Kara Joy Stewart

abundant life breaking through

Some days there is just too much coming at me at once. That’s when I need to remember this image. Even when I feel buried under the burdens of life, still there is abundant life breaking through – signs of love, signs of hope, signs of peace. I give thanks for the small signs ofContinue reading “abundant life breaking through”

abundant life in the darkness

We were 20 minutes out from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport when the pilot came on the speaker with the routine update for passengers. He dutifully reported the balmy conditions that awaited us – even at 10:30 at night, the temperature would be 80 degrees. I fly enough to know the temperature reading is usually followedContinue reading “abundant life in the darkness”

Passing along this word on mindfulness

Grateful to my friend, John, for sharing these thoughts on the use and intent of mindfulness. Mindfulness: A Christian’s Understanding.

abundant love in the bounty of seasons

The first time I saw the tree, it was in the spring. I was here, at Bon Secours Retreat and Conference Center, Marriottsville, MD, in May of last year for our first Residency. In between the breaks of our very intense learning about contemplative prayer and leading groups and retreats, I would wander the grounds,Continue reading “abundant love in the bounty of seasons”

Abundant life through creativity

I experienced the bounty of a silent retreat this weekend. Such an incredible experience in so many ways. The theme centered on God’s creative Spirit working in and through us, and so there were several opportunities to stretch ourselves in new ways. I don’t consider myself artsy, but since this was using art as aContinue reading “Abundant life through creativity”

How much is enough?

I am grateful for this azalea, brought to adorn our meeting space. I used to live in a place full of azaleas and dogwoods and daffodils, just to name a few of my favorites. But now I live in a place full of rocks and I sometimes find it hard to see God’s creative handContinue reading “How much is enough?”

Abundant life in the process

I am blessed to be spending the week with fellow seekers on the contemplative path. We are immersed in silence and awareness of the presence of the holy all day long. Even at mealtimes when we’re laughing at someone’s joke or telling workplace horror stories, still the presence is there, in our consciousness, a partContinue reading “Abundant life in the process”

Abundance on planes, trains, and automobiles

Traveling as an introvert who seeks new experiences is a challenge. On the one hand, I am overwhelmed by the sensory input of the experience: new surroundings to observe, a cacophony of sounds to sort through, strange scents wafting from fellow passengers, and a general unfamiliarity to process. On the other, I am drawn toContinue reading “Abundance on planes, trains, and automobiles”

finding abundant life

I am blessed to be able to travel to spend time with friends and family. And this time, I was in a warm, wonderful place with lots of water! I thank God for a strong body that enables me to move with and against the waves and the wind, and for the Spirit abundantly evidentContinue reading “finding abundant life”

living abundantly, making a difference

Saturdays are pajama days at my house. We love staying at home and doing nothing because all the rest of the days of the week, we’re running from one event to another. But once every couple of months, we have to get up early on a Saturday so I can attend a board meeting forContinue reading “living abundantly, making a difference”