Share just a little about yourself
Just to get started, would you mind telling us a little about yourself? I have found that it’s fun to know where people live — and just about anything else you want to say. Just click on the “Comments” link below this note and type away! Over the next seven weeks, we will build a virtual community. At the same time, I want to say that we respect your privacy, and you don’t have to say anything here to participate in this online reading group. You can participate by reading along. Do whatever you’re comfortable with. I’m getting it started by saying a little more about myself. Read below - click on “Comments.”
last words famous mp3 9353adobe mp3 audition encode batchdoubleyou na ii aa mp3matchbox 3am mp328 weeks mp3 laterzavala mp3 abelmp3 cents 15mp3 telugu aarya Map
card accept based home credit business30 day repair creditcard accept 20 phone creditcard visa accept why creditaccept card credit visaphone credit card acceptaccredited online programscredit add positive lines of Map
35 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
Leave a comment
Line and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>
March 1st, 2007 @ 4:05 pm
Hello There,
I am Billy Molloy,a Catholic priest working in England.I am Irish and have been working in England for over 20 years.Henri Nouwen has been a lifeline to me over the years and this became more evident over the past few years when every fibre of my being was tested beyond even my worst nightmare.I hit rock bottom and spent 7 months in treatment for Alcoholism,Depression,Burnout and unresolved grief.Henri and his story and writtings have given me inspiration and hope,something I never thought I could hold and embrace again.
December 30th, 2006 @ 10:38 pm
Hi, everyone! I am from New York and a friend of mine sent this website to me because she knows how much I love Henri Nouwen. I am new to this form of communication but I will give it a try primarily because the topics of Henri’s books give me an opportunity to reflect upon my life. This year, I have experienced much suffering in the forms of both mental and physical anguish. I had to have three surgeries this year and needed to take a leave of absence from my teaching. I felt plunged into another world. I knew that the Lord was trying to reach me, to use my suffering for something which to me is a mystery right now. But many people were praying for me and I have been restored. Yet somehow I feel that I have changed or have been changed. I feel as if I have one foot in this world with the other in the next. This sounds foolish, but I mean to say that while I am connected to this world (I have two wonderful sons, the older of whom is engaged to be married to a lovely lovely young lady whom I love)and I have many beautiful things to look forward to this year and for which I am entirely grateful, I also feel keenly aware that it is only a passing through and that I am to leave the best part of me as I meet and touch others. My ultimate destination is not here but beyond. I am keenly aware that there is not all the time in the world and I want to start afresh loving wherever I can and making a positive difference in the lives of others. I feel as though I was given a second chance. And so this topic of forgiveness is very special to me. I have been out of my brother’s life for about eleven years (because of a falling out) and I have suffered much because of it. Yet I know that I am powerless to change anything. So I can only pray for a conversion of hearts, and for forgiveness on both our parts. It is so important to forgive because that is the only way to experience true freedom. But it is still a struggle! I have much to forgive and even more to ask and be forgiven of. Yet somehow I intuit that the right intention can be very powerful in bringing about a conversion. My illness helped to bring me to this understanding. I try my best and then put it to rest in God’s hands. Sometimes I handle it well, while at other times I don’t do very well. I keep wrestling with it! I thank you for the opportunity to share and look forward to the next meditation. God bless you!
November 22nd, 2006 @ 8:53 am
Hello,
I would like very much to belong to your virtual community, though my command of English is far from perfect. I live in France, a Romanian born, I read several books by Henri Nouwen and occasionally translated some pages or lines just for friends, in Romanian and French. Here, Henri is known but not renown, and I think it is too bad, people nowadays need his approach.
Here and Now is not one of the books in my possession or available to me; I just know fragments included in several anthologies. Actually, I’m trying to make one in French.
Agnes
September 29th, 2006 @ 10:39 am
Hello, my name is alice murphy. I am one who posted a comment before the intro also. The spirit was moving me to pause at that moment. I am 57, a catholic laywoman who is a certified chaplain in a Michigan hospital. I work a grat deal with cancer patients and those with chronic pain. I have “loved” Henri for years. He has inspired and challenged me in my ministry and in my personal life. On line discussion is new to me, but I am looking forward to the sharing.
September 27th, 2006 @ 5:22 am
Hi,
My name is Sarah and I live in Michigan with my husband and two young children. Before moving to Michigan, we were East Coasters - having lived in NYC, CT, MA, and RI. We’ve been here for two years now and, although we have adjusted to life in the midwest, I still miss the ocean! Before becoming a mom and homemaker, I was a 2nd grade teacher and a teacher’s aide for special needs preschool children. We moved to Michigan because of my husband’s job - he is a priest in the Episcopal Church. Both he and I love and are inspired by the writings of Henri Nouwen. I am new to an online reading group and I am very much looking forward to the discussions here.
September 26th, 2006 @ 6:55 am
Glad to have you, Bill! It’s way too early to say it’s too late to join us. Right, jump first… join in any time!
September 22nd, 2006 @ 6:51 am
Gee, I meant to join on time but you know how it is. I’ll check the bookstore to see if they have a copy and then read to catch up. I’m 50s, married to Nancy, 2 kids in college, live in Tennessee, been reading Henri for about 4 years. Jump first; fear later. Cheers……
September 17th, 2006 @ 3:14 pm
Hi. I too have posted before my introduction. I live in Mississippi, have been married for 29 years, am the mother of 4 and the grandmother of 2 beautiful grandaughters. It is true when they say that we should all have our grandchildren first! I am the principal of a Catholic elementary school and was introducted to Henri a few years ago in my preparation for administration. I have read several of his books since and have recommended them to friends and family. I am considering using Reaching Out for a faculty study in the spring. This is my first time to join an online discussion so I am not quite sure how this works but am looking forward to joining in.
September 16th, 2006 @ 8:16 pm
Hi,
I posted a comment before my introduction..sorry.
This online book discussion is a new venture for me.
I am a semi-retired teacher living in the Big Apple(NY, Ny) and enjoy reading. I bought “Here and Now” last month and have been waiting to join in this discussion.
I’m through Chapter ONE and write a few lines in my Journal daily which help me to focus on what Henri means and how it applies to my life.
September 15th, 2006 @ 7:32 pm
My name is Ricky Chambers, I am from Wyoming. But I am attending Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. I have recently come across Nouwen’s writings through a very hard year last year. Nouwen’s writings are a fresh of breath air to me, as I have come though my own woundedness the last year. But God has used Nouwen to heal my heart to move on in this life. I am looking forward to great discussions as we come together to learn and grow together.
September 15th, 2006 @ 7:29 pm
Hello all!
My name is Joe and I am currently in my sixth year of studies for the Roman Catholic priesthood. I discovered Nouwen when I was in high school (The Return of the Prodigal Son) and he subsequently has become one of my most important spiritual guides. I look forward to participating in this discussion!
Peace and Goodness,
Joe
September 15th, 2006 @ 12:19 pm
hello friends of henri,
my name is peggy marasco and i am currently a sophomore at st. joseph’s university in philadelphia, pa. i am age 66, soon to be 67 and am fulfilling a life-long dream to go to full time day school. my experiencese during my eight days of classes thus far have been interesting, to say the least. i have been mistaken for a parent, a teacher, a sub-teacher and the mother of a 20-year old behind me in the cafeteria line.
i am making friends with the young people from 1st to 4th year. i have told them to call me mom mom, and they love it. it’s so funny to hear one of them calling me from across the campus, ‘yo, mom mom, how’s it goin?’
staying focused NOW, is getting to class on time and getting to the right room. i am a theology major with an english lit minor. classes are english, theology, philosophy and judaism. for some reason or other, i have been to the 11am, not the noon theology class three times now. our professor lets me stay because he teaches the same class at 10, 11 and noon.
my rolling school bag is a great help, as i cover many miles of campus paths. other times, one of the kids will carry my schoolbag for me. my goal is to become involved in campus ministry at st. joe’s.
henri has been my spiritual mentor for over 20 years. i have introduced him and given him away to so many of my friends and strangers. i am never without a nouwen book.
glad to be part of the book sharing.
peggy
September 14th, 2006 @ 2:48 am
Hi! I am Sean, 38 years old and a medical social worker working with people living with HIV/AIDS in India. I was introduced to the writings of Henri Nouwen through a friend of mine from Canada. Reading/reflecting his writings has been a very intrinsic part of my spiritual journey and I always carry a book of his on my travels. I would love to be part of this group to discuss, learn and grow.
The best to you all,
Sean
September 13th, 2006 @ 6:43 pm
Hello,
I am Elizabeth (Liz) Van Noy from Bargersville, Indiana a suburb of Indianapolis. I have been reading Henri’s books for about 5 years. I have a collection of about 40 of his books and some which others have written about his writings. I am a registered nurse teaching nursing at the Indiana University School of Nursing at Indiana University/Purdue University at Indianapolis. I have three adult children and six grandaughters. I am a cradle Catholic and have practiced my faith all of my life. I have participated in one online discussion and a book discussion lead by our pastor. These were on the Prodigal Son. I am active in my parish SS.Francis and Clare. A parish in my area is having a parish wide discussion on the Life of the Beloved. Here and Now Living in the Spirit is appopriate for me at this time as I have been on a year long journey with Breast Cancer. I am doing very well and feel that this is related to God being with me during my treatment. I have been able to continue my teaching during my treatment. Henri speaks of compassion in many of his writings and I attempt to instill compassion in each of my students.
September 13th, 2006 @ 6:05 pm
I am a lifelong “Jersey Girl”, recently turned 51 years old and live in a wonderful little community in northern New Jersey with my husband of 27 years (we just had an anniversary), our 11 year old daughter, our dog, 2 cats, 2 rabbits, and other assorted ‘critters’. We also have another daughter attending college in Arizona. I have the honor of teaching 7th grade science right here in my town’s middle school and, believe it or not, I really love all 135 of my 12-13 year olds! (Well, most of the time!)
I was introduced to Henri Nouwen by my brother and I have been so blessed by Henri’s faith, his love for the Lord and others, and by his devotions, which I receive and read daily on-line. “Here and Now” is my first Nouwen book and when I ordered it I also ordered the audio version of “Out of Solitude-3 Meditations on the Christian Life”. I hope to listen to that while on my daily walks. This is my first discussion and I have just started chapter 1. Since I recently had a birthday, the 3rd section really spoke to me.
In April I attended a silent retreat weekend at a beautiful Benedictine community in Upstate New York.
Reading Henri’s reflections reminds me of my time there and how I especially felt God’s presence and an awareness of His love.
I look forward to reading the rest of the chapter and to future discussions!
Blessings to all.
September 13th, 2006 @ 8:07 am
I’m a 62 yr old, married father of 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren, all living here in the Valley of Paradise, (aka Valparaiso), Indiana, 60 miles SE of Chicago.
I became aware of Henri Nouwen at a Brannon Manning retreat several years ago and have found him - like Manning - to be a breath of fresh,rejuvenating air in my legalistic, Pharisaical evangelical community. I’ve been in an Evangelical Free Church environment for 40 years (the FREE part doesn’t have anything to do with being free of legalism…it’s a moniker that means the church is from a background of people in Scandanavia who were free of government sponsored churches).
Just reading chapter 1 of Here and Now yesterday in preparation for this group helped me focus on the moments in my day with a new freedom, love, enjoyment of the relationship I have with God. Just for the day and the moment I’m in. It reminded me of a country-western song, “Yesterday’s gone, Sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine.”
Looking forward to the exchanges and contributions of people who appreciate the simplicity and depth of Nouwen.
September 13th, 2006 @ 5:40 am
Hi to all!! I’ve participated in two previous groups and greatly enjoyed the experience. I am a Connecticut Yankee, Roman Catholic by birth and now by grace, after a 30 year decision to walk away from spiritual matters. As I continue to struggle and grow in this journey, Henri Nouwen has been a beloved, gentle guide. He has seen me through times of desolation as well as moments of joy, Most of all, he is, for me, a divinely broken vessel whose life and writings testify to the truth..”I am with you always..” I look forward to reading and maybe sharing with all. Thanks for the opportunity to do so.
September 12th, 2006 @ 9:00 pm
My third attempt to join the group. My computer skills are wanting.
I am one day late and I have not read the book. Let me hope with God’s grace and any help that Henri is able to give all will unfold as it should.
September 12th, 2006 @ 12:49 pm
I am a 48 year old widow, no children, living in a small town in South Carolina. For many years I taught English at a liberal arts college in a nearby state; then in 1999 my mother had a massive stroke. If I moved in with her she could stay in her home, which seemed like a good idea to both of us. Since there are no colleges here, I began a new life as caregiver and second shift telephone operator! Life does take some interesting turns sometimes:)
I’m a lifelong Episcopalian (I think what some would call “high church” Episcopalian as opposed to the simpler services). Having been recently introduced to Henri Nouwen through a Presbyterian minister who actually took courses from him, I am really eager to become a part of this discussion. Here and Now is the first Nowen book I read, so it has a special place in my heart. And it’s wonderful to look over the other comments and see how many different people we have in the group. Thank you for letting me be a part of this.
September 12th, 2006 @ 11:59 am
I live in the Greater Toronto Area, somewhat north of downtown Toronto. Having read close to 20 Nouwen books with HERE AND NOW, not being one of them..…. decided to watch and not participate this time. Well by chance I got hold of a copy, read it and absolutely had to purchase the book. That isn’t a new phenomenon, did the same with REACHING OUT.
The wonderful thing about us Nouwen readers is that he has taught us to be so accepting of ourselves and others in our imperfections and brokenness. I fondly recall how good it felt when I read his first book. For once it seemed perfectly ok and normal NOT to have it ‘all together’. I admire his boldness / humility to talk about his frailties or weaknesses. By doing so he gives us a chance to be strong and not condemn ourselves. Out of weakness is born strength is the beautiful message that Henri conveys. Never knew him personally, but I like to consider him a personal friend.
Ed, visited your site, it was fun browsing through……..
September 12th, 2006 @ 7:47 am
I live in the little town of Norwell, MA in the southeastern part of Massachusetts, about 25 miles north of Cape Cod. Recently I have learned of Henri Nouwen through the website Catholic Exchange. I am a convert to the Catholic faith, having been raised Protestant. I am 63, married for 40 years, with three grown sons and daughter in laws and grandchildren. I am retired having worked for years in the business world, but that may change soon. My Journey Home was a long one but I attended a Life in the Spirit seminar last year and it has been so helpful to me. I have three of Henri Nouwen’s books which are Life of the Beloved, Spiritual Direction and now Here and Now, which I’ve started to read. His books are so beautiful. I feel like he is sitting right here with me, talling with me and his love shines on me. I wish I could have met him in life. He has taught me so much about God and choices we make in life and forgiveness and love. I will read all his books someday. I look forward to being part of this on-line book group. Thank you everyone for sharing.
September 12th, 2006 @ 7:33 am
Hello -
My name is Rosann, although I have been looking for a book club of this nature, I have been debating whether to join the group due to my work load and other responsibilities. I am a university administrator at a law school in NY (about 20 miles outside of the city on LI). I also teach at the university, do some research and the list goes on. What made me join? Yesterday we remembered those who perished in 9/11 and the impact is has had on all of us. I found it intriguing that this book site chose 9/11 to begin … that the book chosen is “Here and Now” and the first chapter is “Living in the Present.”
I have read a number of Nouwen’s books, but not this one. I look forward to sharing as often as I can.
September 11th, 2006 @ 10:49 pm
Hi All,
. My husband of 38 years and I now live in Regina, Saskatchewan. I am a Mom of 5, Gramma of 3. I am quite handicapped and thus limited, but stay active and young with online support groups, helping to care for my 4 month old grandson, and have joined a Parish Bible study and love to go out’cruising in my chair to greet people and get them to smile. I and my husband are former teachers having gotten our training at Seattle Univ. We are also Benedictine Oblates.
I am Patty
I have been a member of every reading group the Society has had starting with the Return of the Prodigal. I certainly have related to Henri through his writings for many years and always considered him a friend, though I have never met him. I have to say that the concepts of being wounded, broken and most of all the beloved are what have taught me and helped me the most. My favourite book? The road to Daybreak. That one took me on a long spiritual Journey of growth.
September 11th, 2006 @ 9:09 pm
I am a retired H.S. teacher but still not tired. I have been associated with L’Arche communties for many years. They help me. I took the first course offered by Jeff Imbach, The Spirituality of Henri Nouwen, offered thru’ Antigonish N.S., Canada. A turning point in my journey. Look forward to this interchange and a book I have not yet read. Now, let us begin.
September 11th, 2006 @ 8:31 pm
Hi all,
I am so pleased to have the opportunity to join this group. It is my first reading group, although I did look at some of the discussion from the last group.
I live in Bird Island, Minnesota, a VERY small town (1300 people) 100 miles west of Minneapolis, MN. I am a legal assistant/office administrator of a local law firm and have been for 29 years. I am divorced, the mother of 3 terrific young adults, the youngest still in college. I have always been very active in my parish and with youth religious education, retreats, etc. for many years.
The first book of Henri’s that I read was “The Inner Voice of Love”, A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom. It was suggested by my spiritual director after my divorce. I have read parts of it so many times, and it touched me very deeply.
Working with teenagers, I have always been willing and able to share my opinion, but have not done so on such a personal peer level as I’m sure this group will lead us to.
I look forward to our discussions.
Sue
September 11th, 2006 @ 8:02 pm
Hi, I’m a mom of 6, grandma of 2, and wife of 34 years, in California. I’m an author (book due to come out this Dec.) and have been a Nouwen fan for years. Like many others, even though I never met Henri, I have always considered him to be my spriritual mentor. His books helped me to connect with God through the most difficult times of my life.
My website is:blessedtobelieve.org.
September 11th, 2006 @ 7:42 pm
Thanks for all the sharing! Glad to know we have people from Canada and the U.S. … For those of you who are new to this, you can’t do a thing wrong! Just type and submit when you have something to say. But my 80-something dad still says, “You don’t have to know anything to talk,” and I guess that’s why I’m not afraid to give my own opinion.
And Phillip: It’s NEVER to late to join this group. So tell your friends. I’ll be encouraging people to join us for the whole seven weeks! Our door is unlocked 365/24/7. Henri was hospitable like that, you know — making phone calls to many parts of the world at odd times of the night, even.
September 11th, 2006 @ 5:18 pm
Hi Ed et al,
I have lived in London Ont Canada my entire life, having resisted the temptation to move to the “Big Smoke” Toronto. My connection with Henri was only through his writing, which has touch me very deeply. Perhaps my favourite book has been Road to Daybreak (or maybe it was Can You Take This Cup, or perhaps …), a story of and unexpected journey. In many ways I think our personal journeys are like that - unexpected, and as Here & Now talks about being present - are we ready to be present.
I’m involved as a volunteer with the local L’Arche community that is such a blessing. Being around people who are so full of life and Here & Now is a real gift.
I enjoy the company of my lovely wife (for 21 years now) and my two girls now in their teen and who challenging me daily. Life is full but I look forward to squeezing this exploration into my daily schedule.
September 11th, 2006 @ 3:37 pm
I am a junior high school geography teacher and K-8 computer technology teacher. I am a Catholic and live in Omaha. I am a member of my parish council and am active in Christians Encounter Christ-the Omaha Archdiocesan version of Cursillo. I am doing the “study” talk next month so I thought this group might be right up my alley. I am also active in the Benedictin Oblates. By the way, my wife is an ex-St. Louis native.
September 11th, 2006 @ 1:44 pm
Hello. I have been part of a book discussion group before, but never on-line. It sounds exciting and practical (with my work schedule and three children). I live in Greenville, Rhode Island. I work as an office manager for a medical practice. Looking forward to being part of this reading group! Thanks for having me.
Edie
September 11th, 2006 @ 1:24 pm
Hello,
This is the first time I have ever done something like this, so I am a little nervous. My name is Bernie and I live in Brandon Manitoba which is literally in the middle of Canada, just an hour North of the Canada - US border. I am a chaplain at a provincial jail, a former candidate for the Catholic priesthood and engaged to a wonderful lady (having experienced a painful divorce). I have one child. I attended one lecture by Henri Nouwen in Toronto in the early 90’s. The topic was the spirituality of fundraising- my attendance had more to do with an interest in Nouwen than in fundraising. I am interested in Nouwen’s themes of loss, loneliness, discovery, intimacy and mostly the transition from fear to love. I must confess however that it’s been a few years since I read one of his books. As a chaplain in a jail, it should not be difficult to connect those themes with my ministry. However they are also themes in my life.
September 11th, 2006 @ 11:13 am
Ed, Hi
Is it to late to join? I haven’t started the book either…just a diehard fan with interest!
Phillip
September 11th, 2006 @ 11:11 am
I am looking forward to reading and discussing this book! I’ve lived in Connecticut forever. I am a mom, musician, and avid fiber enthusiast. All of Nouwen’s books that I have been through so far have influenced me in many ways, some quite unexpected.
Peace!
September 11th, 2006 @ 9:48 am
Hi. My name is Lashan and I live with my husband in northern Florida in Fernandina Beach. I am 29 years old (soon to be the big 30) and teach United States history at a rural high school in south Georgia. This is currently my eigth year of teaching. In addition to history, I also have a degree in music, which is an important part of my life. I suppose the most noteworthy event taking place with us as of now is that we are expecting our first child in April. Of course, we are thrilled beyond words. I look forward to hearing the thoughts of others as we read one of my favorite titles by Nouwen.
September 11th, 2006 @ 6:01 am
I am really looking forward to this virtual discussion. I have lived in Springfield, Illinois, USA, for 21 years, though I grew up 100 miles down the road in St. Louis, Missouri. I have been on the Henri Nouwen Society Board since 1999 and have benefited greatly from Henri’s personal sharing in his writing. I especially love his concepts of being broken and being beloved. I was a journalist for more than 25 years, but now work in administration at the University of Illinois at Springfield. For fun, I created my own web site, www.edwoj.com, where I have posted some of my writing — including articles I wrote for U.S. Catholic and the National Catholic Reporter about Henri. I’ll look forward to “meeting” the rest of you and conversing with you for seven weeks.