Tag Archives: grace

A Third Way.

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

My tendency is often to sort things out, deciding what fits where, as I attempt to order my own life and seek to make sense of the world around me. I know I am not alone in this endeavor. I … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, hospitality, inner darkness, mercy, radical hospitality, recovery, unity, vulnerability | Leave a comment

Hurry not.

Posted on September 19, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This past week I was reminded that rushing is not necessary. It is not life-giving. It is not healthy. On Maui, no one seems to be in a hurry, even folks going through the motions and routine of day-to-day life. … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, faith, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged 12-step spirituality, grace, gratitude, holy ground, hope, Maui, mercy, renewal, simple prayer, vulnerability | 2 Comments

Resting in grace.

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

I am blessed to be staying in Kula, a tiny town nestled 3500 feet up, on the island of Maui. For me, this time away represents a much-needed and long overdue respite — a time to reflect on what has … Continue reading →

Posted in Grace, Recovery | Tagged 12-step spirituality, compassion, grace, gratitude, healing, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, Maui, mercy, simple prayer | 2 Comments

Open hands.

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last night I dreamt I was travelling somewhere – with my former roommate Lisa and our friend Ashley and possibly one other soul or two. We arrived at our initial destination by what means I know not. A plane? A … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, Grace, Recovery | Tagged community, compassion, grace, gratitude, grief, healing, holy ground, hope, mercy, recovery, vulnerability | Leave a comment

Communion happens.

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last night my dear friend Ian, who a couple of weeks ago staged a production of Godspell to benefit Church Without Walls, shared a wonderful story with me: This week he was downtown with several Godspell cast members as they … Continue reading →

Posted in faith | Tagged church without walls, Communion, community, compassion, friendship, grace, holy ground, homelessness, hope, hospitality, mercy, spiritual growth, vulnerability, welcome | Leave a comment

Close moments.

Posted on August 2, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

It has become a spiritual practice for me to reflect upon my life experience and to identify “close moments with Christ” – those times when I sense the presence of the Holy Spirit in the midst of day-to-day living. Today … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, peace | Tagged church without walls, community, compassion, grace, gratitude, holy ground, homelessness, hope, inner darkness, mercy, option for the poor, street ministry, unity, vulnerability | 2 Comments

Open and undefended.

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This is a personal reflection on my experience as a first-time deputy to the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, which is presently convening in Salt Lake City. We cannot receive new life — we cannot experience transformation — … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, Recovery | Tagged #GC78, 12-step spirituality, 78th General Convention, community, compassion, grace, healing, holy ground, inner darkness, mercy, radical hospitality, reconciliation, recovery, renewal, The Episcopal Church | 2 Comments

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