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Author Archives: Mother Beth Tjoflat
A happy life.
On Palm Sunday, when I went to clear off the altar, I found this box of instant mashed potatoes next to the offering plate. At first, the package seemed strangely out of place, but almost immediately it made me think … Continue reading
Unity in diversity.
My Lenten discipline of making confession became something much bigger. It resulted in a challenging and amazing conversation with a monk who also is a Catholic priest. While on retreat, I had scheduled time to make my confession – a … Continue reading
Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace, reconciliation, unity
Tagged Christianity, community, compassion, grace, grief, healing, holy ground, hope, hospitality, reconciliation, street ministry, unity, vulnerability
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The gift of the shadow of death.
This morning I saw my friend Abe for the first time in weeks. He looked bright-eyed and well-tended. As we spoke, I noticed a body brace peeking out from his windbreaker and asked him what had happened. “I got beaten … Continue reading
New life.
The past few days I have been thinking about what it means to be brave. Lately it shows up most often for me in a willingness to be vulnerable with others. This week I had an opportunity to speak about … Continue reading
Posted in faith, Uncategorized
Tagged Christianity, community, compassion, grace, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, mercy, reconciliation, renewal, spiritual growth, vulnerability
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Two nickels.
This past Sunday a man, whom I don’t recall meeting before, approached me during the peace. “Mother Beth,” he said with a sense of purpose that made me wonder what he wanted. He held up his hand. “When is the … Continue reading
Giving up shame.
Originally posted on walkingwithclare:
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…
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Transfiguration moments.
It was a joy and privilege to preach this morning at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL. (2 Chron 6:18-21; Ps 99; Matt 17:1-9) “Transfiguration Moments” May I speak in the name of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. There … Continue reading
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Fully alive.
This sermon was offered this morning at San Jose Episcopal Church where I was blessed to preach and celebrate. (Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Cor 3:1-9; Matt 5:21-37) “Fully alive.” A few weeks ago I had an opportunity to meet … Continue reading
Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Grace, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity
Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, radical hospitality, street ministry, vulnerability
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To be despised.
“Sometimes laws are used to push people aside, to get rid of people we don’t like. To make them go away.” At Bible study this morning one of our friends from the street made this observation as we reflected on … Continue reading
Becoming friends.
This past Wednesday morning was one of our coldest yet this year. It was drizzly and the wind blew right through the patio area outside Clara White Mission, where we host a weekly Morning Prayer and coffee fellowship. “Good morning,” … Continue reading
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