Tag Archives: 12-step spirituality

Prayer of the heart.

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

I spent some time today sharing with a friend who is in trouble, has been in trouble most of his life. He has spent more than half of his time on this globe paying for the wrongs he has committed. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged 12-step spirituality, church without walls, grace, grief, healing, hope, inner darkness, mercy, simple prayer, vulnerability | 5 Comments

Warm, generous and friendly.

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

When I googled “hospitality,” one definition that came up described it as “treating guests and strangers in a warm, generous and friendly way.” This suggests welcoming others unconditionally, helping them to feel comfortable and welcomed. Of course there are reasonable … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, congregational development, Ministry, Uncategorized, unity | Tagged 12-step spirituality, church without walls, community, healing, mercy, radical hospitality, welcome | 2 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

He who is becomes.

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

He who is becomes. The uncreated lets himself be created. He whom nothing can contain is contained in the womb of a thinking soul who stands midway between divinity and the heavy and brittle flesh. He who is the giver … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, peace | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, healing, holy ground, hope, Incarnation, mercy, simple prayer, spiritual growth, vulnerability | 1 Comment

‘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

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

Forever reliant on God.

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

When my dear friend Kim saw this photo of one of God’s more colorful creatures, she shared this acronym with me: “FROG: forever reliant on God.” What does it mean to be forever reliant on God? As this “introvert-intuitive-feeler” comes … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Interfaith, Ministry, peace, Recovery | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, community, healing, holy ground, homelessness, hope, simple prayer, spiritual growth | 2 Comments