I have found God often speaks into our lives in a variety of ways trying to get our attention, we just have to be open to seeing, listening, and feeling that divine presence. They are often small nuggets of insight leading us to greater discovery of ourselves, others, and the mission of God.  

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One night many years ago I went to a parent teacher conference to assist a teacher in meeting with some parents about their kids behavioral needs. I pulled into the parking lot and headed into the school as I had done so many times before. As I turned down the hallway I noticed a table set up right in the middle, so no one could miss it. There were heaps of colorful, children's clothes stacked on top of the table. Taped to the front of the table was a little sign reading, "Help the lost find their home." 

I was taken back immediately by this message. Of course I knew the sign was intended for parents to gather their kids missing clothes but it held so much more weight and meaning. Reading this made me think about the story of the lost sheep and in general people who do not have a spiritual home. The message was a reminder to me about the many people who have not found their spiritual home. Now I am not fond of the word "lost" in describing people. Despite this word nuisance I understood the challenge and call God has for us to nurture and guide others on their journey to finding a place where they feel welcomed, supported, and loved.  


Let's explore the word home, how it is used in regards to faith journeys, and what insights this might provide for us in helping others.

Home Is

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Everyone's understanding and perspective of what home is comes from their experiences. Some people believe home is a secure, safe environment where people feel loved, understood, and cared for. Others may only see it as a location and physical place where they lay their heads. And for some home is something they run from because it has been unwelcoming, hurtful, demeaning, and traumatic. Its the place where the people who are supposed to care most about them do not and only create further anger and hurt. As much as I do not want to acknowledge this, I must because it is the reality that some people live. It is never right when someone is abused, demeaned or violated. If this has happened to you know that it is not your fault. I believe God is with you and has never left you not even for a minute. You have never been alone. 

Whatever your experience was growing up or you are currently in I want to let you know home can be what you make it. It can be the place where you can be yourself. It can be the place you have always wanted it to be. It can be a place where love and compassion reign.


Spiritual Homes 

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Spiritual homes are places where we can gather in community with others to experience the divine. Its a place to further our spiritual journey by deepening our faith and building relationships with others. The people and environment comfort us to be able to share and dive into deep questions about our faith and what we believe. This may mean challenging  doctrine and long held beliefs to determine current views.  There are also specific practices taking place focused on helping us connect spiritually. For the science behind spirituality check out this awesome blog article "The Science of Spirituality" by Catarina Lino.  


Spiritual homes are essential for us to grow. However finding a spiritual home that fits our personality and needs can be difficult. What should we look for in finding a spiritual home?  Here are some suggestions:


1. Welcoming Atmosphere - The environment and people need to be a place full of welcoming. A lot goes into welcoming others but essentially its about the atmosphere that we perceive and feel when are in this environment. This includes the unspoken climate right from when you walk in the door to when you leave. 

2. Fits Your Needs and What You Seek - Before we search for spiritual homes an assessment of your personal needs should be done. What is the purpose behind finding a spiritual home? What in particular will help you grow deeper with the divine?  How are you wanting to be challenged? Are you just wanting a community be a part of? Answer the questions about why you are seeking and you will have a better understanding of what you are looking for.  


3. Diversity Not Uniformity - Spiritual homes need to be diverse places with a variety of thought. Churches are often comprised of people with similar beliefs and tend to not want to ask questions but seek uniformity. Spirituality is our individual connection with the divine and diverse community allows us to seek out ways to deepen that connection. ​

4. Spiritual Practices - Many times spiritual practices are things we do on our own but they can also be done as a community. Spiritual homes should have various ways you can practice your spirituality.  This may be service to others in volunteering in your local community or meditation groups that focus on your inward journey. I believe the understanding that spirituality is a journey with others comes out of this collective group effort to deepen our faith. ​Check out our blog articles about spiritual practices if you are interested.  

I hope that along your faith journey you can find someplace to call your spiritual home.  A place that is welcoming, diverse, fits your needs, and helps you develop your spirituality.  

I am grateful for those who follow this blog and want to invite anyone thats near by to join us for our monthly small group.  

This week begin to assess yourself to get an understanding of what type of spiritual home you are searching for.  

My grandmother passed away 4 years ago. She was an incredible woman who had lost 90% of her hearing as a baby because of contracting the German measles.  Fortunately she was able to gain enough language skills that it did not impact her speech.  My grandmother also had the wonderful gift of being able to read lips which greatly assisted her with communication.

Music was a love of my grandmothers despite her lack of hearing. Even though she was unable to hear the full blown range of a song she was fascinated with music and could hear just enough to move her. It was a miracle that even with her hearing deficiency's she was able to graduate from Graceland University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music.  


It was at her funeral where I felt the Holy Spirit press down upon me during the first song "Now in this Moment". It's a song that stood so much for who my Grandmother was. As the beautiful voices filled the sanctuary, I knew my grandmother's spirit was there listening to the sound of all those singing. And for the first time ever she could hear the fullness of music. Tears streamed down my face and I struggled to sing because I was too choked up to mutter out any words. I stood listening and knowing that she was joyfully smiling at each one in attendance and dancing with angels in the sky.  It was after the ceremony that I found my mother had the same experience I had during the song. ​

My grandmother's steady, determined personality and life showed me that we get to create our life despite what factors might inhibit it. Our attitude and response to life circumstances are more important then the challenges themselves. So what are some keys to keeping or creating that positive, determine attitude.  Lets explore this further.  ​

6 Proactive Ways to Change Attitude

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1. See Failure as a Mechanism for Growth - When we see our failures or mistakes at learning opportunities we allow ourselves room to grow. It softens our ego allowing our minds and experience to expand.  

I appreciate the continued support for this blog! Please contact us if you would life more information about ministries or just someone to chat with.  

This week assess your life and figure out what changes you need to live your best self as part of this worldwide community.  

In 2006 I spent the summer in Australia with World Service Corps. It was an amazing experience learning about another culture and being introduced into what it means to be present with others.  


​The 15 hour flight had us arrive first thing in the morning in Melbourne. Our hosts met my world service corp partner and I at the airport and let us know it was better for us to stay up as long as we could that day to help us adjust for the time difference.  

I have no idea what scripture we studied but half way through my eyes shut. Good night folks thats all there was!  The back of my eyelids were just too hard to resist. Luckily I don't snore and hopefully I didn't drool. Someone eventually woke me up and I was welcomed to have dessert with them. No matter how tired you are, you can always eat dessert! They pulled out this amazing trifle which I scarfed down before traveling an hour back to our hosts home.  ​

Hospitality and Hostmanship

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Hospitality is ​the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. This definition indicates it is an action but I also think it is a mindset we can choose everyday if we wish. Hospitality is all about welcoming others with an overwhelming grace. We do not have to be perfect, or have everything in place. That's not what its about. We must remove all of our expectations and conditions. Its about understanding the needs of others and meeting them where they are at. If we can do this we will truly be hospitable and welcoming to others.  

Jan Gunnarsson from Sweden talks about Hostmanship in his Tedxtalk "How To Make People Feel Welcome." He lists qualities of a welcoming mindset (openness, curiosity, non-judgment, humility, sensibility, respect, presence, and dialogue) which I really like and goes on to state it really starts with us as an individual. Its a call for us to be present in the moment.  Not thinking about the next task, our own intentions, but merely listening to the person whose face we see in front of us.  Enjoy the short Tedtalk! ​

The Welcoming Nature of God

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Community of Christ believes God's divine self is best revealed in Jesus Christ. Jesus' message and actions speak to the welcoming nature of God. Jesus loved those he came in contact with unconditionally. His radical love crossed cultural boundaries, gender stereotypes, and religious laws. Children were asked to come unto him as he welcomed their presence.  Matthew 25:35 says "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." 

I appreciate the comments and positive statements on all of our social media posts.  Keep them coming! 

​This week take a breath and give the next person you meet your undivided attention.