Eileen Roddy-Phillips, a former nun, was born in Ireland. She worked in London, England, for nearly 30 years where she led retreats and conferences for women, was involved in a wide variety of pastoral work, and trained as a holistic therapist. She is married to Don Phillips, a writer and hospice chaplain, and they live in Lawrence, Kan. Eileen is a graduate of the Citizen Journalism Academy and has an M.A. and M.Sc. in theology and education.
Recent Stories
Is God a Mr. Fix-it?
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
I wanted to explore the implications of having an adult relationship with God, one where I could balance trusting God with trusting myself and take responsibility for my decisions.
Irish gladly put kettle on for Americans
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
I’m not surprised to learn that the Irish spend nearly $115 million on tea annually. Four days into visiting my birthplace, Derry City in Northern Ireland, I was “tea-ed” out.
Where do I go from here?
Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008
When I was younger, I seemed clear about my life’s direction, and sure about most of the decisions I had to make. In recent years I find myself struggling and floundering about the next stage of my journey.
The Bumblebees
Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008
I don’t know about you, but it’s so easy for me to focus on the limitations of my body instead of the power of my spirit. Too often I allow myself to be grounded by negative thoughts and beliefs, and by the judgments and opinions of others.
Breath of life
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007
We’ve taken multi-tasking to its zenith, try to pack too much into limited time frames, set impossible deadlines, and end up feeling pretty frazzled much of the time. It’s easy for me to get out of balance physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Towards transformation
Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007
I don’t know about you, but the concept of the caterpillar disintegrating into a mass of pulp before becoming a butterfly symbolizes many situations and periods in my life.
The gift of presence
Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007
In our busy world, the gift of presence can be a rare commodity. We’re often too busy to notice when someone just needs a hug, a reassuring touch, a gentle smile or a word of comfort and reassurance.
Holy-days
Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007
Taking holy-days and periods away from heavy schedules to revive our soul and spirit doesn’t have to cost much. I know women who turn off phones and computers, and have soul-refresher days at home.
Photograph or masterpiece?
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The challenge of looking at our image is that we judge the exterior representation. It’s easy for me to do this in my spiritual life as well. I can present a façade to others and attempt to create an illusion of perfection.
Hit by an emotional truck
Saturday, April 21, 2007
“Where is God in all of this?” “Why is this happening to me?” “How do I get the pain to stop?”