Spiritual Directors International executive director Liz Budd Ellmann wrote a story of hope and perseverance that appeared in the November 25 edition of the Seattle Times.

Soon a light rain hushed some of the scary night sounds. It threatened to dampen the pile of twigs and branches I had carefully collected to fuel the fire.

The drizzle became a downpour, and my fire began to suffer. I knelt with my ear to the wet ground and blew on the embers.

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Spiritual Directors International member Bruce W. Tallman sends these suggestions:

• In order to explain the way things are, nonbelievers ascribe God-like qualities to the universe. But scientists have determined that the universe is not infinite and eternal: it has a beginning (the Big Bang) and computer projections tell astrophysicists it will end.
• God's very nature is to exist. You need a First Cause of things, an Uncaused Cause that exists in itself, or you can go back in infinite regression asking "What caused that?" Monotheistic religion believes God caused the Big Bang.
• God's Creation is foundationally good. Evil is always only secondary, that is, a corruption of original goodness. Example: illness is a corruption of original health. Atheists have no good explanation of why, if there is no loving God, goodness is foundational. 

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Nearly 800 people gathered in Singapore to learn more about the ministry of spiritual direction. Regional Coordinator, Sr. Elizabeth Lim, RGS reports from Singapore, “Our conference ‘Tending the Holy in Our Lives’ has come to a conclusion. Both Mary Ann Scofield, RSM, and Jim Keegan, SJ, who shared their wonderful gifts with us, returned day before yesterday and should be back on home ground now! It was indeed a wonderful experience for our region (Malaysia-Indonesia-Singapore). Much learning took place, networking and bonding of friendships which however, included all those tending the holy from the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, and West and East Malaysia!”

Click here to read about the conference, attended by nearly 800 people over four days.

Spiritual Directors International has so many talented writers and thinkers that are integral to our global learning community. Many new and valuable book and media resources are being released in 2006 and 2007!

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For a closer look at the Melbourne, Australia July 2006 Gathering, click here.

For a closer look at the Sydney, Australia July 2006 Gathering, click here.

Kris Berggren interviewed many members of Spiritual Directors International for her story on how spiritual direction is helping people grow in their relationship with God. For a reprint, click here.