"Spirituality in Focus" video

Recently for the parish I presented my "Sabbath Show and Tell". I showed a number of my photos and talked about how they said something about my spirituality as well.

I closed by sharing a video I'd put together. It has many of my photographs set to appropriate music about God's grace and glory revealed. It can be found at ...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=265Jx-kitQs

I offer it to you as a way for you to reflect on the many ways God is revealed to you. May you be blessed in watching it as much as I was blessed in putting it together.

Phoenix rising from the ashes ...

Many of us will vividly remember where we were on September 11, 2001. This was a day of tragedy that affected the whole world wide community. As I travelled to New York City this past summer, I was particularly conscious of that reality and how we still live in the aftermath of those horrific events.

This was the image as we travelled by boat to "Liberty Island". These members of the Swat team were preparing to board the same boat we were on, heading to the same tourist attraction we were going to. That's where the similarities ended, though. They were going not as tourists to enjoy the Island but rather as armed police to protect. As I watched them board I couldn't help but think of the sad reality we now live with.

However, taking the time to travel to the former site of the World Trade Towers and the surrounding neighbourhood brought a new perspective. Our guide on the boat cruise emphatically said that "Ground Zero" doesn't exist anymore, and he's right! "Ground Zero" was used to describe the devestation and wasteland after a nuclear attack. That is exactly what the site of the World Trade Towers looked like on September 11, 2001. That is not an appropriate description for what is happening on that piece of land today. The clean up has been completed; the debris has been removed; and, the building of the new Trade Tower has begun. Out of the ruins is coming new life with new hope full of new promise. Thanks be to God!

I was profoundly struck, too, by the cross which was unearthed in the cleaning up following September 11. It became, and in fact remains, a poignant symbol of hope in the midst of despair. It was very faith affirming for me to stand in front of it and take a moment to pause and reflect on this symbol which is at the center of my own faith. I am so pleased that it has been preserved, blessed and will take it's place as part of the memorial when it is completed.

I was also struck by how the ministry of St. Pauls was shaped and moulded by the events of September 11. This chapel stands literally across the street from where the World Trade Towers stood. Here in this sacred and holy space, volunteers welcomed and ministered to those who were working to rescue any possible survivors and who were eventually clearing away the debris. An altar still stands in St. Pauls as a memorial to those who were missing, many of whom died on that day; banners still grace the walls proclaiming messages of hope and peace. There was so much need and the church responded. What an example of faithfulness and discipleship.

Having visited and taken photographs at the former site of "Ground Zero", the observance of this anniversary this year will hit a bit closer to home. I've been there; I stood there; I've prayed there. And to be sure, it is no longer only a place of despair and loss but also of hope and promise. This Saturday, the ninth anniversary of that tragic day, I'm sure I will again remember. But having visited there, I will remember differently ... with sadness for what has happened to our world, but equally with hope for the future. The rebuilding has begun! Thanks be to God!

"Spirituality in Focus" Workshop ... Saturday October 23

I am pleased to be offering the first "Spirituality in Focus" workshop. It will explore much of what I reflected on during my sabbath time.

If you know of others who might be interested, please pass this along to them.

As well, if you're interested but can't make this date, please let me know as I hope to hold similar workshops in the future.

For those who register, more information will be made available.

E-mail me at spiritualityinfocus@gmail.com or contact me by telephone at (905) 884-2227 ext. 22.

The Desert ... God's painting canvas!

It was so profound to see the amazing colours in the midst of this desert wilderness. Whether it was looking up into the sky or around at the mountains, there was the most beautiful colours in the gift of God's creation in this place. Here is some of what I mean ...


In my photography courses, we were taught to look up and see what was above us. I'm happy I did because there was much to see!

While at Ghost Ranch, many of the days brought clear blue skies with the odd cloud here and there. I enjoyed those moments I had to just look up into the literal blue sky. There were sunsets and sunrises too that were captivating in their beauty. Even when the dark clouds came in threatening a rain storm, there was beauty in the dark gray against the browns of the mountains.

Remember to look up from time to time; it's amazing the beauty you will see!

Then there was the experience of walking into what the ranch referred to as its "painted desert". Again such astounding colours in the different rock formations ... various shades of brown, red, and gray. Of course, there was the odd flowering cactus and green bushes too that added to the display of colour. Such awesome beauty in what nature has provided through God's creation.


God has painted a wonderful masterpiece in the gift of creation. Colours are everywhere around us; some vibrant and others more subtle. I am thankful for these opportunities to be touched by what God has painted on the canvas of the earth and sky. I want now to try and be more attentive wherever I may be to the artwork God has created for us to see, experience and enjoy!

Cross at Kanuga Conference Centre

During the week I spent at Kanuga Confererence Center in North Carolina, I was particularly drawn to this crucifix in one of the gardens: to the look on Jesus' eyes looking down from the suffering cross; the nails in the flesh of his hands and feet. I found it particularly profound and envisioned a composite photograph including all of these pieces in one.

In addition, the hymn which came to mind was the verse from

"When I survey the Wondrous Cross" ...

See from his head, his hands, his feet,

sorrow and love flow mingled down;

did e're such love and sorrow meet,

or thorns compose so rich a crown?

When I put all of this together, this is the photograph which emerged:

I feel blessed by this creative exercise (and I thank my son Nathaniel for assisting me with the editing). The cross comes to life and means even more as I look at the various elements together. This will hang on the wall of my office as a reminder of that sacred and holy time I spent at Kanuga as part of my sabbath leave.

Spirituality in the dry desert of New Mexico,

I've been back a while from a photography conference I attended at Ghost Ranch north of Sante Fe, New Mexico. It was spiritually enriching as I recognized God's presence and spirit alive and touching my soul. This is the first of two reflections that come out of my time there.

In our imagination we might see the desert as dry and barren with no life and very little to inspire. The truth is, there's no doubt that it is dry, but I found it to be anything but barren; I experienced life; I found inspiration. In fact, I experienced the desert around Ghost Ranch to be a beautiful place where I experienced God everywhere I went. Here are some of the examples of what I mean.

There are cactus everywhere in the desert. That's not untoward given that they need little water to survive. They are prickly, and in many ways not all that attractive to look at. And yet they produce some beautiful flowers. Pink, yellow and white buds form on the cactus plant; they open up to show such a display beauty and splendour.

One day I walked along one of the riverbed which ran through the property. Last year, it was flooded with water rising high along the bank. This year, it was dry and parched. And yet there was a beauty in the cracked clay bottom. And in places there was life growing too. Somewhere deep in the ground there was a water source that brought forth life.

Walking along the river bed there were animal foot prints. During the dark hours of the night, racoons, wolves and possibly other creatures walked along this same path.

Finally, we came to a point along our walk where there was a spring of water that moved downstream. In the midst of all that was dry and parched was life giving water that had made its way to the surface.

These are some of the ways I encountered God in the desert of New Mexico. God was present; God was visible.

There's a lesson there too for our lives when we encounters moments and experiences of the desert that come upon us in one form or another. We may feel like life is dry, desolate and barren; that in effect there is no life left in us. The reasons for that are many. Yet, especially in hindsight, we often realize that what we were going through wasn't totally dried up, desolate and barren. In fact, we realize that God was very present as a spiritual resource that gave us strength, peace, hope and comfort when we needed it most. That's the life we can and do encounter in our experiences of the desert.

In my next post I'll explore God's painting as I experienced it in the desert.

God amist the concrete!

I am going to send you what my Father has promised;

but stay in the city until you have been clothed

with power from on high.

About 10 years ago I attended a conference in Memphes titled "The City of God" which was about how important is was for the church to continue ministering in the city. The above text from Luke was the theme scriptural passage. I was reminded of that as I walked around in downtown Toronto being conscious and aware of God's presence.

The city is made up of concrete, skyscapers, hustle and bustle, traffic, streetcars and a lot of people coming and going. It's not hard, though, to recognize God in the midst of all that makes urban Toronto what it is. God is present in the city; God is visible; God is active; God is alive!

There are lots of green spaces throughout the city with flowers growing in well tended gardens; people want to assist others with various causes like helping mothers and their babies, those affected with AIDS, those living with cancer or heart disease; there are church spires that stand out amidst the glass buildings that surround them; there are worshippers who gather in those churches; God is there too in the every day life of people coming and going; in the community where people gather to play chess.

God is there in the poor as well. That may sound odd; we often say that the church brings God to the poor, and that is part of our ministry of servanthood. However, there is much for us to receive from the poor as we recognize Christ in them as much as Christ is in us. We hopefully are a blessing to them; they are equally a blessing to us.

The next time you find yourself in an urban area, wherever that may be, be open to God revealed there for you and give thanks for that moment of grace in your day.

Let us build the city of God

May our tears be turned into dancing

For the Lord our light and our love

Has turned the night into day!

God in the countryside!

Yesterday I finally got around to doing something I had planned to do on my time of sabbath; I got in the car and drove out into the countryside. I ended up going not more than 20 minutes from home! What a beautiful part of Canada we live in; we are so blessed and on this particular day I appreciated that blessing all the more.

I drove along the roads, ventured into a dairy farm and stopped to capture images of horses grazing; I looked into the muddy waters of the Humber River and I hiked the trails of one of the local conservation areas. In all of that I experienced the presence of God through all of my senses: what I saw, heard, smelled and felt. There was a gentle breeze; the sun was shining; the air was clear; there was little traffic; often there was only silence. No distractions; what a privilege to experience the wonder and awe of a God!

I stopped and asked a farmer if I could photograph his barn and his cows. He was most hospitable and welcoming, so willing to share his story and his passion for dairy farming. He'd been on this farm since he was born in 1921; his family had been among the first settlers in King township. It was time to open the gate and let the cows out to pasture. They could obviously sense that there a stranger in their midst; their stare spoke volumes; "who are you and what are you doing?" The herd for the most part, though, just kept going; they moved together, one following the other. I wondered if there wasn't a lesson there in what community should be all about!

Horses are so majestic as they stand so confidently. I enjoyed the moments I spent at this particular stop on my journey. I watched them graze; I saw a colt go up and start nursing from his mother; some of them lay on the ground and others ran through the field. They came right up to the fence wanting to become friends; what an example of trust! Again something we can learn more about as human beings!

Finally, I enjoyed my walk through one of the wooded conservation areas. The path went along through the forest; there was a boardwalk through the marshy area; the trail went through tall grass. There were birds, flying insects, flowers, flowing water, logs from fallen trees, fungus growing out of the side of those logs, moss, large ferns and much more to see, hear and simply enjoy. There was a blue heron that landed not far from where I was standing; the sounds of red winged black birds; colourful dragonflies; a butterfly; all intricate creatures that show the glory, mystery and wonder of God.

What struck me as I drove back home is how much of this countryside is being lost to development whether residential, industrial or for business centers. That's sad and one day we will regret it. Where is all of our green space going? What will we do when there isn't any left? What's to become of the farmland? Where will the cows and horses graze, if in fact there are any near by at all? And all in the name of progress? Is it really progress? I personally think too much is being lost to call it progress!

It was relatively easy to see God in the countryside. Next week I have to head into downtown Toronto. I am going to do the same exercise there; be attentive and aware of the presence of God and where possible capture it through the lens of my camera. I don't think it will be all that difficult there either! I look forward to sharing those images with you too.

Fungus, Weeds and Dead Pine Needles!

Theological reflection happens anywhere and anytime we might be open to recognizing something that God is revealing to us in a given moment and place. I had that reiterated recently as we spent a few days in Woodstock Vermont.

First, walking along the path from the bottom of Queche Gorge I saw this tree stump that was covered with fugus. At first glance they weren't very attractive; in fact, they appeared to be blights that were quite ugly. However, when I looked closer and made this second photograph I could see how even the fungie were interesting to look at, and that they had their own unique beauty too.

Weeds are very often recognized as out of place in our gardens and covering our lawns. In fact, people often spray to get rid of them or dig them up because they're unattractive and out of place. I saw these Queen Anne's Lace throughout the gorge in Queche and in other spots too. They're everywhere and can be seen as a weed. That's even more true of dandelions; they pop up and grow and take away from the beauty of our well manicured lawns and gardens. And yet they photograph so well in both cases; they have a beauty that is their own; they are intricately made; they are a part of God's beautiful creation.

Along the path there were also hills that were covered with pine needles that had died and fallen from their tree. What use are dried up, dead needles from a pine tree? Would we be tempted to rake them up for the sake of tidiness? And yet, with these dried, brown needles God has formed a carpet of beauty under foot.

There's a lesson there about God and what we perceive about God's creation. Some things, and even some people, may seem to be blights that aren't very attrative and take something away from the rest of God's creation which is so beautiful in our eyes. We make judgements based on our own perceptions and biases of what shows beauty and what doesn't. However, even what see as a blight that is ugly, everything and everyone God creates has their own beauty whether we can recognize it or not; everything and everyone that God creates has value. I thanked God for that fungus, the Queen Anne's Lace, the dandelions and the dead pine needles which reminded me to look beyond what I first see and recognize God's beauty that is everywhere and in everything and everyone!

Photography and the Feast of the "Holy Trinity"

This Sunday is the feast of the Holy Trinity. Like many clergy, I often find it difficult to think of something new to reflect on that might illustrate or explain what this doctrine of the church is all about. This year, with the experiences I've had on my sabbath, I've got a new insight about the Trinity that comes out of my photography.

What am I doing as I take a photograph? I'm capturing an image and recording an experience. The image I create may be the most beautiful piece of art work; I may be using the best camera they make; my lenses may have cost a small fortune; the settings on the camera may well be textbook. However, even with all of that in place, I am unlikely to capture completely the image I am seeing or the experience I am having. Some stunningly beautiful scenes or majestic landscapes or awe inspiring views can only be experiened in that moment in time, in that one place and even in that one spot I may be standing in. I will still take the photograph, though, as incomplete as it may be; and I will still be inspired by the end product; I will feel something of what it felt to stand there in the first place. To be sure, the art of taking photographs will assist in my remembering what the scene looked like and will recall to mind some of the emotions I felt.

The same is true of the Trinity and my experiences of God. When I have the experience, I may write about it or preach about it or even try to capture it through the lens of my camera. But all of the nuances of God being revealed to me will never be complete in and of themselves. And after the fact as I remember what it was like to experience them, they may not seem quite as profound and I may not even be able to put into words what it was like and the impact it had on me and my relationship with God. None of that, though, diminishes how God touched me in that grace filled moment!

There are experiences when I will be more attentive and engaged with God who is the creator like when I'm surrounded by the awe, mystery, wonder and beauty of nature; there are times when I'm more connected with God the redeemer like when I stand in front of a crucifix that looks so real and life like and Jesus is staring right at me; and there are times whe I'm in tune with God the giver of life as I see a mother duck with her ducklings swimming up the stream. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity enables me to experience God in all of God's fullness and to be inspired, challenged, provoked, nurtured and fed in a way that makes a difference in my life and my faith.

Another thing that has struck me is that as I take a photograph there may be someone standing a few feet away taking a photograph of the same image or trying to capture the same emotion. Their photograph may not be the same as mine, and in fact will most likely be different. They may be at a different angle; the sun may be producing a different shadow; their camera may be on a different setting. We're both photographing the same image but it comes out differently for each of us. Neither is better than the other; neither is more beautiful than the other.

The same is true of God and the Trinity. Two of us can have the same spiritual experience side by side and end up seeing and being aware of different aspects of God and what God has to offer. Neither experience is diminished by that reality; each experience is valid; each one is a beautiful moment of grace and blessing as we have been open to receiving what God has offered.

My prayer for myself as I continue to look through the lens of my camera to capture the images of God I experience is that I will be open to recognize the one who is offering it to me and to appreciate too the mystery of God. And my prayer is the same for you in the ways you can connect with God in your journey of life. May we continue to be blessed by God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit ... by God: Creator, Redeemer and Sactifier.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity.

Final days at Kanuga ...

I've been home for a couple of days as I write this post and am remembering back as I look at some of the images I captured on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Kanuga is a sanctuary rich in beauty and abounding in spiritual experiences of God's presence!

On Wednesday, the reading which inspired me through my day was: "Things that are covered up from men in this world will become transparent as globes of crystal." I read this as I was sitting beside one of the falls we stopped at and was particularly inspired as I looked at the crystal clear water flowing past. What struck me is the natural beauty of these falls that inspire such a profound awe. Where did the water start from on it's journey to this particular place; how far has it travelled; where is it headed? And then as my inspirational thought for the day reminded me, this crystal globe I saw in these falls is nothing in comparison to the globe of crystal God has planned in His kingdom! This was but a glimpse of what God has promised; and the truth is, what joy there will be to gaze even more deeply into that transparent globe of crystal that will never be dull and never fade away or dry up. That globe of crystal is eternal; it is everlasting; it will be forever! And how absolutely beautiful it will be!

The other inspiration that stuck me was: "... eternity was not attained by those who bartered time for space but by those who knew how to fill their time with spirit!" That's so true! I was thankful at that moment that I had the gift of an opportunity to have the time to fill with time with spiritual grace. In day to day life, that's not an easy discipline to adhere to; there's always something more to be done; an appointment to keep; a sermon to write; a meeting to prepare for. This time of sabbath is teaching me not to barter my time away but rather to fill my time with the spirit. When my time of sabbath comes to an end, I don't want to give this up but rather incorporate it into my discipline of daily living. I also hope to teach and encourage others to do the same because as we do so there are rich opportunities to experience and know the awesome mystery and beauty of God which is more than we can ever imgine.

These falls say so much to me about God's capacity to create. There was power in the rush of the current over the brink of the falls; there was a mist that was cool and refreshing in the warmth of the sun; and there was a dazzling and glistening light show as the sun stuck the moving water presenting the image of a prism or a sparkling diamond. God is just as powerful, just as refreshing and equally if not more so dazzling than what I experienced at "Hooker Falls". God moves just as swiftly in our world and in our lives too; when the heat is turned up by what we may be experiencing in our lives, the spray of God's love and mercy is refreshing beyond belief; and when we recognize the power of the Holy Spirit in our midst, what an inspiring light show! Whether it's "Hooker Falls" or "Looking Glass Falls" or a trickle of water that has no particular name, as I took their portrait through the lens of my camera, I was truly inspired to give thanks and praise to God and recognize the sacramental moment of grace I was experiencing!

On Thursday and Friday I took some photos of the chapel at Kanuga and reflected on what it means to be the church that God calls us to be. I was drawn to the front door which was open wide and sent an invitation that said, "Please come in, be still and experience the presence of God." I wondered, do we keep our doors open inviting those who pass by to come in and experience the holiness of our sacred spaces? Or, do we keep our doors closed shut and even locked? What messages do we send? We need to be intentional in asking these questions because God calls us to have open doors and to welcome the stranger who tries to enter. On one of our outings we met up with a group of "Bikers for Christ"; I wondered how welcome they would feel in many of our churches; would we pass judgement on them based on how they looked; or would we show hospitality to them, welcoming them into our experience of community. They engaged in conversation with us; I wonder if they came into our circles would we do the same? The scriptural passage that comes to mind is from Hebrews 13: 1,2: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." That is the motto of Kanuga and is posted everywhere throughout the conference facility. They know how to open their door and show hospitality; I pray that we as the church may learn that discipline and spiritual practise too! The hymn that speaks this message of hospitality is one of my favorites, "All Are Welcome in this Place":

Let us build a house where love can dwell
And all can safely live,
A place where saints and children tell
How hearts learn to forgive.
Built of hopes and dreams and visions;
Rock of faith and vault of grace;
Here the love of all shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
All are welcome in this place.

A similar thought struck me as I captured this image through one of the windows near the front of the church. I love our stained glass windows which tell the story of our faith. However, coloured glass is another means of shutting ourselves in and others out. When we are worshipping and praying in our sacred spaces, I like to have a window that is clear glass that reminds me that there is a world out there beyond me. As well, I want those who may be outside to be able to look in and perhaps wonder what we are doing, and maybe even venture in to see and experience it for themselves. Just as our stained glass windows tell a story, so too do our windows of clear glass where we are telling the story.

One last image, a very simple image that for me is at the heart of what we do as a worshipping community of faith; this photo of a chalace and plate on the altar. We are a Eucharistic people who gather at the table to be spiritually fed and nurtured in the breaking of bread and the drinking from the cup. I feel very blessed both when I have the opportunity to preside at the Lord's table, and equally when I am on the receiving end too. The bread of life and the cup of salvation remind me of God's real and abiding presence that sustains me, uplifts me and inspires my faith, hope and trust in God who is always there with me. Through such simple bread and wine, such a powerful yet mysterious gift from God. I can so easlily place myself in that upper room with Jesus on the night before He died and experience first hand what Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26: "the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." It is a priviledge and a true blessing from God to participate in this act of communion and thanksgiving!

This time at Kanuga has been a real blessing for me, rich in spiritual experiences and surrounded by beauty and peace. I have made some new friends through the community of photographers who have been together over this week; I have been inspired as a photographer and as a person of faith by the instructors. I feel richly blessed and thank God for this opportunty! And, I am thankful that I can share some of it with you too! I hope that you have been blessed as well!