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:

What Will It Take To Bring Hope?

This post showed up in my memories today.

It is from two years ago.

My spiritual director asked me a question: "what is needed for you to have hope?" I took that question and edited it to "What will it take to bring hope?" That question stuck with me, as good questions do.

I saw some yellow flowers growing in the asphalt and that inspired me to write a haiku. They showed me hope.

Haiku:

the question was asked:

'what will it take to bring hope'?

the answer will come

DD 7/30/21

Original photo:

Two years have gone by. The question still resonates.  What WILL it take to bring hope?

Yet, there is so much more hope these days. And, oh, so much more healing. Hope and healing go hand in hand. At least they do in my life and experience.

Hope has come in the form of sunrises and sunsets, time apart, silence and solitude, time in the woods, time on the bike, time in conversations, time observing art, time in hammocks, and so much more. 

Hope has come by walking with others, by listening, by sharing, by being the me I was created to be.

The answer continues to come.... hope is not done. Hope comes in many forms and continues to make its way into my life, offering healing and wholeness.

My spiritual director was asking me two years ago what it would take to bring hope back into my life again. 

Two years ago, in a post about Haikus, I wrote this about the question:

"What I DO know is that writing Haikus brings me joy, healing, and hope.  And I guess that answers the question my spiritual director asked my yesterday, at least in part.  She asked 'what is needed for me to have hope?'  I wrote a Haiku based on that and changed the wording a bit after seeing bright yellow flowers growing in asphalt.  Ultimately what is needed for me to have hope is for me to continue the spiritual practices that draw me into relationship with the One who created me, the One who loves me, and the One who knows me best.  Then I can live out my calling to live, love, and lead like Jesus."

I still write Haikus, but not as frequently as I was. It's not a primary spiritual practice in the moment. I did, however, write one last week at the retreat I attended. As I was sitting there under the tree canopy during the reflection time, a Haiku came to me.

What I wrote that morning about writing the Haiku: "It has been a while since a Haiku has come from me. In the quiet reflection time now, these words vacate as I reflect on the morning session."

Haiku:

Old growth tree forest
Your canopy reaches high
Beckoning me nigh
DD, 7/18/23
Ignatius House

As I have refilled with hope, it is my desire that I bring hope to others. And I think I am doing that. By walking life with others, by sharing, by listening, by being the me I was created to be.

Hope and healing go hand in hand. 

It was a good reminder today for me to see this haiku and question from my spiritual director from two years ago. 

Continuing the adventurous journey of life, 

Deb

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

Labyrinth time at Hinton Center

After a 3 mile walk at the Chatuge Dam Trail with Riley's niece and her husband, I went by the Hinton Center to see if the gift shop was open. I wanted to get some more "Rev. Nevertheless She Leads" stickers. 

Alas, it was closed. I stopped by the office and gave my name, number, and what I was looking for.

Then I stopped by the labyrinth for a prayer walk. I never know what to expect when I enter a labyrinth. Today's journey was book-ended by two songs.

As I entered the labyrinth, the Keith Green song create in me a clean heart from Psalm 51 came to mind. I sang it all the way to the center. I threw out the sticks that had fallen on the path. I heard birds chirping and singing and an owl hooting.

Lyrics to Keith Green's song: 

Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me
Create in me a clean heart, oh God
And renew a right spirit within me

Cast me not away from Thy presence, oh Lord
And take not Thy holy spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me

As I left the center, Spirit of the Living God was what accompanied me out. 

Lyrics: 

Spirit of the Living God 
fall afresh on me (repeat 1st two lines)
melt me, mold me, fill me, use me

I stopped to look at thecross and the stones on the way out. The angel caught my attention,  as did the words in the stones. 

Making time for the prayer walk was as good for me as the walk and talk with Riley's niece and her husband. 

Good stuff! 

Rev. Deb

The Beautiful Something Else by Ash Van Otterloo

Have you ever read a book that gets in under your skin and won't leave you alone? That's this book, The Beautiful Something Else, written by Ash Van Otterloo in 2023. I thought that it would have left my thoughts already since I posted a few pictures of the book yesterday and a brief commentary after having finished it, but no.... it continues to nudge me to say more.

This book caught my attention because it was highlighted on a shelf with a "Read With Pride" display from Scholastic and because of the cool cover art. The cover art is by Leo Nickolls. You can see more of Leo's design work here. I didn't even notice that the book was signed by the author until I started reading it when I got home.

Maybe it was the wings that caught my attention, as wings are a symbol that speak to me in my own life, as hang gliding has offered me freedom and butterflies teach me about transformational life from darkness to light.

Whatever it was that got my attention from the outside, the inside of the book, its guts, had ne captured and I finished it the day after I began it. The story line is one I could understand as a parent, a Mama Bear, and other roles in my life. I have met kids like Sparrow, but not exactly. Sparrow's story drew me in and I wanted to listen to get to know the story and the person. 

There are layers to Sparrow's story that are very real, though it is a fictional story. The emotions are palpable. The relational challenges are relatable.

Sparrow had to grow up at an early age due to life's circumstances and this caused Sparrow to take on ways of being that weren't always fitting. Even so, Sparrow was able to let go of the protective veneer that both was a help and a hindrance in order to find true self and authenticity.

Sparrow truly came into being through out the book and it was a remarkable journey to witness.

I recommend this book.

Here is what I wrote about it yesterday:

"I am reading a book I picked up in Asheville last week at a cool bookstore, Malaprop's. Though I didn't find my author cousins' books there, they did look them up for me to let me know they sold well. :)

The book I am reading, The Beautiful Something Else, was a risk. I don't know the author. The cover caught my attention (by Leo Nickolls). Plus, it is Pride month and I like to read books that I can pass on or recommend to youth or families. I didn't even see that it was a signed copy until I started reading it.

The author writes a gentle warning in the beginning, encouraging readers to take care of themselves as they read, as there are some topics that arise.

Even so, I am finding this book insightful, meaningful, touching. It is a book that I wish was written 10 years ago instead of in 2023. However, we still need these books today. Our youth need love, acceptance, support, understanding, and more." 

I don't know if I could pick favorite lines or quotes.... there were many. And, at times, there were some words that moved me to tears.

Check it out. Read the warning from the author, but dive in afterwards. Take breaks if/as needed.

Here is a video introduction by the author:

Enjoy!

Debra