spiritual formation – 300 words a day

Going for two in a row.

(Part of a series this week on choosing to learn. First published April 3, 2013) As we make changes in our lives, we need to relax into the routines. We need to learn to take our actions from “days in a row” to “weeks in a row” to “months in a row” to “seasons in […]

by Jon Swanson

Faltering isn’t failing

I was trying to answer a question about Lent. My friend said, “Describe the feeling that people are experiencing that observing Lent could help with.” I wrote, “When you feel frustrated with faltering again on goals and resolutions.” And I laughed. The truth is that many of us describe outcomes as “failures.” We started the […]

by Jon Swanson

Lent is an opportunity, not an obligation. Maybe.

Some of my friends with spiritual interests anticipate Lent with a sense of gratitude. They are thankful for what they learn about themselves through the disciplines of giving up and of moving toward God. They appreciate the invitation to participate with others known as the Body of Christ. I have other friends who argue a […]

by Jon Swanson

Practicalities and a gratitude

1. If you need to find a funeral home or need to compare funeral homes, parting.com is one resource we point people toward. Enter your ZIP code and answer a couple questions and you should have access to funeral homes near you. 2. What can you do today to make progress on something you are […]

by Jon Swanson

learning while saying a little prayer.

“As a pastor I was charged with, among other things, teaching people to pray, helping them to give voice to the entire experience of being human, and to do it both honestly and thoroughly.” That’s what Eugene Peterson wrote. Give people a sense of what is possible and acceptable and available. Give them a sense […]