Archive: March, 2013

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Book Suggestions:

Hogeland, Debora (2000)  Widening the Circle: Inspiration and Guidance for Community Living.  Prescott:  Hohm Press. In her own words, Hogeland states, “Widening the Circle focuses on community as a dynamic, evolving process through which the individual and the world can be effectively transformed.”  Hogeland reviews practical aspects of community life, including gender issues, diversity and […]

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The Destructiveness of Individualism

In one of his final sermons in office, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the destructiveness of individualism.  Alexis de Toqueville, a French writer describing the new American experiment, said that the democratic movement would prosper unless the concept of community was replaced by individualism.  He remarked that the American experiment would be doomed to failure […]

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Community As A Place That Supports Transition

The past few weeks have been interesting as I engaged in reading about the concept of intentional community, shaped around the principle that one is called to love God with all soul, strength and might and then to love one’s neighbor as one loves self.  My reading has helped me to see that community can […]

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More Transitions Coming My Way…

Steve Arnold and Pivot Point Ministries are making a transition to the European continent.  I will be living in Europe for four months while being involved with a number of groups and events.   From mid-June until the end of August, I will serve as a volunteer Deputy Director for Wittenberg English Ministries (WEM) (www.wittenbergenglishministry.com). […]

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Recent Items

  • The Loneliness Factor

    I was at a luncheon that was serving as a listening post for seniors to describe their sense of loneliness and isolation. I knew that the population invited to this luncheon was one that would probably have a higher sense of isolation, but, what I heard was much more intense than I expected. A man […]

  • Social Networks and Aging

    It is interesting that research is showing two demographics experiencing social isolation in such as way as to impact health: Young Adults (18-22) and Senior Adults (65+). I have worked with both populations over the past 50 years and I continue to be amazed at the similarity of the questions raised by both groups and […]

  • An Eye-Opening Awareness: One More Transition for this Guy

    I sat at a luncheon two weeks ago that opened my eyes to a reality that I knew was there, but as the discussion unfolded I began to realize how the discussion, about to take place, was going to expand my thinking. As I listened to the needs of the people with whom I shared […]

  • TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE: LETTING GOD SET THE AGENDA

    When it comes to the human condition and a desire to change, we can become easily frustrated: we think that we want to change … but we really don’t. Paul expresses this contradiction well in Romans 7:15-24: “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do […]

  • The Crisis of Loneliness

    THE NATIONAL CRISIS CALLED LONELINESS From “LINKED IN” “America is becoming Isolation Nation. Nearly half of respondents to a nationwide survey by health insurer Cigna say they always or sometimes feel alone, and 54% say they feel no one knows them well. Such loneliness is connected to increased risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death. The […]