Category Archives: Grace

May hatreds cease.

Posted on June 21, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Grace | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, grief, healing, mercy, reconciliation, renewal, shame, unity, vulnerability | 1 Comment

“Through the wall of flame.”

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

As a frightened man in a burning boat has only one way to the rest of his life, we must move with courage through the wall of flame into the greater sea. — Mark Nepo, Book of Awakening, p 172 … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, compassion, grace, gratitude, grief, healing, holy ground, inner darkness, John of the Cross, mercy, vulnerability | Leave a comment

Love abounds.

Posted on March 24, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last week I experienced disappointment and failure in a fairly public way. I also experienced a mind-blowing, heart-expanding outpouring of love and encouragement from friends, colleagues and loved ones. Once again, I am reminded that, without risk and messiness, I … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Baptism, Christianity, faith, Grace | Tagged 12-step spirituality, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, mercy, street ministry, vulnerability | 1 Comment

A third way.

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Recently I was in a conversation with a friend, who expressed that he vacillates between two different ways of relating to me: blunt assertiveness or drawing back with a very passive stance. I understand where he is coming from. But … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, Grace | Tagged 12-step spirituality, compassion, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, mercy, radical hospitality, recovery, renewal, spiritual growth, vulnerability | Leave a comment

“Bless these gifts.”

Posted on February 21, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Over the past two or three days, I find myself needing to unfurl my clenched fist, to loosen my grip and let go. I find myself longing to integrate parts of myself and my journey that might seem incongruent or … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, Grace, peace | Tagged community, compassion, grace, gratitude, healing, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, mercy, Moravian prayer, radical hospitality, reconciliation, recovery, spiritual growth, unity, vulnerability | Leave a comment

“Romance, finance and self-importance.”

Posted on February 15, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Just this morning I heard a friend make the observation that “romance, finance and self-importance” are the three areas that are most likely to get him off-track. These distractions — trying to find love, scrambling for money or seeking an … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Ash Wednesday, church without walls, community, healing, hope, inner darkness, mercy, vulnerability | Leave a comment

Becoming friends.*

Posted on January 31, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

It was my privilege to preach this sermon at the 172nd Convention of the Diocese of Florida at Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville, Fl, on Jan. 30, 2015. Micah 6:6-8 Hebrews 12:1-2 Matthew 25:31-40 Psalm 15 O Lord, may only … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, Recovery, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church planting, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, Justice, Matthew 25:31-46, mercy, new ministry, option for the poor, radical hospitality, recovery, renewal, street ministry, unity, vulnerability | 4 Comments

Boundaries.

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Got a call today from a well-meaning Christian person who has a “really cool project idea,” making videos to send to family and friends from whom individuals may be estranged. They have a great idea – they just need access … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, holy ground, mercy, street ministry, vulnerability | Leave a comment

Expectations.

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Time and again, we have been warned to avoid having expectations. Our 12-step friends often caution us: “An expectation is a resentment waiting to happen.” The wisdom in this is indisputable. When I shift from dreaming dreams and making plans … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, faith, Grace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged 12-step spirituality, compassion, Epiphany, grace, healing, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, integration, mercy, recovery, spiritual growth, vulnerability | Leave a comment

The heart of God.

Posted on November 27, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

The following sermon was preached this Thanksgiving Day at St. John’s Cathedral, Jacksonville, FL. (Deuteronomy 8:7-18; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Luke 17:11-19) May we experience that Love which is no respecter of persons. In the name of God, Father, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, faith, Grace | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, gratitude, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, mercy, Thanksgiving, unity, vulnerability | 6 Comments