inside matters

inside matters

from the books of Unwrapping His Presence and slow God: 40 years of wonder.   the paper protected the present. it also presented the gift as something it wasn’t. colors, images. a cover, a mask. though lovely and friendly, the imagery lies about reality. paper,...
a brief poem

a brief poem

l  e     s       s c    a      n  b    e  m     o      r         e.    in a world of many words and endless presentations  we might serve better by shortening  a song, a story, a sermon, a show.  the true and deep meaning  can surprise and mean even more by  ending...
Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

As we continue emphasizing a different spiritual discipline each week, this one seems a little late. Shouldn’t we have highlighted the act of “giving thanks” last week?  The lateness is intentional. This is the week I personally need to remember the importance of...
Lectio Divina  by Doug Beacham

Lectio Divina by Doug Beacham

Everyone should know a little Latin. Here’s one for you: Lectio Divina. It means “divine reading,” and refers to a practice of reading the Bible that enables a person to enter into the text in such a way as to more clearly hear the voice of God, and be transformed by...
The Spiritual Discipline of Rest

The Spiritual Discipline of Rest

This week’s spiritual discipline is “rest.” Today’s blog is from the book Pause: The Secret to a Better Life One Word at a Time.    I frequently encourage students—and myself—to hit pause. But how? How do we rest for a moment, relax for a portion of time, and receive...
Journaling by Doug Beacham

Journaling by Doug Beacham

This week’s spiritual discipline is journaling, one of my favorites. Today’s blog is by Bishop Doug Beacham, General Superintendent of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. There are two aspects of journaling that are my focus in this brief essay. First,...