Reading from Spirituality of Living: Preface & Discipline and
Discipleship (p 13-18)
Reading from Spirituality of Homecoming: Preface & Home in the Heart (p 12-14)
A warm welcome to each of you at this very special time of year. Once again we anticipate the gathering together of a beautiful community of people. We gather to help each other focus our hearts and minds on Jesus, and grow closer to Him during Advent and beyond. Our guide on this journey is Henri Nouwen, as we reflect on his books and legacy.
We are excited to explore two very complementary books from the Henri Nouwen Spirituality Series: The Spirituality of Living and The Spirituality of Homecoming. As we do, we remember John M. Mogabgab who so lovingly and skillfully brought these books together from Henri’s unpublished materials.
Before we jump in, it is always helpful to provide some information on how this online discussion flows. Each Sunday you will discover a new “post,” indicated by the bold title, on the blog’s Home page. This post will have discussion questions based around the week’s readings. It works best if you always add any new comment to the newest post, even if you are referring to an earlier post. That way, everyone will see your comment. After you submit a comment, either Maureen, Ray or Brynn need to “approve” it, so it may take a few hours before it actually appears on the blog page. If you have any further questions about how the blog works, please feel free to ask.
After that long introduction, we would love to hear from you!
1) Please introduce yourself to the group. You may choose to share:
a) Your general geographic location
b) To whom or what you dedicate your days and energy, and why
c) Whether or not you’ve participated in previous book discussions, or if you are joining us for the first time
2) In the reading from “Living,” Henri poses the question “how can we be in touch with the Spirit, hear the voice of the Spirit, and allow ourselves to be guided by the Spirit?” (P14). He then invites us to consider the need for discipline, which he simply defines as “the effort to create some space in which God can act” (p 16).
a) How specifically might you create some space for God to act this advent? A space where you can hear, feel and experience the Spirit of God, and respond? If you’d like to, please share your intentions with us.
3) In “Homecoming” Henri writes, “A listening heart therefore means a heart in which we stand open to God with all we are and have. That is a great act of trust and confidence.” It is an act that that requires moving beyond our fears and the distractions of modern life.
a) Can you anticipate how fears and distractions might block you on your journey home to the heart to meet with God? If you are comfortable, share what you discover.
These questions are meant to help get our discussion going, but please do not feel bound to them. You are free to share whatever comes up for you in the readings.
We look forward connecting with you all this week!
Ray and Brynn
Hello!
I am excited to be part of this group. It is the first experience of this type for me.
I have been following Henri Nouwen since the mid seventies when I was a new mother and discovered a tape he published on Marriage and the importance of Solitude in marriage. Actually, I wore it out until my recorder ‘ate it’ and I await, patiently for its reappearance on disc. Since then Henri has been one of my spiritual guides and I have introduced him to my now grown children.
In 2001, my husband was diagnosed with cancer. As I walked that journey with him to his passing back to God, we listened many times to Henri Nouwen’s tape on The Return of the Prodigal Son as we drove to acupuncture treatments. I treasure that tape even more now each time I listen to it. The special feature of that tape series is that it is in Henri’s own voice.
I have learned that making space for God has to happen in the morning before going downstairs. Once I go downstairs the day gets hold of me and I don’t always make it back up to my prayer corner. The rest of the day my thoughts go quickly back and forth but solitude and quiet seems to have to happen in the morning.
I have ordered the books and will have to catch up on the readings. In the last ten days I have been privileged to support my very good friend as she journeyed with her husband to his union with God: Blessings were bountiful during that time.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Leonne
Dear Leonne,
We are so happy to have you with us! Welcome!
Many blessings,
Maureen
Nouwen Legacy Manager
I am from the central coast of California. I am lost. I am hoping very much to center myself once again in my loving Lord during this Advent season, and with Henri Nouwen bestowing his spiritual insights to my soul. Pray for me!
Blessings to all of you! Originally I intended to read and chew on Henri Nouwen’s writings, the questions posed and be inspired/challenged by your comments and thought that would be “enough” without commenting. But your candor and depth of relationship to God and your commitment to open yourselves that others might also grow have touched the deepest core of me. All that I can say to each and every one of you is THANK YOU.
Who am I? A 76 year old God-seeker, nurtured by a faith community who practice Lectio Divina and by the works of Henri Nouwen, Thomas Keating’s centering prayer and contemplation as well as by material from Richard Rohr and Sr. Ilia Delio. I live in Columbia South Carolina where I am a life-long Catholic active in my faith community and also blessed to participate in a spiritually diverse sharing group called Women of Many Faiths of SC. What do I fear? settling for being lukewarm.
Hello everyone,
I’m Carol, I live in Lancaster Pennsylvania,known for our Amish community.(and no I am not Amish) lol .
I have owned a hair salon for 25yrs, and it has been a blessing to be a blessing,but even more it has been my place of refuge and security from all the storms life has thrown my way.(and I have had my fair share)
I have in the past couple of years been focusing on daily prayer, meditation,writing and photography.My spiritual practice has lead me on a new direction in sharing my
deep love with others through this. I had my first showing last weekend and it was received so well!
This is my first on line book discussion. I have been inspired by Henri Nouwen’s writings and I am looking forward to sharing this journey with you all.
Peace be with you.
I have never participated in an online book discussion but have been so moved by everyone’s comments, I wanted to become an active participant! As we are all on a different point in our spiritual journeys, I know we can all read the same words and have a different message that Jesus is speaking just to us. Since reading about making space for God to work, I have found over and over, different situations where I continually do the exact opposite and am getting in His way. And I know this because everytime I go back to the “me” solution, things don’t really work out! To that point, I wanted to share something I read recently that just confirms this message to me, that I need to make this part of my Advent focus..”Sometimes God’s work involves a degree of destruction as we find our limited structures crumbling. Through hardship or struggle, we realize we don’t have everything we need to survive in this world. That’s when things get frightening and we react rashly. Yes it may seem that everything is falling apart but God is always by our side. He constantly assures us that whatever He dismantles, He will rebuilt-only stronger.” God bless everyone!
Wow! What a great comment. So very true. Thanks!
Thank you, Cel Hope. Your retirement plan is very much like my own except that I am afraid that I am still much more a human “doing” than a human “being.” Obviously there is great value in all you are “doing,” and I am very drawn to your project with the therapy dogs and young children. I just need to figure out how to accomplish all that I wish to do in the line of social service while maintaining that sense of “being” there for each person in the present moment.
Your comment about wanting to be in control also resonates. When I think I have an “inspired” thought, can I trust it comes from God and not from the agenda of my own controlling nature?
When I experienced a broken arm and surgery, my friends said I must learn to accept the help that was being offered with such love and generosity. When I broke the other arm five months later (with more surgery required), the same friend said I had not yet learned to surrender to the “patience” needed to be a “patient” –to allow others the satisfaction of helping me and to just BE without always needing to DO. You are right that physical pain and limitations can engender a sense of gratitude and a solidarity with those who suffer.
Obviously you have given me much to think about, Cel Hope. Thank you.
Elaine, I’m glad to have someone with whom to compare notes! Before retirement, this introvert always had extrovert jobs, so my place was the refuge to which I withdrew to refresh and enjoy solitude. Now I am very conscious that my refuge of silence and peace is where I spend most of my time and I go out of it only to “do” things that are important enough to draw me out. Hopefully that makes sense. I had the first therapy dog in Wyoming, back in 1981, and visits to the nursing homes have always helped me to slow down and be, because we just wandered around and visited with anyone who wanted to see and pet my dog. It was like I was in neutral during that hours, so I gained something while I served the forgotten ones. I’ve never been good at small talk and never have much interest in just chatting, but it’s the therapy dog who “speaks” most to the people during those visits. I just hold the leash. It will be much the same with the children, so I don’t see it as much “doing” on my part, more giving a presence. Before I agreed to do it, though, I spent some time listening prayerfully and checking that it was something I truly wanted to do. My old dog, who was raised with children before I got him, has always told me he misses them, so he’ll be the one mainly doing the children therapy dog activities.
JustFaith was my step out in faith to let go of some control of my life. I could tell by the materials that this study might invite me out of my comfort zone. So it’s my “OK, Lord, what ideas do YOU have for my retirement?” attempt to “let go and let God”. We’ll see what happens. The materials are VERY powerful.
Gosh, that’s tough about breaking both arms like that. I do sympathize that you had a similar experience of powerlessness. Hopefully we can support each other as we continue to learn from that!
I live in San Diego and I married and have three children. I teach one child at home and devote my remaining time caring for my family, reading, painting, taking photos and swimming. This is my second book discussion. I did the Lenten series last spring.
My intentions and hope is to create space during Advent for God in my own contemplation, to make space by intentionally giving my time, to sit, receive, listen and to discover the never ending mysteries of his love and peace and grace. I truly hope to make God central to the season and am so grateful to experience this with a community that appreciates, encourages, and desires to make a disciplined time to discover His goodness. My fears would be that I might let the hectic schedule of the season infiltrate my time and thoughts. Like Henri writes “An undistracted life is one in which we want to lead all we see, all we hear, and all we do to the center…or…to the heart.” I know that when I make the time to rest with God I am able to be more loving and understanding, because I have been with the One who accepts me as I am, and can care for me like no one else. He knows me the best and most intimately. And in turn, I more readily accept others and situations with a gentle and compassionate spirit. So I am hoping and anticipating “a journey of prayer in which (I) can stand in the presence of God with a listening heart.”(Homecoming pg. 13). So grateful for this opportunity.
I live in northern Wyoming. My days and energy are dedicated to a whole new experience – retirement. And I love it! I have thoroughly enjoyed “giving up” rushing around and am reveling in knowing that, if I don’t finish something today, I can work on it tomorrow or the next day. I can focus more on living in the present, one minute at a time, and I’m getting better at that. I retired in April and thus enjoyed spring and summer on my two acres that I’m turning into the Garden of Eden and which is a certified backyard habitat. I noticed, and celebrated, so much life around me once my days off were not filled with rushing to weed, water or mow because I had no time for that on work days. I could pause to enjoy a particularly beautiful flower or to watch birds bringing food to their nestlings. I had my first litter of pups that I could enjoy caring for instead of rushing to clean and nurture between work hours. I resumed my therapy dog visits to the nursing homes, which I had suspended the last year because I just didn’t have energy for one more thing. We are putting together a program at the library where early-elementary-age children who are struggling learning to read come in and read to therapy dogs, who of course are totally nonjudgmental of their efforts, and we’re also working on establishing a program where therapy dogs accompany young abused children through counseling and court appearances. I was able to take a more active role in our local poverty initiative, most especially in the resource committee on which I sit. We’re trying hard to create a “one-stop” center for people seeking help, so they don’t have to trudge from agency to agency only to be told that they need to do such and such before that agency will help them. And I resumed having lunch with various friends and attending cultural and social events, things I had quit because of that lack of energy as I grew older.
I discovered Henri Nouwen probably 20 years ago and have always loved his writings. I have participated in the book discussions for the last several years, often reading the assignments and comments but not posting much. I am excited to have more time and energy to delve deeply into this discussion, since Advent is my favorite season of the year.
Comments on Living: One of my goals in retirement is to become more of a human “being” than a human “doing.” For most of my working life I held jobs in non-profits that called for dedication and giving of my time and talents. I forgot how to just “be”. I had no energy to be with people without some goal to work for. I resolved to resist filling my retirement with new projects but rather to more thoroughly enjoy what I was already doing, and to do it in a more relaxed, reflective manner. I also resolved to concentrate my energy on nurturing my surviving friendships and relearning how to enjoy just hanging out with people. I also wanted to focus better during the time I spent in prayer, trying not to allow myself to be diverted with thoughts or practical applications of what I read in spiritual reading. Henri’s invitation to create empty space in which God could work really resonated with me. I resolved to go to the near-by Benedictine monastery more often that our monthly Oblate meetings. To my horror, the sisters announced that the monastery was being closed and sold because they didn’t have enough vocations to maintain three houses. There went my plans! I wouldn’t be able to spend more time being nurtured by the sisters, who I know well and love since they have been spiritual guides since they came to Wyoming in 1983. Shortly after I added to my prayers a request for guidance to a new spiritual community that would inspire me, I received a call from the parish asking if I would be willing to co-facilitate a study of Catholic social teachings called JustFaith. As I looked at the materials, I was initially turned of by the 24 weekly classes, four immersion experiences with the poor, and two retreats. It seemed like too much of a commitment to go with my resolve not to fill my days with things to do. However, I couldn’t get that invitation out of my mind, so I went back on-line to study the program more. They used materials from old friends from the days when, years ago, our parish had a small Pax Christi group: Bread for the World, Maryknoll, Catholic Relief Services, Pax Christi–and Henri Nouwen’s Compassion, one of my favorite books. Eventually I was convinced that the Spirit was nudging me in that direction. I am very glad I committed to JustFaith and pleased that some of the participants are people from our old Pax Christi group and from the poverty resource group. I love the readings and discussions, the grappling with justice issues and the challenge of listening to see where the Lord might be leading me to deepen my identification with the poor.
Comments on Homecoming: I have always struggled to trust God, mainly because I didn’t want to lose control. It’s a never-ending battle to let go and give God a chance to lead me where He wants me to go. This summer, though, I had an experience that I can see is helping me at least confront the control issue more seriously. I had all kinds of plans for my first summer of retirement, but in early July I severely inflamed my sciatic nerve where it goes over the pelvis, first on one side, then on the other. I ended up pretty much flat on my back from the severe pain. Physical therapy finally helped relieve that pain but, just when both hips were back to normal, I took a bad fall and broke two toes, one of them pretty thoroughly. After six weeks in a boot to immobilize the toes, I finally could wear shoes, but I still have lingering aftereffects that cause walking to be painful and difficult. I have been forced to learn patience and to give up much of my normally physically active life. In the process I’ve read a lot and struggled to learn what it’s like to not be in control and to have to give up on a lot of “distractions of modern life.” I’ve had a temporary experience of what all too many people suffer for years without a chance of healing. I’m listening better to God with my heart as I do this study and JustFaith.
I’ve just been reading everyone’s comments and think this is going to be a fascinating group study. Happy Advent, everyone!!!!
Hello Everyone
I’m Pauline, I live in England in a town called Milton Keynes, about 56 miles north of London – I’ve just come to the end of a period of leadership in a dispersed Christian community, so I have no excuse for business!. I discovered Henri when I read Bread for the Journey about 5 years ago and really love the daily meditation into my inbox every day.
This is the first time I have been part of something like this and I am really excited about getting to know you all and sharing and listening about how the Lord is alive and working in our lives and our world.
The morning is definitely my best time for quiet and also when I drive in the car.
I have read all the posts and I am so grateful for those insights which you have shared which speak into my own situation.
Thank you Brynn and Ray too!
In particular I would like to say thank you for the poem “Slow me down Lord” – I needed to hear that!
God bless
Pauline
I am so happy to be back with you all. This is my second year in participating in on line book discussions with Brynn, Ray and Maureen. I have been reading Henri’s books since 2005. I read the daily meditation as soon as I wake up as I have the book by my bedside, later before I sit quietly with the Lord, I will read something else and now it is these two books. This week has been a much occupied week, but I had learnt from my grandfather that any time can be a prayer time, even if it is not at the place you normally sit to pray. I have been a palliative care Volunteer for over 25 years now, so my quiet times can be many times by the bedside of the person who may be dying. This week there were those 3 days and late nights, till my 98 yrs. friend Ida died. I know her children very well, and I also know the fractured faith history in the family. Many were nervous, others could not touch her. I would sit at that time at the bottom of the bed and caress her feet and prayed the rosary in my head. I am 74 now. I have anxious moments, but I have learnt to pray when I get anxious, if I cannot pray for myself, I ask my husband to pray with me and the Lord has always provided. Henri’s books confirm and reaffirm my Faith in Jesus and keep me grounded.
On waking up, I pray the simple prayer
Go before me, oh Lord to lead me, be beside me to guide me and behind me to protect me. Amen
I have been known to be talking to the Lord aloud and once my granddaughter heard me and asked me who am I asking for help and I said, ‘I am asking help from Jesus, Lucy.’ You would laugh at this; she said aloud’ did you hear that Jesus, Nain needs your help.’
That day I sowed the seed of Faith in a small child. Now we have to answer many questions from her. Yes, we need to be disciplined about prayer, if we want to be at peace, and want to love as God loves us and yes, we have to suffer like Jesus as well, only then one day there will be Peace on this earth. So let us always first pray and be ALWAYS listening and ministry will follow. Lata
Bless you for the work you do, Lata, and for the gift of faith you share with your loved ones. I will be forever thankful for the palliative care and love my mother received when she was dying of cancer. Although my husband and I were mainly responsible for my mom’s care (she lived with us), we couldn’t have made it without the support of people like yourself.
I love the simple prayer you use as a reminder to stay the course and maintain your perspective in every waking hour. Sometimes it is easy to pray in the quiet of the dawn and then to lose those good intentions and sense of peace in the fray of everyday annoyances or busyness. We all need some kind of mantra or even a physical cue to center us and bring us back to the sacredness of the moment. Thank you, Lata.
So very happy to be part of this on discussion group once again. Thank you Brynn and Glenn. I have gotten so much from these in the past and I can see once again it is already proving to be the same. Henri’s gift to us all is so amazing that it seems to be so personal and yet so universal. I need his words. Henri speaks to me directly in the “making space” for God. I do this everyday, but not nearly as much as I need to, or a completely as I need to. The beautiful way that Henri looks at scripture to point the way for us…solitude…community…and ministry. I pray that I can begin to cultivate solitude in this way this Advent. Pray for me, as we pray for each other, and unite as our on-line community. Thank you everyone. Looking forward to this once again.
I live in the English Midlands not far from Gilly. A semi retired lawyer I have 4 grown up chilren. My current challenge is to sell my house in a community where I feel very settled and move to the South coast to be nearer my son and baby grandchild.
Like Ruth, I have discovered that the best time for me to pray is in the middle of the night. Instead of trying to get back to sleep I come downstairs and open my Bible. In the morning my head is full of things I want to get done and at bedtime I tend to doze but at 3 in the morning time seems to stand still and I get a tiny bit nearer that experience of the “present moment” that usually eludes me. I find the Jesus Prayer repeated 100 times can be a helpful discipline.
I have never contributed to anything like this before and love the knowledge that I am part of an online community.
A Gift while we wait -for retired primary teachers ,those awaiting operations ,those at the thresholds of change and those emerging from the darkness into new light whatever that may be. These words and the purity of the child who sings them, may touch our quiet places with him and so help us create a place to discover His love for us. Looking forward to our Advent journey together next week Gilly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1cWUc_eaM0
Henri Nouwen is a very inspirational Christian author. His writings have encouraged me to seek a deeper walk in my Christian faith. The opportunity to share in the Advent discussion to prepare my heart for the message of Christmas will be a very special Christmas gift. I am a retired Primary Teacher and also experiencing “the empty nest”. I am shy and that often brings loneliness. So I am so grateful to join hands with participants all over the world and prayerfully experience the love of Christ as we walk together on this spiritual path. (Joining in from Canada)
Good morning! I live in Centennial, Colorado and I was privileged to be a part of this community last year during Lent. Yesterday we celebrated our Thanksgiving holiday and it was a beautiful gift to me. Four of my grandchildren along with my daughter her husband and my husband had dinner together and then reflected upon how faithful God has been to us. We felt His love as we shared what each of us were grateful for.
Sometime ago I began waking up in the middle of the night and tried so hard to go back to sleep, praying to God to help me sleep because I work every day and I need my rest at night. When participating in the Lenten community this past year someone shared that when they were awakened in the night to has the Lord, “What do you want Master?” Since that time I’ve enjoyed a sweet and sacred space in the middle of the night, listening and responding and still receiving enough sleep for the day’s work.
I think the most difficulty I have in hearing the Lord’s voice is when some huge change takes place that disrupts my quiet time with him. I want to more and more find the space of peace & hearing in the midst of the change, that chaos, because He is my sure foundation, no matter what changes come my way. Easy to say; hard to live out!
Grace & Peace, Ruth
Good morning all and I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving. My name is Diane and I live in a small community in Northern New Jersey. I have participated in this wonderful book group for many years now…I will never forget my very first discussion on what still to this day is my favorite Henri book–“Here and Now”. I am grateful every day that God introduced me to Henri…I refer to him as my guru! I am particularly grateful for this Advent discussion because I will be undergoing surgery on Dec. 3rd and will be home for the entire month of December….lots of time to read and reflect and just sit in God’s lap so to speak. I am a middle school science teacher and desperately want this to be my last year of teaching. I have all kinds of plans..haha, but know that as we make our plans…God is surprising us with an even better one. This has been the story of my life!
Like most of you my life is filled with busyness, stress (teaching 12-13 year olds!) and just too much anxiety. My husband and I have 2 beautiful daughters and, although they are adults now, the worries and concerns for their well-being and happiness is ever present…as any parent can attest to. At this point in my life journey I find that I am craving solitude and, crazy as this sounds, am actually grateful for my upcoming surgery! My discipline will be to use this time, that I see as a gift from God, in a way that will please Him. It would be too easy to immerse myself in Netflix movies!! My intention is to spend the morning hours with the daily Mass readings, time with Henri, and time for journaling, which has always been an important part of my spiritual journey. Lately, with the increasing demands of teachers, I have gotten away from these disciplines and I am eager to get my spiritual journey back on track.
I consider myself a writer of sorts and have had 2 devotions published in “The Upper Room” so I was so delighted to see that they partnered with the Henri Nouwen Society to publish this spirituality series. This is where I belong…in this wonderful cyber-community. I am thankful to be making this Advent journey with all of you.
Peace….we are all wounded healers.
Diane
Hello, I’m enjoying reading everyone’s comments; there are so many I’ve been reading from the bottom up so I don’t miss any!
Living: The idea of creating space where God can act is a challenging one; for me, often the familiarity of that which is known is easier to deal with than the investment required to enter into the unknown. I often say “I’m not opposed to change, I just don’t like it when it happens!” From this reading I picked up on the idea of ‘leading from my gifts’ and ‘following in the gifts of others’; in particular the phrase ‘mutual vulnerability’ stood out and reminded me of the term ‘voluntary displacement’ used in Compassion (HN et al.)
Homecoming: I don’t which is worse – fears or distractions – however they both seem to involve a loss of time and energy. The idea of pre-occupation – occupying a space, or filling an empty space with worries or something else prior to it’s time is of interest to me as I tend to do it alot! Its an area I’d like to work on more. The line that stood out for me in the reading was, “If we want to find Jesus, we need to spend time with people who are not the same as we are. And we have to listen to them.” I’m wondering if there is a distinction between those who are ‘not the same as I am’ and those who are ‘different than I am’. Either way, the value in listening to people – whilst often difficult – is something which I have been aware of for a while, and try to incoporate in my daily interactions with others; its a work in progress.
Thanks for the insights so far.
Daniel
Daniel, your definition of pre-occupation as filling an empty space with worries or something else prior to its time was very helpful to me. I find myself doing just that more than usual as my focus on the coming of Christmas drifts from Jesus to the worldly version of celebrating the holiday.
P.S. I was taking a lot of time scrolling through the comments to find the new ones until I did a “control F” find on my pc/tablet for today’s date. Then I was able to go from one November 28 comment to the next without lots of scrolling…
Thanks for sharing that tip, so helpful in making sure I can read everyone’s comments.
Hi Christine, thanks for your reply; my definition of preoccupation was a paraphrase of a much more articulate explanation by Henri Nouwen in one of his books – the title of which escapes me at present! It reminds me to try and be present in each day, giving it my fullest attention rather than always having one foot in tomorrow, next week or next year! Thanks for the tip also about searching for new comments.
Daniel
Greetings:
My name is Todd and I am a high school special education teacher in WI. Also a father to two teen children :-0 husband for 23 years, son, brother, uncle, friend. I am a big fan of Nouwen and am re-reading “The Road to Daybreak” right now. Just ordered my book for this study, so may jump in a bit late. I have participated in past on line studies, and have found them to be rich and meaningful. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Surprises! When we were married we had no indication that my husband’s family carried the Muscular Dystrophy gene as there were no symptoms of it in his generation, his parents or grandparents.
Surprise! When our sons were approximately 6 yrs of age they had difficulty opening their hand after clenching it. When our eldest was 18 he was diagnosed with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy as were the others. How to deal with this! They continued with their education and became successful in their careers–one became a teacher, another a computer programmer, while another a bus driver. They all enjoyed their careers which all ended at the age of 33 due to fatigue and weakness.
During this time I made a retreat with Jean Vanier and Henri Nouwen was part of my group and we became friends. While he never gave me advice he definitely was present to me. I realized in a deeper way the respect Jean has for those suffering as did Henri.
We live with this disease, watching, embracing their cross and hopefully inspiring them to do so also. They are exemplary in the way they live with such joy and sense of humour about how life has turned out. They laugh about wheelchairs and canes while at the same time having great difficulty when the time came that they required them to function. They know they are going to heaven and will be rewarded for the sacrifices that have been imposed on them. They really impress everyone they meet as they never complain.
This is the American Thanksgiving and I’m thankful for our marriage, our sons and all those who are supportive of us in this journey; without them we would have had a very different outcome. We aren’t mean’t to be isolated but open to all those who cross our path and God has brought many friends into our lives that have been a great blessing.
Most would say to be married or a definite vocation such as to the priesthood etc are the norm but the Lord also gives vocations to suffer and He has given that to us as we’ve had to accept and live with this defective gene. With the anguish He has given us more of Himself than I ever could have imagined. I have so many grandchildren through friends who have come to see me for counsel and have rejoiced at so many weddings of people who never seemed likely to marry and now have children of their own. God is good and entirely unpredictable.
Once again Happy Thanksgiving!
Jo
Jo,
On this Thanksgiving Day, thank you for sharing your story. You and your family exemplify the attitude of gratitude in the face of adversity. May you be richly blessed today and everyday.
Ray
Thank- you, Ray!
Jo,
What an inspiration you and your family are. The Lord has blessed you mightily and through you, all of us.
My thanks for you this day, as we praise the Lord for all of His bounty in our lives.
Mary
Thank-you, Mary! May He bless you abundantly, also! We have so much to be grateful for!
Very touching Jo. You are blessed in many ways and I am truly touched by your story. Jean Varnier’s project and Henri’s involvement – I can only marvel at it. You are blessed that you met these very special humans.
I have noticed the theme of “seasons” here, of our varying ages and circumstances. My wife and I have learned and now encourage others to embrace our seasons in the Lord. In seeking time with the Lover of our soul we may only have 15 or 20 minutes in the morning (or at night) in our busy young seasons, but God will bless our desire to spend even that time with him. Later, we may become those more immersed contemplative monks, as the kids say, “It’s all good.”
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” Hallelu Jah in Thanksgiving with grateful hearts.
Amen.
Reading and re-reading everyone’s postings this morning has the quality of seeing and hearing God’s messages to me through each of you. I pray that each of you has a warm and blessed day today (it’s Thanksgiving here in the U.S.) full of family and friends loving our Lord.
Right now, I am turning to some of my favorite tasks of preparing our dinner. I pray I remember that our Lord is with me at my side as I baste the turkey, flickering His light on all our lives as I set the table, shaping my words as I visit with our family…and savoring through each of us all of the wonderful tastes and smells and embraces of the day.
Mary Adrienne
Hi there, I live in southern California and have known of Henri Nouwen for many years. The first book in my collection was given to me in 1977. I have not, however been a faithful reader until recently when I picked up In the Name of Jesus. So inspiring and humbling to hear his experience with the Lord bringing him to L’Arche.
I have not been part of a book discussion blog before and I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with others in the blog.
I am learning to sit quietly and listen to God, simple but not easy, as is said in the 12 Step programs. It was through this time of quietness in my life that I learned to trust that God really did love me. I am His and He is mine… And He is mine. Through this time there has been a new level of healing from wounding in my childhood. The “place” I love to go for this solitude and connect with God is to the beach. I love to boogie board so I throw on my wetsuit, well, struggle into it really, and jump in the water. It is truly a spiritual experience for me. The power of the waves, being enveloped by the water, the warm sun on my face, the glistening of the sun on the water; all beautiful reminders of the power and beauty of my Heavenly Father.
What an inspiring post–an invitation to consider the places that are our sanctuary. My first read of the day -thank you Janice. Mine is a hill in the beautiful English countryside where I walk our dogs. It changes through the seasons and one of our dogs becomes a sentinel whenever we are there guarding the silence and peace
Dear Janice, Age, as well as a rather unexpected illness has begun to slow me down. Added to that, the winter snow storm in south Buffalo, slowed me down considerably in a very welcome way as it prepared my heart for the coming of Advent. As we read together the inspiring books of Henri Nouwen, may we find ways to be ready for the coming of the Lord….
from Kathleen, a wounded healer who knows well the 12 step program.
I’m a mama to a two-year-old little fella’ and a full time teacher. I’m looking forward to creating space in myself this Advent as I release internal pressure like a helium balloon. Two specific ways in which I have noticed myself to create an “inner clutter” include 1) Perfectionism and 2) a compulsion to please everyone. I don’t suppose I am that unique, especially as a young woman. I’m looking forward to creating space where I can hear God. Please, Lord, speak to me.
So relevant. Thank you.
Jody thank you
I am retired and live in Sacramento, CA. My wife and I simply minister as “anam cara” (soul friends) in however God leads, it is a varied ministry that is characterized by intimacy and vulnerability. We do things as individuals and as a couple depending on circumstances. I also provide child care for my grandchildren, among other eclectic things. I have participated in similar groups through Renovare and Goodreads, but this is my first time via HNS. Lastly, I consider myself a “wounded healer” in Henri’s sense of that term.
I practice, and encourage others to as well, the “quiet time” disciplines; silence & solitude. Believing as Henri teaches that the contemplative life fuels community and mission (service). In this season, I often spend several hours at different times in my own version of “the daily offices”, retirement permits this.
As I’m now in my 60’s, the distractions are fewer than in earlier seasons. In this “golden season”, God seems to be the One always “distracting” me. };-)
Amen!
Fr. Martin wrote of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, an early Jesuit brother and doorkeeper for his college, who would respond to each person who knocked (each distraction possibly?) with “I’m coming, Lord.”
I love this image and have tried to make it my way of responding to interruptions. Not nearly so successful as I’d like, but I pray for help…thankfully God loves me and understands that I’m trying. MA
I love this!
That’s it exactly in this season Mary. 😉
Thank you for sharing this Mary! This image is wonderful and will be great to keep in mind. I’m very encouraged by it! Blessings…
Great way to answer…or use words of the hymn”Here I am, Lord.” Coming to do you will.
Fears, I would say, could distract me because I would try to figure a way out of my situation and could get obsessed with trying to control it to make it better. This could take a lot of energy that could steal the peace of resting and trusting in God. When I am living in fear there is anxiety, sleepless nights and it is hard to settle my mind to be quiet and listen and be renewed in the presence of God.
Distractions take my focus off God. They can even be good things…but maybe not the best choice. The saying — if satan can’t tempt you to sin, he will get you busy- comes to mind.
Can I quiet myself to come into Gods presence, without expectation but trusting it is best. Being there and that being enough. Not trying to make anything happen but knowing I am loved and healed and strengthened because I have set Him as my priority. In that heart believing it makes a difference. Not just talk or write about it but go there!
Hi, where are the continuing questions?
Hi Suzanne,
The next set of questions will be posted on Sunday. Simply come back to this site, but make sure you are on the “Home” page. You can find the Home page by scrolling to the top of any page on the blog, and clicking on the word “Home” in the black menu bar.
On the Home page (on Sunday) you’ll notice a new post – the title will be in bold. Click on the title, or on the word “comments” to enter the post, just like you did for this one. Hope that makes sense.
You can also find the reading schedule by scrolling to the top of any page and clicking on “reading schedule” in the black menu bar.
Just let us know if you have any other questions,
Brynn
Hello Fellow Travelers,
I live in sunny Florida (at the moment, rainy Florida) and I have subscribed to Nouwen’s daily meditations for a year or two and love to take that 2 minutes every day to internalize his messages. I am an addict. I am addicted to doing. I have great trouble being. I am a type A personality who thinks if I have 5 minutes of downtime, then I should find something productive to do with it. That mode of living does not allow much room for God to dwell in me and transform me. Almost all my doing is service work– doing things for others– and while that is a good thing, I find that it does not feed my soul the way it used to. I am going cold turkey (no Thanksgiving pun intended) this holiday season to MAKE myself be. I hope that using Nouwen’s books as tools (and an excuse to sit and dwell) will slow me down so I can hear the voice of God in my life telling me how much He loves me.
Carol,
Like many people, I also suffer from the need to be “doing” instead of just “being.” After reading your post and your plan to use Henri’s books as tools to “slow me down”, I vaguely remembered a poem–prayer “Slow Me Down Lord” and I looked it up. Here it is, by Wilfred Arlan Peterson:
Slow me down, Lord.
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind.
Steady my hurried pace.
Give me, amidst the day’s confusion
the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tension of my nerves and muscles
with the soothing music of singing streams
that live in my memory.
Help me to know the magical, restoring power of sleep.
Teach me the art
of taking minute vacations….
slowing down to look at a flower,
to chat with a friend,
to read a few lines from a good book.
Remind me
of the fable of the hare and the tortoise;
that the race is not always to the swift;
that there is more to life than measuring its speed.
Let me look up at the branches of the towering oak
and know that … it grew slowly … and well.
Inspire me
to send my own roots down deep…
into the soil of life’s endearing values…
That I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.
Slow me down, Lord.
Beautiful.
Ray thank you for sharing the poem. I have two teenage children, work full time in the field of PK-12 Education and curently seekign my ED.D. Slowing down, seeking solitude through hearing Gods still small voice, is a goal this Advent.
What a precious personal gift you just gave! Thank you for taking some of your precious time to share this. I am considering whether there is room on my forearm on which to tattoo this! (Only kidding). I will print it on put it in multiple places where I am sure to see it every day. Thanks again and blessings to you.
Thanks Ray for these words:
“Remind me of the fable of the hare and the tortoise;
that the race is not always to the swift;
that there is more to life than measuring its speed.”
Aging has its way of slowing ..what I used to do in short time may take longer. But I remind myself that “Slow” is good because the end result is “Quality” not speed.
Good morning again from across the pond. So good to read and learn of our uniqueness but oneness in Him .
May I share my experience of solitude at 5 this morning .I used to worry about waking early but today I treasured the solitude this blog encourages after some weeks without it
Out of this solitude came:-
* the calm of a peaceful painless awakening free from swirling emotions and confusing moods .
* His love in the moment as I remembered the beauty of His creation .Yesterday I had tended to 4 geraniums brought in from the frost and now sitting on my study window sill. The scent of their leaves and delicacy of their fading blossom was stunning they are placed alongside a Christmas cactus .
* The message of a Christian radio station talk using the story of John Mark ,encouraged by Barnabas .Don’t let perceived failure keep you down Put your hope in Christ
* revisiting an honest talk with my husband in which I was able to express fears and guilt about poor health. In his patient listening and understanding tears flowed and so the peace and calm came this morning .
* and finally I glance now at a small memento given my a close friend .It reads ” Peace and Grace be to this place”
Thank you Father for the work of your servant Henri Nouwen the love of my family and friends and your presence in our solitude. I pray that all in this Advent community will find Peace and Grace in their place of solitude today wherever that may be.
Love to all Gilly
Gilly, thank you for sharing your experience of solitude. The picture you painted hits a chord for me. An important tidbit you left was in your prayer that you hoped we would find Peace and Grace in our solitude TODAY. In order for that to happen, we need to act now…I can act now.
Tracy today’s action was to learn from reading the posts of others and already I have been able to consider a range of special places “to be” loved by our Father ,read a wonderful poem to slow me down and realised I can take time out like this even for a short while wherever I am .Father thank you for this Advent community and the opportunity it gives us to learn from each other .
Hello I live in central Alberta, Canada. I devote my time to my family, my aging parents, and most recently to my breast cancer. At the end of the June study I was just entering treatment and so this has taken our family’s time and emotional energy for the last five months. I am happy to say that I am done the harsh chemo and am now preparing for surgery.
I have had a lot of time over the last five months to commune with Jesus while I was resting up from the chemo. I Credit of course the Holy Spirit, but also Henri Noewen ‘s writing for helping me to connect on such a personal level with Jesus. That being said, I do lack a formal way of connecting but I enjoy such a rich personal exchange with Jesus, my God and Savior.
I do not have my books yet but can echo the same sentiment as many have already said. It’s our busy lifestyle that interferes with time spent in the contemplation. We still have not started a small group like I said we were going to in the last book study. Our church services tend to be too formal for my preference. So I very much look forward to this Advent book study. It has become a personal trip tradition for me and it saves the experience of Christmas for me. I look forward to reading all your posts and thank you to Brynn and Ray for hosting.
Hi Marianne,
Good to “see” you again. Thanks so much for updating us on your journey, and we continue to keep you in prayer.
Brynn
I would like to join Brynn in welcoming each of you to the book discussion this Advent. It is great to see that our virtual community includes so many spirit-filled people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including some who have journeyed here before and a number of you that are joining us for the first time. Know that each of you are welcome and your presence is valued and benefits us all–whether you actively post comments or follow along silently.
It is a joy and a pleasure to read the many thoughtful comments and the encouraging responses being shared.
Here are my thoughts on the opening questions as we begin our Advent journey together.
Q2. I continue to struggle with setting aside the time and the place to be with God in solitude–to “create some space in which God can act.” Four days per week my morning bus commute (45-60 minutes) is a special time of (virtual) solitude where I try to open my heart and mind to God. I have become fairly disciplined and am generally able to be quiet with the Lord without too many of the workday distractions. However I am much less successful on the other three days of the week–largely because I have not established a specific “prayer space” away from the household activities to retreat to in solitude to pray. My goal this Advent is to select that space at home and to use it regularly.
Q3. A fear that I have struggled with for my entire life (probably a result of a dysfunctional childhood home) is that if someone really knew me (including God) they wouldn’t accept me. Of course, I know that is untrue–and I have five wonderful children (and three grandsons with a fourth on the way) and a loving wife to prove it. I know, at least in my head, that I am beloved. And I have read enough Henri Nouwen to know how fundamentally important that is to the spiritual life. But ofttimes I still lack the trust and confidence in the depth of my being that is needed to truly bring this belovedness into my heart. As Luke Skywalker said after Yoda raised the X-wing fighter from the bog, “I don’t believe it.” To which Yoda responded, “That is why you fail.” This is my fear–that I don’t believe that I am God’s beloved and my lack of faith (trust) can block me from truly and completely welcoming Jesus into my heart. My Advent prayer echoes that of the father of the son possessed by a demon: ““I do believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)
As St. Francis said to those he met, “May the Lord give you peace.”
Ray
Your comments, Ray, bring up much emotion for me with regard to trusting, having faith that God loves each of us. I think over time I’ve come to realize (I hope correctly) that God is in each of the people he has given us to be closest with in our lives — spouses, children, parents. He is loving us constantly and demonstrating His love for us through them.
I’ve found the Ignatian Examen practice of beginning one’s prayers with giving thanks for everything and everyone in our lives that day has helped me realize how much good and loving grace He showers upon me every minute, it seems, of every day. As I practiced this prayer of gratitude, I found my prayers were getting longer and longer, as there seemed no good stopping point. Even difficult situations began to be causes for thanksgiving to Him, as it seemed He was gently guiding me to some deeper level of understanding.
In just what you’ve written about here — your loving and faith-filled spirit and the loving family He’s given you, His grace that allows you to recognize your quiet time with Him on the bus to work — God’s love for you is so evident.
I pray you have a rich and wonderful Thanksgiving celebration tomorrow.
Mary Adrienne
Mary Adrienne,
Thank you for your kind and helpful words. I’m glad you found our group and I look forward to journeying with you this Advent.
Ray
A heart open to God with all that we are and have. Holding nothing back and being willing to suffer with Him and others in this broken world. Being willing to be uncomfortable and bear the burdens of others. Not just being “close to God” but being broken ourselves as we love and hurt with others, being open and letting God be our comfort as we also comfort others.
Glad to know you Gina,
I am a recent devotee of Henri Nouwen and can’t quite yet get enough.
As one who is moving slowly into not retirement so much as ‘re-purposing,’ as I like to refer to it, I am rapidly becoming ‘nobody’ to my professional colleagues. But happily, I find I am having no problem filling my time with becoming somebody for God…the person I think He always intended me to be.
I look forward to our walk together this Advent.
Mary Adrienne
Love your comment about retirement!! People do tend to think less of us when we’re not “producing” but I’m sure God dances with joy.
HELLO GROUP — SO HAPPY TO BE HERE…HAPPY TO BE WITH FELLOW FANS OF HENRI!!!
My Intro:
My name is Gina and this is my second online book discussion with Henri and friends. I am in the Washington DC area. This past October I had the opportunity to do a three day silent retreat at the Abbey of the Genesee and from there it seems the Lord has boosted me into a season of spending time each week studying Henri Nouwen, both through his own books and through several biographical books. I also dabble in art, get lots of exercise, and serve on a board related to deaf children.
REGARDING QUESTION #2:
I have been retired from a career in higher education for 5 years. During those 5 years I wrote a second book and continued my involvement with advocacy work (for Deaf children). I have been feeling for some time that I want to “close that chapter” of my life and move on, and do feel that I am “creating that space” – it is so gratifying to be able to do that. I use the artwork, walks, and “just sitting” to create this space and lately have followed my commitment to do this 3 days a week. Basically, I have made it my job ☺
REGARDING QUESTION #3
As a single woman with no children (tho previously married), naturally loneliness is an issue I manage to keep at bay most of the time. Henri’s writings have helped me become aware of my own tendency to depend on people reaching out to me for presentations, articles, and advice related to my university career. Even though I recognize a kind of “emotional dependency” on this “approval from others” I have also been aware from probably 2 decades that the work at the University was not “fitting” for my spiritual-seeker-self. So the fears I am moving beyond little by little now, in my daily life, are related to a fear of “becoming nobody” the more I reduce my involvement with that University life/reputation. I hope this makes sense
Y’all have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!!
I identify with your post in so far as the “Second Half” of life is a new experience.
You might like to read, “Falling Upward” by Richard Rohr who writes about the ways we fill our container of life in the first half of life and then begin to empty ourselves so we can simply BE who we are: beloved by God.
Thank you to Ray and Brynn for making this online retreat and discussion possible. I missed the summer retreat based on Henri’ s book, Can You Drink the Cup even though I have purchased the book. I am grateful to receive the daily email based on his writings and reflections.
Hello, to all of you. I am a resident of Altoona, Pennsylvania and, yes, we are surrounded by beautiful mountains!
I have read all of the readers’ comments so far and see that so many of you are living the discipleship which Henri so beautifully encourages us to do. My great weakness is my lack of faithfulness in doing such. I fear my spirituality fails to bear the fruits of good discipleship and pray for the grace to better serve others as I journey with all of you this Advent. May we each grow to truly know we are “His Beloved” and to live so others might know it as well.
Amen!
My name is Greta and I reside in a mountain community in Colorado. I was introduced to Henri Nouwen’s books by a friend several years ago. That started my desire to read more of his books. This is the 4th book discussion I’ve participated in. I find it a nice way to add to my library and enjoy the structured reading as part of my daily devotional time. I am a Project Manager for a global technology company. I lead a Women’s small group and teach adult Sunday School occasionally. The word “discipline” is what resonates with me in this weeks reading. I once saw a banner on the side of a tour bus that said “In Discipline there is Freedom”. I refer to this often when discussing the role of discipline in our lives. Peace to all
Hi all. My name is Mary Adrienne and I live in the Northwest U.S. This is the first time I’ve participated in an online group. I’m particularly looking forward to participating in discussions of Henri Nouwen’s writing.
About 18 months ago I was given a book by Fr. James Martin that ignited a fire in me I had never felt before. In it Fr. Martin introduced me to Fr. Nouwen’s writings, but it’s only been in the last month that I have moved my reading and attentions to Nouwen’s work. I found within the first few pages that I wanted to both devour his lessons and to savor them…at the same time. Tough to do; so I have read and am now re-reading more slowly several of his texts. They are such an incredible a blessing.
I’m moving through my 7th decade now and so have had time to move along the arch of my spiritual awakening. Progress didn’t come easily or quickly. I experienced the fears that Dorothy described above. They have evolved over the years and I haven’t conquered them all yet, but I have developed the sure certainty that our Lord is there along side me loving me, first and foremost, and then, helping me carry whatever burden life throws at me.
I am pretty new to finding a time for prayer and solitude. As several others have mentioned the early morning hours seem to be emerging as my favored time. It’s a time in which I’m rested and relaxed, more open to hearing my inner voice.
But, that said, I have been tremendously influenced by the writings of Brother Lawrence, who attempted to practice feeling, sensing God’s presence throughout his day no matter how busy or cacophonous the circumstance. There’s a solitude in each of us that can be drowned out by the “maddening crowd,” but I’ve found that I’m alone in my car when I run errands, when I’m standing in the grocery line, when I’m exercising at the gym. I’ve tried (with some success) during these times to practice being aware of God’s presence with me, to see with His eyes, or listen with His ears to what’s going on around me. When I remember that He’s with me constantly, I act and re-act differently to other drivers (this is a good thing as I have historically been a rather aggressive driver), other shoppers, and so on. I’m not very good at this yet, but I have a strong sense that it’s good. So, I pray for His grace to help me remember Him during my day, as I would my best friend, to be conscious of His presence, not only to share all my thoughts and aspirations with Him, but to shut up once in a while so I can hear His voice and He can tell me what He cares about or has planned.
Thank you for creating this space, this forum. I am very excited to walk with everyone over the next several weeks and learn about you and your journey. And I’m especially excited about discussing this in the context of Fr. Nouwen’s work.
May God bless each of our journey’s as we walk together through this Advent season.
Mary Adrienne
Just a clarifying note to my introduction above. I realize that my sentence construction regarding Fr. James Martin could be read to imply that Fr. Martin had personally given me his book. This wasn’t the case. A friend passed a copy of Martin’s book along to my husband and me. His book then introduced me to Henri Nouwen. Sorry for the confusion. MA
I read James Martin’s “Becoming Who You Are.” I’m not sure, but it sounds like the book you mentioned. When Father Martin speaks of his first encounter with Henri Nouwen’s books on “the creaky wooden shelves” of a novitiate library, it sounds as if he was meeting Henri. He wrote, “From this simple attraction, however, came an introduction to a person who helped me understand the true self…”
So…in a way it seems Fr. Martin did personally introduce you to Fr. Nouwen
Agreed. The first Martin book I read was “The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything.” But I ended up reading nearly everything he’s written, including the one you mention. Wonderful, accessible writer, not unlike Nouwen. His love for Henri Nouwen was evident in just about every book he’s published, I think.
I echo your comments. God is an expert at slipping into the “Thin Spaces” of our lives. Like you, it’s my challenge to step aside, be quiet, listen and look for the Divine spark of life emerging.
I love your writing – so pleased to hear you thinking of Gods presence in the super market, in the car, in the wind and the rain. I try to do this too, and it feels good.
I’m using the early mornings for my time of solitude, and the other morning I prayed ‘Jesus, I am trying to understand more and more,’ and the I just had an inner voice telling me ‘and I’m having so much pleasure in the journey, and fun too’
Hi Zoe,
I just now read your response to my comment. Some of our words get buried in this wonderful forum.
Thank you for your kind remarks. Your experience hearing your inner voice reminds me of a drive I took about a year ago. It was a long-ish errand that required I venture out about 2 hours from my home on my own. While I was driving, I imagined our Lord riding along with me. It was a beautiful fall day and I said to Him, “I’m glad you’re with me today, Father.”
He replied, “I’m always with you, my dear. I’m glad you’re aware of me today.” It made me laugh out loud…then and now!
His parting words to me that day were in response to me expressing my gratitude to Him for being with me and creating the beautiful day He’d given me to run what otherwise could have been an onerous errand.
He said, “I’m always here ready to talk and to listen, painting beautiful vistas. I’m always present with you. It’s nice to have you here present with me. We should do this more often.”
What an awesome Lord we serve.
Some new thoughts I had today:
1) The very same Spirit who moved Jesus is with me and all of you! How awesome is that! Can you imagine that? How humbling to think that I am worthy of that.
2) The Community I can reach out to here and now is all of you. Communities don’t have to be the same group(s) of people we are used to interacting with. As we focus together on these readings and the Season, it is all of us that are establishing a bond some sameness across the globe. Yet our differences, unique experiences and thoughts are what makes this Community a blessing.
3) A Ministry of focus this Advent is close to home…my family members. Some are in pain after losing parents, some are growing deeper in faith, some who are little children, some who don’t know Jesus. The people one knows fairly well are sometimes the toughest group. But Ministry is rooted in love and is not imposing or abrupt. Opportunities are abundant and am asking God and this Community to assist through prayer.
Thank you Tracy for this posting. Seems to me that the most intimate community God has given us is our family – believers and non-believers. Have to love them! Not always agree, but always love. Nothing else matters.
“Community is first of all a quality of the heart.
It grows from the spiritual knowledge that we are alive
not for ourselves but for one another.” Henri Nouwen
(Bread for the Journey)
OUT OF CHAOS, COMES PEACE
This may be a simplistic observation but here goes for what it is worth.
Yesterday, I had an early morning appointment to get snow tires put on my car. The shop I patronize was a hum of activity and the usual players were on the stage. The owner, his daughter the bookkeeper and all the mechanics and customers coming and going.
I was sitting waiting for my car and it amazed me that a complete, repaired, working automobile could be the outcome of this apparent chaos. Phones were ringing, people calling in, announcing they are running late for their appointments. Others, trying to figure out with the owner of the shop how much money they need to invest at this time of year and how much they can defer until later. Others on the phone ordering parts, parts being delivered, customers paying and leaving and just generalized chaos focused on the customer service desk waiting area. Since it was a Monday morning, all the employees were catching up with each other about their past weekend activities and others were coordinating their activities for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.
It amazed me about the sheer quantity of communication going on and all of the people smiling too, which, must have meant, the communication was effective at working out whatever was in the moment.
Sometimes, in my home, the TV is on in the morning to one of the Morning Shows. For those not in the USA, they shows are boisterous with 3-6 people on the set all talking at once and laughing and reacting interacting with each talking over each other and shifting topics from one to another at breakneck speed. After 15 minutes of this if you asked me to summarize what had been discussed on these show, I would not be able to tell you!
A Biblical analogy could be the Tower of Babel. Or, imagine, at the Transfiguration of Jesus, one of the Luminous mysteries of the Rosary, instead of Jesus talking with Elijah and Moses, every person from the entire Old Testament was talking to Jesus at the same time!
I use liberally the MUTE button on my remote control to quiet this din from my TV.
I also have a MUTE button for my life.
Quiet and peace can happen when I need it and the secular chaos of the season does not impinge on my quiet time, prayer and contemplation.
I was smiling through your descriptions of everyday chaos. I occurred to me that the chaos is somehow held together beneath the surface by an unseen presence of peace. I think it is in the solitude that Henri speaks of that I get to know that unseen presence of peace, and if possible I can attempt to carry that peace into the chaotic world.
I loved your use of the mute button, too. That is an obvious solution that I often overlook — both literally and figuratively.
To Andrew John and his description of The Morning Show, I say AMEN!!
I am going to use that mute button! Thanks
How true about the banter on TV! Not anything I’d like to start the day with. I live in the Big Apple or today it’d be the Big Gobble. Not such a nice day for those who paraded down Fifth Avenue in the raw, cold, rain. I find my “sacred space” in the morning. The wonderful book, Magnificat, helps me to focus. I like the “Living Faith” booklets as well. My aim is to establish a connect with the One who leads me along life-giving waters. I pray as I open the curtains, “Be a light unto my path and a lamp for my feet.” I’ve joined another Advent online discussion sponsored by the Benedictines of Erie, PA on the topic of non-violence. May the Prince of Peace enter into our hearts and into every little space of our lives. Thanks for this group and those who lead us.
Your description of the auto shop is just delightful, and you help me to appreciate the positive value in an experience that others might consider mundane, frustrating, or even anxiety-producing. How can I be mindful of the hand of God in any positive human interaction? How can I take action to remove myself (hit the mute or pull the plug) when the experience does not nurture my spiritual growth? Better yet, how can I alleviate the chaos or stress for someone else?
Thanks, Andrew John.
Wow! I have so many ‘new best friends’ now!!! I read all of your wonderful comments. They brought peace and lightness to my heart. Thank you.
So driving to work yesterday, I contemplated this: Do I really, really believe that Jesus was God, that He died for me, that He rose from the dead, and through my belief in these things, I will also be resurrected into the heavenly home. Because believing in Jesus for just the here and now is really no better than believing in Budha or whoever. The centrality of our faith is belief in the resurrected life through faith in Christ.
So when I opened, for my first time the daily reading from HN .. , I was blown away- .for those who don’t get it- it was all about the resurrected life. Thank u! Loving this journey to an Open Heart. D
Good morning. This morning I was thinking about the challenge question about distractions (Spirituality of Homecoming). My main problem has always been too much “busy-ness”. I retired from my medical practice at the end of 2011 but have found myself “busier than ever”….as many of my patients had told me to expect. For several years now I have been trying to find time at least twice a year to think about all the commitments I currently have and to make a priority list and a “stop doing list” with goals for deleting certain committees or commitments e.g. by the end of 2014. I realized when I read the question that I am overdue to do that again.
The other thing which really struck me as I was reading Homecoming this morning was the statement about coming in touch with the pain of God. Recently a friend and mentor asked our group if we ever thought about God’s problems–if we ever asked Him what His problems and concerns were instead of always just taking our concerns to Him. I think these two things are related. When I had tried praying about that last month, I really felt that some of God’s pain is that fact that people who claim to follow Him are so divided and fighting one another.
But–now for me I need to find quiet time in the middle of the holidays to be quiet and to deal with the distractions proactively.
I couldn’t help but continue to repeat the words, “God’s Problems”. What a profound mantra! I do know that God expects us to correct the wrongs of the world. Peace to all as we start our Advent journey together.
Hi all….my name is Denise and I live in the Cleveland, Ohio area. I began a self structured spiritual enrichment more than a year ago and Henri Nouwen writings were what I gravitated towards. I found his thoughts and reflections so applicable. He has been a great influence in my daily living and in the work that I do.
Hello everyone! What a wonderful group. My name is Janet and I live near Asheville, NC. I have been reading Henri Nouwen’s book for many years and they have really spoken to my soul. I’ve enjoyed participating in these discussions before.
I try to begin each day with some quiet time and prayer. I love to walk at the arboretum near our house. I feel connected to God in nature as well. I am hoping that this book study will help me focus more spiritually during this Advent season.
My name is Mike MacDonald, i’m a 60yr old blessed follower of Jesus. I’m from Danville CA. and am a Financial Planner for quite a while. 15 years ago I read the Way of the Heart and was blown away, and fell in to the contemplative journey. I have been in one other online book experience. I have been praying about a richer Advent season, I allow my Business to engulf me. Then this crossed my path. Blessing on you all for doing this.
I yearn for a listening heart, and want God to pitch His tent with me. I pray this will be a tool to allow margin in my daily life and to create space for the Holy Spirit to fill. I am healthy in Ministry and Community, but I have abdicated Solitude. That is what I for Jesus to help me re-establish that sacred place.
Mike
Hey Mike welcome to the study. If you discipline yourself and read the posts and the book every week, I hope it will give you a new advent season like it did for me several years ago. Marianne
My name is Lee and I live in Franklin, Tn. Henry Nouwen has been one of my favorite Christian authors and I especially look forward to an Advent study of two of his literary pieces. Blessings to all as we begin this special Advent journey together. May it be a rich spiritual experience in the midst of a chaotic world. This will be my first on-line Advent study. Thanks for the growth opportunity!
Lee
My Name is Andrew. I currently live in the USA in Ohio.
Hebrews 13:14 captures my idea of HOME: 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the one that is to come.
I have had 27 discrete, separate physical addresses in my life thus far. I do not get to stay in one locale very long. I am on pilgrimage.
I tried contemplative prayer last night instead of my usual time, early morning. For some reason, my heart felt vulnerable. Suppose i am used to guarding my heart and being a sentinel to ward off evil and temptations. But there’s a danger to that which leads to limited space for the Spirit…for Peace.
Tracy: Glad to read your post and read that you are “guarding your heart”. This topic came up last week in my Adult Faith Formation class at my parish.
Proverbs 4:23–26 instructs believers to, “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.”
When Solomon refers to guarding the heart, he really means the inner core of a person, the thoughts, feelings, desires, will, and choices that make that person who he/she is. The Bible tells us that our thoughts often dictate who we become (Proverbs 23:7; 27:19). The mind of a person reflects who they really are, not simply their actions or words. That is why God examines the heart of a person, not simply their outward appearance and what appears to be (1 Samuel 16:7).
Hello,
My name is Guja. I live in the Fraser Valley east of Vancouver B.C. I have read Henri Nouwen’s books Adam God’s beloved, Life of the Beloved, The Wounded Healer and The Inner Voice of Love. I love his compassionate heart and the way he shares the insights God has given him with humility and much grace.
I have four adult children. Three live in B.C. and one in Nunavut. I have a health issue so am retired from work. I love to read. God has blessed me with some amazing friends and family.
I’m looking forward to participating in this discussion as it is my first time to do so online.
Wow, a warm welcome to each of you! It is nice to see familiar names and equally nice to welcome those who are joining us for the first time. Your presence and participation is such a great gift. I’ve truly been inspired by all that you’ve shared so far, and I know we are just getting started!
It is also wonderful to see you responding to, and encouraging, each other. Please feel free to do that, even if you just add a short comment to another’s post.
We’re looking forward to reading many more introductions that come in the days ahead.
Brynn
Thank you for guiding us again, Brynn and Ray. Each time I participate in one of the Nouwen blogs, I am humbled by the intelligence, spirituality, and courage of the participants. I have resolved in this Advent session to primarily respond to other participants’ ideas. I want to be the learner and listener who honors those of you who have so much wisdom to offer.
Hi Elaine!
I also feel the same way – it is so inspiring to hear from the heart of so many wonderful people. Thank you for responding to and encouraging others.
Brynn
Once again, thank you Ray, Brynn and Maureen etc.
A Blessed Thanksgiving and upcoming Advent Season to all….
We find the Holy Spirit within us in the “little things”, that often go unnoticed especially in times of crises, illness and death. It is the foundation given in this and other Nouwen books of the past twenty five years that gave me the solid rock I needed this year. (Trust me it was life changing!!!) May we all continue to grow in our surrender and trust, especially in the most difficult moments.
Let us all try to remember more than ever that our PRESENCE is so much more than our PRESENTS and that “a perfect holiday/holyday in earthly standards” is only an illusion. No matter what, it is perfect when we appreciate the moment we are in, no matter how bad it looks from the HUMAN eye and we need to take time for one another in the day to day, not just when the death bed call arrives, and some don’t get the warning. Peace!
Rose
Since participating in the last study on “Can You Drink the Cup?” I have been looking forward to this one. Oh, I am Jeanette from Colorado, wife, grandmother and nurse in a busy high school. I enjoy getting the daily Henri Nouwen emails at work, as it is often a reminder of where my focus needs to be and I am always surprised at how he says so much to the heart with so few words. I too am busy and distracted with work, singing in a choral group and pursuing hobbies. I have tried to carve out a little time in the early morning reading Psalms and meditating on the message. I often don’t believe I am thankful enough and the Psalms help me in thanking and praising. It is my goal this
advent to spend more time listening to God’s voice. What Dorothy said resonated with me; I am afraid that the closer I grow to God, the harder my life will become, too. I think of Advent as a time of waiting but also as a journey to draw closer to God. I am ready to do both.
I live in Virginia and spend my days working as a husband, father of 10, and working as an Application Architect. This is my first book study and I am looking forward to this form of celebrating Advent.
I have just discovered Nouwen’s work this year, and have been surprised at his ability to put into words many of the thoughts that have run through my scattered brain in the past few years. In the past few years I have struggled to see where God was as my father passed away, my church split, and my employer completely restructured my job. Henri’s work, as well as others, has served as a wonderful call back to the Father’s side. I’m looking forward to participating in this book study as a way to augment the discipline to keep making space to be near to Him.
Hello, my name is Sue. My husband and I live on Long Island , NY although I am originally from Texas. I am also a Life Coach and we own a Tennis and Wellness club in our small town of Stony Brook. I have read Nouwen’s books and the online meditations for many years so I look forward to the Advent discussion. The Advent program in our church this year is entitled “Holy not Harried” so I would like to be intentional in creating a space at home and in my heart that is not hectic. Looking very much forward to being part of the group.
I am writing from Prince Rupert, B.C. Canada where my husband (Lutheran Pastor) and I have lived for over thirty years. We have three grown daughters and seven grandchildren. I am a Lutheran Deaconess and work with low income families. This is my first time at participating in this type of event. I look forward to the experience.
Good morning day 2 .
How joyous with the time difference to read all these uplifting emails while all across the pond are sleeping and we are entering another God given day .The technology of the day is wonderful.
Yesterday the reading at church from Ephesians 1 :18
offered these words “so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you”. I am currently experiencing pain due to a long term knee and back condition and it has thoroughly distracted me from God’s plan in this our place and time .Those words echoed because I had used this past few days to find “disciplined” time with God .I have a pattern of not getting sufficient solitude with God for refreshment and renewal .The readings for this Advent on Homecoming and Living had alerted me to listen to the voice of the reading. At the and of the day in quiet time I read the passage about solitude, community and preaching offering the discipline of order and priority.
It felt like an affirmation that this advent journey together was going to hold all sorts of possibilities for our journey into the heart of God .Thank you all for sharing Gilly
Gilly,
I pray that your back and knee pain draw you closer to God.
Dear Gilly, I’m a retired teacher writing from south Buffalo recently put a stop to all our activities.
Like you I look forward to participating in the daily reflections on Nouwen’s writings. And also like you, I’m experiencing considerable distress due to chronic knee and back problems…which I pray will be a blessing. in reading Nouwen, I was touched by a sentence in which he writes our journey is not so much about the cross as it is in entering into love and the life that flows from love. May Advent with Nouwen be a blest time for all. Kathleen
Greetings everyone! Reading through all of the introductions, I am humbled and honored to be sharing this journey with all of you. I live in Texas with my husband, young adult daughter and son, and daughter’s two-year-old little girl. My husband retired a few years ago after serving 21 years on active duty in the Army, now enjoying a second career, and I am a mental health counselor in private practice. Life is very full, which makes finding “quiet time” nearly impossible on most days.
This is the first online book discussion I have taken part in and I am very much looking forward to the readings and interactions with everyone. Current events in the world being what they are, I have become increasingly aware of how very precious our freedom to worship openly is and I do not want to take that freedom for granted for even one second. I am eager to be a part of this community of lovers of our Lord Jesus Christ!
I’m very glad to given a courage to leave a comment here.
Please allow me to introduce myself.
a) Your general geographic location： I live in Chiba-prefecture next to Tokyo in Japan.
b) To whom or what you dedicate your days and energy, and why: I’ve been married for 42 years and a mother of two sons and a grand-mother of two grand-children. After retiring my professional job of an editor, I re-entered the university in 2001 to study Eastern philosophy mainly Buddhism, including studying Sanskrit and Chinese. I’d like to be more confident with my God, so that I’m still studying. Although I’m not sure whether it is good or bad…
c) Whether or not you’ve participated in previous book discussions, or if you are joining us for the first time: Fortunately I could join previous book discussions as a silent participant; because I’m afraid of giving you some trouble because of my strange English. However at the last minute I was given a courage to show up here.
This is the first time for me to participate this book discussion as an active participant.
I would like to ask you all to accept my poor English.
Midori, your English is very good. There is nothing to worry about. I think we all welcome your further participation. Your perspective and wisdom from living life and academic studies of eastern philosophy and languages will, I’m sure, add richness to our learning. Thank you for writing and look forward to further comments in the coming weeks.
a warm welcome
Welcome, Midori. You are among friends here. Grace and Peace.
Midori, I am thankful that you had the courage to join the group and introduce yourself. Your English is wonderful and I look forward to hearing your perspective in the coming weeks as we all read and grow together in this group.
Midori,
I want to join others here in welcoming you. English sounds beautiful through your screen. You bring a different perspective, and I look forward to you sharing it with us as we study Nouwen together.
Midori,
I would like to add my welcome to you as well. In the several years that I have been participating in these discussions, I have always found that it is the beauty and the depth of the thoughts that are shared that is truly meaningful, not the elegance of the English. And your English is excellent. We are grateful for your active participation.
Peace and all good.
Ray
Looking forward reading Nouwen’s work together as a community of believers. I live in Oregon, am retired from university teaching and administration, as well as several years in full-time children’s ministry. I currently teach in our church’s afterschool program for children grades K-5.
I use the Friends practices of silence and queries to invite the leading and correction of the Holy Spirit in my daily life. One of the perks of retirement is separating oneself from the details, distractions and anxiety that predominate in even the best of workplaces. I look forward to a rich and thoughtful conversation here.
Hello everyone. I’m TJ. I live in the Pacific Northwest and have been reading Henri Nouwen (gratefully) for going on 30 years. I draw near to God in prayer (the psalms/divine office most mornings), direct ministry and hospitality to the poor when I can, through friendship and conversation, and through other ministries — paid and unpaid — in the church. I wish I noticed and responded to God more readily in the ordinary work and responsibilities of the day. Unfortunately, it seems like I still think I must “go elsewhere” to encounter him.
Hello, my name is Mike and I am a United Methodist pastor and Spiritual Director living in Texas. This is not only my first study with the Henri Nouwen Society, it’s also my first time to be part of an online discussion group. I was introduced to Henri Nouwen about thirty years ago and he’s been a faithful and wise spiritual companion and guide. I’ve received the daily meditations from the Society for a year or so. Earlier this year I decided that my sermon theme for this Advent season would be “Waiting for God.” Initially, the idea came from revisiting the Advent writings of Alfred Delp. Then, quite serendipitously, the last week or so’s email meditations from the Henry Nouwen Society have also been about waiting. The invitation to join this discussion group seemed a great way to go a little deeper. So, I look forward to learning not only from Henri Nouwen but this diverse gathering of fellow-seekers. May we all receive what we most need from this Advent journey together! Grace and Peace to All, Mike
Hello. My name is Aura. I live in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. I no longer hold a paying job, so I keep busy doing volunteer work for my parish. I visit the old and sick every week and help ay church during mass. I started reading Henri Nouwen a couple of years sgo, but cannot always get his books here in Honduras.
This is the first time I participate on group discussion blog, and am thrilled and grateful to Abba for letting me participate. I think I will learn from all of you good people out there, if only I can really learn discipline and to sit still so I can hear my God when He talks to me. May He bless all of us in this spiritual journey.
My name is Jeanine. I live in Denver, CO with my husband and two young daughters. I am an urban farmer with a passion for my sharing the tangible grace of Jesus in my neighborhood.
This is my first time participating in an online blog community. I am also waiting for my books to arrive.
Several years ago when my husband was pastoring a church we received a complimentary copy of one of Nouwen’s Advent devotionals. That book spoke volumes to me. In my move I lost it and was so sad. I went in search of that devotional online and that is when I discovered the Henri Nouwen Society. I have been fed by the daily reflections for the last year or so.
I purchased a special advent calendar this year to do with my older daughter. I am looking forward to seeing Advent through her eyes.
Making time to sit with God each day and hear his voice is an incredible challenge for me. I hope participating in this group will offer some encouragement to grow in that discipline.
Hello and God bless us on this journey. I am looking forward to this as Henri’s books are so meaningful. I am located in Calgary, Canada. My days are dedicated to be a wife, friend and grandmother, but most of all to God. How can I be in touch with the Spirit? I stay in touch with the Spirit in scripture and contemplative prayer. I can pray whether I am cooking, housework, God is with me at all time. I consider being with Jesus a treasure and best friend, for read scripture and then pray – listening at the last for that still small voice. My greatest treasure is my relationship with God, and the ability to be there for others. I am anxiously waiting to read all remarks. God bless everyone on this journey.
I love the mindfulness with which you undertake daily tasks. I should attend more to such a practice: thanking God for the health and energy to execute those tasks; thanking God for the ability to serve; thanking God for the opportunity to appreciate the natural world around me and to relish the food I eat, the conversations with friends, the glimpses of Him in the world.
The practice of yoga has helped me to appreciate this mind/body connection and the need to practice mindfulness to the present moment. Breathing in and out a mantra of gratitude can be extended to every act of the day. Thanks for that reminder.
I live in Guelph, Ontario, about an hour west of Toronto.
I am an avid Fr henri reader and have facilitated local book clubs using Fr. Henri’s books. I especially was helped by The Return of the Prodigal Son, With Burning Hearts, and Life of the Beloved.
Henri helped me ‘re vert’ to my catholic faith by his gentleness and winsome expression of the faith.
Looking forward to what God will teach me through you all during this beautiful Advent journey.
Hello, my name is Daniel and I’m Australian; my wife and I are currently serving as Salvation Army officers (ministers) in Japan. We are drawing near to the end of our first term here and looking forward to some time with family and friends in Australia during January, before returning here for a second three year term.
This is the second time I have joined this group during the Advent season and am looking forward to the interaction in this way. There’s a great sense of holy anticipation that accompanies the Advent season; the question that I find myself thinking about at the moment is not so much “What am I waiting for?” as Christmas draws closer, but rather “Who am I waiting for?”
My name is Kendra and I live in Texas. I am a retired internist, geriatrician. I have been subscribing to the Nouwen emails for a few years but have never tried to participate in anything like this. I just got the books today and look forward to getting started.
Hi my name is Cherine Elsayed, I live in Seattle, WA with my family. This is the first time I join a club discussion. I am originally from Egypt and I cry when I see all these beautiful names that the love of Jesus united from all over the world. An epic from Revelation where all nations are gathered around the throne.
Shalom,
My name is Twyla, I am a Wife, a Mommy of 2 sons, and a Pediatric RN.
This is the first time I have participated in a community blog b4.
I have been reading Henri books for 15 years, and it has been a Rich and Deep Spiritual Experience.
I also enjoy & love the Henri Nouwen Society emails.
Even just the Questions that Henri asks us to consider, bring me deeper and closer to Jesus….
How can I be more in touch with the Holy Spirit ? I find, that I must first ASK Jesus to help me to hear HIM, to Hear The Holy Spirit and hear God LOUDER and more CLEARLY than I hear the voices of the world, clutter, and the “evil one”. Only Then….do I find I can better pray and meditate and receive God’s Word…and really let the HOLY Spirit gently speak to me. 🙂
…. Doing the actions that The Holy Spirit is guiding me to do has always been the Community part…that is the The discipline part for me 🙂
I thirstily seek 1:1 with Our Lord, and I easily minister to the needs of others…and try to shine Jesus…
That I find easy…. To give / and minister to the needs of others…. And to be alone with Jesus…
But the hard, really hard part, for me is to join in community and have open exchange and mutual support for each other. I feel afraid of others responses, and exchanges….. And I fear being wounded on this level.
And that is why I am joining this Wonderful Advent Blog….. COMMUNITY.
Which also ties into the Homecoming… And stepping past “fear” and make the Advent Journey fully and Richly with Our Lord and His people 🙂
Shalom & Amen 🙂
Hello. I’m from NE Pennsylvania. I’m retired from teaching and actively volunteering with the Sisters of Mercy. This is an easy way to practice my Christianity simply and easily. This is my first experience with online discussion. I look forward to these books and the insight of my companions on this site.
My name is Sharon. My husband and I live in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. I was introduced to Henri Nouwen’s books through a Stephens Ministry Program in which I participated through the local Presbyterian Church. For the past few years, have enjoyed this book reading blog and feel my faith has been very much strengthened and, in fact, more centered in Christ. My mother-in-law lives in Iowa and has cancer so she is now in Hospice in a nursing home. Much, much before this happened, I started worshipping at the healing mass at the Catholic church next door to our house on Tuesdays. A few months ago, the Priest delivered a sermon about how praying the Rosary is a contemplative way of prayer and so I have been staying after worship with the small group of people who pray the Rosary. With my mother-in-law’s health now and being so concerned about her having peace of mind and me also from worry, it is very consoling to pray “Mother of God, be with us now and at the time of our death.” We know death is coming and I feel God is helping us to come closer and closer to Him. That’s my spiritual discipline now and would never have entered into it except for the Priest’s sermon and guidance. Grateful for the faith community and I look forward to reading these two Henri Nouwen books and the entries on the blog to get a bigger perspective on faith and living a life of trust and compassion.
Sharon, I am happy you discovered the Rosary! It is a great form of meditative prayer. If you go through the entire Rosary you will have meditated upon all of the important and significant events in the life of Jesus. And all from the perspective of Mary. These are all the things she saw and was a part. For a long time I said the Rosary every day, and then fell off the wagon. You inspire me to get back on! Thank you.
Disciplines are a vehicle that allows me to place myself in the quiet, fertile ground in which I am able to open up receive the love of God and give it in return without any expectations other than to just “be” with the Lord. This takes practice to be sincere and
have a “right” intention of pure fellowship with the Holy One.
Fears and distractions are some barriers to making space and time with the Lord.
Unless we are willing to suspend fears and clear out the distractions through a sincere effort as mentioned above, we will struggle to have that intimacy we long for with our Lord. He is there waiting…..calling us…………the question is; where do we chose to be?
Amen! This was good for me to read…to be reminded of. In my life’s busyness I’ve let go of the disciplines…and thus I find myself so seldom in that intimate place with God.
Yes Carolyn, thanks for sharing, who would ever fathom that a spiritual attack on our souls would be something seemingly benign as busyness yet it is prevalent in our society keeping Christians preoccupied. John 10:10 English Standard Version
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Hello, I’m Barbara and I live in Norfolk, England. I am a Lay Minister in the Anglican Church. Although I am now retired, I am a district councillor. I don’t know what a similar position would be in North America, but I suppose simply put you could say that if people have environmental problems or planning problems they come to me as their locally elected councillor. I feel very privileged to be able to help people outside of the church community and definitely feel it to be an extension to my spiritual calling.
I haven’t yet bought my books so I will be a little behind, but I am so looking forward to being a part of your group and contributing where I can.
By the way, hello to my fellow English Lay minister Gilly at the top of the page.
hi there Barbara on- this – side – of – the- pond .I too am retired and love the work of Henri Nouwen .It will be good to get to know everyone at this wonderful waiting time of the year !
Hi I am in CT.
I am a Christian Life Coach/ Nutritionist/ Personal Trainer. I spend my days with my beloved husband raising our child and three exchange students from China. I coach my clients and loved ones on health and wellness with a primary focus on the love of God and, second, love of one another. I have never participated in a group such as this and I am eager to be involved.
Hello, my name is Charles and I reside in Arizona. I am currently an assistant principal at an elementary school. I also help out and volunteer a lot at our local parish, and enjoy playing my trombone and reading in what little spare time I have!
Thank you Brynn and Ray for conducting this online discussion, I have been looking forward to participating. I believe I have joined in now on all of these over the past two years except one for some reason or another. Anyway, this is going to be really good for me personally, particularly so based upon your introductory readings and questions.
In these readings and others by Henri Nouwen that I have read he speaks of the importance of solitude, and our taking time to listen to God. We will discover God in our own hearts if we take the time to dig down into them. My creating space for God this Advent would be a huge step forward for me personally. This is an area in which I truly struggle. Although I participate in Bible Studies, teach classes at the church, and study quite a bit on my own, whether for my own sake or for preparation for a class, I can honestly say I don’t take the time to be with God in prayer, and to simply listen.
The distractions are numerous, between work, church matters, other activities in which I am engaged, etc. My days begin very early, and by the end of the evening I have all to do to stay awake! I have been known to fall asleep during the first decade of the Rosary, or while reading the Bible at the end of the evening. So, no fears here, just loads of distractions. And, I think I have a perfect place to spend time in prayer, as I have a small library built into one side of the garage. I have no excuses as far as available space is concerned.
Our priest in his homily today (Sunday) said that this Advent coming up is a time that we can get to better know God. I shall endeavor to do so, and attempt to truly make an effort to set aside time each day to spend with God. Given the above, any suggestions are welcome. I am hoping that reading these two volumes, reading the comments of others, and sharing my own will help me to do so.
Thank you!
Charles,
Welcome back. Your comment about how you struggle to create space for God is one that echoed in my heart. Like you I am busy with spiritual reading and many worthwhile activities in my parish, but actually setting aside the time to be with God in solitude and to open my heart and listen to Him is a discipline I hope to (finally) acquire this Advent.
Peace and all good.
Ray
We truly are looking forward to this new series. The fact that the series is dedicated to John Mogabgab heightens our anticipation. My wife Susie and I had the distinct benefit of working closely with John as part of the 1982 celebration of the Bicentennial of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. There John developed much of what became the material of the Academy for Spiritual Formation, which is such a marvelous resource.
Hi. My name is Arlene. I live in Jamaica and I subscribe to the devotional by Henri. I am eager to share in this blog about Advent. I love this time of year and am always challenged and yearn to discover more about God.
Hi everyone! I live in Houston, Texas but spend time in Honolulu, Hawaii to provide caregiving for my elderly parents. I spend a fair amount of time traveling and I use air traveling time to carve out space for God in addition to my daily morning meditations before sunrise. The journey with God is addictive and I find that I need to temper my zeal so I won’t scare others away from me. As mentioned in the Luke passage (pg16), maybe I’ll try contemplative prayer at night. Can God answer/talk to me in my sleep? I think so and has done so as noted in Scripture. His timing of answers are probably purely His decision so I need to be patient and have my heart open.
The disciplines of community and ministry are very important but I’ve got to ensure ‘I’m going home at the end of the day’. So, will focus on the heart and its meaning and look forward to others’ insights.
Tracy, two things. I commend you for taking care of your parents. My Mom did that for my Dad for a few years before he died, and fairly intensely the last six months. She now lives with me and my wife, and we are fortunate that she is a “young” 80, still active and in good health. But I know there will be a time….well you know. So that is impressive.
Second, your comments on dreams intrigue me. I have always thought there was significance to our dream state, and have done a bit of research on that (research on the brain). Any more thoughts you might have on that would be welcome.
Thank you, and I am looking forward to watching your comments!
Hello everyone! I live in Michigan and have participated in a number of bookclubs through the years and have always found it to be very enriching to discuss literature and ideas with others. I know that I will gain much from your insight. I have been deeply influenced by the writings of Henri Nouwen and am so grateful for the opportunity to have an online community to discuss his writing. I currently spend most of my time & energy in ministering to the needs of my extended family, volunteering at my church mentoring high school/college/post-college students, teaching a class on the Biblical basis for serving the poor and marginalized, and serving at a local ministry for homeless people and a shelter for women coming out of domestic violence.
Creating space for God: He has impressed upon me a deep need for me to spend concentrated time in His Word…which I really do find to be my daily bread. As I spend this time I would like to be more mindful with applying/tracking what I sense His Spirit is showing me. I also find that combining time in His Word with time out in creation sets my heart at peace. I need to make space for getting out in His glorious creation!
Fears: I would like to make a very deliberate effort to pray daily throughout the Advent season to ask God to give me courage to follow Him in obedience with every conversation and interaction I have. I need to walk more in fear of God and pleasing Him most with my life and thoughts.
My name is Patty and I live in New Hampshire. This is my second online book discussion in a Henri Nouwen blog but have been a reader of Henri Nouwen for years. It’s important to me to find a community of seekers who are seeking like me. Advent is such a wonderful time to wait, seek, be still, in the winter darkness… full of anticipation.
Hi Everyone,
Henri Nouwen has had an excellent influence on my life and so it is exciting joining this group and going through Advent together.
I live in Ontario, Canada with my husband Bill and 3 adult sons live nearby. They live with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy and 2 are quite severely disabled while my 3rd son is younger and less so. We are very close and support each other daily in whatever capacity needed. I am very grateful for their beautiful dispositions rooted in Faith and for the faith given to my husband and myself.
I know Henri is watching over us and helping us.
I’ve been a close friend of L’Arche in our city since it opened and have received much support through their love and acceptance.
I just sit with the Lord and read something from scripture and listen for anything He might say to me. Sometimes nothing stands out but I still remain their with Him but in the day I know I am stronger for having spent time with Him.
Sometimes I have fear regarding our future but in the end I know I can only trust not knowing what will happen. Jesus has always been faithful and is full of surprises. When I think I can’t handle something He will surprise me giving me ways of getting stronger. He Is my hope and I know He will always be there for us.
Jo,
Welcome. Thank you for sharing your beautiful and inspirational testimony of faith.
Ray
a heartfelt thank you Jo to you and yours for sharing
I am a nurse for an 18 year old with Nemaline Muscular Dystrophy who is now in college with 24 hour nursing!! I have cared for her since she was 4, went to Hebrew school with her, and prayed with and for her every minute of these 14 years!
Good afternoon. My name is Kathy and I live on the east end of Long Island, New York (not the Hamptons area). This is my first time participating in an online book club so I’m excited,too. I am awaiting the arrival of the 2 discussion books (I lost track of time).
Advent IS a wonderful time to take to create space for God in our lives. May you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I am also from Long Island. I am from Farmingdale, in the middle of Long Island. This is my first time being part of this group. I read about it today and got the books from Amazon Kindle spirituality series.
I am a Spiritual Director, RN, Director of a Mary & Elizabeth Center for women and their families, and a wife, sister daughter, aunt and friend.
My best time to pray is early in the morning before my day takes over. I have learned that Pope Francis prays for an hour each evening. If the pope can find an hour to pray each evening, I can find the discipline to create an hour for God each morning. Then I will go to my community, the second moment mentioned in the book, and connect with others who share their lives with me, others in 12 step programs or in my spiritual path, or at mass. I will take that strength gathered and connect throughout the day as I serve, continually creating space for God.
Yesterday I was with my family for Thanksgiving. My brothers Paul and John were having a discussion and it was disturbing me at the negativity and putting others down. I was listening, and I did not comment but created a space for God by praying in my heart. As I prayed, the conversation stopped and John asked Paul about his recent trip. Again I listened. My brother, Paul, is a Christian Missionary pastor who just returned from Nepal. He worked with a Christian pastor to assemble a group of non-christian parents to put a roof on a community school. The comment was made that his group came not to put a roof on, but to actually help the people put their own roof on. And some old guy was on the roof (my brother is 59- their life expectancy is 32).
He talked about listening to the teachers and what they themselves loved about teaching, what keeps them coming back, and what they think is their problem. I felt God’s presence in the conversation just as I had experienced God’s absence in the previous part of the conversation.
I will continue to be with God in the morning, and invite God into every space of my day as I experience community or minister and serve. I love the solitude, community, service sequence, repeated throughout the day.
“Solitude, community, service sequence, repeated throughout the day.” I had not thought of it that way, as a sort of continuous flow through the day. Thank you for that insight and for the great illustration of the idea (and the workings of prayer) in your story about your brothers.
Happy to see a group blog. A friend and I started a blog together this past summer where we write downloads that God gives us from everyday happenings. Sometimes I find He is showing me all kinds of things all around me without me even trying and other times I have to sit quietly and ask, ‘is there something you want me to learn from what I can see or hear or sense near me?’ It is the sitting still, stopping and listening that helps me to hear. But sometimes I do not stop because there is always something that can lure me away. Discipline needed indeed, but oh, what a wonderful time when I do stop and allow myself to sit, cuddle with Him and hear what He has to say.
I like the analogy of God’s “downloads from everyday life.” How fortunate you are to have a friend who shares this goal and who can reinforce your own resolve. I have loved participating in the Nouwen seasonal discussions, but I would love to have an online community for such “downloads” every day of the year.
Hi Elainemm I just thought I’d share something I just realized recently that is part of the daily e-mail meditation. There is a link for commenting that I had often seen but never clicked on. When I did, it brought me to a daily blog that offers the ability to comment on each daily meditation. It offers an online community similar to the seasonal discussions. Though I can get to it from the e-mail, I’m not sure how to get to it from this page. I suspect one of the leaders here could advise how to navigate to there from here, though.
The only way I know to create space for God is to take the time to sit quietly, in a quiet room, clear my mind of the chatter that runs through it constantly, and meditate on the words of Jesus, listening deeply. I find it very exciting to think that,”when we create an empty space, we make room for something to happen to us that we cannot predict.” My plan is to set aside time in the early morning, or at night to sit and listen, to make space for God’s spirit to move in my life and wait in expectation.
I think the distraction will be my own sense that doing things, working, achieving, somehow makes me a better person, when the truth is that part of living and being is “wasting time” by sitting and being with God and with others. My distractions will be all the things I want to do. My fear is of the unknown. What will happen? Will I hear God’s voice, or just my own? Will I have the courage and fortitude to follow through on my commitment to this Advent journey?
Jayne, I commend you for the ability to sit quietly with God. That is tough for me, first finding the time (I know, I should make time), and second, as crazy as it sounds, go in two directions. Either be bombarded by all kinds of other thoughts and ideas that distract me, or fall asleep!
Hello, I have found Henri Nouwen’s writings to be spiritual food in my journey and much comfort for me during the last 2 years as I have been dealing with the traumatic event of my 27 year old daughter’s auto accident which resulted in her traumatic brain injury and my life being turned upside down. God is my refuge and strength.
I have never participated in a discussion like this but I look forward to connecting with others.
Georgina,
Welcome. I think you will find that a lovely group of compassionate people assemble here to share the spiritual insights of Henri Nouwen. I know I have often been blessed by my participation. May this Advent discussion be a further comfort to you in this difficult and challenging time in your life and that of your daughter. May God continue to be with you.
Ray
Georgina, I know we’ll get to know one another better as we participate in this group, but I wanted to tell you that my prayers are with you and your daughter. I pray for strength for you to maintain your good cheer and faith in God’s goodness and I pray for healing and recovery for your daughter.
I was taught years ago that God can take the most devastating occurrences in our lives and use them for His good. I pray that this is true for you now, as it has been for me over the years.
Blessings on you and your daughter this day,
Mary Adrienne
The words and writings of Henri Nouwen always inspire me, and during this hectic season, I want to deepen my understanding of what it means to draw near to God. I live in the Midwest, and work full time in public school administration, supporting the instruction of English language learners — native born, immigrant, and refugees. I’m a grandmother, and wife of 36 years. I love to cook, read, garden, bicycle, and enjoy life.
Hi – My name is Dorothy Sherwood, I live in beautiful Hood River, Oregon ( for 1 year now ) and I practice Internal Medicine in The Dalles, Oregon. This is my first attempt at on-line book discussion and I am excited.
Creating space for God to Act this Advent: You know, I need to get back to church…I have way too many excuses why I am not going and sometimes – I don’t even try to make excuses.. So this Advent, I will stop with the excuses and start with obedience – and just go!
Fears: everyone has fears – that’s why the word is so often found in the Bible. My fears; the closer I grow to God – the harder my life will become. Is that crazy? But I’ve lived in the ‘unbelieving world’ now for many years and I am just starting my journey back – and as we all know- the ‘world’ rejects our Jesus. So that is my fear.
I look forward to getting to know all of you and growing with you during this season of preparation.
I commend you on your decision to put fears aside to let God back into your life this Advent season. You will not be disappointed. Welcome home!
Thank you Carolyn
Dorothy, interesting comment about your fear being that the closer you get to God the harder your life will become. Sometimes that is true. Just remember, we do things to serve God, and to work towards our own salvation. So on occasion we may find things we are doing to be difficult or tedious, but that is our human reaction. In those times God would most likely be very pleased that we perservere and move forward.
God bless you. I live close to you in Seattle. I used to live in Eugene,beautiful Oregon is so quiet and green to invite us to spend quiet time with God.
Hi Dorothy, I’m from Scotland, and sympathies are with you about fears. I spent many years just knowing that one day (sometime in the future) I would commit my time to God, and about 3 years ago I began with church, and now I’m completely addicted! And I so wish I had done so years and years ago. However the following passage made a huge impact on me with regard to fears about this wonderful journey – Matthew 2, 28-30, “Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”.
My time for God is early morning prayer and bible reading followed by a dog walk completely in the present, I am blessed by living in a beautiful isolated area, so my walk is peaceful – and I am grateful. Sometimes God speaks and sometimes I just feel – the burden is light.
Do it!
Zoe
In my church we read “The Case for A Creator” by Strobell — we talked often about how difficult it is for “scientists” to also get into “religion” — so many scientists reject the very idea of God
So I wanted to tell you I am happy you are not letting this stop you.
🙂
Gina
Someone told me once that there are 365 statements, “Do not be afraid.” in the bible. I never counted them, but I began looking for them. Now when I’m fearful, I remind myself “Do not be afraid!” and I’m able to take a deep breath and remember to trust in God. It sure helps!!!!
A listening heart therefore means a heart in which we stand open to God with all we are and have. That is a great act of trust and confidence….
Good morning! Mornings are when I carve out devotional time. I am in NC, spending time at my son’s house, helping with the grandkids, including our new addition, now two weeks old. So my heart and my life are overflowing with love this Thanksgiving and Advent season. I’ve been a follower of Nouwen for several years now, and I find myself drawing ever closer to God, seeing things in new ways, and opening up to new experiences. His insights are spot on for me. I look forward to seeing the thoughts and observations of others.
Good morning everyone! I live in the Midlands in England and am in my final year of training as a lay minister in the Anglican Church. I work within a small local ecumenical schools team supporting collective worship and religious education in primary school. I have never participated in a group like this.
Hello!
I live in Monrovia, CA – part of the greater Los Angeles area. I’m new to the Nouwen community, having spent most of my adult life exploring my spirituality in the 12-Step recovery community.
I was struck by the following in A Spirituality of Living: “Notice the order—from solitude to community to ministry.” This matches the program of recovery I know — self reflection and surrender, trust in a power greater than myself, and finally, carrying the message to others seeking answers.
I usually spend an hour each morning in prayer and meditation, so that’s my opening space. During this time, I’m trying to engage daily with the readings.
-Marsha
Hello, Marsha – and welcome. I, too was struck with the order of solitude to community to ministry. When Henri spoke about that toward the end the chapter (no page numbers as I have the book on Kindle), he said, “If that didn’t work, (that is getting help from others in a planned ministry) maybe I’d start praying.” To me, I equate the discipline of solitude with praying. It is in the moments of quiet prayer, that I can gain some sense of centeredness with the One who I can invite to live in my center, in my heart as Henri suggests in “The Spirituality of Homecoming”
When I attempt to move into community without that sense of centeredness, I somehow feel disconnected. It’s something for me about being at peace with myself before I can be at peace with others. It follows, too, for me that I can’t take that next step of ministering to others in any way if I am not at peace in their company.
By the way, I spent at least 40 years of my life in Orange County, California. About two years ago I moved from that familiar home to a lovely but unfamiliar and very culturally different home in Arkansas. Just that experience of adjusting to a new home adds another layer to me of this idea of “The Spirituality of Homecoming”