question: How will these bring you closer to God? A puzzled look usually follows. The assumption is that if a person is doing a lot of holy activities, then being in the presence of God will certainly follow. But…
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What’s the most important step in the spiritual life?
‘ “I need to find a place to live.” Not surprisingly, this is a common request from the homeless people I meet with at Strong Life Rescue Mission each Wednesday. In my response, I look for a little step the person can take. My follow-up goes something like this. “Do you have a job or source of income?” I’m looking but no one will hire me because I lost my social security card. “I can take you to the Social Security office and get you a replacement.” They need an ID. I lost that too. “Let me take you to the DMV instead.” I can’t pay the fee. “They’ll waive…
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The Value of Being Still
When chaos abounds, God give eight words to live by: "Be still, and know that I am God."
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The Spiritual Life of the Resurrection Fern
Let the breath of God restore you to new life.
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Discovering a new Chapel of Ease
Don't let your "Chapel of Ease" fall into ruins.
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Finding growth in barren places
"Deserts and wastelands will bloom and shout for joy." Is 35:2 It doesn't take much of an imagination to see that the prophet is also speaking to the desert landscape of our life.
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Three people you need in your spiritual life
Three unique roles of Christian discipleship
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How the First Rule of Ignatius Caught Me by Surprise
You're never too far along in your spiritual life to neglect the basics
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Spiritual entropy: What is it & how to reverse it.
Entropy is the tendency of all things from order toward disorder. How do I keep this from occuring in my spiritual life?
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The first rule of spiritual accompaniment
One of the first rules in spiritual accompaniment is to go where the other wants to go. Little did I realize...