My spiritual formation of 60+ years travelled down many religious pathways. I was raised in and excommunicated from the LDS church; a bittersweet experience for my family. From there we regained our stability in the Presbyterian church. As the years went on, I was very eager to learn how others believed in and understood God; I wondered how other walks of faith were similar and different to mine.

My curiosity led me on an outward-bound style of religious exploration – from western theologies to eastern spirituality. I read books on comparative religion, the history of religions and the life of the mystics. Living in LA in the 80’s & 90’s, I attended a spectrum of Christian and non-Christian services, it was fascinating. Although there were differences between them, without exception, each walk of faith held Love as a guiding principle – love for God, Self and Others, the Golden Rule. As a big fan of Loving God and one another myself, this conclusion was magically pleasing. From there I decided since Love was everywhere I would rest my soul in the Episcopal church, which turned into the Anglican church when I moved to New Zealand 15 years ago. To sum it up, my religion is Love. I am a liberal thinking and feeling person of faith – with a dash of progressiveness in my Christian belief system.

Often when we begin, or when we are on our spiritual journey, we come across an ‘intersection of uncertainty’ – not knowing which way to turn, feeling the need for meaningful guidance. My sense is spiritual direction is, by its’ nature, a supporting guide on our pilgrimage to knowing and growing our spiritual selves. In spiritual direction you will find yourself chaperoned by a director and guided by the spirit of Love. There is deep listening, prayer, parables, dreamwork, enneagram and discernment in this sacred container. And, overtime, awareness of self and spirit develops; telling markers, symbols and associations announce their place, their nurturing value in your spiritual formation. Your uncertainty of which way to turn gains clarity, all the while moving you farther along on your spiritual journey. Slowly, and assuredly your meaningful relationship with God unfolds……. and it is good.

A story about me…
I love the moon and the stars, the awe and the wonder of creation, of the great mystery we find ourselves living, loving and learning in. In my youth and even today, ever present sky life, has offered me relief, a contemplative distraction from my earthly worries. Perhaps it was destined – even though I am exclusively in the awe & wonder department – that I’d become convener of our local astronomical society. Oh, my goodness, the role of celestial convener is so far-out of my awe and wonder scope! However, relief arrives every observatory night when I gaze up and sink in to a state of sheer amazement and sincere gratitude for God’s fantastical offerings, a light show of twinkling beauty. i so love the moon and the stars.