Tag Archives: holy ground

“I was sick and you visited me.”

Posted on January 10, 2015 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Last night I had a troubling dream. This dream is not about Bishop Heather Cook of Maryland though the tragic, heart-breaking events that resulted quite appropriately in her arrest no doubt got my subconscious riled up. Be forewarned that this … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, compassion, grace, healing, holy ground, hospitality, inner darkness, Matthew 25:31-46, mercy, shame, vulnerability | 1 Comment

The girl without hands.

Posted on December 6, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Lately I have been thinking about this fairy tale, which I encountered years ago. In the past, it helped me in the “in-between times,” when the realization that old ways of being and doing no longer served me. Our 12-step … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, peace | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, Justice, mercy, street ministry, vulnerability | 6 Comments

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

Seven chaplains.

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Twelve days ago, I had emergency surgery to remove my gallbladder, followed by a second surgery to remove a wayward stone that was wreaking havoc. Typically these procedures involve no more than a one-day stay, but I had a persistent … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace | Tagged compassion, grace, gratitude, healing, holy ground, hope, hospital chaplaincy, hospitality, vulnerability | 7 Comments

Into action.

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This broken world needs people of prayer but it also needs people of action. My Third Order Franciscan friends have it right when they affirm a call to service that includes not just prayer and study but work. There is … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, faith, Grace, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, community, compassion, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, mercy, vulnerability | Leave a comment

Church Invisible

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Recently I reread a portion of Evelyn Underhill’s writing in which she speaks of the Church Invisible (those saints known only to God) and its role in making manifest the kingdom of God. She writes: Christian selves are simply parts … Continue reading →

Posted in congregational development, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace, Uncategorized | Tagged Christianity, Church Invisible, church planting, church without walls, community, compassion, grace, holy ground, hope, mercy, radical hospitality, renewal, street ministry | Leave a comment

“Lord, save me!”

Posted on August 10, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

Peter has left the boat – he has stepped out on faith to go to Jesus. But then, halfway there, he begins to sink even as the waves begin to rise. He is powerless to do anything about it. He … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Grace, Recovery | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, compassion, grace, holy ground, Matthew 14:22-33, mercy, spiritual growth, St. Augustine, vulnerability | Leave a comment

“Forgotten by us, but dear to you.”

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This day I find myself meditating on a prayer from a beautiful Litany for Compassion: “For all who are forgotten by us, but dear to you: We entreat you to hear us, good Lord.“* I think of the pain and … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Diocese of Florida, Episcopal church, faith, Grace | Tagged community, compassion, grace, gratitude, grief, healing, holy ground, hope, radical hospitality, simple prayer, vulnerability | Leave a comment

The garden of my heart.

Posted on July 12, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

In tomorrow’s Gospel lesson, Jesus tells the parable of the sower. Hearing this parable used to make me uncomfortable. I worried that my soil was too rocky or shallow, that the good news would die or be snatched away. Looking … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, peace, Recovery, Uncategorized | Tagged 12 Steps, 12-step spirituality, Christianity, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, inner darkness, Matthew 13, recovery, resentment, vulnerability | 4 Comments

Sabbath time.

Posted on June 28, 2014 by Mother Beth Tjoflat

This weekend I carved out time I didn’t think I had. To spend time with dear friends, time breathing in salt air, eating fresh food and feeling the sand beneath my feet. It is an odd quirk of mine – … Continue reading →

Posted in 12-step spirituality, Christianity, faith, Grace, peace, Recovery | Tagged 12-step spirituality, Christianity, grace, healing, holy ground, hope, mercy, sabbath, simple prayer, vulnerability | Leave a comment