Last week I shared some poems I'm working on about the life of Merlin along with a little explanation of the project as a whole. If you haven't read that article already, you might want to start there. You can find it by clicking HERE. After Merlin retreated to the forest to escape the trauma … Continue reading Songs of Madness →

Over the next few week, I will be sharing some of my own poetry inspired by The Vita Merlini, written by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the twelfth century. In this older Welsh version of the story, Merlin is a prince who experiences holy madness after witnessing the trauma of war. Driven into the wilderness by … Continue reading Poems of Laughter for Merlin →

Over the last month or so, I keep returning to the story of Martha and Mary as I sit with people in spiritual direction. There are often uncanny synchronicities in what people share with me. It’s really quite fascinating, since the people I meet rarely know one another. Most of the time, they think they … Continue reading Mary and Martha as the One and the Many →

Are you looking for someone to talk with about your spiritual life? Someone who listens and teaches in equal measure? Someone with years of spiritual formation and meaningful study? If so, I would love to hear from you! I often meet with people who are: Clergy looking for the kind of spiritual guidance not offered … Continue reading Anamchara Spiritual Direction →

Life has been a wild ride the last year or so. I had to step back from our online community while I focused on healing my body and rebuilding my life post-divorce. I'm so incredibly grateful for all the support (emotional and financial) that we received during that time. The boys and I couldn't have … Continue reading Grand Re-Opening →

A couple years ago my friend Gilbert Márkus and I put together a translation of an early medieval Irish prayer called The Prayer of Saint Brendan. It dates from the eighth century and wasn’t actually written by Brendan himself but some of his later disciples, much like the Breastplate of Saint Patrick. Gilbert is a … Continue reading The Prayer of Saint Brendan →

One of the most enduring and essential practices in the Christian contemplative tradition is Lectio Divina. Lectio divina is a Latin phrase meaning "divine/sacred reading" although it is found outside of the west under various names. The practice involves reading or singing a short passage of scripture (or other spiritual text) several times over, ruminating … Continue reading Poetic Lectio Divina →

My new booklet of poetry bears the title Blessed Fall, a translation of the Latin phrase felix culpa, often said alternatively as happy fault. Used in Christian worship since ancient times, it is part of the Easter Proclamation, "O happy fault that earned for us so great, so glorious a Redeemer.” An expression of thanks … Continue reading Blessed Fall: Poems of Lament and Hope →

Life has been a wild ride the last year! I didn't feel well enough to fast or observe Lent at all. I did, however, put together a little book of poetry. I can't help but write, it just sort of happens.  I am reminded how God works within us even when we are unaware. It … Continue reading New Book Released! →

I’d like to introduce you to one of the spiritual communities that has recently joined the Virtual Chapel: The Living the Sacred Life Community. This community was founded by Scott McRae, a retired pastor, spiritual guide, and teacher who also leads the work of Sojourners Institute (SojournersInstitute.com). You can learn more about Scott and the … Continue reading Living the Sacred Life →