Conversations about what Paul Tillich calls “matters of ultimate concern” are all too rare in everyday life. There are immediate needs to meet and details to manage, a thousand reasons to dwell on more concrete topics. Even among good people who do good work, there are few opportunities to reflect on spiritual aspects of the life we’re living.

To see it in the most positive light, maybe that reticence helps guard what is sacred. Our connection to the divine is a mystery, and any means we find to talk about it is inadequate. The Jewish tradition of never uttering the name of God embodies a reverence for what is beyond us, and I try to hold that wisdom in mind.

But not talking about our spiritual path sends any of several discouraging messages:

  • our spiritual lives aren’t important
  • regular folks don’t discuss such personal experiences
  • actions alone matter, not the inner life that sustains them

If we don’t share our spiritual life we can’t encourage others to build theirs, or receive support in strengthening our own. I want to hear what awakens you to the presence of the divine. It might open my eyes, too.

I would like this blog to become a place where those conversations can happen. In hope of getting things started, I’ll share my perspective on things like:

  • the sacred elements in ordinary life
  • spiritual practices that fit the lives we lead
  • the divine voice urging us toward wholeness
  • the fullness of life in using our gifts and offering our best
  • books I find helpful along the way

I hope you’ll join in. I don’t have a lot of answers, but I’m really interested in questions. I invite you to share your explorations, too, so that we can learn from each other about this journey we’re on.

If you’re still reading and want to know about me…

I stand at the intersection of four aspects of life that inform who I am:

  • Spirit
  • Intellect
  • Art
  • Relationships

I hold master’s degrees in theological studies (MA) from Lexington Theological Seminary, and creative writing (MFA) from Spalding University. Rearing two children, now young adults, has been an education as well.

I’ve been part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for most of my life, and currently serve as an elder and Stephen Minister at my church. It’s a community I care deeply about, even through all the questions about church and my relationship with it.

If you’re interested in my writing, here are some links to articles that are currently available online:

A poem published in Alive Now that someone picked up and reprinted in a church newsletter. It’s a PDF, just scroll down to page 2:

“A Prayer for Advent”

An article about the process of creating and publishing a recent anthology titled When the Bough Breaks, published in the online journal, Public-Republic:

“Collective Effort: The Making of an Anthology”

I’m also a founding member of The KaBooM Writing Collective, and contribute to The KaBooM Writers Notebook blog.

Thanks for visiting!