Life can be messy. The path ahead is not always clear. In such moments, we can be left with the daunting task of having to decide what course of action to engage in, which path to follow. Sometimes it’s a decision between A and B. Sometimes it’s a decision to act or not act. Sometimes … Continue reading Spirit-Filled decision-making: the way of discernment for individuals, councils, and communities.
Spirituality
The Flip-flopping of Eugene Peterson; highlighting the logs in our eyes.
If, like me, you are someone who lives at the intersection of ‘Christianity’ and ‘Facebook’, you probably have come across reports about Eugene Peterson’s views of same-sex marriage. Yesterday it was reported that Peterson, a stalwart in the Evangelical world, had ‘changed his mind’ on the issue, and is now in support of same-sex marriage. … Continue reading The Flip-flopping of Eugene Peterson; highlighting the logs in our eyes.
The danger of Lectio Divina: My Response
Last week a friend of mine shared a blog on his Facebook page about the discipline of Lectio Divina. The blog was called “Is Lectio Divina really dangerous?” The blog was written by Mark Moore and was a wonderful affirmation of this discipline. Moore wrote the blog in response to another blog, written by Tim … Continue reading The danger of Lectio Divina: My Response
Many grapes or healthy grapes?
A few weeks back, my wife and I journeyed to BC wine country for a few days of rest and vacation. For four days we lounged by the pool, walked amidst the vineyards, and visited wineries. The highlight of our trip was a private tour of the winery where we were staying. Our guide, Sophie, … Continue reading Many grapes or healthy grapes?
Cancer and the Cross
Maundy Thursday has always been my favourite service of the year. I love the solemnity of the service. The stark contrast between the celebration of the Eucharist, immediately followed by the removal of all signs of life, leaves me continually awestruck. I find profound poignancy in the church being left as nothing but an empty … Continue reading Cancer and the Cross
3 hints when practising Lectio Divina
Recently, Facebook reminded me that we have been doing the practice of Lectio Divina at the church for over one year. Since that time, many have asked me to come and help them explore Lectio Divina further. As one clergy-friend remarked; “Lectio Divina is your thing!” I’m not complaining, I love this discipline, and I … Continue reading 3 hints when practising Lectio Divina
Living the Beatitudes
Does anyone else feel that the world is spinning out of control? The inauguration of the US president, and the opening days of his rule, has turned the world on its head – or perhaps it is better to say that what used to lie simmering beneath the surface of contemporary life has now broken … Continue reading Living the Beatitudes
Clearing the Spiritual Clutter
Sometimes I wonder how I get any work done. My desk at the office is always some array of discombobulation. It is often covered with an array of books, mugs, pens, and file folders; my keyboard is often hidden beneath by a mountain of bulletin templates and sticky notes. What happens when I need a … Continue reading Clearing the Spiritual Clutter
Choosing Simple
We live in a world of constant noise and distraction. There is always something to tear us away from what we focus on in any given moment. Images flash before us, ever changing what we are thinking about or reflecting on. Music provides an endless soundtrack to life; we find it in malls, in banks, … Continue reading Choosing Simple
Are you Quiet or Silent?
By mere definition, to engage in a retreat is to take a specific time away from the stresses and busyness of regular life, in order to attend more deeply to God’s presence and voice. To do this, many retreats employ some element of silence. We put down our schedules. We close our emails. We turn off … Continue reading Are you Quiet or Silent?
Reverend Kyle Norman 