FUMSDRL National Gathering at the Ignatius House in Sandy Springs, GA

Last week I attended the National Gathering for FUMSDRL (Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders) also known as Hearts on Fire at the Ignatius House in Sandy Springs, GA. It was the first time in 5 years that we have met in person because of the "C-season".  Last year's gathering was a wonderful time online with Carrie Newcomer and I am grateful to have attended it.

It was my first time to be at the Ignatius House and my first time to hear Daniel Wolpert. 

The theme for this year: "Hearts on Fire for a World on Fire: Spiritual Direction and Social Transformation

From the FUMSDRL website: 

Hearts On Fire for a World on Fire: Spiritual Direction and Social Transformation

To say that the world is in a powerful time of upheaval and transformation has almost become cliché at this point, yet it is true. The multiple crises of climate change, social unrest, the rise of fear and totalitarianism, all press upon us and strain our physical, emotional and spiritual health. 

At such times we see an increased interest in the spiritual life and in new forms of spiritual community. These moments also call for spiritual companionship and spiritual direction. As directors we can and do serve as agents of social transformation, sitting with individuals and groups as we listen for the movement of the Spirit.

Come join us for this time of retreat where together we will reflect upon Spiritual Direction and Social Transformation. This will be a time to gather with colleagues, spend time in prayer, renew our spirits and come to a deeper understanding as to how we engage the principalities and powers in our work as directors.

Leader: Rev. Daniel Wolpert

Daniel Wolpert, a healer and student of the spiritual life, has taught and led retreats in the fields of psychology, integrative medicine, and spiritual formation in numerous settings over the past 30 years. Co-founder and Executive Director of the Minnesota Institute of Contemplation and Healing, a Spiritual Director, and Presbyterian pastor, he is also the author of several books and multiple articles on spiritual life, leadership, and healing. 

The time apart, along with the time with colleagues, the speaker, time on the grounds of the retreat center, and some time around Atlanta on Friday--- all of it was just what I needed last week.

On Friday, I found myself seeing most things through the lenses of social transformation and systems-- from coffee at the Refuge (I had first heard about their truck when I had been to Atlanta with the Episcopal Latino Training I took--ELMC in 2019), to the art at the High Museum, to biscuits at the Bomb Biscuit Atlanta where a slogan on the apron (and the name of a cookbook) is "still we rise", to the Carter Center.... so many connection points to social transformation.

At some point, I will share more in reflection.

Right now, I will share photos-- photos from the retreat center and photos from the adventure time on Friday that also connected to social transformation.

Time apart is holy time. It's a time to focus, to listen, to set aside some of the normal daily activities for a different set of daily activities. I am very grateful for the time apart, the teaching, the conversations, the worship, etc. 

Continuing on the adventurous journey of life and seeking to make a difference in the systems within my reach.

Debra

Some photos of the Ignatius House and my adventures around Atlanta: (I took more photos at the Ignatius House during a hike, but they are in a different location-- will add when I get to them)

Additional photos of Ignatius House:

Christ the King Retreat Center-- 9 years later

The first in-person board meeting I attended for FUMSDRL/Hearts on Fire was in Buffalo, MN at the Christ the King Retreat Center. 

The following year I attended my first National Gathering and Retreat there. 

Meeting people in person after having only heard their voices on the phone,  reconnecting with some I had met through a 5 Day Academy in TN, and meeting new people..... there are so many memories from Buffalo, MN-- both from the board meeting and the Gathering. 

One memory came up today. As I read the words I wrote nine years ago, I thought to myself: 'I wrote that?!' :) And, it didn't go unnoticed that my writing was based on contemplative photography, a spiritual practice that has long given me life.

There was beauty all around the campus of the retreat center and photos near the lake were a go-to. This was a spot found near steps.

This is what I wrote on this day nine years ago on July 25, 2014: 

"When faced with an overgrown path between yourself and a destination, look closely for the hidden worn path of travelers gone before and follow their steps.  If no such step or opening exists, it may be time to forge the path for others.~d"

Today, as I read those words, I wrote this: 

"The hidden worn path..... forging a path for others....

Words I wrote 9 years ago at the end of a retreat. I am grateful for the many whom I follow and walk with along life's path."

I began a deeper journey somewhere around 2007 when I felt the call to "be still" and to learn to listen. 

The journey continues. 

Debra/Rev. Deb

P.S. I found a post I wrote last year on July 27, 2022 spurred on by this post and photo above. You can check it out here: A reflection on paths, spurred by quotes and memories

Praying the labyrinth at St. Francis by the Sea

On Wednesday afternoon I was able to walk and pray a new (to me) labyrinth.

The labyrinth is located at St. Francis by the Sea Episcopal church in Salter Path and is one mile from Trinity Center.

Because the Hearts on Fire / FUMSDRL (Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders) retreat will be at Trinity Center next summer with Jane Vennard leading, one of the things to check out this trip was nearby places.

Though the miniature golf place was next to the church and an aquarium also close by, I only had time to check out the labyrinth.

The labyrinth is to the right when you enter the church parking lot on St. Francis by the Sea way.

It has a beautiful shell archway near the entrance of the labyrinth, a fountain at the back of it, a metal cross structure near a bench, and there are plants and shells around the space. In the middle of the labyrinth there was a round rock. I wondered if it was a geode.

 

As I walked this cement path, I noticed a heart in the cement along the outer path to one one side. I don't know whether or not it is intentional.  However, see a heart, share a heart.

Though there isn't a right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth, resources suggest praying for concerns, burdens, or people on the journey inward and giving thanks and praise on the outward journey.

That is a simplified version.

You can read more at the Labyrinth Society website or the information on the St. Francis by the Sea labyrinth page.

Because I was on the Hearts on Fire board retreat, I prayed for fellow board members, some family, church leaders, and others that came to mind. I try to be open to the Holy Spirit during my walk.

It isn't a labyrinth I will be able to visit often since it isn't near me, but I look forward to returning to it next year when I return.

If you are looking for labyrinths near you, use the labyrinth locator to find out if there is one near you to walk and pray.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

Grateful for Hearts on Fire

I spent Monday through Thursday at Trinity Center in Salter Path, NC at our annual face-to-face Hearts on Fire board meeting. Hearts on Fire is the Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders (FUMSDRL).

After this time at the board meeting, I am grateful.

I am grateful for...

• ...the beauty of the retreat center and coastal NC.
• ...the opportunity to reconnect with folks I have known and to meet new people.
• ...work accomplished.
• ...sunsets and sunrises on the beach.
• ...communion on the beach.
• ...fellowship and worship time.

As I reflect on the work we did, the time we had together, and what Hearts on Fire and this board has meant to me over the years, I am filled with gratitude for the life-giving and life-sustaining nourishment, encouragement, support, connection, and resources.

In thinking of a visual from this week to express how I feel, this photo of these two hearts connected is the most appropriate.

Hearts on Fire connects me to God and to others.

Think about what connects you to God and others in ways that are life-giving and life-sustaining.

If it helps, list them.

Give thanks with a grateful heart for each of these.

Blessings on your journey,
Debra

Travel day reading reflections

Today's alarm went off at 3am so I  could shower and get a cup of coffee before heading to the airport. My sweet husband was kind enough to take me at 3:45.

It is dark that early in the morning.

It was dark the entire first leg of the flight, until the last bit when the sun starting showing up on the other side of the plane.

Though I slept mostly on the first flight, I read on the second one. I brought one of the many piled and stacked books on my waiting list for this trip: Starting Something New: Spiritual Direction For Your God-Given Dream by Beth Booram. I had highlighted the book in a newsletter awhile back and Beth sent me a copy.  There are so many connections in this book. I find myself identifying with quite a bit.

I have found many great nuggets already--quotes from other authors and information from Beth. This book is going to challenge and encourage me.

Here are two quotes from today's reading:

As I reflect today on the thoughts from this book, I also came across a picture and something I wrote with it two years ago as the retreat ended in Buffalo, MN at Christ the King Retreat Center.

"When faced with an overgrown path between yourself and a destination, look closely for the hidden worn path of travelers gone before and follow their steps.  If no such step or opening exists, it may be time to forge the path for others.~d" July 25, 2014

Putting it all together is there a theme?

I don't know just yet. What I do know is that I have come for some time apart, to listen to the One Voice. I am setting aside time and space to listen and reflect.

What that means and where that leads.... we will see. That is part of the great adventure!

Blessings on your journey!

Debra

SOULfeast 2013--The Spirit Alive

I'm back from my second SOULfeast at Lake Junaluska, NC.  I first went to SOULfeast in 2010.  That summer and fall were packed with some major mile markers in my life.  Much has transpired in the three years since I have been to SOULfeast.  To look back and see how God was working then, to see how God worked through many situations and people, and to see where I am now is a tad mind-blowing for me.  Interestingly (or ironically), even with all the movement in my life, I still don't know the end-all where I'm going.  BUT, there is a difference in my life now than three years ago.  I'm much more calm in that unknowing (most of the time) and I can live into with more acceptance and ease.  I attempt to live it step by step, as each one is revealed.  I did three years ago too, but there was an urgency in my spirit that was pushing me.  For me, part of this SOULfeast was reflecting back on my last SOULfeast and the past three years. ☺

Trevor Hudson was the main speaker, speaking at opening worship, the plenary sessions, and closing worship.  I have never heard Trevor Hudson speak.  I haven't read his books, though I did buy The Cycle of Grace this past January that he and Jerry Haas co-wrote and I have skimmed it.  Another one of his books caught my attention in the fall of 2010 at a 5 day Academy I attended because of the hiking boots on the cover: A Mile in My Shoes: Cultivating Compassion.  My husband picked it up at the Lake Junaluska bookstore and is currently reading it, so I'll get to read it eventually! ☺  Trevor was an incredible speaker!  Engaging, authentic, humble, transparent, vulnerable.  He spoke the truth-- hard core, yet in love, teaching and challenging.  Each session there was something to sink my teeth into, to chew on (reflect upon) and to apply to my life journey.

During each worship time, there was an artist from Iowa, Steve Braudt, who drew with chalk throughout the singing, speaking, etc.  That was powerful to watch-- his worship expressed in art.  And, the results were always beautiful expressions of art that reflected the worship.  A gift that helps him worship, but that also gives to so many others.  [Check out The Art Project website here.  There are links about art as a spiritual discipline, etc.]

The altars were changed out for each worship time.  Altars and banners bring beauty and meaning into the worship space.

 

 

There were quiet spaces set up around for quiet time and reflection with instructions: Walk The Rosary (using the rose path), Labyrinth, Sitting at the Feet of Jesus, Joy of Coloring... I may have missed some and may not have the names exactly correct, but you get the idea.

SOULfeast offers wonderful choices for morning and afternoon workshops.  The morning workshop is designed as a 3 day consecutive time, while the afternoon workshops are individual.  There is not enough time to be able to do all the great choices offered.  That is a wonderful problem.

This year I chose the Joining God's Mission II for my morning workshop.  For the afternoon workshops, I went to Holy Listening: A Circle of Trust and an e-learning session with folks from both the Upper Room (Sharon Conley) and BeADisciple.com (Steve Wilke).  All workshops were helpful, provided me with information, allowed me to meet and interact with new folks, etc.  Good stuff!

I got to reconnect with folks I hadn't seen in a while (from my 5 day Academy, past SOULfeast, etc.) and connect with folks I had only met thus far in the virtual world.  In an afternoon workshop, I recognized the name of one person (Ann Smith) I had met through her blog (Out of My Heart) that my cousin in Spain had sent me. [He had sent me a specific post, "Lines" back in May.]  We ended up having the opportunity to talk at the end of that workshop and saw each other at other times during the week.  That was neat.  Small world. ☺  I also met new folks in the workshops and through the Academy dinner meeting and the Hearts on Fire luncheon.

I'm still processing (and will be processing) all that I heard and learned this past week.  I have notes and pictures.  Just as I had three years ago, I also have some affirmations and rumblings (or guidance) in my own journey.... I say "rumblings" because they are there, but not coming to the surface as clear as I would like them too.  But, that might be my fault.  Honestly, I may not truly want to live into the truth I see and hear.  Why would I say that?  Because I see and hear it, but I don't understand what it means.  So, I have to let it sit longer and allow the Ultimate Guide, God the Creator, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit reveal to me what it means and how it is supposed to be lived out.  The image of guiding others through and out of the wilderness was once again affirmed this past week as one of the speakers, Vance Ross, was sharing about his brother coming to get him out of the woods.  I need (or I think I need) more time to reflect upon the image and what it means for me.  I don't think (or feel) that the time is right for me to step into living it, whatever living it means... but that could be fear of unknown or many other things.  So, I will ask for clarity and guidance and see what happens.

Meanwhile, there is much life waiting on me.... groceries that need to be bought, a trombone that needs to be serviced, school supplies that are waiting to be bought, a class I teach starting next week that needs to be cleared out and readied, some other things and responsibilities that need to be covered.

Living the inward/outward journey isn't easy.  It requires flexibility.  It keeps me humble.  I cannot do it on my own.  SOULfeast has helped to feed my soul, to strengthen my heart and mind.... now to live out what I've been learning in the community (communities) where God has placed me.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra

P.S.  Mark your calendars:  SOULfeast 2014 dates are July 13-17.