Why Should I Consider Doing the Ignatian Exercises?
“Go and set the world on fire.” St. Ignatius “I know things about Jesus, but I don’t really feel close to Him.” “How do I know if what I desire to do with my life is what God wants me to do?” “I can read verses about God’s love in the Bible, but I don’t […]
What Is Spiritual Direction? And Why Should I Try It?
Spiritual direction is recognizing God’s amazing work in us and among us in the ordinariness of human existence. – Margaret Guenther Men of all ages come to me for spiritual direction, and they come for all sorts of reasons. Here are two of the more common ones, stated in words similar to what I have […]
Four Changes That Happen To You In Silence
The path to all great things passes through silence. – Friedrich Nietzsche Beginning with my time as a high school teacher and coach, and now as a spiritual director, I have seen a consistent theme emerge when others feel safe enough to be honest. It seems particularly dominant in men, but it can impact women […]
Who are Quiet Days for?
And when should I go on one? “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” Blaise Pascal Between busy work schedules and family commitments, many men struggle to find time to slow down. What is the last time you felt you could turn everything off, or take a […]
The Identity Crisis in Men Today
There is an identity crisis in men today. I see the symptoms of it everywhere I look: In the exhaustion of men who run too hard or just run away. In the inner turbulence they bring to their marriages and families. In the binding power of addictions that imprison a man’s soul. And finally in […]
Why Men Need A Guide
When you first learn to fly fish, it’s a good idea to call in a guide to coach you. A guide knows the best places to fish, the intricacies of selecting a fly, the correct way to tie knots, and the proper technique for casting. Without a guide, you would be quickly become frustrated, confused, […]
Exploring the Six Streams of the Faith
I’ve always had questions about the various traditions and denominations of Christianity. Why were there so many? Was all of this division necessary? And to which one should I subscribe? The answers came in one of the more important books I have ever read: Streams of Living Water by Richard Foster. In the book, he […]
How Digital Media Can Harm Us
Digital media can harm us. This is not a new subject to any of us. But I felt it imperative to throw in my thoughts as a spiritual director. None of these thoughts are original, but perhaps seeing them summarized may be helpful. In addition, while the whole topic is disturbing, we have choices that […]
What is the mission for 2022?
I’m not much for New Year’s resolutions. But I love talking about mission. The very word brings up energy, desire, focus, and great hope. It’s also a reminder that Jesus was on a mission with His life and gives that same mission to all of His followers. As a ministry, we periodically refocus on the […]
A New Way to Exercise
Almost six years ago, I embarked upon a new way to exercise, one that still impacts me today. And looking back over my life, it may be the most transformative thing I have ever done. Although I love to workout, this exercise is not a physical one. It’s an exercise of the soul. It’s pumping […]