I could have driven to the coffee shop. I'd have stayed warmer and drier. But that wasn't the point. The point was that it was time for a walk. So, inside heavy wool coat, hat, scarf, and mittens, I set out on foot into the swirl of damp snowflakes. They stuck everywhere: on my nose,... Continue Reading →
Pausing with Whatever: Practices of a Monk in the World
The titles on my bookshelves don’t fully reveal what those shelves or their books actually hold. Because I have the habit of tucking notes into my books for safekeeping, I never quite know what will fall out when I open a book. Not a great organizational method for my correspondence, this tucking away of notes... Continue Reading →
On Joy and Summer Trees
Are there memories whose goodness has surprised you? Though not a poet, I took a workshop earlier this year which involved writing a poem that explored the divine through joy. Inspired by the vividness of Li-Young Lee’s sense-awakening poem “From Blossoms”, I tried writing about a kind of remembering moment that has taken me by surprise,... Continue Reading →
On Getting Our Energy Back: Reflections for Mental Health Month
“Many of us seem low on energy,” began my church's newsletter article. “The past several years have taken a toll,” the article said. I paused. The stresses and strains of recent years may go without saying, but I feel glad whenever someone does say how strange and exhausting life can still feel. I saw a recent article... Continue Reading →
A Novel for Lent
"We tend to associate this time of year with devotionals or books for study," I wrote recently in Christian Theological Seminary's CTS Connections newsletter. It was a piece reflecting on my recent novel, Kat's Dreams. I continued: "In the case of Kat’s Dreams, though, I chose to set this story during Lent – and I envision... Continue Reading →
The Miracle of Dust (Kat’s Dreams)
Sometimes it's from the dust and ashes that God brings blessing and even new life.
