Category Archives: 12-step spirituality

Spring cleaning.

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

“Writing is not so much building a building as it is clearing out a space.” -C. C. These words were spoken by a striking young woman named C.C., when I asked if any in our gathering had experience with journaling. … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, mercy, recovery, vulnerability | 4 Comments

“I am thirsty.”

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This reflection was offered this afternoon as part of a series of reflections on The Last Seven Words of Christ at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL. After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, Diocese of Florida, faith, Ministry, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, community, healing, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, mercy, radical hospitality, recovery, street ministry, vulnerability | 2 Comments

That you would bless me.

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Today a new friend shared with me how the prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10) has been a spiritual aid for her. The translation she has committed to memory is this: “Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, Episcopal church, Interfaith, Ministry, unity | Tagged blessing, community, congregational development, hope, peace, unity | 4 Comments

Fill the jars.

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Now standing there were six stone water-jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, faith, Ministry, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, healing, mercy, spiritual growth, transformation, vulnerability | 8 Comments

‘O, the wonder of it all.’

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. -Leonard Cohen This morning a beautiful man shared this simple expression with a small group of … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, grace, holy ground, inner darkness, mercy, simple prayer | Leave a comment

In our midst.

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Ministry, peace, Recovery, unity | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church plant, community, grace, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, radical hospitality, street ministry | Leave a comment

Without walls.

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Below is a sermon I was privileged to share at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL, on Thanksgiving Day. I share it here because it helps describe and capture the spirit of new urban ministry as we strive to “build a … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Interfaith, Ministry, peace, Recovery, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, holy ground, homelessness, mercy, option for the poor, recovery, street ministry | 6 Comments

A program of action.

Posted on November 12, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last Thursday afternoon, the folks who planned to show up for a devotional time at a local shelter didn’t. That is not particularly unusual. My job is to show up, I remind myself, and then to adjust accordingly. So, after … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, congregational development, faith, Ministry, Recovery | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, option for the poor, recovery, spiritual growth | 2 Comments

To thee all angels cry aloud.

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

I met a man recently whose bangs and forehead were laced with a silvery dust. At first glance, you might think he’d been sprinkled with fairy dust or brushed by the wings of an angel. But such benevolent thoughts are … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Recovery | Tagged addiction, Christianity, grace, healing, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, mercy, recovery, street ministry | Leave a comment

Withholding nothing.

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

In my early twenties, I dropped a rock that I fully intended to carry with me to the grave. On this particular evening, I was riding around in my beater car (the “Red Rocket”) with one of my friends. Suddenly … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Interfaith, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, 5th Step, Christianity, community, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, mercy, recovery, spiritual growth, vulnerability | 3 Comments