Baptist Monk Manifesto

When I think of a Baptist monk, I think of several pivots points that I feel are worth thinking about. This is not long, but rather short and to the point.

A Baptist Monk is one who:

1.Values Silence - Silence is a key discipline in the development of one’s faith. A silence to take time to listen to God speak. To often we are caught in the web of “overdoing” to compensate.

2. Realizes that reading and study of the Bible is paramount. The key difference here is that lectio divina is not understood well in Baptist circles. But “something jumped out at me from the word” is a more common terminology. An understanding of lectio is an important element in this.

3. Believes in the power of prayer. The liturgy of the hours has taken on more meaning to me as the years go by. Perhaps Baptist use of the liturgy would be incorporated for those interested in “Baptist monkdom.”

4. Believes in the priesthood of the believers. In other words that God speaks directly to us and maybe even to our neighbor. One would need to be sensitive to God’s voice in such an environment.

5. Is one who believes God leads us. The key here is that a Baptist monk is one who “is not controlling but one being controlled by God.” To often power is seen as possession. Possession of the largest congregation, the greatest number in Sunday School, etc. Real power is in being controlled by God no matter the numbers. This is the big difference, “Baptist monks should seek only the power of God and not man.”

6. And finally (I am sure this is not the end, just what I have thought of at this time) a Baptist monk is one who reads the full development of Christian classics and literature. No, it is not a sin to read Thomas Merton or Henri Nouwen. Too often one can be sheltered to the point that one misses the true vision of God.

Please read
Jonathan’s Comments about this. It gives a more British perspective.

As to problems my friend Wayne Burns points out a few in some of his comments:

I had read Jonathan's comments about Baptist Monk.The term Baptist Monk is an oxymoron. As you know, Baptists are not into silence and solitude. And, most Baptists see praying the Psalms (the hours) as not good use of time.

As long as Baptists are committed to activities as being the rule for spirituality, I see little hope here. To set up a schedule for a Bapist Monk will be a challenge. However, if one studies monasticism, you soon discover how busy the monks are, and how much they are involved in activities throughout each day.....And, how noisy a monastery can be.

OK, any comments?

Baptist Monk?

In yesterday’s post we discovered that BAPTIST Andrew Jones has an interesting post related to his decision to “found a monastery on the Orkney Islands in Scotland.” The result of this is, “Are you kidding, BAPTIST MONKS?”

As a Baptist, with monk leanings, I find myself struggling with the question, “What is a Baptist Monk?”

Jonathan Gardner, also a baptist, has also posted a beginning dialogue about
Baptist Monks. As a Baptist also, with monk leanings, what then is a Baptist monk. Tomorrow I hope to come to grips with a Baptist Monk Manifesto. For now, I just want to raise the question WHAT IS A BAPTIST MONK.

Today, I will be gone all day for a conference with all the other hospital chaplains in Tennessee. But if you have any ideas about What a Baptist Monk is then check back tomorrow.

Monastic Calling

Andrew Jones has an interesting post related to his decision to “found a monastery on the Orkney Islands in Scotland.” I am sure this surprises many people but what better person than Andrew and his enthusiasm to begin such an exciting enterprise. A Baptist monastery in Scotland!!

Many of you know of my appreciation for the monastic life, even though I am a baptist. I have made several trips to the Abbey of Gethsemani and recently wrote Notes from a Monastery.There is something about a monastery. The silence! The listening to the wind talk! The hearing of voices—even the voice of God. The old monk said recently to us, “You are here to pray.” Makes sense doesn’t it. Here to Pray! And that is the duty of one called to the monastic life. It is amazing the energy that comes from those times of prayer, especially for me.

So maybe this is a beginning. “The Abbey of the Emerging Church.” Something to think about, right? Thanks Andrew. We will be praying for you.

Dr. Eric L. Dyer Memorial Service

Today is the Memorial Service for Dr. Eric Dyer. You might remember I wrote about his funeral service and other thoughts about him previously.

On Friday night I received this from one of his patients who just happened to find my blog. This email shows me how special Dr. Dyer was. The names have been removed but I appreciate this being sent to me.

Hi Brother Dan,

My Name is Sharon... Just wanted to contact you and tell you how
shocked and saddened I was to hear of Dr. Dyer's passing.

My Dad is 71 and has been a patient of Dr. Dyers for years.:) And my parents thought the world of Dr. Dyer as the rest of my family did. They loved him as a son.

This past Wednesday my parents received a call from Dr. Dyers office informing them of Dr. Dyer's sudden death. My parents where devastated to say the least. It was a very restless night for them both. My Dad told me that he went to his medicine cabinet to see the pill bottles that had Dr. Dyers name on it. Somehow it helped him just to see his name.

Plus they felt really bad that we didn't know it in time to go to the funeral. Not that it would have brought him back - but I think it would have helped them also to say goodbye. But no one is ever ready to say goodbye. Are we? Plus he was so young.I feel the tears burning my eyes as I type this.Going to the doctor is never fun. But when Dad was going to see Dr. Dyer - for some reason it was always nice to go and just see Dr. Dyer.

We live in Kentucky, over an hour drive from Nashville. My dad was there to see Dr. Dyer about 6 weeks agoDr. Dyer has been up here to visit my parents on a couple different occasions. My father used to own and operate a lumber mill. Dr. Dyer had to come up and see that.:) He brought is son with him and once brought his mother here. The time he brought his son they came to my house and rode on our four wheeler in the yard. That was the first time his boy had ever been on a four wheeler.

Dad has given Dr. Dyer wood for carving over the years, old country record albums, a lot of different things. Dr. Dyer was always pleased with what ever Dad took him. He would just smile. There is piece of walnut wood now that is seasoning out that dad had planned to take to Dr. Dyer.

Well Brother Dan I will end this email now. I could probably just continue to rattle on. ~smile~ I had found your website and seen your posting about Dr. Dyer and just wanted to contact you.

Sharon

THIS SHOWS HOW SPECIAL HE WAS, JUST TAKING TIME TO VISIT PATIENTS AND KNOW MORE ABOUT THEM THAN JUST THE MEDICAL SIDE. HE WAS SPECIAL !!

Merton and Thoreau

"After some beautiful pages on morning and on being awake Thoreau writes
in his WALDEN (p. 89): 'I went to the woods because I wished to live
deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I
could not learn what it had to teach and not, when I came to die,
discover that I had not lived.' He adds mysteriously: 'Nor did I wish
to practice resignation unless it was quite necessary.' I suppose he
means he did not intend to be resigned to anything like a compromisewith
life."

( THE SIGN OF JONAS, page 316 )

Where do I look for the real meaning of life?

Thanks Wayne Burns

http://community.webtv.net/wayneburnsB/WayneBurns

"May the good Lord sweeten your life with good friends around you."

Dealing With Disappointment

Well, I did not get one of the new Sidekick2 phones/computer. Although the web site said I would get one, when they called it was an inconvenient time. They said they would call me back. They didn't! None are left. The result is that what would have been a $199 deal is now $374. I was very disappointed!

How do you deal with disappointment? You are looking forward to getting a new job and they give it to someone else. There is sudden sickness, people die without warning, a relationship is broken. You get the idea. How do you deal with disappointment? I tend to get discouraged, but in the Bible the Apostle Paul, while in prison, says, "Now, I want you to know that what has happened has advanced the gospel." And in spite of ever seeming failure he says, "I press toward the mark of the high calling of Christ Jesus."

So Dan, do not grow weary in disappointment, press toward the mark!!

Thought Provoking

This is one of the most thought provoking things I have read. And the good news is that today is John Coltrane's birthday and XM 70 --the Real Jazz Channel--is playing Coltrane all day.

ON DEATH AND DYING

It is 4:11 am. I can't sleep. I watched a PBS special on Freud and C.S.Lewis last night. Some of the panelist views on death bothered me.

Or, is it just death in general. Being around death all the time as a hospital chaplain has its effects. Yes, my doctor friend's death has placed me in a tizzy, but it is also the 24 year old girl I spent several hours with this week as her mother died. We were alone for hours until her husband got there. How horible (to me) to face death alone.

Maybe this is just an adverse reaction. But I know I have been around it enough to know the vague distortion that grief tricks us in to. Death involves the grief, the shock, the detailed planning (I am still planning another memorial service for Monday for Dr. Dyer), the gathering of speakers, a room, some food, and the words to say to those who have lost a loved one.

Yes, I am sleepless because it has become TOO MUCH. Time is broken! Reality has set in. What I really need is to go away for a day and be alone, maybe at the abbey. But, no way. I chug along, fraily get by, eat to much, don't have time for exercise, try to grieve but futily. Just a good night's sleep would do.

I know now why Jesus left the crowds. We all need time away from the crowds, but WHEN?

Prayer of Invocation

Last night we had a terrific evening on the General Jackson Riverboat. It was a time to recognize over 400 employees who had worked at Centennial Medical Center for over 5 years. This is my prayer of invocation:

Our Father, we come together this evening to honor commitment and excellence.

Excellence in the form of employees who have dedicated their healing skills and numerous talents to Centennial Medical Center over a considerable period of time.

With grace they have taken those persons of broken spirits and diseased bodies and with the precious precision of an artist, have loved and cared for them in a magnificient way.

Their touch of concern and commitment has straightened the furrowed brow, has given a smile to a person looking for someone to care for them, has prepared food for the hungry, cleanliness for those who need purity, hope for those seemingly without anyone or anything to live for, and most importantly, a healing spirit that permeates this entire institution.

We thank you heavenly Father for a place such as this to work. We thank you for those in administration who lead us and guide us during difficult times and we thank you for each other, for Lord we know that our lives interwined gives opportunity to help many persons and families.

The holy scriptures teach us that "the hungry, or the thirsty, or the stranger, or those needing clothes, or the prison, or the person sick" are to be honored and that "whoever has helped the least of these," has committed a holy act.

Holy Father, tonight we recognize these who have committed holy acts in your name, and we uphold them to you for your richest blessings.

With grace and honor we pray dear Father.

Amen

Sleepless Nights and Riverboats

I really like it when Jen Lemen is Sleepless. I am also intrigued by Christies dieting tips. I also enjoy reading Alan Creech's Merton Comments about humility.

Tonight is the big night. A night on the General Jackson Riverboat to celebrate employees who have worked at the hospital more than 5 years. Some have been here over 40 years. We will dress up, brush our teeth, place perfume in strategic spots, and eat ourselves sick. It will be a night of celebration and fun seeing everyone so "spiffy." It will also be late. Not much sleep tonight.

Day of Recollection

In reading many of the Journals of Saints, one finds many of their writings to include a “Day of Recollection.” Most take one day a month to do this, a day spent in “getting their lives back in order.” Well, today is such a day for me – A Day of Recollection ! A catch up day. A day to put things in order !

It begins with me drowsily getting to work and trying to see what “concerns of the day” are of high priority. To aid in my day, I use a variety of techniques. First there is the coffee of coffee from Dave’s Coffee Stand, followed by putting water in my waterfall so it has a soothing sound in the background, and finally the REAL JAZZ CHANNEL, XM-70, via satellite radio and no commercials.

This is the period normally taken by silence, or a time of getting in touch with the Almighty. Yes, I need a day to catch up to see where I am going. This past week was so filled with busy-ness and preparation for the funeral.

The funeral went well yesterday afternoon. Numerous Doctors and Nurses and friends and family were there to remember Dr. Dyers’ life. For my part, I shared several things that were important about his life. His love of poetry (he was a published poet), our common love of reading the New York Times obituaries, his asking me for prayers for his family, and his care and love for his patients. One of his poems was published in the bulletin:

CLOSER TO THE RIVER

Once I fished in that river, over there.
Once I plowed corn in those fields, over there.
Once I chased foxes in that woods, over there.
Once I picked mushrooms on those hills, over there.
Once I kissed Cheryl in that sunshine, over there.

Now I fly with crows, over there.
Now I live with God, over there.

------Eric L. Dyer, April 3, 2001

I was honored to have called him my friend and I shall continue to miss him.

And yes, there is a time for prayer, for friends struggling, for those sorrowing, for those fighting illness, and for those celebrating joy. Yes, that was my daughters’ picture in the LIFE section of the Tennessean yesterday. It is only four more weeks to the wedding. It will be here quickly.

The weather is nice outside. PERFECT. High seventies. Sunny. The heavy rains and winds from Ivan last week are gone. It is a time to clip the hedges, smell the freshness of a sunny day, and a time “to be thankful” for God’s Gift of Life.

Remember: We only have one day at a time. Carpe Deim—Seize the Day

Bro. Dan ---Thankful for life.

Thomas MERTON Quote on Humility

"Humility implies first of all a dedicated acceptance of one's duty in
life."

(From NEW SEEDS OF CONTEMPLATION, page 254 )

What does humility imply to me?

Thanks Wayne Burns

Exhausted

So tired tonight. Everyone has been in shock all day about Dr. Dyer's death. An interesting thing happened. A pastor friend of mine talked to him on Monday at the hospital.

Dr. Dyer told him, "Brother Don, I am so tired. But I need to re-dedicate my life to God." They prayed together about that. It was comforting to his wife to hear that. I preach his funeral Sunday afternoon.

Bow Ties and Senior Management

All of the Doctors today are wearing bow ties in memory of Dr. Eric Dyer.

Humor --Senior Management Style

HUMOR
“Can Do”

Programmer to Team Leader: "We can't do this proposed project. **CAN NOT** It will involve a major design change and no one in our team knows the design of this legacy system. And above that, nobody in our company knows the language in which this application has been written. So even if somebody wants to work on it, they can't. If you ask my personal opinion, the company should never take these type of projects."

Team Leader to Project Manager: "This project will involve a design change. Currently, we don't have any staff with experience in this type of work. Also, the language is unfamiliar to us, so we will have to arrange for some training if we take this project. In my personal opinion, we are not ready to take on a project of this nature."

Project Manager to 1st Level Manager: "This project involves a design change in the system and we don't have much experience in that area. Also, not many people in our company are appropriately trained for it. In my personal opinion, we might be able to do the project but we would need more time than usual to complete it."

1st Level Manager to Senior Level Manager: "This project involves design re-engineering. We have some people who have worked in this area and others who know the implementation language. So they can train other people. In my personal opinion we should take this project, but with caution."

Senior Level Manager to CEO: "This project will demonstrate to the industry our capabilities in remodeling the design of a complete legacy system. We have all the necessary skills and people to execute this project successfully. Some people have already given in-house training in this area to other staff members. In my personal opinion, we should not let this project slip by us under any circumstances."

CEO to Client: "This is the type of project in which our company specializes. We have executed many projects of the same nature for many large clients. Trust me when I say that we are the most competent firm in the industry for doing this kind of work. It is my personal opinion that we can execute this project successfully and well within the given time frame."
…..Mikey's Funnies (www.MikeysFunnies.com )

FROM BROTHER DAN AND THANKS MIKE

DEATH OF DR. ERIC DYER

My good friend, Dr. Eric Dyer, passed away yesterday of a massive heart attack. It has really been a shock. We had many similarities. We were both poets, loved to out do each other by finding unusual obituaries, and I especially appreciated his creativity. He was writing a book about Dr. Jerry Brittingham, a Vanderbilt professor and Doctor who had meant much to him. He would share much of the research he had done on Dr. Brittingham with me. Dr. Dyer once asked me if I would be willing to preach his funeral. I told him I would. It will be tough for me. I will miss him greatly.

Redemptive Fellowship

Debi has a great quote about the 4 elements in a redemptive fellowship. Good work Sam Shoemaker.

IVAN THE TERRIBLE --STORMS OF LIFE

The last time I was at Gulf Shores, Alabama, a sudden storm arose. From my motel window, I saw a boat crash against the shore. In spite of the efforts of the captain, the boat became immobile and impossible to move.

I watched as the captain left his boat and went into a nearby restaurant to wait until the storm was over. Then, he called for help and a large derrick truck came, pulled his boat ashore, and drove off with the boat to another location where it could be repaired and returned to the sea.

Someone once said, “There is no chance thing through which God cannot speak.” For most of us, there have been “unexpected events” which have touched our lives and, like the sea captain, left us like a broken boat stuck in the sand. What do you do when such events happen to you?

Looking back over my life, I am surprised to see how many times “the unexpected crash” was followed by an “unexpected spiritual experience.” Somehow in the storm the Lord did speak. But, He did not speak until first I got myself out of the picture and began focusing on Him.

As we approach a continuing storm season, let us not forget the times in the past when God has touched our lives. We can become so busy that we miss His presence because of the hyperactivity of our lives. A good question to ponder is, “What is God doing in your life.” When you find the answer, why not share it with a friend. It might be a blessing to their lives, too.

P.S. ---At the hospital chapel service today I will be speaking on “SHIPS THAT NEVER SAILED.”

BEGINNING AGAIN

It is difficult getting back in the grove. My sidekick tore up and will have to be repaired, which no doubt will slow things down a little. My regular computer got confused last night and no longer has images. Don't know how long it will take to get that straightened out. Yes, life can be frustrating, but at least I am not in the eye of the storm Ivan.

I had many good intentions spiritually while I was gone. I was going to finish Pagett's book and instead read only one chapter. I did read some Henry Nouwen, his last book before his death, and read a couple of chapters in Jeremiah. That is about it. Such good intentions. Such failure. Is that not how the spiritual life really is, a new challenge each day. That is why it is so important to take 2-3 days and "recollect" as the saints called it. At least one can get things spiritually in order if everything is focused on that.

HOME

Glad to be home. Really really tired. Need to be at work by 7 a.m. in the morning. Maybe I can get caught up with this tomorrow.

Hilton Head - Day 2

There was a slow drizzle most of the day. We rented bikes for 24 hours and rode for an hour in the late afternoon with intermittent raindrops. For supper we ate at The Captain's Table, which had been highly recommended. We were disappointed. Tea had to be sent back, the honey-mustard sauce was pure mustard, and the foot vastly overcooked. Bummer!

We walked around the 60 odd shops across the street from the restaurant, bought some tylenol at Piggy Wiggly, and came home and watched a couple of football games.

Day 3

We got up late and were planning to go to Eugene's for a brunch, but on the way we
came to the Palmetto Bay Sun Rise Cafe. There was a lengthy line so we decided to eat there. After a 35 minute wait we had a terrific breakfast of omelets, pancakes, country ham, coffee, and toast. It was a wonderful meal. Highly recommended.

The sun came out for the hours. We biked again, swam in the "cold" windy ocean momentarily and almost blew away. This has not been ideal weather for a beach vacation, the weather a mismash of drizzle, clouds, and dampness.A little to cold and rainy.

Psalm 46- Dan Phillips Translation

God holds us in His hands

A towering strength in difficult times

Therefore do not fear, though an earthquake tosses the mountains into the sea.

A quiet stream is near where the Holy One lives.
The world trembles at His voice and
melts

God, our fortress is with us

Come see the works He has done

Wars end, a bow breaks, there is fire

BE STILL! KNOW-------it is God. He is with us.
How is God working
in your life? What lessons is he teaching?

Anniversary Celebration and Legendary Golf

We celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary at Eugene's Waterfront
Restaurant. It was a delicious evening, with prime rib and mahi mahi
being the specialties. It has been cloudy all day so we missed the
promised "spectacular sunset," but we had a good time with memories
going back many decades. "37. Doesn't seem possible," we keep saying to
each other. But it has been remarkable, especially since seeing her for
the first time on the backdoor steps of the Baptist Student Union at
Tennessee Tech. Amen!!!

Legendary Golf

To celebrate more, we played Legendary
Golf. "We played golf today," I told Melinda-my soon to be wed
daughter. "Really, you have never played before," she adds. "Oh it was
minature," I respond.

It was a most unusual course. Costly:$7.50 a
person. And religious. Each hole had a bible verse or famous
quote. Hole number one was, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot
keep to gain what he cannot lose." No name was attached. The ticket
taker did not know who said it. "It was Jim Elliot, a missionary who was
killed by those he was serving," I said. "Well, I will have to remember
that," she said.

Other Quotes

Unless we have in us he who is
above us, we will soon be consumed by that which is around us.

Speak
kind words and you will hear kind echoes.

it was a fun evening. We
were pitiful golfers but we laughed a lot. Thanks be to God for 37
years. Selah.

Hilton Head, S.C.

We ate last night at Hudson's Seafood. Some tidbits related to important island dates were noted: (1) 2000 b.c. - island's first big oyster roasts and fish fries hosted by the Yemassee Indians. (2) 1521 a.d. - island's first
tourists. Spanish seafarers put into Spanish Wells for some fresh water. No golf course so they leave. (3) 1663 a.d. - island's first real estate agent names the island after himself (William Hilton), and (4) 1861 a.d. - 15,000 angry
tourists storm beaches at Port Royal Plantation and claim Hilton Head as headquarters for the Union Army of the South. Island population reaches 50,000 in 1864. I ate the Neptune Seafood Platter. The meal was excellent, enough left over for lunch.

Denman Herschel And Vallie Davies Phillips

It was 525 miles to Hilton Head, S.C. From Franklin, TN. and took 8 and
a half hours. We stopped at mile marker 221 in Georgia, a McDonough, Ga.
exit. All my relatives lived near McDonough, Jonesboro, Flippen, and
Ellenwood, where I lived in the old schoolhouse the first few years of
my life.

I had some flowers with me and we drove to the Hasten Cemetary on the
northeast side of McDonough. The traffic was tough and tedious because
of construction.

At the cemetary, Janet and I cleaned the graves and replaced the old
flowers with new ones. I was overcome with emotion. Dad died 24 years
ago, a freak hospital injury that should never have happened, and Mom
died over 4 years ago on December 23, 1999, after almost 7 years in a
nursing home.

Me and my brother were lucky. They loved us, took us to church
regularly, loved each other, didn't fuss much, didn't drink or carouse,
and no smoking. They had a strong faith and tried to teach us about
God.

Ironically Dad was the President of the Lion's club when he died. His
project: collecting glasses so people could see. He died while having a
detached retina fixed.

They set good examples for us. I called my brother tonight. It was his
birthday.

Thomas Merton's Plaque Missing

Several years ago I wrote a story about visiting Marconi's Statue on Cape Cod, the place where he first sent a radio signal across the Atlantic.As fate would have it, shortly after my article, someone stole Marconi's head (here pictured):

WELL AS FATE WOULD HAVE I Have recently received worse news from my Merton Scholar Friend, Kristen Wisniewski, who was recently in Louisville, Kentucky, on her way to the Abbey of Gethsemani, and she wrote this:

"I got to Louisville early this morning so that I could hang out a
little downtown. This really is an awesome city.Small-but really has
something to offer. In my travels I came over to 4th and Walnut (Muhammad Ali)and low and behold--they took down the plaque that was there with Merton's revelation on it! It used to be a closed off area where people could walk and enjoy the plaza.Now it's an open street with all sorts of craziness...so the sign is gone. I looked around on every corner of 4th and couldn't find it anywhere.I am so disappointed! Guess I am glad that I got down here when it was the OLD way!"

Who stole Merton's Revelation?

Bits and Pieces and Marriage Advice

I am going on vacation tomorrow to Hilton Head, South Carolina, for 4 days. I am looking forward to it with hopes that no hurricances (particularly Ivan) will come close.

Andrew Jones celebrated his birthday and made some Comments about Me (Dan). Yes, I have been married almost as long as he has been born. Just think, maybe Andrew is a long lost son.

I have appreciated the feedback from many of you. Continue writing when you have the chance. My friend Richard sent this advice for someone married for 37 years like us:

Thoughts for those married 37 years:
1. Don't forget your Anniversary.
2. Buy your wife an Anniversary gift.
3. Watch a sunrise or go for a walk in the moonlight.
4. Don't smoke cigars.
5. Smile.
6. Go Bowling.
7. Be your wife's Best Friend.
8. Go Grocery shopping for your wife but not when you are hungry.
9. Hug your wife and mean it.
10. Go on a Trip.
11. Love your wife and give her reasons to Love you.
12. Be a better man today than you were yesterday.
13. Look through your scrapbook together.
14. Listen always and know when to be quiet.
15. Read Scripture in the Morning.
16. Look forward to your 38th Anniversary.

Rich

Notes From A Monastery

Dave Dixon and I both recently made retreats at the Abbey of Gethsemani. See Notes From A Monastery and note the similarity between our journeys.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY COMING SOON

Janet and I will have been married 37 years in four days, September 10th. Boy time has flied, but we still have some mighty fun times together. How lucky we have been!! This picture was taken on a trip we took to Alaska 3 years ago.

A Spiritual Journey - Monastic Skete NOW ONLINE

FINALLY. FINALLY got this thing working thanks to Christy letting me steal her code.

I began web work 9 years ago with my first Thomas Merton web page, followed by numerous other pages. Spirituality and travel are my main interests.

I have become intrigued by the emergying church blogs and many links go to those sites. My Spiritual Journey is also still available. Please let me hear from you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Abbey of Gethsemani - Dave Nixon's Visit

Dave Nixon's trip to the Abbey of Gethsemani is excellent. He makes one feel like you are really there. Be sure to go to the bottom of the page to read about it.

Spiritual House Cleaning

Every once in a while it behooves us to do some ecclesial housecleaning and discover what really matters.