Chaplainmike

Adam McHugh on the Aftermath of Ministry

Note from CM: A couple of years ago, I called Adam McHugh my “doppelganger.” Reading his stuff and corresponding with him, I felt a true kindred spirit. Recently, I discovered that he’s had some significant changes in his life, once more going through experiences to which I can easily relate. I encourage you to goContinue reading “Adam McHugh on the Aftermath of Ministry”

A Modern Bestiary, Part Two

Editor’s note: You can read Mule’s A Modern Bestiary, Part One here. Stories of saints and animals have always moved me deeply. St. Seraphim and his bear was one of the first I learned about in an Orthodox context: Saint Seraphim began to go to a “far wilderness,” which was a desolate place in a forest 5Continue reading “A Modern Bestiary, Part Two”

Mayor of My Own City

“Conversatio’s objective was that each person become the self-constituting, good, holy, responsible person God intended him or her to be —to make their “city,” wherever it might be, work.” Paul Wilkes I took my time to read Augustine’s City of God. For part of my reading, I was surrounded by monks and priests on theContinue reading “Mayor of My Own City”

My Own Desert Places

They cannot scare me with their empty places Between stars — on stars where no human race is. I have it in me so much nearer home To scare myself with my own desert places. – Robert Frost, “Desert Places” One temptation is to think the wilderness is without — a place, a geography, aContinue reading “My Own Desert Places”

Street Corner Philosophy

Eloquent, yet accessible.

Enjoying an Abnormal Normal

When a friend calls to me from the road And slows his horse to a meaning walk, I don’t stand still and look around On all the hills I haven’t hoed, And shout from where I am, “What is it?” No, not as there is a time to talk. I thrust my hoe in theContinue reading “Enjoying an Abnormal Normal”

The Homily

“At the end of the seven years, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked to heaven. I was given my mind back and I blessed the High God, thanking and glorifying God, who lives forever: “His sovereign rule lasts and lasts, his kingdom never declines and falls. Life on this earth doesn’t add up to much, but God’s heavenlyContinue reading “The Homily”

Saturday Ramblings 7.6.13

Hi iMonks. Welcome to our week’s end, a time when we gather to spruce up the iMonastery after a busy week of … a busy week of … ok, well, maybe it wasn’t all that busy. But we did make a mess nonetheless, and now is the time to grab a broom and sweep upContinue reading “Saturday Ramblings 7.6.13”

Reconsider Jesus – The Compassionate Healer

The following is an excerpt from Michael Spencer’s upcoming book: Reconsider Jesus – A fresh look at Jesus from the Gospel of Mark. For the next number of Fridays, we will be giving you a “sneak peek” into this devotional commentary. Your thoughts and comments are welcome. (Note: There are some edits still to come,Continue reading “Reconsider Jesus – The Compassionate Healer”

The Gettysburg Address

One hundred and fifty years ago, more than 30,000 soldiers had died or were wounded after three days of battle at Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. Four and a half months later, in one of the greatest speeches of American history, President Abraham Lincoln took part in a ceremony to dedicate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery atContinue reading “The Gettysburg Address”