There are numerous organizations, blogs, churches, and so on that are vehemently opposed to spiritual formation, mysticism, contemplation, and anything that might potentially hint at such things. I, of course, disagree with these people, and I find that many of them are reacting out of hurt places in their past that they may or may not recognize. However, they may have a point now and then.

It is quite possible that you could interact with spiritual formation or mysticism or contemplation in ways that simply aren’t healthy or godly. My wife and I have come into contact with various people who seem to act as if a contemplative lifestyle is the only way to be Christian, the only way to meet God, the proper attitude to have at all times, or even the means to salvation. Not unusually, such a perspective comes with a sort of pride; they seem to almost have disdain for anyone who disagrees with them or doesn’t have what they have.

We’re all looking for some kind of salvation. For some it’s money, for some it’s religion, for some it’s family, and for some it’s...

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In less than three weeks, I graduate. Five years. It seemed so far away during my first two years. Maybe doable by the third year. Fourth year had flickers of light. Now, I see a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Five years. Needless to say, I have been in a reflective mood. It is a mixed bag of experiences. Lots of growth. Lots of struggles. Lots of joys. Lots of sadness. Lots of gains. Lots of losses. Somehow, I made it through...but only by the grace of the One who first called me on the journey. I am not just saying that. Really, it is true.

I don’t know about you, but I...

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The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick;
who can understand it?
“I the LORD search the heart
and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds.”
Jeremiah 17:9-10 ESV

When I was younger scriptures like Jeremiah 17:9-10 caused me to bristle because they felt harsh. However these many years later I no longer bristle, I understand. I’ve been witness to deceitful hearts, my own included.

There are the overt deceptions like someone I know who publicly insists she is her dad’s only daughter, but it simply isn’t so. And then there are all the...

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This coming Sunday is Easter. Even at age 51, the images from Easter’s of my childhood continue to play a significant role in my thinking. When I think of Easter, I think of my sister and me in new pastel Easter dresses, white patent leather shoes and lacey fold over socks, my brother in an adorable suit with short pants. If I think back real far I can even conger up images of gloves and hats. To this day it is hard to go to church on Easter morning wearing something I have worn before - something that isn’t new and specifically purchased for the occasion.

I realize that there is possibly more habit than holiness in...

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