Tending the Soul of Your Life
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is an early Christian practice with Biblical precedent that is answering a yearning in our modern times. We are fragmented and compartmentalized, run ragged and wanting to experience the love of God promised us. We look for community and companionship, rest and hope. In spiritual direction we tend to these longings and experiences. We intentionally turn together to the Trinity who welcomes and guides us. Your flourishing with God is at the heart of spiritual direction. My presence, questions, reflections, and guidance is all at the service of this goal, which is God’s desire for you. I am not forming you in my image, but giving you space and support to discover God’s image in you, Christ’s presence within and around, and the Holy Spirit’s communication with you. God is forming you: I co-labor with the Spirit who strengthens your inner being, fills you with the fullness of Christ, and roots and establishes you in love. (Eph. 3:16-19)
It is easier to find guides, someone to tell you what to do, than someone to be with you in a discerning, prayerful companionship as you work it out yourself. This is what spiritual direction is.
Eugene Peterson
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Discovering God is my greatest joy. Helping others hold space and stay present to God is where my deep gladness meets your greatest need. It is from my experiences as a lay leader that I have a special desire to support lay leaders and lead volunteers in tending their souls. I write and offer other resources to this end.
My life is peopled with my husband, three children, two cats and a dog. We surround ourselves with color, story, quiet, nature, and friends. Life in the church has been a constant for us. My academic and work background is in music, English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), refugee and immigrant assistance, hospitality, and spiritual formation. I have a Certificate of Spiritual Direction from Portland Seminary and am currently working on a Master’s of Divinity (MDIV) degree, also at Portland Seminary.
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“The glory of God is man fully alive.” ~ St. Irenaeus
Why Engage in Spiritual Direction?
For those who want to go deeper with God, be transformed into their unique Christ-likeness, and discern their wise ways of living, then spiritual direction is helpful. This companioning practice intentionally cultivates these desires. Together we can notice patterns of grace, follow invitations through resistances, encounter your suffering, explore your life-giving experiences, discover your true self in the image of God, develop healthy spiritual disciplines, and know God better.
To receive spiritual direction is to recognize that God does not solve our problems or answer all our questions, but leads us closer to the mystery of our existence where all questions cease.
Henri Nouwen