Category Archives: Site Updates

Quite a few of you have subscribed to Oboedire recently. Just a reminder that the “Heart Sounds” podcast by Steve Harper is available on Spotify. The series explores the spiritual life using short-episode programs, on average about 10 minutes each. … Continue reading →

Happy New Year! Here we are, at the start of a journey into 2023. I pray that it will be a good year for you, and I hope that Oboedire will play a small role in making it so. Accordingly, … Continue reading →

Well, no….Oboedire is not 75 years old, but I am. I hit that number a few days ago. It is a marker for me to think about Oboedire in a new way. I want to keep the site active, if … Continue reading →

On the Oboedire home page, you will find the “LGBTQ+ Resources” icon at the top of the page. I have added an outline entitled, “All Means All: A Wesleyan Theology of LGBTQ+ Affirmation.” It utilizes the Wesleyan quadrilateral as the … Continue reading →

In the past two days nearly 7,500 people have visited Oboedire. More than fifty new people have subscribed to Oboedire, and will now receive writings automatically. Others have also found it, and have been in touch to tell me they … Continue reading →

Four years ago, I ended Oboedire. I had the sense that it had run its course. I honored that sense, even though I reactivated it ten months later as we moved into a time of national turmoil, bringing a more … Continue reading →

I want to thank those of you who took the time to offer suggestions about what Oboedire might become.  Whatever that means, I want it to be something you look forward to reading when a new installment hits your inbox. … Continue reading →

Except for a meditation on Christmas day, I’m taking a break from Oboedire until January 1st. But here’s what’s in store for 2020–a continuation of some themes and the beginning of some new ones… (1) 2020 Theme: “Love.”–Each Wednesday we … Continue reading →

Once or twice a year, I post a reminder that Oboedire grows almost entirely by word of mouth.  I do not advertise it. Whether you have been part of the Oboedire fellowship for a long time, or only a short … Continue reading →

Today marks the ninth anniversary of Oboedire.  I had no idea when I began this blog that it would go on this long or take the shape that it has.  But as they say, it is what it is. Over … Continue reading →

Having completed the 2018 Oboedire theme, “Practicing the Better” last week, I am ready to announce the 2019 theme: “Here and Now.”  In some ways, it is an expansion of the 2018 theme, because the only place we can practice … Continue reading →

​Next week (February 7), I will begin a new series here on Oboedire, “Practicing the Better.” In a time when negativity is expressed in so many places and ways, we need to root ourselves in the highest and best we … Continue reading →

In everything, there has to be a last day–an ending.  I believe that time has come for Oboedire.  For the past 6.5 years, I have “delivered my soul” on an array of topics directly and indirectly connected to Spiritual Formation. … Continue reading →

As we move into the Fall, I want to let you know what’s coming your way on Oboedire. First, the weekly reflections related to Pope Francis’ “Year of Mercy” continue until Advent.  Even though it is labor intensive to write … Continue reading →

July 2016 marks the beginning of the seventh year for Oboedire.  I can hardly imagine that I have been writing here for six years–no doubt a sign that I am aging and along with that, the sense of time flying … Continue reading →

About once a year I remind you that the Oboedire Archives contain a wealth of my previous writings on a host of topics, which you can see on the sidebar of the Oboedire home page. If you are a relative … Continue reading →

Jeannie and I are praying that this will be a grace-filled, love-oriented year for you!  Thank you for being part of the Oboedire community. The “Year of Mercy” posts begin this coming Wednesday, along with other occasional writings.  Also remember … Continue reading →

Entering into Advent this year is, for me, entering into a time away from Oboedire writing.  So, I will not be posting here until January 1st. 

Coming off the traditional August writing break, I want to give you a preview of the Fall on Oboedire. “In-Sight” resumes on September 9th. Each Wednesday I will post something having to do with spiritual formation. I want to recapture … Continue reading →

I began Oboedire in July 2010.  It has evolved in terms of topics and other things related to this online ministry.  But the mission remains the same: to encourage and cultivate attentive Christian formation. Some of you have been part … Continue reading →

If you received a “For the Bride: Inevitable Vantage Points” post last evening, it came by mistake.  It is actually scheduled for November 14th, and fits into the stream of writings at that point. It has been moved to that … Continue reading →

Oboedire returns this coming Monday, September 1st.  The Fall program will consist of three weekly posts, two of which are new themes… Mondays: “Journey.”  I will write meditations based upon Brian McLaren’s new book, ‘We Make the Road by Walking.’  … Continue reading →

Having concluded Pope Francis’ encyclical, now is a good time to take a break. Beginning September 1st, a new Monday series entitled “Journey” will begin. I will write weekly meditations related to Brian McLaren’s book, We Make the Road by … Continue reading →

Hello, Everyone! The Abingdon edition of my latest book is available as a paperback book.  An ebook version will be available soon.  I will keep you posted. Use the link below to order the book from Abingdon Press.  They have … Continue reading →

Hello! Today we observe Ash Wednesday and begin our journey through Lent. I have decided to “fast” from writing on Oboedire during Lent. This includes the suspension of all three weekly postings.  I will resume writing on Saturday, April 19, … Continue reading →

I have created an Oboedire Facebook page. It does not replace this blogsite, where I intend to continue my major writing.  This will remain the main source for the Oboedire ministries. But I realize Facebook will extend the purpose of … Continue reading →

Next Wednesday, February 6th, I’ll begin a new post here on Oboedire each Wednesday.  It will be entitled, “Wesley’s Way.”  The first post will be an introduction to the series.  I hope you’ll enjoy it.  Stay tuned! If you have … Continue reading →

Remember that the NewPastors blog begins on Friday, February 1st. It is a response to requests from men and women who are “beginning” in ministry, and those who are experiencing a desire to “begin again” with fresh insights and inspiration. … Continue reading →

The “Ministry Musings” which posted yesterday afternoon was posted in error.  It was written for Thursday, January 31st.  It is the third element to be explored in the practical considerations surrounding discernment—the second of which appears tomorrow, January 24th.

Except for the weekly “Holy Gospel” posting on December 29th, Oboedire will be on break until Monday, December 31st. Jeannie and I pray that you and your family will have a Blessed Christmas, in just a few days.  Many of … Continue reading →

A couple of weeks ago, I encouraged you to consider inviting others to join you in the growing Oboedire family.  I want to expand on that invitation and share some actual things others have told me they are doing in … Continue reading →

Just a reminder that when you join the Oboedire family, you step into a stream that’s already flowing.  And, for example, I am making regular references to Nouwen, Bunge, and de Waal.  I don’t cite the actual books each time.  … Continue reading →

As Oboedire gets older, some of you ask me what books we have used (or are using) as common readers for the various daily postings.  I’ve decided to add a new icon on the Home Page that will tell you … Continue reading →

I’ve been asked to provide the list of books we are using as common texts for the various weekly postings.  Here they are…. Monday, “Listenings”—-Henri Nouwen, Spiritual Formation (HarperOne) Tuesday, “Desert Wisdom”—-Gabriel Bunge, Earthen Vessels (Ignatius Press) Friday, “Benedict’s Rule”—-Esther … Continue reading →

The next “Oasis Day” retreat is Monday, October 22nd—10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Canterbury Retreat Center in Oviedo, Florida. The theme for the day is “Walking in the Light: Practicing Discernment.”  Dr. Steve Harper will facilitate the retreat experience.  … Continue reading →

Some of the people I know who use Face Book are becoming disillusioned with it, due to the negative and argumentative responses that get posted.  One of my good friends in ministry (who reaches over a million people a month) … Continue reading →

From today through August 12th, Oboedire goes into “summer break” mode. I will post “The Holy Gospel” meditations for this period, but nothing else.  This includes the usual “First Day” post that would normally appear on August 1st. The daily … Continue reading →

This morning’s post, I’m told, was the 1,000th posting.  It comes roughly after Oboedire has been in operation for two years. I want to use this moment to say “thank you” for following this blog.  The number of you who … Continue reading →

A regular follower of the Oboedire blog has told me about a feature that will make it easier for you to receive the posts on your mobile devices.  Since the subscription list is growing and more and more of you … Continue reading →

I will not post the week of December 26-31, with the exception of “The Holy Gospel” for January 1st (posted on December 31). See you in the New Year, God willing.

Just a reminder that I will not be posting the regular thematic posts this week, or the two “In-Sight” commentaries. You will find “The Holy Gospel” meditation on Saturday, November 26th. Regular posting will resume on Monday, November 28th.

Greeting, Everyone! Just a reminder that next Thursday, October 6th, I’ll begin a new weekly theme on the Oboedire site. For a preview of it—and other updates as well—read the “First Day” post that will appear at 7:00 p.m. (EST) … Continue reading →

Just a reminder that a new weekly post will begin October 6th.  I’ve received several good suggestions, and I am pondering others.  If you have an idea you want to give me, please do so soon. I will announce the … Continue reading →

Just a reminder that I am inviting suggestions for the new Thursday morning posting. Whatever we decide, it will begin on October 6th. And remember also that “In-Sight” and “Journey in the Word” will post later today.

Just a reminder that “Ponderings” is discontinued.  We need a new topic for Thursday mornings.  In September’s “First Day” post, I made some suggestions, but I also invite you share any thoughts you have about a new theme for Thursdays. … Continue reading →

Rather than waiting until our next “First Day” post, I want to tell you three things that will change on the Oboedire site, beginning on September 1st. First, and by way of reminder, we will offer the opportunity to read … Continue reading →

One reader emailed to remind me that the daily categories are not as familiar to readers as they are to me.  Let me simply remind you that they are described in the “About the Site” section at the top of … Continue reading →

I’m taking a summer “time out” from the daily posts from July 4-17.  I will only post “The Holy Gospel” on two Saturdays:  July 9 and 16. I’ll resume my regular communications with you on Monday, July 18th. If you’ve … Continue reading →

Good Afternoon, Everyone! I’m already enjoying the more-relaxed “one a day” posting, but I do want to keep the major themes going through the summer. You have probably already seen the “subscription” feature on the sidebar of the Home Page.  … Continue reading →

The old song says, “Summertime, and the living is easy.” I am going to use the summer months (June, July, and August) to create an “easier” (more restful and relaxed) writing plan for Oboedire. Beginning tomorrow, only the daily theme … Continue reading →