Author Archives: Mother Beth Tjoflat

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About Mother Beth Tjoflat

Episcopal priest, urban contemplative, playwright, lover of hounds, American of Chilean-Norwegian-Moravian descent. Interests include transformational ministry with the forgotten and marginalized; church planting and congregational development; 12-step spirituality; Hispanic ministry; radical hospitality, and spending time with dear friends.

A new voice rings out

My Great Aunt Katie passed away early this morning, just a few days shy of being “104 and ½.”  It is hard to be too terribly sad, knowing that she had a full and adventurous life, marked by love of … Continue reading

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Forever reliant on God.

When my dear friend Kim saw this photo of one of God’s more colorful creatures, she shared this acronym with me: “FROG: forever reliant on God.” What does it mean to be forever reliant on God? As this “introvert-intuitive-feeler” comes … Continue reading

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It’s autumn somewhere.

We are officially in the fall season, though with recent days in the 90s it has been hard to recognize.  Dawn is coming later, which is always a good sign things are turning.  And Wednesday morning should see temperatures in … Continue reading

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A gust of wind.

A few days ago, I found myself seated on a plane next to a life-filled young man who was traveling to visit his girlfriend, whom he’d met while serving in Kuwait. He was one of those unusual folks who says … Continue reading

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Even if we fail.

Some years ago, I did a little stand up comedy.  My entire act hinged on the premise that we humans do not enjoy criticism. “Anyone else here grow up with critical parents?” was my opener. The crowd laughed. Because most … Continue reading

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Silence is not always a virtue.

Last week the Rev. Benedict Groeschel was criticized for making a statement that some victims of child sexual abuse were responsible for causing the abuse, that these youngsters were the “seducers” and that first-time pedophiles do not deserve to go … Continue reading

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Making things whole.

Being with lots of people, each with special gifts and a desire to build the church, can be exhilarating and inspiring. This week at Nuevo Amanecer, a conference of individuals dedicated to building Hispanic ministry through the Episcopal Church, I … Continue reading

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Seeing, feeding, reweaving a life.

God is constantly at work in our lives though this is not always apparent.  But as we look back often it is possible to see a pattern and rhythm that suggests Life and Love at work.  I have been visiting … Continue reading

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A taste of shalom.

God showed up again today. I was early for a new devotional gathering and watched for the women who said they would be joining me.  None of them came. I couldn’t help but notice three women huddled around a nearby … Continue reading

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Originally posted on walkingwithclare:
“Go forth without fear, for he that created you has sanctified you, has always protected you, and loves you like a mother.” – St. Clare of Assisi This evening as news reports roll out about starvation in…

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