It has been a while since I have written here. Life has been full, and much of my writing energy has been poured into manuscripts rather than blog posts. But the river has still been speaking, and I thought it was time to share a few glimpses of what it has been saying.

Sunsets, Snow, and Small Gifts

Despite what feels like a rather ridiculous amount of snow here in New England, the evenings have been stunning. Several nights, the sky over the river exploded into color, revealing brilliant red, gold, and lavender reflections across the water. It is a quiet (except for the loud goose choir) reminder that beauty can always be found, and that creation continues to whisper the presence of God even when the season seems confused.

A Retreat in Atlanta

Last weekend, I had the joy of teaching at a retreat in the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. The theme was “Above the Noise.” Over the course of the weekend, we explored three movements of spiritual life:

• Noticing – learning again to pay attention to the presence of God around us
• Experiencing God – moving beyond information about God toward encounter
• Communing with God – discovering ways to live in ongoing relationship with the Spirit in daily life

The setting was gorgeous, but the most meaningful part was reconnecting with dear friends, some of whom I had not seen in many years, even decades. Our precious shared memories remind me how mysteriously and beautifully God weaves our lives together.

I have been hearing encouraging stories from individuals and groups who are working through The Inside of the Cup together. Listening to people talk about learning to pay attention, practicing gratitude and awe, and discovering transformation from the inside out has been deeply meaningful.

A New Book

I have recently finished a book that has been forming in me over time. I am excited to share it with you, as I believe the message is meaningful and deeply important.

The release date is March 23, my 72^nd orbit around the sun, so it seemed a meaningful convergence of readiness and celebration. It also arrives just before Easter, which seems fitting for a book that reflects on the cross, resurrection, ascension, and the shared life of the Trinity.

This book explores how the life of the Trinity draw us into participation in the shared life of God. My hope is that it helps readers imagine God as much more than someone that saves us from sin, but who welcomes us into communion with Father, Son, and Spirit.

A few early readers have been kind enough to share encouragement about the book:

“Theologically rich yet accessible…this volume invites readers into a deeper understanding of God. It could well transform your vision of the Christian life.”
— Leonard Allen

“Jeanie takes complex ideas and makes them clear. This work is truly a blessing.”
— Amy Peeler

“Shaw tackles significant theological themes and makes them understandable and relevant, which is no simple feat. I started reading and didn’t want to stop.”
— Michael Burns

I’ll share more about the book soon, but for now I’m simply grateful for the opportunity to place these reflections into the world. 

Looking Ahead: Ireland

Later this year (September), I will also be teaching at a retreat in Glendalough, Ireland, one of my favorite places. Glendalough is one of those places where the beauty of creation and the history of Celtic faith meet in a profound way. It has long been a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and reflection, and I am very much looking forward to returning there to explore themes of spiritual formation and life with God.

If you are interested in learning more about the retreat, I will share additional details soon.

Gratitude

Through all the sunsets, retreats, conversations, books, and journeys, I am reminded again of the echo through Scripture:                                                                                            “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.
They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” (Rev 21:3)

So, I return often to this blessing:

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Cor 13:14)

With love,
Jeanie