Fr. Richard Rohr offers a profound vision of the soul: “I think of soul as anything’s ultimate meaning, which is held within. Soul is the blueprint inside of every living thing that tells it what it is and what it can become. When we meet anything at that level, we will respect, protect, and love it.”
Continue reading “The Blueprint of God’s Love”Today the Church celebrates Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist—the one tradition remembers as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” John’s life is marked by a closeness to Christ that feels almost startling in its intimacy. He was there on the mountaintop at the Transfiguration, beholding glory. He was there in the garden at Gethsemane, keeping watch in the shadows of fear. And at the Last Supper, he rested his head upon Jesus’ breast, listening to the heartbeat of God.
Continue reading “Learning to Live Beloved”
The third week of Advent invites us to rejoice even as the candles burn against the long nights of waiting. Joy in Christ is not the shallow cheer of circumstance, but the deep flame that endures through hiddenness, dryness, and even suffering.
Continue reading “Advent Joy in the Midst of Hiddenness”
The longer I live in the light of God’s holiness, the more I become aware of the subtle, deceptive sins of my heart, the nagging idolatries, and the places where I lack godly character. As I walk with the Lord, I become increasingly aware of the labyrinth pathways of sin that course through every area of my life.
I simply cannot stand before the searching light of the glory of God’s holiness with an open heart and walk away proud.
The longer this light shines on me, the louder my cry for grace grows. The longer I live in the presence of God’s holiness, the more I become aware of the depth and extent of my sin, the more I am dependent on God’s grace, and the more I am amazed by his patience.
How beautiful God designed it this way. Lifting the veil to my neediness. Bringing me to humility and my knees, turning me to right order my desires and give my gifts to my Savior, divine born man in the most humble way on Christmas Day.
Giving me, and us all, the gift of love.
Sit quietly, Beloved.
Take four deep breaths, Beloved.
Read a few truths, Beloved, that the One who loved you first says about you:
God makes me like a jewel in a crown. (Zech. 9:16)
Continue reading “Week Twelve. Beloved. Looking for God’s Goodness and Weekly Reflection Summary.”Today’s post, The Road Hard Traveled, from Melanie at Just Beloved, encourages us that we have one sure rock on which to cling to in the One who loved us first.
Continue reading “Week Twelve: Beloved. Always”Today’s post, Pruning Hearts, from Melanie at Just Beloved, encourages us that abundance grows with trust in the One who loved us first.
Continue reading “Week Twelve: Beloved. Trust the Process”Today’s post, Gratitude, from Melanie at Just Beloved, encourages us that gratitude is a choice found in the One who loved us first and that miracles unfold when we give God thanks no matter what comes our way.
Continue reading “Week Twelve: Beloved. Grateful”Today’s post, New Identity, from Melanie at Just Beloved, encourages us that we can have new dreams and visions found in the One who loved us first.
Continue reading “Week Twelve: Beloved. My Beloved”Today’s post, Trying Days and Lasting Peace, from Melanie at Just Beloved, encourages us that we find peace in the One who loved us first.
Continue reading “Week Twelve: Beloved. Lasting Peace”
Smitten With Goodness 