Thou carest more
Do you want nothing but the best? If so, George MacDonald tells us exactly how to get it. My comments follow his sonnet. Read the rest of this entry »
Telling the Truth
connecting the dots of my life
Category: Spiritual Formation
April 10, 2016
April 3, 2016
Dignity
Nothing is as amazing as God’s grace. MacDonald’s sonnet captures it with an image that invites me to hand over something I hold dear. My comments follow. Read the rest of this entry »
March 31, 2016
Going to Seminary | Perfectionism
Perfectionism is cowardly, not brave.
- It avoids looking at mistakes
- Seeks growth without painful truth
- Wants progress without failures
- Breeds insanity, not humanity
- Drains energy without mercy
- Gets stuck working harder
- Is strategic, not forthcoming
- Would rather hide than be wrong
- Fears failure and success
- Kills joy and compassion
March 29, 2016
Going to Seminary | Part 17
On a happy outing with D and our children, somewhere on the West Coast, 1976
It’s now 1975-76. I’m in the last year of my master’s program at Fuller Seminary. D and I were happily married when we arrived at seminary. In fact, my happiest memories up to then are about my relationship with D. A little conflict is to be expected, right? Read the rest of this entry »
March 27, 2016
Thou art my life
Have you read George MacDonald’s adult fantasy, Lilith? I couldn’t help making a connection between this sonnet, the plot of Lilith, and Easter. My comments follow the sonnet.
August 12
Thou art my knowledge and my memory,
No less than my real, deeper life, my love.
I will not fool, degrade myself to trust
In less than that which maketh me say Me,
In less than that causing itself to be.
Thou art within me, behind, beneath, above—
I will be thine because I may and must.George MacDonald, Diary of an Old Soul
Augsburg Fortress Press 1994
March 25, 2016
Why It’s Good Friday
Today is Maundy Thursday. You’ll read this on Good Friday. I’ve been thinking this week about Jesus’ relationship with God as he drew closer to death.
Jesus laid aside many things during his brief time on this earth. Read the rest of this entry »
March 24, 2016
Suddenly it all made sense
My heart was broken
Long before the cracks began to show
Holding my breath
To get through harsh punishment
Quiet shallow breathing
To ensure I’m not noticed or called out Read the rest of this entry »
March 21, 2016
Before I got my eye put out
How is your sight? What captures your attention? Despite Emily Dickinson’s opening phrase, I don’t think her poem is a lament for lost eyesight. What do you think? My comments follow her poem. Read the rest of this entry »
March 20, 2016
our inmost garments
MacDonald has death on his mind. Not death as a process, but death as the proper goal of life. His images are positive, though the realities he names aren’t usually welcome. My comments follow. Read the rest of this entry »
March 18, 2016
Going to Seminary | Part 16
California clothes in Savannah, GA, summer 1974-75. Photo taken by my father.
Just reading Part 15 made me wince. I’m in a no-win cycle. From my point of view in 1974-75, I had three choices as D’s wife: Read the rest of this entry »
