Author Archives: Jo-Ellen A. Darling

Losing Faith, Gaining Trust

Our culture – and so many of us – are at the breaking point,stressed by personal, family, and work-related societal demandsand realities. It is no wonder that we may have dismissed a morespiritual approach to our life. Perhaps it is because of a tendency tointellectualize and hold rigid opinions, or to follow a philosophicalor politicalContinue reading “Losing Faith, Gaining Trust”

Going Deeper with Touchstones & Anchors

In Understanding Your Grief, Alan D. Wolfelt describes touchstonesas the “signs that let you know you are on the right path.” He considersthese markers also to be “wisdom teachings” – when relied uponand practiced consciously – that prevent you from getting lost on thejourney. For example, one of Wolfelt’s touchstones is “Nurture Yourself.”During grief orContinue reading “Going Deeper with Touchstones & Anchors”

Nature: A Spiritual Teacher

Recently I finished reading John Philip Newell’s book, Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul. Newell digs into Celtic history and illuminates an amazing group of Celtic writers, poets, activists, saints, and naturalists who have contributed to an understanding of Celtic Christianity. Adapted from some of the life-giving rituals of pre-Christian pagan culture, Celtic Christian theology holds thatContinue reading “Nature: A Spiritual Teacher”

What is standing between God and me today?

This is a typical question posed by many religious and spiritual writers. Oftentimes it aims to help us identify our sin. But I wanted to take a different look at this question, to answer it in a way that is perhaps more hopeful and life-giving. At first look, what stands between God and me todayContinue reading “What is standing between God and me today?”

Thinking About Journaling in 2023? Read on …

Journaling is Primarily a Labor of Self-Love  Journaling is a way to stay close to myself and to the God of my understanding. It is loving  myself enough to want to engage in the deep mystery and truth of my own self, not only things  of the past, but in the here and now. KnowingContinue reading “Thinking About Journaling in 2023? Read on …”

My List of What Journaling Can Give Us

Since we’ve catapulted into 2022, some of us are once again in some measure of lock-down, as we deal with a renewed spike of the Corona virus. Yet, we are learning that this is the “new normal” and we must work at living in the pandemic without closing ourselves off totally to friends, schools, workplaces,Continue reading “My List of What Journaling Can Give Us”

Gratitude: The Main Staple for Thanksgiving

Gratitude is not only one of those necessary staples of the spiritual life, it is the centerpiece of the feast that we can practice on ANY given day, not just on Thanksgiving. We can feast on gratitude anytime and always — when life is going badly or when it’s going great. Having gratitude for “whatContinue reading “Gratitude: The Main Staple for Thanksgiving”