Still Mountain Coaching and Spiritual Direction

For the past few months, some colleagues and I have been dreaming up something big. Now it's ready to launch up at Highlands Camp & Retreat Center. If you know a young adult who's discerning what's next or searching for direction in life, Thrive could be for them. Living in community. Intentional spiritual formation. Connection with nature. Practical work experience. And it's funded by our Presbytery and local churches, so there's no cost to participants other than the commitment of time and willingness to be transformed.

As a pastor of an intergenerational church, I find myself caring for those with dementia. I wrote some personal reflections about it this week, along with musings on AI, brain health, and contemplative prayer. Link in bio.

I'm excited to co-lead this contemplative backpacking trip on the Hoh River Trail with friends from this September. If you read my essay collection, "A Broad Place," this is the area I wrote about in the essay on silence. Join us for the info session on May 12!

Are you clear on your true purpose, or do distractions keep pulling you away? Learn what Thomas Merton says we can learn about inner simplicity from the example of a hawk in my latest essay: https://open.substack.com/pub/stillmountain/p/the-hawk-knows-his-business?r=2mlpm5&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

A month ago, I ran a 55k trail race in Western Colorado. Today, I wrote about that experience and how it illustrates the power the people around us have to shape our lives. Read more at https://stillmountain.substack.com/p/who-sets-your-pace

I’m delighted to share that my Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation has just been renewed. Renewing an ICF credential requires at least forty hours of continuing education, including supervision by a mentor coach, all designed to deepen skills and self-awareness. In a field that isn’t formally regulated, an ICF credential represents a commitment to excellence, ethical standards, and accountability. For me, it’s also about continuing to grow so I can serve my clients with greater presence, clarity, and care. I’m grateful to the leaders I coach and to my colleagues who continue to challenge and inspire me.

A new year brings new opportunities. What will you attempt in 2025?

Whether you're launching out on a new venture, discerning between potential paths to follow, or wondering how to overcome obstacles in your way, coaching can help. Send me a message to schedule a session today and start the new year off well.

I'm so thankful for the invitation to lead this contemplative backpacking trip. Doing so gave me an opportunity to integrate my vocation and my personal passions. Time in the wilderness is one way God heals and restores us, and I feel privileged and grateful to have accompanied these remarkable leaders as they experienced restoration in God's creation.

In late September, a group of nine leaders of new worshiping communities spent five days backpacking in northwest Colorado through a trip organized by the Rev. Jeff Eddings of 1001 New Worshiping Communities. Read more about the trip here: https://hubs.ly/Q02Tt1k30

The thirteenth century mystic Meister Eckhart wrote, “Every single creature is full of God and is a book about God. Every creature is a word of God. If I spend enough time with the tiniest creature, even a caterpillar, I would never have to prepare a sermon. So full of God is every creature.”

Inspired by this quote, I wrote and recorded a guided meditation to help us listen for what God says to us through creation. You can find it at stillmountain.substack.com.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent during which many Christians choose to engage in practices that renew our love for God. In some circles, people may ask, "What are you giving up for Lent?" - a that question reflects the ancient tradition of fasting during this season. But simply picking something to give up may not be the most beneficial Lenten practice. Here are some questions you may find more helpful for entering into Lent this year:

- What do your soul want from God right now?
- What's standing between you and God, or distracting you from God?
- What would help you hear more clearly what God might be saying to you?
- What would make Lent a time a healing and renewal for you?

Reflecting on these questions led me to Isaiah 30:15 with its invitation to choose rest over busyness, quietness over noise, and trust over anxiety. What invitations do you hear as you ponder these questions?

As a coach and spiritual director for Christian leaders, I enjoy walking alongside others as they discern God's movements in their lives. If you'd like to make coaching or spiritual direction part of your Lenten journey, feel free to send me a message.