Author: tomstellawebsite

“The human drama of homelessness takes many forms, wears many faces; psychological disturbances in which we are no longer at home in the intimacy of our own lived experience; a troubled marriage in which no dwelling can be found in a relationship we assumed would always prevail; a crisis of faith in which our religious … Continue reading Homeless No More

Following are some common New Year resolutions: ~ read more, take a class ~ lose weight, exercise, eat right ~ meditate/pray, attend worship services ~ volunteer, nurture important relationships ~ pay off credit cards, strike a better work/life balance   Resolutions can set us on course for a new start, a fresh beginning, a chance to … Continue reading New Year Resolutions

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in a land of deep shadow a light has shone…For there is a child born for us, a son given to us, and dominion is laid on his shoulders; and this is the name they give him: Wonder-Counselor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Father, … Continue reading Christ Born in Thee, in Me

“She was sitting at a table, talking with a woman who was, I quickly realized, quite drunk, yet determined to carry on a conversation… I found myself increasingly confused by what seemed to be an interminable, essentially absurd exchange taking place between the two middle-aged women. When would it end – the alcoholic ranting and … Continue reading Every Person is Worthwhile

When something is important to us we do what is necessary to prepare for it. If we have an exam and want to get a good grade, we study. If we have a performance, we rehearse. If we have a game, we practice. If we have a report to write or a presentation to give, … Continue reading Advent, A Time to Ponder

“When I was a kid, “sanctuary” meant only one thing. It was the big room with the stained glass windows and hard wooden benches where my family worshipped every Sunday… Today, “sanctuary” is as vital as breathing to me. Sometimes I find it in churches, monasteries, and other sites formally designated “sacred.” But more often … Continue reading Seeking Sanctuary

“Satisfaction, mystic Thomas Merton says, requires contentment with imperfection. It may sound strange, but a word that speaks to this truth is ‘sincere.’ This word is made up of two Latin words, sine cere, which means without wax. As I learned it, the word came about in relation to sculptors and merchants in ancient times. … Continue reading Sincerely Yours