Recently I have been struggling with understanding my emotional responses to my wife. It is a humbling experience to admit that after 45 years of marriage, I am still working on responding rightly to my wife. But I am learning to stay with the storm inside and not run away to a safe place that…
In a documentary titled The Fatherless Epidemic, it is noted that more than 18 million children in the USA live without a biological father, stepfather, or adoptive dad in the home. And those same children, according to Bay Forrest of Focus Ministries (Pagodo Springs, CO), often have no clue what it means to be a…
One of the struggles for men, wanting to deepen their relationship with God is our struggle with dualistic thinking. By that I mean, men see their relationship with God more as “God and me” rather then “God in me.” The “God and me” frame of reference tends to place God outside of ourselves, separated from our real life. We see our…
From time to time I receive comments on the word “wildman.” Some of the responses are very interesting. The wives of men who come to “wildman” Saturdays wonder just what goes on in our time together. My response is, “If they are better husbands at meeting your emotions needs, then it must be good.” Others are…
I spent this past weekend at St. Scholastica monastery in Duluth helping with a week-end retreat for folks enrolled in a spiritual direction program. I am one of the facilitators of the program. This is my third year in helping. It has been one of those surprises of God’s grace and favor as I journey with Him during…
In previous blogs I have referred to a threshold that men need to cross in their journey with the Lord. The threshold experience is not just a once and for all event. There will be many thresholds to cross. By faith we are being asked to cross over the threshold. It will bring darkness. Isaiah tells us, “Who…
Recently I have been rereading Gerald May’s very helpful book entitled, “The Dark Night of the Soul.” It is about the spirituality of St. John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila. I must admit that over 20 years ago, when I first encountered the concept of the “dark night” I was confused and uncertain…
Last weekend I was at Scholastic in Duluth working with the sisters particiapting in our spiritual direction program. Sister Jean gave us the assignment of writing a letter to God, giving us a self-addressed envelope that would be sent to us during the next week. When I addressed my letter to “Abba” Father, I began…
I have to admit to whoever is reading my blog, that there are days when I begin to get negative and slightly depressed when I view what is going on in our nation. I have to continually guard against a “negative spirit.” I can easily get fearful and start worrying. I become concerned about the future. …
Civility in America is breaking down. People debate the direction of our nation with a passion that at times can be expressed in anger. This public expression of heart felt descent has always been a healthy part of our cultural fabric. But today it seems to have boiled over to a new level. There is talk of…