I recently read this article on “Optimism” that resonated with how I’m thinking about things these days. Personally, I prefer phrasing such as “perseverance” or “resilience,” compared to the author’s term of “tragic optimism,” but I understand his perspective. I have pasted it below and hope you find it to be a helpful resource. BlessingsContinue reading “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope and confidence. -Helen Keller”
Author Archives: drmikedaniels
I see the Holy Spirit as a guiding light—we’re walking by the path and there’s a lamp unto our feet that helps us to know what to do, how to do it, and to be still. -Dr. Barbara Holmes
I am at the beach these days with my family, spending time reconnecting with each other. Moments like these ground me in the slowing down of our daily pace and the acceleration of my awareness of God, through nature, community, and board games. We head home this afternoon, in time for tomorrow’s Turkey Trot atContinue reading “I see the Holy Spirit as a guiding light—we’re walking by the path and there’s a lamp unto our feet that helps us to know what to do, how to do it, and to be still. -Dr. Barbara Holmes”
Stewardship is about our need to respond with all that we are and have in gratitude to God. -E. Jane Rutter
Heading into next week, I am happy to share this below reflection on the notion of gratitude, along with the sunrise image from my morning walk today. I am grateful that next week I will be on vacation with my family, at a nearby beach town that has become one of our favorite get-away spots.Continue reading “Stewardship is about our need to respond with all that we are and have in gratitude to God. -E. Jane Rutter”
Courage changes things and courage changes us. It’s how we become. -Prentis Hemphill
This week I share a few resources. Below is a reflection that teaches us to be OK with uncertainty and doubt, and also to remain hopeful and filled with courage. I find myself living with both of these realities in my day to day rollercoaster of life…walking my dog Bingo is helpful! I recently viewedContinue reading “Courage changes things and courage changes us. It’s how we become. -Prentis Hemphill”
The God of justice is with us, and our word, our work, our prayer for freedom will not, cannot be in vain. -Elizabeth Cady Stanton
I took our dog on a long walk this morning to clear my head. At our favorite neighborhood park our little puppy was startled multiple times by the strong wind. I was reminded of the Bible passage from the book of Kings, where Elijah sought God in the earthquake, the fire, and the gust ofContinue reading “The God of justice is with us, and our word, our work, our prayer for freedom will not, cannot be in vain. -Elizabeth Cady Stanton”
Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. We must eliminate hurry in our lives. -John Mark Comer
October has been a blur of a month and I find myself working to ground my pace in ongoing spaces for reflection and prayer. I am definitely a work in progress. The other day I walked our dog by the San Francisco Bay around a new waterfront park nearby, and I recognized how blessed IContinue reading “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. We must eliminate hurry in our lives. -John Mark Comer”
One love, one life, throw your hands up high ’cause all I am trying to do is stay human with you. -Michael Franti
I have a few things going on for work that are stretching me a bit in terms of new experiences, and some difficult decisions on the horizon. I strive to take the long view and I have learned that perspective really matters. I am reading Ronald Rolheiser’s Sacred Fire and I find it to beContinue reading “One love, one life, throw your hands up high ’cause all I am trying to do is stay human with you. -Michael Franti”
No, I never saw an angel, but is irrelevant whether I saw one or not. I feel their presence around me. -Paulo Coelho
This morning I learned that today is the day that the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Guardian Angels. Who knew? I love learning. So I share a couple resources related to this idea, and give thanks to all the current, former and future angels in my life who God has sent my way.Continue reading “No, I never saw an angel, but is irrelevant whether I saw one or not. I feel their presence around me. -Paulo Coelho”
God has made everything beautiful for its own time. -Ecclesiastes 3:11
I mark the recent transition to autumn with this poem that Brigid shared with our family last week. We’re in the midst of a flurry of activity, at work and on the home front, so I am grateful for the good weather and the beauty of autumn that awaits. Blessings on your week ahead! AutumnContinue reading “God has made everything beautiful for its own time. -Ecclesiastes 3:11”
The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. -Barbara Kingsolver
Over the weekend, I walked our dog on Saturday morning in Golden Gate Park, one of my favorite locations in San Francisco. That I was able to do so after dropping my son off for Cross Country practice brought me such joy. The next day, after dropping my other son off at baseball practice, IContinue reading “The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. -Barbara Kingsolver”
Keeping the Faith 