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Author Archives: Mother Beth Tjoflat
Blessed by the most vulnerable.
As I go along in ministry, I seem to get clearer and clearer about my sense of call. Rapidly I find myself getting over the need to apologize for what often comes across as a broad and unwieldy sense of … Continue reading
“Woman, why are you weeping?’
She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ Easter is an immensely joyful time for those who believe and trust in the good news. We celebrate what has … Continue reading
Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, Episcopal church, faith, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized
Tagged holy ground, hope, inner darkness, mercy, shame, street ministry
3 Comments
Stripped and broken, beautiful still.
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. (John 12:32-33) When we think of the beauty of God, it … Continue reading
Getting older is getting freer
“Why bother.” “You’re only going to fail.” “No one will support this.” Being obedient to God can be daunting. For one thing, if I am honest with myself, even when I sense very strongly that God is calling me to … Continue reading
Posted in Christianity, Episcopal church, faith, peace
Tagged 12-step spirituality, hope, mercy, Merton Prayer, new ministry, recovery, simple prayer, spiritual growth, Thomas Merton
2 Comments
Truth-telling and other brave acts
A dear friend told me recently, “You are very brave.” My inner critic was quick to tell me: Brave? Possibly. Or perhaps you are mildly crazy or deluded. I kept my mouth shut, but hoped my friend was right. My friend’s … Continue reading
Love wins: always, always, always.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:5) This week has brought a deepening appreciation for the power of the Body of Christ gathering and affirming our faith, our confidence in the One who … Continue reading
Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Uncategorized
Tagged community, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, joy, recovery, simple prayer
5 Comments
Giving up shame.
There is a fair amount of chatter these days about how best to observe a Holy Lent. Many people choose the discipline of giving something up – like chocolate or wine or Facebook. Others take something on – a new … Continue reading
Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, Episcopal church, faith, peace
Tagged 4th Step inventory, hope, Lent, recovery, shame, shame resilience, simple prayer
5 Comments
What we are made for.
Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become ‘the father of many nations’, according to what was said, ‘So numerous shall your descendants be.’ He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already … Continue reading
Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith
Tagged 12-step spirituality, church planting, community, forgiveness, hope, Romans 4:18-21, simple prayer
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Only Jesus.
Suddenly, when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of … Continue reading
The face of Christ
God is everywhere. Jesus promises to be with us always. All that is. This is what God holds in his palm, according to Julian of Norwich. We like statements of certainty that affirm God’s presence and action in our lives, … Continue reading
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