Sanctuary Stirrings

Lori G Melton

Compelling conversations for passionate followers of Jesus, longing to stay open, unhindered, undistracted, and excited about the adventure of walking with Him. You’ll be inspired by each episode and leave with helpful practices to deepen your intimacy with God and others and take one more step in becoming all you were created to be.

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Saturday · 10 min
#59 Before We Rush Into Fall: A Labor Day Examen
Before we rush into all that fall holds, what if we tooka few moments to look back? Join me for this opening episode of the Fall Series tohear what’s been happening at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek, get a sneak peek at the conversations coming to the podcast this fall, and receive a simple Labor Day Examen—a practice of looking back over the summer with God and remembering His goodness--using something you already have in your hand: your phone. So good to be back with you again, and looking forward to all the blessings ahead! --- Resources You May Enjoy Connected to this Episode: Ep 58 When a Book Becomes a Mentor: Reading as Discipleship with Sue Donaldson Making Space For God: The Blessing of 24 Hour Retreats with Joel Hogan Gratefulness by George Herbert The One Who Jesus Loves Fall Silence & Solitude Retreat Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G Melton **** Thanks so much for joining me today. You can find more resources for growing in your relationship with God and one another, information about the Prayer Cabin, and details about our upcoming fall retreat at lorigmelton.com and thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
April 30 · 55 min
#58 When a Book Becomes a Mentor: Reading as Discipleship with Sue Donaldson
On this final episode of the Spring Series, join host Lori G. Melton to explore reading as a vital piece of our discipleshipthrough a conversation with speaker and author Sue Donaldson about Oswald Chambers’ devotional My Utmost for His Highest and its impact on Sue’s life withGod for over 50 years. Sue recounts receiving the book from her sister in 1972, keeping annotated copies through major life moments, and returning to read it daily in 2021 while journaling prayers. She highlights Chambers’ central call to complete surrender and being “abandoned to God,” along with themes likehumility, worry, and “trusting God and doing the next thing.” Sue shares Chambers’ biography, including his chaplaincyin Egypt during WWI and early death, and explains how his wife Biddy’s shorthand notes and hospitality enabled the devotional’s creation and enduring influence, connecting these lessons to Sue’s own ministry of hospitality andwriting. Reading as a vital part of our discipleship — the perfect topic to complete this series focused on the practices that form us over a lifetime! Resources: Welcomeheart.com to learn more about Sue Donaldson Never Alone: Stories of Invitation & Connection by Sue Donaldson My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers Abandoned to God by David McCasland The Woman Who Was Chesterton by Nancy Carpentier Brown Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Calahan Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a giant of the faith, inspired by the author’s year learning from the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s Favorite Neighbor. Articles You May Enjoy: When a Book Becomes a Mentor: Reading as Discipleship For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit ⁠lorigmelton.com⁠ or ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
April 22 · 55 min
#57 Living the Sabbath Way with Travis West
Sabbath … One of the most precious gifts that God gave to all of creation at the beginning of time. Yet, one that is misunderstood or completely missing in our lives today. It’s a gift that our world--with its incessant speed, exhaustion, search for meaning and connection, needs now more than ever. Yet, a topic surrounded by controversy and conflicting perspectives. Many of us have put it on the shelf. But something inside keeps saying, “There’s a gift here that we’re missing.” That’s why I’m so excited about this conversation with author and seminary professor, Travis West, about his new book The Sabbath Way: Making Room for Rest, Connection, and Delight. Listen in and receive not just a day off … but a way of living that will shape your work, identity, community--and a vital key to the shalom you long to bring to the world. Resources: Travis-West.com to find more information about Travis, the sabbath, and slowing your life down to the speed of love. The Sabbath Way: Making Room for Rest, Connection, and Delight by Travis West. This book invites readers to rediscover Sabbath as a transformative rhythm meant to shape not just one day, but an entire way of life. Design Your First Sabbath Worksheet The Sabbath = Delight? No Way ... Or Is It? Accompanying Article to this week's conversation. The Sabbath by Abraham Joshua Heschel … A Sabbath classic and Travis’ top pick for Sabbath reading. Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a giant of the faith, inspired by the author’s year learning from the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s Favorite Neighbor. Other Articles You May Enjoy: Children of God or Slaves: Receive the Gift of the Sabbath The Mantle Top Seven For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit ⁠lorigmelton.com⁠ or ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
April 14 · 7 min
#56 Discovering God's Will Through Others
Faith is not always expressed in the ways we might expect--like kneeling in the Church sanctuary, reciting holy prayers, or putting money in the offering plate. Often, it’s more evident through painful acts of obedience. Tune in to this week’s episode for a story you’ll likely resonate with—one that explores how we discover God’s will not through your own thoughts, emotions, or circumstances alone, but through the voices of others. Resources: The Little Flowers of St. Francis How to Hear God: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Grieg, pg 202 From No to Know: What Am I Saying No To? Glordinary podcast with Stacy Homes Other articles you may enjoy: And Then, There Was Francis For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit ⁠lorigmelton.com⁠ or ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com⁠. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
April 7 · 46 min
#55 The Gift of the Body of Christ Throughout the Centuries with Ben Lansing
On this episode, Lori G. Melton welcomes artist, Anglican deacon, and author Ben Lansing to discuss his book, Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era and Place, and how the lives of the saints point us to Jesus and strengthen us in the “messy” times we live. Burdened to offer what he could during the COVID pandemic, Ben began sharing portraits of the saints on Instagram—along with short histories and meaningful quotes. What began as a simple offering quickly revealed a deep hunger, as people found themselves longing for more. That faithful beginning grew into a powerful devotional featuring 52 saints from across centuries, continents, genders, and vocations—pairing biographies, prayers, and pastoral reflections, along with a companion podcast. Together, they reflect on how the saints laid a beautiful and powerful foundation for our faith—enriching the body of Christ and reminding us we are not alone in our journey. Resources Mentioned: You can find Ben Lansing, the Our Church Speaks Book, Podcast, and Art Series on his website: OurChurchSpeaks.com Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a giant of the faith, inspired by the author's year learning from the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America's favorite neighbor. Other articles you may enjoy: “All Saints Day” … What Are We Supposed to Do with the Saints Anyway? For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
March 31 · 41 min
#54 Holy Leisure: Transform Your Quiet Time from Duty to Delight with Cara Ray
In this episode, Lori G. Melton welcomes writer and Bibleteacher, Cara Ray, to discuss moving from a checklist “quiet time” to an unhurried, Spirit-directed, joyful way of knowing God she calls “holy leisure,” drawn from a phrase Cara discovered in Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline. Cara shares how lifelong pressure to be consistent in daily quiet time left her feeling like a failure and jealous of others’ insights, until pursuing holy leisure changed both the priority and quality of her time with God through practices like journaling Scripture, slowing down, silence, and savoring God’s goodness, truth, and beauty. They connect the concept to examples such as Psalm 27:4,Mary at Jesus’ feet, and saints like Corrie ten Boom. The perfect episode to walk with you toward Easter—inviting you to experience the living relationship made possible through the blood of Jesus, and to find your time with God gently renewed as you listen. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: The Pursuit of Holy Leisure: Enjoying God in Everyday Places by Cara Ray Paths of the Righteous: Psalm 23 in the Lives of Faithful Missionaries & Witnesses for Christ by Cara Ray 5 Easy Ways to Worship Jesus This Easter Week Article For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit ⁠lorigmelton.com⁠ or ⁠thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com.⁠ You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
March 24 · 14 min
#53 How is Your Soul? One of the Most Important Questions to God
Welcome to Episode Three of the Sanctuary Stirrings Spring series, where we continue the conversation about the often-overlooked soul. Prompted by Jesus’ command in Matthew 22 to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we'll unpack the surprising realization that most of us can't clearly define the soul — or how to love God with it. If you’ve ever wondered, What is the soul? What importance is it to God? How are we to love God with all of it? This episode is for you! --- Resources: Expressions of the Soul: Celtic Christianity and Life withGod by Robin T. Jennings. A rich exploration of the soul, Christian Celtic faith practices, and spiritual giants, and how they can deepen our relationship with God. What is the Human Soul? GotQuestions.org The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Prayer Cabin A sacred space for time alone with the Good Shepherd. Come and let Him tend to your soul. Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a “giant” of faith, inspired by the author’s year of studying the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s favorite neighbor. For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
March 17 · 49 min
#52 Nurturing the Soul: Celtic Christianity & Life with God with Robin T. Jennings
Join me today as we welcome retired Episcopal rectorand pilgrimage leader Robin T. Jennings for part one of our discussion about the soul, to talk about his book, Expressions of the Soul: Celtic Christianity and Life with God. Robin shares how a chaplain’s question led him fromwork at a Chicago boys’ home to seminary, and how later travel and leading pilgrimages to Ireland, Scotland, and Iona sparked his interest in Celtic Christianity, monastic life, and the gifts of the Celtic spiritual giants, like St. Columba. We focus on recovering attention to the soul—oftenneglected part of who we are compared to the mind and heart—drawing on scriptures such as “He restores my soul” and Jesus’ command to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. Robin describes the soul as the “conductor,” serving asa gateway to our mind, heart, and will to enter into a loving relationship with God and our neighbor, and highlights the presence of God we experience through the Celtic practices of worshipping God in nature, anam cara (soul friendship),community, and the gifts of the Celtic saints. I think you’ll love this conversation, divinely dropping on St. Patrick’s Day! ___ Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Expressions of the Soul: Celtic Christianity and Our Life with God (Robin T. Jennings) explores Celtic Christianity as a way to recover attention to the soul as the center of personal encounter with God, including themes like nature as a place of God’s presence, pilgrimage, hospitality, and “soul friendship”(anam cara). How the Irish Saved Civilization (Thomas Cahill) describes the role of Irish/Celtic monastic communities in preserving scripture, manuscripts, learning, and elements of civilization during and after Rome’s decline. Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom (John O’Donohue) centers on the Celtic idea of anam cara (“soul friend”) and the importance of relationships that attend to the inner life. Saint Patrick: The Confession of Saint Patrick and Letter to Coroticus, translated by John Skinner Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton. Take the next step in your spiritual formation and embark on a year-long journey alongside a “giant” of faith, inspired by the author’s year of studying the life of Mister Fred Rogers, America’s favorite neighbor.
March 10 · 53 min
#51 Making Space for God: Monthly 24-Hour Retreats with Joel Hogan
Welcome to the Sanctuary Stirrings Spring Series! 8 episodes are headed your way, featuring a great lineup of topics and guests to grow in your intimacy with God and others! I can’t think of a better one to start with. My guest is Joel Hogan, a former Christian Reformed World Missions leaderand a missionary in the Philippines has been taking monthly 24-Hour retreats for over 30 years! Transitioning his Christian life from focusing on “doing for God” to being with Him, Joel shares his journey through the years, the blessings of this practice, and the practical how-tos. If you long to deepen your relationship with God by spending more time alone with Him, you’re going to love this episode. --- Our 7 Favorite Retreat Venues article Take a DAWG Day by Linda Andersen, author of Spiritual Retreat for Tired Souls. This article is the perfect guide for a 24-Hour Retreat! The Hermitage Retreat Center The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Abide Prayer Cabin Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton ---To receive accompanying articles to these episodes, others about growing in your relationship with God and one another, and information about upcoming events, you can sign up for my newsletter at lorigmelton.com You can also follow us on Facebook at Lori G Melton and The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.
Nov 18, 2025 · 31 min
#50 From Calling to Celebration — The Story God Wrote on Launch Night
In this special post-launch episode of The Journey with a Giant, Robert Prince and Lori G. Melton look back on the unforgettable night when Journey with a Giant officially released. Lori shares the emotional and spiritual journey leading up to the event—the battles she faced, the peace that met her when the night began, and the overwhelming sense of God’s presence as more than 60 people gathered to celebrate. Robert reflects on how God has been shaping him as they’ve walked out this calling together through the writing season, the podcast, and the launch itself. Together, they explore the theme that has carried them from the very beginning: God is always working in us even as He works through us. This brief, heartfelt episode invites listeners to celebrate God’s faithfulness and consider how He may be writing a story of His own through their lives. 📚 Resources Worth Noticing: Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Free Journey with a Giant Discussion Guide Journey with a Giant: The Power of Spiritual Mentorship (3 Min Video) Watch this Episode on YouTube. Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
Nov 4, 2025 · 36 min
Calling, Cost, & Joy–What Lori’s Story Can Teach Us About Our Own
In this episode of The Journey with a Giant podcast, Robert Prince interviews Lori G. Melton about her decade-long journey behind her book, Journey with a Giant. Lori shares how God rekindled her passion for writing during the COVID-19 lockdown and the pivotal moments and people who shaped her path. Despite challenges and sacrifices, she remained faithful, stewarding her calling to write a book about spiritual growth and walking with spiritual giants. Her story highlights the importance of discerning one’s calling over time and staying committed through the highs and lows. This episode encourages listeners to trust God’s timing and take one faithful step at a time in their own journeys. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Watch this Episode on YouTube. Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
Oct 28, 2025 · 35 min
#48 Shaping the Story--Behind the Scenes of Journey with a Giant with Editor Leslie Calhoun
In this special episode, co-host Robert Prince introduces a heartfelt conversation between Lori G. Melton and her editor, Leslie Calhoun of Waterbrook Books / Penguin Random House. Together, Lori and Leslie pull back the curtain on the creative process behind Journey with a Giant—from the first spark of an idea to the final pages of the book, soon to be released. Leslie shares her journey into editing and her deep joy in helping faith-filled stories find their way into the world. What emerges is more than a story about publishing—it’s a testimony of how God works behind the scenes, weaving together people, timing, and callings in miraculous ways. For anyone who’s ever wondered if their quiet “yes” could really matter — May this episode speak to you —God is doing more behind the scenes than you can imagine! 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Watch this Episode on YouTube. Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
Oct 21, 2025 · 18 min
Your JWAG Questions, Answered!
In this special episode of The Journey with a Giant podcast, Lori G. Melton explores the most frequently asked questions from readers and those just discovering Journey with a Giant. Before diving into the questions, Lori shares a moving story from her week that illustrates the reach and healing this practice can have. From a chance encounter to a heartfelt conversation with a woman searching for connection and comfort, Lori reflects on how Journey with a Giant can touch lives in unexpected and profound ways. Then, she answers the questions that matter most like: What is a “Giant” and who qualifies as one? How do I find or choose my Giant? Can I journey alone, or is it better in a group? What if someone else chooses the same Giant I did? How do I structure my journey and what resources should I use? How long does it take, and what can I expect to experience? If you’re curious about the practice and looking for clarity, encouragement, and practical guidance, this episode was created with you in mind! 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Downloadable Journey with a Giant Discussion Guide Watch this Episode on YouTube. Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit lorigmelton.com or thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
Oct 14, 2025 · 41 min
When Justice Becomes Worship: Kirstin Olson’s Journey with Fannie Lou Hamer
Through the courage and faithfulness of those who have gone before us, God calls us forward—to the steps of courage He is asking of us today. In this episode of 'The Journey with the Giant' podcast, Lori G. Melton and Robert Prince introduce fellow writer Kirstin Olson as she shares her transformative experience journeying with civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer. Kirstin, a language teacher and recent empty nester, reflects on the profound impact this spiritual practice has had on her faith and personal life, revealing how Hamer's resilience and activism have inspired her to confront injustice in her community and embrace deeper worship. The discussion highlights the importance of walking with others in our spiritual lives and emphasizes the enduring wisdom gained from walking with giants of the faith. This enriching conversation encourages listeners to pursue a deeply intentional spiritual journey and honor the sacrifices of those who came before. Kirstin’s experience with Fannie Lou Hamer inspires us to step courageously into acts of justice, compassion, and worship in our own lives. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Walk with Me: A Biography of Fannie Lou Hamer by Kate Clifford Larson Fannie Lou Hamer Testimony Before the Credentials Committee (1964), YouTube recording, 8 min. Precious Lord, Take My Hand Recording of Fannie Lou Hamer, YouTube Recording Additional Links: Watch on YouTube. Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Journey with a Giant Discussion Guide Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.
Oct 7, 2025 · 32 min
#45 Walking With Friends: Why Community Transforms the Journey
There is a beautiful grace when we include others on our spiritual journey. In this episode of Journey with a Giant, Lori G. Melton and co-host Robert Prince explore the transformative power of walking with a giant of the faith alongside friends. They reflect on the spiritual growth, transformation, and joy that multiply when we share our spiritual life with others. Walking with a giant in community provides encouragement, accountability, and a safe space to explore faith, creating experiences that are richer and more rewarding than walking alone. Listeners will gain practical ideas for what it could look like to Journey with a Giant with friends and discover how shared reflection and companionship can multiply the understanding and transformation of all those in the group. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant Journey with a Giant Discussion Guide Additional Links: Watch this episode on YouTube. Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.
Sep 30, 2025 · 40 min
#44 Friendship, Formation, and the Giants Who Guide Us with Julie Blakely & Sherri Willett
Some relationships don’t just enrich our lives—they shape our souls. In this episode of Journey with a Giant, Lori G. Melton sits down with longtime friends Julie Blakely and Sherri Willett to explore the gift of spiritual friendship and the transformative practice of walking with giants. They share how their bond as “Abba Sisters” and the Celtic concept of Anam Cara (soul friendship) have deepened their spiritual journeys, offering guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Listen as they reflect on the influence of giants like Madeleine L’Engle, Evelyn Underhill, Henri Nouwen, Elizabeth Elliot, and Harriet Tubman, and how these figures have shaped their faith, personal growth, and the courage to live faithfully in community. This conversation is a celebration of the profound impact of companionship on the spiritual life and the giant journey and a reminder that formation happens best when we journey together. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Anam Cara by John O’Donahue Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith & Art by Madeleine L’Engle The Ways of the Spirit by Evelyn Underhill and Grace Adolphsen Brame Additional Links: Click Here to watch on YouTube. Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.
Sep 23, 2025 · 32 min
#43 Passing on the Practice: Sister Diane Zerfas & Two Decades of Walking with Giants (Part 2!)
Some stories just don’t inform us; they shape us. In this episode of Journey with a Giant, gifted storyteller Sister Diane Zerfas, the Spiritual Formations Director at the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, shares the remarkable transformations she has witnessed in her students over more than two decades of guiding them in the practice of walking with spiritual giants. You’ll hear how this practice provides a deep-rooted connection in a world that often feels untethered and isolated. Through walking with giants, we are reminded that we never walk alone. The episode concludes with Sister Diane’s heartfelt prayer for the practice, an invitation to notice God’s presence in our own lives and the faithful examples around us. You won’t want to miss it! Resources: Adam by Henri Nouwen. The Dominican Center of Grand Rapids, MI Click Here to watch on YouTube. Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.
Sep 16, 2025 · 31 min
#42 Passing on the Practice: Sr Diane Zerfas and Two Decades of Walking with Giants! (Part I)
Some conversations feel like opening a treasure chest and this week’s episode is one of them! This week on Journey with a Giant, hosts Lori G. Melton and Robert Prince welcome Sister Diane Zerfas, the Spiritual Formations Director at the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan— the one who first introduced Lori and hundreds of other students to the practice of walking with spiritual giants, for the first of a special two-part series. Listen as Sister Diane opens up about her own path with spiritual giants, her story-driven approach to spiritual direction, and the biblical and practical significance of companioning with these mentors. If you’ve enjoyed the previous episodes, you’re going to absolutely love this one! 📚 Resources: Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship and Direction by David G. Benner—a great book if you are curious to learn more about spiritual direction. The Dominican Center of Grand Rapids, MI Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Click here to watch this episode on YouTube The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.
Sep 9, 2025 · 36 min
#41 Trusting the Spirit’s Call: Andy Rebollar’s Journey with Thomas Merton & Henri Nouwen
This week on Journey with a Giant, host Lori G. Melton and co-host Robert Prince welcome Andy Rebollar—a spiritual director, at-home dad, and facilitator at the Dominican Center in Grand Rapids—for a deeply thoughtful conversation about his transformative experiences walking with Henri Nouwen and Thomas Merton. Andy shares how these spiritual giants invited him to a deeper trust in God’s guidance, to explore vulnerability and shadow with courage, and to live out his faith in a way that embraces both solitude and community. From Merton’s contemplative depth to Nouwen’s radical honesty and eventual home at L’Arche, Andy’s story reflects the beauty of letting God’s Spirit lead—even into unfamiliar or surprising places. This conversation is a reminder that the giants God gives us are not simply teachers, but companions who help us, through their example, to become more fully ourselves in Christ. Andy’s reflections will encourage you to live with joyful curiosity and trust that God is directing every step of your journey — whether it appears that way in the moment or not. 📚Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Living with Wisdom: A Biography of Thomas Merton by Jim Forest Befriending Life: Encounters with Henri Nouwen by Michael Ford Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton Click here to watch this episode on YouTube The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a friend so they can be inspired, too! Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For encouragement and resources to grow in your walk with God, visit thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.
Sep 2, 2025 · 31 min
#40 A Pastor Pastored: Colin Tuggle's Journey with Eugene Peterson
This week on Journey with a Giant, host Lori G. Melton and co-host Robert Prince welcome pastor and nonprofit leader Colin Tuggle for a heartfelt conversation about his transformative experience walking with spiritual giant Eugene Peterson. Through Peterson’s example, Colin found permission to slow down, embrace the long, hidden work of pastoring, and deepen his intimacy with Jesus. Peterson’s legacy—staying faithful in one place, resisting the lure of celebrity, and nurturing a local flock for decades—became a guiding light for Colin, both as a follower of Christ and a pastor. This conversation reminds us that even those who shepherd others need to be shepherded themselves. And that sometimes, the most transformative companionship comes not from the stage, but from the quiet, ordinary faithfulness of those who finish the race well. For more about Colin and his ministry, visit https://www.adkmission.org. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson by Winn Collier Click here to download your free Sneak Peek of Journey with a Giant Journey with a Giant: Choose Your Guide, Pursue Your Purpose, and Grow in Your Walk with God by Lori G. Melton The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center Click here to watch the episode on YouTube. Music: The Journey, Kevin Melton Productions, LLC, Copyright 2025 For more encouragement and resources to grow in your relationship with God and others, visit our website thesanctuaryatbearcreek.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at The Sanctuary at Bear Creek.

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