Category Archives: faith

A gentle giant.

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory, Dear One.  This dear saint –The Rt. Rev. Charles Lovett Keyser — served as the fourth Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Forces and, upon retirement, served generously in the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. … Continue reading →

Posted in Baptism, Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, Interfaith, love, reconciliation | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Perspective.

Posted on August 5, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Sometimes, when we are in the thick of a struggle or crisis, we lose perspective. That is perfectly normal.  When we are able, stepping back can help us find new eyes to see.  This can be a great gift of … Continue reading →

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Words matter.

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

After the Christmas break, my son began attending a new elementary school. The decision to move was not made lightly but transitions can be challenging.  As we moved through the first few weeks, I prayed a lot and there were … Continue reading →

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There is only now.

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered on Sunday, May 30, 2021 — Trinity SundaySt. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville, FL Isaiah 6:1-8Romans 8:12-17John 3:1-17Psalm 29 In the name of God, Father Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. “There is almost no such thing as … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, love, reconciliation, Recovery, unity, urban ministry | Tagged | 1 Comment

Holy grit.

Posted on January 2, 2021 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

We enter a New Year with a sense of caution but also with great hope.  Recently someone asked me what title I might give the year 2020.  The first thing that came to mind was “holy grit.”  Many of us … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Grace, holy, hunger, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The gate.

Posted on May 2, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

In this week’s Gospel reading (John 10:1-10), we encounter Jesus, the good shepherd. And yet in this passage he does not refer to himself explicitly as the good shepherd. Instead he tells his followers, I am the gate.  I am the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, community, compassion, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace, hunger, Interfaith, love, Ministry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Wailing wall.

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

A decade ago I was blessed to visit the Holy Land.  One of the most moving experiences for me was visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem, an exposed section of a retaining wall built by Herod.  Jews and other pilgrims … Continue reading →

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Come from the four winds, O breath.

Posted on March 29, 2020 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This morning the prophet Ezekiel reminds us that God is with us, that we can call on the One who created everything that is, even when it may seem, at moments at least, that we are left alone to face … Continue reading →

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Woke by Jesus.

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This sermon was offered at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, FL, on Sunday, April 7, 2019 Fifth Sunday in Lent Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 Psalm 126   May I speak in the name of God, Father, Son … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, holy, love, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Coming together.

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

In the aftermath of the mass shooting in Orlando (and every other recent and incomprehensible tragedy), it is hard to feel anything other than profound sadness. I want to make room for this overwhelming sense of grief and yet I … Continue reading →

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