Resignation is a soul-deadening, light-obscuring posture of the soul. There is a hopeless inevitability in it that slowly shuts the door to God's comforting light. When Zechariah the priest entered the temple to burn incense that day a double-portion of resignation is residing in his soul. As an Israelite, he is the member of a… Continue reading A Merciful Silence (Zechariah Part 1)
Author: Carla Waterman
I am a former Christian spirituality professor, a mentor, ponderer, musician and writer. I am owning my creative life blog upon blog, and as I learn the craft, I will add a podcast. I live in a northern suburb of Minneapolis, back in my roots with my husband and dog. I'm a new grandmother, and when I'm not reading, writing or playing piano, I often have a crochet hook and some good yarn in my hands.
Zechariah’s Song (Zechariah Part 2)
His name is John...that caused a stir—and then it got even more interesting. Nine months of silence had been very good for Zechariah’s soul. And when he opened his mouth, his words had not a trace of doubt left in them. He blesses God. “And fear came on all their neighbors.” What would this child be? Zechariah’s song… Continue reading Zechariah’s Song (Zechariah Part 2)
Dusting Off Grace
I think my eyes get cloudy in all the wrong the places. I am working hard to paint my house coordinating colors, to center the pictures I hang on walls, and put my books on the shelves in some kind of coherent order. I'm really quite clear about these things. But grace, a reality as… Continue reading Dusting Off Grace
Gatorade
My son began playing T-Ball when he was four years old. For two un-self-conscious years he would come running over to me with a quick, "Mommy, I'm thirsty." I'd hand him a bottle of water and off he'd go. But by age six, the television ads had accomplished their goal: "Mom, I have to have… Continue reading Gatorade
Gritty Love
Many years ago I entered into a memorable silent retreat. During this time I was a busy college professor, loving my students, loving my church. But early on in the retreat I found my mind defaulting to two other people in my life: my husband and toddler son. "Well, Lord, I love them, too. But… Continue reading Gritty Love
Handmaiden Humility
I haven't given much thought to the face of Wisdom's handmaiden, Humility. But I encountered her so vividly last week that her subtle and beautiful features shine with clarity after leaving "Worship Camp." Perhaps I can give you a glimpse of her lovely face. My teaching partner, Reggie Kidd, and I have just completed teaching… Continue reading Handmaiden Humility
Hidden Freedom (Part 1)
I've had the house to myself the last ten days. I get up and go to bed on my own schedule. I am free to read for hours, and break for food when my body tells me it's time to eat. I could walk for hours if it wasn't so beastly hot, and I can… Continue reading Hidden Freedom (Part 1)
Hidden Freedom (Part 2)
Every Independence Day we celebrate our country's freedom to act, speak and live as we choose but that does not mean we are truly free. I propose that the most central, albeit hidden, bondage is the captivity of our minds. In my last blog I listed four different kinds of unruly thoughts that can capture… Continue reading Hidden Freedom (Part 2)
A Kingdom Paradox
The first phone call I made this afternoon began like this: "Hello, doctor's office, I need to check on a test I must have for my appointment next week. I was under the impression you were to call me..."Oh, no the hospital is supposed to call you. I'll send them the paperwork again but here's… Continue reading A Kingdom Paradox
A Healing Hand
After two days of a week long hospital stay, I would look up with some apprehension as the shift changed. A few times during that week I was met by the eager smile of a nurse who was present and communicated her desire to help me. But, too often, whether morning or evening, I was… Continue reading A Healing Hand
Carla Waterman 