Getting started - about you
This will get you started. You can participate in this reading group whenever you want. We encourage you to participate over a period of several weeks so that the conversation builds, but that’s up to you. Take a look at the links at the right. Under “Pages,” you will see “Intro to the book.” Click on that link and you’ll begin to see how we provide commentary about the book. You will also see the “Schedule of readings” and other links. Now, please click on the Comments link below this paragraph and answer the question: “Tell us a little bit about yourself. One sentence is fine; one small paragraph is better. It would be especially interesting to know where you live.”
free movie galleries lesbianmovie porn gaythe movie jack assjpeg movie clips avimovies schoolgirl fuckingmovies zoophiliabutt movies bigthe movie euro trip Map
porn galleries celeb videotapes celeb pornoceleb pornstarsceleberity archives pornporn pics celebertieporn celeberty galleriesporn celeberty stars bookporn celebety Map
loan free through mailfree agreement sample loanresume free sample for loan officerspeech loans freedom ofloan contacts fremont investmentapplications fsa loan accepting emergencystudent i loans gloan garden officer california grove Map
55 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>
July 1st, 2005 @ 6:37 am
My name is Clare, and I live in North Toronto, and in fact not far from L’Arche Daybreak. I have only quite recently discovered Henri’s books, and I can hardly stop reading them! I had just finished The Prodigal Son, when I discovered this site, and I really appreciate everyone’s contributions. I somehow feel a connection with Henri; I was also born in Holland, and although we were not a religious family, my parents had very close Dutch friends who were devoutly Roman Catholic. We *did* attend church, when I was a child, but I have not been attending as an adult. I completed a hospice course recently, and the seminars were given in the church that Henri has mentioned in his books. I will be attending a “Henri Nouwen seminar” in the fall, at Daybreak. My husband and I have recently discovered a church where we are feeling a spiritual connection.
June 26th, 2005 @ 11:36 am
New member joined Sunday, June 26
Hello every one Nouwen’then! I have a hunger of the spirit to understand the gift of forgiveness; that is, a gift from the Source of us all, that is nourishing to the spirit because it requires an action. A gift you give yourself.
I have a full catalog of awareness of my misdeeds and failures, but I have always expected forgiveness from those whose blessings I craved. Now, in midlife, I realize that the most craven has always been, and will always be, myself.
I have previous experience imagining myself to be each of the characters in “The Good Samaritan.” I urge myself to sincerely try to put myself in each subject and section of “The Return of the Prodigal Son.”
June 24th, 2005 @ 2:07 pm
Hello - I’m Agnes and live in the UK, in Monmouth which is a small town in Wales and am intrigued by Henri’s understanding of God - so different from the God of my youth who is watching out for any misdemeanour.I want to tell my grandchildren about this God and the children in the RC Sunday class and look forward to hearing others’ comments which will clear up any doubts I have! This is a taste of Heaven!
June 22nd, 2005 @ 8:27 am
Hi all - Lisa in NYC here. I was a banker/corporate type until 1994, when I left for seminary. I met Henri in 1994, and soon after moved into the Daybreak community for several months. Henri was my spiritual director, and I’m still very connected to Daybreak. I’m now a psychotherapist and also finishing my PhD in Psychology and Religion (so I’m a theologian of sorts as well). I’m going to be leading a retreat on Henri’s work in Massachusetts this summer, and the PS is one of the works we will discuss. I’m so looking forward to all of your comments! I love the diversity of this group!
June 17th, 2005 @ 7:57 pm
Hello, I’m Maureen. I live in Wisonsin now, having moved from the northern high plains. I’m just getting ‘plugged into’ the world of blogging and couldn’t believe my eyes when I discovered the Henry Nouwen site. I read my first Nouwen book back in the 1980’s and what an amazing experience it was. I’m excited at the opportunity to share and learn with the others on this site. God Blass!
June 16th, 2005 @ 8:27 am
My name is Bob. I’m 59 years old and I live in Mississippi. I’m excited about reading and discussing “Return of the Prodigal Son” with a group of people who are simultaneously of one mind and of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. I have had a love relationship with the writings of Henri Nouwen ever since “Life of the Beloved” unveiled the sacramental nature of my life.
June 15th, 2005 @ 10:29 am
My name is Lori and I live in New Jersey. I’ve never been part of a reading group before but this one looks exciting. I, too, enjoy Nouwen’s gentle spirit and am thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to learn from others in the group.
June 13th, 2005 @ 8:48 pm
Hello and thank-you for this discussion group to talk about one of my favorite books by one of my favorite writers. I live in Washington State-about 50 miles south of Seattle-in a small, small town called Wilkeson. My 3 children live near me or close by depending on the circumstances. I am a nurse and work at a local hospital and also at a larger one in Seattle just to stay afloat. Henri Nouwen’s writings have been a beacon to me especially in the last few years when alot of things happened to me like divorce, my parents died, having to move, etc. I picked up the ‘Return of the Prodigal Son’ about 2 years ago and can’t say if I’ve read it entirely but I will read a passage at night that seems to speak directly to me. It’s like I can relate to each person in the picture at different times in my life. The forgiveness in the Father is just amazing to me and I am striving to be able to have that humility grow in my heart for myself and for others.
June 13th, 2005 @ 7:07 pm
Better late than never! The day I picked up “The Prodigal Son”, I left the bookstore and sat down for lunch at a Mexican restaraunt, reading the whole time. When I got back in my car, I turned on the radio, and heard Joe Stowell say somethig like “”isn’t it good, when like the Prodigal we finally come to our senses and return home…”. Needless to say, I wept on the drive back to the office. I had left my place at God’s table years ago, although I never forgot “home”. Now, in my mid-40’s, seeking meaning in life, I find myself walking this familiar path with you. I sincerely hope that this is just the beginning for all of us!
June 13th, 2005 @ 11:41 am
I live in Toronto, Canada, and chanced on some excerpts from Henri’s books around January of this year. Whew !! Eversince I’ve been so attracted and charmed by this wonderfully restless servant of God and after finishing 5 of his books, the last one being THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON, discovered this reading group and was absolutely delighted to be allowed to jump in ! Yep, I agree Henri’s writings - his struggles and reflections (I love that he shared his life so willingly with his readers….) provide an open window into our restless souls / lives and provide a great deal of comfort and assurance that we are not alone in our brokenness.
June 11th, 2005 @ 8:14 am
I live in a small town south of Nashville Tenn. I have read many of Nouwen’s book and am challenged and fed by the his words and thoughts. I am glad to have found this discussion. I crave a deepening relationship with God and awareness of God’s presence in my life. Having a place to journey with brothers and sisters on similiar paths is indeed an answer to prayer. I am a licensed clinical social worker and work with the juvenile justice system. I have just declared as an exploring candidate for ordination in the United Methodist Church. I am excited about the paths God is leading me.
June 10th, 2005 @ 5:21 am
My name is Kathy Rodgers and I have just recently started reading a couple of Henri Nouwen’s books for the first time. And I am so impressed with the direction that he takes and the challenges that he gives in his books. I look forward to this reading of the Return of the Prodigal Son (my 3rd book of his) and seeing more of his spiritual artwork. His work has challenged and opened up my spirituality as a Catholic Christian and I look forward to so much more.
June 9th, 2005 @ 4:44 pm
I live in Wimbledon, London and am a Science teacher at a highly academic school for 11-18 year olds. I was recommended the Return of the Prodigal by my psychologist who is helping me through a time of depression. Although I have been a Christian for over 30 years, and read many Christian books, mainly in my youth, I had never come across Henri Nouwen before. He has opened up a completely new world because he shares his struggles honestly and points to a way through which makes sense to me. There is no “fakeness” in his writings.
June 9th, 2005 @ 8:03 am
“The Return of the Prodigal Son” is. fo me. a deeply encouraging, compassionate and honest book. The warmth and deeply compassionate nature of Henri Nouwen reach out and lift up the reader.
Ann ( from the UK) a recent recruit to the ranks of septugenarians!!
June 9th, 2005 @ 7:02 am
I am a fundraising consultant whose life has been greatly influenced by Henri. Our relationship began when I was a student at Yale Divinity School and he was a professor. His influence on my life took on numerous forms and, over the years, our paths crossed many times through letters and mutual friends. Personally, he has been a spiritual mentor who has “guided my life” in many directions and at many stages. Professionally, he launched my fundraising career with a donation slipped under my door while still a student at YDS (the first donation received in a 30 year career!), and persuaded me to stay in school when ready to drop out to pursue an altruistic dream. He also guided me through a spiritual journey that led to significant changes in my professional life. Perhaps the best way to describe this relationship is to say that I was one of Henri’s “500 closest friends”–a statement that says less about me and more about a remarkable man who had the gift of “being present” with almost everyone who shared his journey.
June 8th, 2005 @ 3:51 pm
My name is Ann and I live in northern Virginia. I have been reading Henri for several years. I have lent copies of the Prodigal Son to many people and I have the print hanging on my wall. I attended a weekend retreat on Henri last Fall. Henri’s spirituality speaks to my heart and I love to share it. Looking forward to re-reading the prodigal son for the nth time.
June 8th, 2005 @ 3:43 pm
Hello!
I’m a latecomer to the group, but I’m excited about being part of this group. As a new Catholic, my spiritual director gave me this book–with her own crib-notes. I’m a 56-year-old schoolteacher who will be in West Palm Beach, FL until July, when I go to Taiwan for a month and then Honduras for the fall semester.
It’s a pleasure to study with others.
Love,
Sue
June 8th, 2005 @ 9:54 am
Hello,
My name is Alison and I live in Swarthmore, a small town outside Philadelphia. I belong to the United Methodist Church. My 2 favorite Henri Nouwen books are Prodigal Son and Reaching Out. I enjoy his writing because it is as if he is right there talking to you, sharing his doubts and challenges. Not many are willing to share such intimate details of themselves. I find it a very courageous thing to do, especially as I sit here and write about myself!
I’ve read Prodigal Son a couple of times and led a reading group on it last year using the guide from the Henri Nouwen Society. I’m looking forward to sharing insights and questions with the group.
June 7th, 2005 @ 6:39 pm
Hi! My name is Karen and I live in Pennsylvania. I do a bit of writing and teaching. I was beginning to have my spiritual world turned upside down when I first read this book. That was a year ago and I am still in the midst of the journey–still in transition. Maybe that will never end! I now have the picture hanging in my office–its speaks volumes! I look forward to hear how the picture as well as the book as affected others.
June 7th, 2005 @ 11:19 am
Hello,
My name is Shaun and I’m writing from the base of Mt. McKinley in Alaska where I’ve taken a job for the season doing IT work for a cruise line up here. I came up for a couple of reasons - one, to take a LEAP of faith (I had never been to Alaska-I was living in the Bay Area in California for 15 years) and two, to discren my call into ministry. I was born and raised Irsh Catholic and had the “fear of God” knocked into me. I’ve recently found the United Church of Christ where I have felt home - a God that loves and accepts me for me - a gay man (with all my good charcteristics as well as character defects). I was introduced to Henri in the Santa Cruz bookstore where I came across a couple of his books. On Easter, I went through a Baptism ceremony to recommit my faith and life to Christ and read from Walt Whitman as well as Henri’s Beloved. I receive the daily meditations from the website and LOVE them. They seem to give a contemporary twist to Christianity that I need and treasure. I need to get the book Return of the Prodigal Son because this location is very remote here. If you have an extra copy I would appreciate someone sending it to:
Shaun Gould
PO BOX 13535
Trapper Creek, AK 99683
Otherwise, I can order it online.
Metta and Peace,
Shaun
June 7th, 2005 @ 5:04 am
Greetings!
I am a widowed, single mother of two sons age 20 and 17. I work as a special education teaching assistant in our town system and have just earned my A.S. in General Studies. I have been accepted to a rather rivate university with Special Education as my major, but am faced with the very real fact that while it has been where I was supposed to be up through the younger years of my sons, it is not what I wish to do in the end. Fortunately, the university does offer a fine religious studies program and an appealing financial package. I am often reminded by my peers that the road I have traveled thus far has been one that would have leveled one of lesser fortitude, yet I cannot help but think that I have merely begun. Over the last 7 or so years I have experienced an undeniable yet inexplicable “calling” to expand on my God given talents both in terms of discernment, writing and orating. I will not try to kid anyone though…When it fell upon me I ran like crazy. For some reason I felt more terror struck and wobbly at the knees rather than filled. There is an ever present and growing fire in my heart that is all encompassing that secular society cannot dim. I know that the thirst for “true intimacy” can only be slaked by living and breathing the Word and the Spirit. I read Henri Nouwen’s Prodigal Son at the suggestion of our minister a few years ago. Other influences (to name a few)have been Spurgeon, Oswald Chambers, Stanley, Tozer, Augustine, C.S. Lewis, and G.K. Chesterton.
I reside in CT, work two jobs, enjoy walks with our golden retriever, LOVE cooking, and enjoy writing poetry as well as short narratives once in a while for our church newsletter.
June 6th, 2005 @ 1:09 pm
Hi, I’m Susan and I live in British Columbia, Canada. I’m in my mid-fifties, have been married for 35 years and am a mother and grandmother. I have worked in the field of adult upgrading education for over 25 years. I was first introduced to Henri’s writing 13 years ago, and was touched by his willingness to be honest and vulnerable about his whole range of feelings. He gave me permission to do the same in my journals. I took Jeff Imbach’s distance course on Henri’s writings in Jan. 2004 and found the assignments helped me to grow spiritually. Since then I have found a spiritual director and am growing in contemplative prayer and in the practice of using daily offices. I have facilitated a reading group on “Reaching Out.” “The Return of the Prodigal Son” is my favourite Nouwen book and I have read it meany times. It delights me to be able to discuss this book with a group of people from all over the world.
June 5th, 2005 @ 10:56 pm
Hello. My name is Rene Gonzalez. I am happily married after two years to my wonderful wife and have a beautiful 15-month old baby girl. After a long-needed conversion to my own faith of Roman Catholicism, I began a life of social service to the poorest of the poor with the Missionaries of Charity founded by Mother Teresa of Calcutta. I returned to earn my Bachelors of Social Work, of which I have one year left to graduate. I learned of Henri Nouwen through my spiritual director and am thoroughly savoring a book which is introducing me to his spirituality titled A RETREAT WITH HENRI NOUWEN: RECLAIMING OUR HUMANITY, by, Robert Durback. I look forward to participating in this discussion.
June 5th, 2005 @ 4:35 pm
Hi or Howdy as the Texans say. I live in beautiful but crowded SOCA (southern california). I’ve been familiar with Henri Nouwen for many years and been blessed, challenged and encouraged by his writings.
I’m a christian but don’t know where I can place myself at the moment (would have been classified a third-waver, charismatic) for I’ve become quite dissatisfied with the established church and know that “the church” has to change the way we be, do, live in order to be relevant in today’s culture. I’m part of the house church movement and love His church but I have to be changed in order to really live a kingdom lifesyle.
I’m currently in the process of major change leaving my current job to go see my parents who are older and their bodies and lives are drasticlly changing. After this time with them I don’t know where I’ll end up but know I need to go spend time with them so I’m going more on a journey of faith and yet quite uncertian of the outcome.
I’m looking forward to this time of re-reading “Prodigal Son” and it will be interesting to see what occurs in the reading and discussion. So with that blessings to you all.
June 5th, 2005 @ 1:44 pm
Hi, I’m Christine, the writer of the first comment, but I didn’t give so much information about me as all the others. I’m 50 years old, I work as a teacher and as a psychologist, that means I have got too much work at the moment and I am trying to organize my life anew.I live in the south of Austria, near the border to Italy und came across Henri Nouwen’s books two years ago. It is interesting, not many people know about him here, even though he was born in the middle of Europe. I am fascinated by his writing and have ordered the “Prodigal Son” in English, I couldn’t find
a German translation so far. It is interesting to hear about lots of people knowing so much about Henri.
June 3rd, 2005 @ 12:58 pm
Hi,
I am Karen from NW Montana.
I have been reading Henri’s books for a couple of years now.
I am a layspeaker in the United Methodist Church and am currently searching spiritually for what God is calling me to.
June 3rd, 2005 @ 7:15 am
Howdy! I’m a bi-vocational minister from East Tennessee. I was raised Baptist, ordained in a Pentecostal church, and during the past 14 years have served in various capacities for a variety of Christian traditions including a Catholic halfway house and a Quaker fellowship. For the past five years, I’ve been leading a small non-denominational church/retreat that is seeking to draw from the riches of various Christian traditions,particularly Evangelical, Litrugical and Charismatic. I first encountered Henri in the 80s when he did an intereview for a Christian satire magazine: The Wittenburg Door. He talked extensively about his book the Wounded Healer and it profoundly touched me. Since then I’ve been blessed by several of his wonderful books. But I’ve never read “Return…” So I am looking forward to it.
June 2nd, 2005 @ 10:29 pm
I am a high school English teacher from Southeastern Ohio. I am 28 years old, married to a man from England, and we have a very happy cat named Diego. I was attracted to learn more about Nouwen after a conversation with my pastor about woundedness and thinking about how one of the first things Christ did was show his wounds to his disciples. She referred me to read the Wounded Healer, although I haven’t yet. It wasn’t the first time I had heard of him, but it made me interested in seeking him out more. I signed up for the daily e-mails. I haven’t ever read a book by Nouwen, only quotes, so this should be interesting. I have been complaining to God and myself a lot lately about my own lack of faith and all of the things that I wish I was or wish I had. The whole negativity agenda is getting old and going nowhere. I am thankful to be here with so many different people with different locations and callings.
June 2nd, 2005 @ 5:01 pm
I am a retired junior high school teacher and a recent widower. I have two children and four grandchildren. My first encounter with Henri Nouwen came when I recently attended a viewing of Journey of the Heart, a potential PBS presentation on the life of Henri. I followed that up with a day of recollection based on the writings of Henri, presented by Sister Sue. I then started to devour his books. Resa Pearson and I are planning on presenting the three twenty minute clips delivered by Henri at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, CA on the local public access stations in San Jose, Campbell, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos and Mountain View. October, 2005 is our tentative starting date.
June 2nd, 2005 @ 3:43 pm
I am a cradle Catholic who has been reading Henri’s books for about 5 years. I have 40 of his books and have read each of them. This is the first book club discussion I have been in about one of his books. I teach nursing at the Indiana Univeristy School of Nursing on the Indiana University/Purdue University campus in Indianapolis, Indiana. I live in Bargersville, Indiana. I have three adult children and six grandaughters. I have been a practicing registered nurse for 45 years with half of my career in education and the other half in administration. I am looking forward to the discussion. Liz
June 2nd, 2005 @ 3:43 pm
I am a cradle Catholic who has been reading Henri’s books for about 5 years. I have 40 of his books and have read each of them. This is the first book club discussion I have been in about one of his books. I teach nursing at the Indiana Univeristy School of Nursing on the Indiana University/Purdue University campus in Indianapolis, Indiana. I live in Bargersville, Indiana. I have three adult children and six grandaughters. I have been a practicing registered nurse for 45 years with half of my career in education and the other half in administration. I am looking forward to the discussion. Liz
June 2nd, 2005 @ 10:34 am
My name is Julie Battaile from Mississippi and I am a 67 year old “cradle Catholic” and an educator in our parish RCIA program. I am looking forward to being in this group and getting more insights and perspectives on Henri’s spirituality. Ever since I read my first Nouwen book, “Return of the Prodigal Son” I have become a ‘disciple’ of his spirituality. He continually challenges me and I can identify with his struggles to become Christ-centered in the world we live in. If I were younger, I guess I would classify myself as a Nouwen “groupie”.
June 2nd, 2005 @ 9:36 am
Hello,
Can’t believe that I found this site while I’m reading the book! I bought this book after reading “Reaching Out” that I got as a present. I thought Reaching Out was one of the best book I’ve ever read and “The return of the prodigal son” seems even better… I’ve been attending church for the past 10 years without much passion but I’m hoping Henri Nouwen’s books will help me grow. I’m a mom to two wonderful kids and also a scientist, living in Michigan.
June 1st, 2005 @ 11:29 pm
Hi All..I’m Cathy from Cleveland, Ohio, located on the shore of one of the Great Lakes, Erie. I’m a hugh fan of Henri’s, I have read almost all his books. Henri’s words have provided my with great comfort,joy and peace in the last year. At my parish, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (Roman Catholic), we started a book club during this past Lent, my intention was a Nouwen book club. I was outnumbered by participants, a compromised was therefore made. We will read one of Henri book, every third book. I’m a Henri junkie, reading everything, which, includes books about Henri or if a writer quotes Henri, i.e. Bob Durbach, Ron Rolheiser, and Richard Rohr. Return of the Prodigal Son was one of my favorites, and our book club was extremely successful. It is difficult to decide which was my favorite book since I’ve enjoyed each and every one of his books / tapes. I purchased the tapes since I wanted to hear Henri’s voice. Maureen Wright was kind enough to send me a tape about Henri, which, I’ve watched and pass onto others.
June 1st, 2005 @ 9:07 pm
My name is Alice Tan Pei Pei. I live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I’ve read only 2 of Henri Nouwen’s books and own 1, which is the Prodigal Son. I turn 35 on 30th May. Been following the Henri Nouwen mailing list(daily and weekly meditation) for a while now and found the postings relevant and insightful for me. The online reading group is something new for me, thought I’d experience a different approach to learning about the Prodigal Son, others and myself. I’m at another turning point of my journey of growth and self discovery, this seems like an interesting alternative !
June 1st, 2005 @ 8:46 pm
I am a 54 year old mother of 5 boys, grandmother of 3 girls and 3 boys, and soon to be retired Special Education Assistant in an elementary school in Independence, Oregon. I have had a copy of The Prodigal Son for 2 years. Even though I’ve read 4 or 5 books by Henri Nouwen and thoroughly enjoyed them, I have not even glanced at the Prodigal Son. I think that God has saved it for this time when I can read it and share my thoughts about it with this new on-line group. I look forward to the message God has for me in this new chapter of my life.
June 1st, 2005 @ 7:00 pm
My name is Cari Willis. I am a former career woman as well. I left the corporate world last year at the age of 44. I will start at Duke Divinity in August. I have been reading Henri’s books for a couple of months now - my preacher brother told me about him & thought the books would be a “good read” before I started divinity school. I have been blessed by each and every book!
Grace & peace
June 1st, 2005 @ 9:34 am
My name is Maureen Wright and I am the resource coordinator for the Henri Nouwen Society. I just wanted to welcome everyone to our reading group blog! We look forward to a very fruitful discussion.
Blessings!
May 31st, 2005 @ 3:37 pm
I am a 55-year-old (former) career woman, recently retired from three decades in trust, estate and foundation administration and management. I laughingly say that I am “in recovery” from the corporate world. My career was rewarding but life in corporate America takes its physical and spiritual toll. I am using my time to further explore my interests in personal transformation and spirituality. I am fascinated by the use of spirituality in a therapeutic setting and may return to school to further this calling. I am a “cradle” Episcopalian with a foot in many doors. I have been deeply moved by Henri Nouwen’s tapes and books, especially Return of the Prodigal Son and The Inner Voice of Love. I look forward to learning more from all of you. Oh, and I live in New Orleans…and our dreaded hurricane season starts tomorrow.
May 31st, 2005 @ 10:04 am
My name is deb and I am a
Nurse living in NJ in the USA.
I am an abuse suffer and I have always been attracted to the comfort of Henri’s books.
I can also relate to the pain and suffering he suffered in his life.
I love reading the prodigal son
and have read it more times than I can count.
this is a wonderful idea.
May 31st, 2005 @ 4:33 am
My Chinese female name is Siew(first) Kwai(middle) Chun(last), please to be addressed as Kwai Chun and I live in Singapore. I was first introduced to Henri Nouwen’s books nine years ago in a local protestant seminary where I was pursuing my theological education. I am very grateful to God for Henri’s gift of profound spiritual insights which always have been a great source of motivation especially towards building rich, authentic and meaningful connections between God, oneself and people. I could not but to agree with Henri that indeed this is the starting place where real ministry and community can happen. I must also admit that it is not easy and I sincerely hope that this online community will make it happen. I will commit to pray, share and learn together with all of you. Shalom.
May 30th, 2005 @ 9:45 pm
I am a science/environment writer and conservation biologist living in Houston. I’m also a single mom of two. Nouwen is one of my all-time favorite authors and his gentle spirit inspires me. I got much insight into the parable when I first read this book and look forward to new insights this time around. I attend a Lutheran Church.
May 30th, 2005 @ 10:07 am
Greetings to all! This is my first time that I seized the opportunity to participate in a reading group although the idea ached in my heart for years. I am married for 22 years to Brian; we are parents of five boys and two girls. My love of reading and writing took my into the elementary education field five years ago. Until the end of June, I will be the Reading Coordinator in a Wilmington, DE school. This past school year caused me to reflect on that school situation; ultimately I am leaving my position to find fertile ground to plant the seed for afterschool tutoring / homework support. My current school administrators support this need in word alone. I feel charged to seek out other children’s support persons to begin a center for the Wilmington children who live without tutoring/homework support. Henri’s writings assisted me in my school year reflection and decision-making process. I am looking forward to hearing from this reading groups’ members about their stories.
May 30th, 2005 @ 9:04 am
My name is Bernardine Hess and work at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in London, OH as director of religious education. I work with the youngsters as well as adults and thank the Lord for the opportunity of sharing and passing on my faith in this capacity. I have given many of Henri’s books as gifts with a commentary of how blest I have been in receiving spiritual strength and development through him. I believe in passing on the blessing of which God has blest me.
I became acquainted with Henri Nouwen upon his death when I read about it in our local newspaper. I have read 31 of his books and consider them as reference books to be referred at a later time. I just can’t
“read” his books. I have to contemplate and meditate on them to obtain the most benefit. They reach the intermost core of my heart and thank Our Lord for this modern day prophet whose work is still in progress even after his death. You might say that I feel like Henri’s disciple as I just cannot contain all the blessings for myself.
Thank you for helping me to stay in touch and look forward to receiving even more insights through this group.
May 30th, 2005 @ 3:20 am
I am seminary student in Southern California (sad to admit, I am procrastinating on a paper as I write this!). I have been receiving the Daily Meditations for the last few months. I read RoPS for the first time over 8 years ago, so I am really looking forward to reading it with fresh eyes with the rest of you!
May 30th, 2005 @ 2:04 am
Hi, all. I live and work in a freshmen/sophomore residence hall at University of Illinois Springfield in Springfield, IL. As a resident director (dorm mom) I spend a lot of time with prodigal sons, but I am also surprised by how many elder sons there are in this age group. I read the Prodigal Son for the first time during Lent this past March. One of the things I really liked about it was Nouwen’s testimonies of how God revealed spiritual truths to him through regular people he encountered along his journey. Samwise, is your mentoring done as a volunteer? Sounds like a unique, worthwhile program. I’ve never been in a reading group or book club, so this is exciting for me.
May 29th, 2005 @ 2:14 pm
I am a seminary student here in Orlando, FL, studying Christian Counseling. I heard a friend reference ‘Return of The Prodigal’ in a message about forgiveness last fall. I read the book immediately, and it continues to impact my life daily. I’m looking forward to going through it again!
May 29th, 2005 @ 8:02 am
I’m Rosemary from New York City. I was blessed to have heard Henri speak three times. I was able to buy a tape of that first encounter — a talk and a sermon he gave at St. Bart’s Episcopal church. Several years later I heard him talk about forgiveness. I had no idea who he was before I first saw him, and I’d never heard anyone speak as powerfully as he about a loving God, before or since. I also have a tape of “Life of the Beloved” which I treasure. This past Lent I used a series of readings from The Prodigal Son entitled “From Fear to Love,” as my Lenten practice. I have read a number of Henri’s books. I own, but have not read, this one. I teach “older two’s” at a nearby Jewish preschool. My continuing journey with God is nurtured by people, and practices, from multiple faiths. I look forward to what I can learn here.
May 28th, 2005 @ 6:50 pm
I live in northern California among the Redwoods and on the ocean. One of my most important experiences since moving here has been participation in a four-year course entitled Education for Ministry, which is a course for lay groups designed by an Episcopal seminary. At a meditation group a few months ago, I casually picked up Return of the Prodigal Son and didn’t put it down until I’d read the whole book. I’m a political consultant.
May 28th, 2005 @ 4:13 pm
My real name is Tom, but Samwise is my alter ego. I am a fund development consultant for non-profit ministries. I am also a mentor for a juvenile diversion program here in our community. I live in north central Ohio. The goal of the program is to intervene in the lives of at-risk youth (many like the prodigal) before they get to court (hopefully!). Currently I have nine young men in my caseload. I was first introduced to Brother Henri five years ago as a pilgrim on the “walk to Emmaus”. I’ve been blessed lately by the new monograph on the spirituality of fund-raising (got your copy yet? it’s free!)
May 28th, 2005 @ 3:09 pm
My name is Nick and in a few days I will live in Urbana, IL. I am preparing for ministry in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and will be beginning a term of Clinical Pastoral Education in June. I am 25. Last year I utilized the Prodigal Son Lenten devotional as a starting board for a series of daily homilies during Lent. I have found Henri’s books to have been an agent of considerable personal spiritual growth in the last few years.
May 28th, 2005 @ 12:45 pm
I am your moderator for this reading group. I have been on the Henri Nouwen Society Board since 1999. I am an administrator at the University of Illinois at Springfield, where I also teach an online course in the public administration program. I have written some articles for U.S. publications about Henri Nouwen. I was one of many people who corresponded with Henri; mine occurred from 1986-96. Henri was always very good about sending notes. Anyway, I want the conversation to flow and look forward to this experience.
May 28th, 2005 @ 11:16 am
My name is Robyn and I live in Southern California. I am a Christian author, teacher, and speaker. I was introduced to Henri’s works years ago and have been building my Nouwen Library ever since. Like just about everyone, The “Return of the Prodigal Son” is one of my favorite books (in fact, I always have several extra copies on hand to give people!) Though I never met him, in many ways I consider Henri my “spiritual mentor.” His passionate, vulnerable, honest writing has helped me to seek God passionately, vulnerably and honestly in and through my own spiritual struggles — always leading back to the Word of God itself.
May 28th, 2005 @ 10:27 am
My name is Ted and I live in California’s Mojave Desert. I’m a full-time student in my early 40’s. As part of our graduate coursework in clinical psychology, we read both “Reaching Out” and “Can You Drink the Cup?”. I’ve been reading the “Daily Meditations” since October of last year. My basic spiritual orientation in Christianity is fundamentalist/evangelical, but I’ve taken great comfort recently in the liturgy of the Episcopal church and the ecumenical spiritual growth materials of Richard Foster’s Renovare ( www.renovare.org ). I’ve been a Christian for 17 years, and I play jazz and blues guitar in my spare time.
May 28th, 2005 @ 9:51 am
Hi, I am an Austrian teacher and psychologist and came across the books by Henri Nouwen last year. I am interested in what is going to happen here.