In regard to Speaking and Writing…
“The way you speak slows me down in the best way. When you speak, it is so clear to me that you trust the Holy Spirit. You leave space for the Spirit to work, and I never feel rushed. It is so clear to me that your words have spent time with God before they leave your lips. I am grateful for the way you trust the Spirit to do the work in those of us who get to hear what you have to say. I’m glad to know that there is a place where battered souls can find rest, healing and breakthrough.”
– Jodie
“His [Rick’s] depth never ceases to amaze me. It’s simplicity and complexity all in one. This [Formation Friday] is always an amazing space to grow in understanding, but also step into spaces which we may never enter otherwise.”
– An Oregon Fellow
“You are blessed with a vision into the almighty and a voice that speaks to that witness. I have not met many who speak so eloquently to those of us with less insight. Yours is a calling that needs encouragement and support from those of us who want and need your help.”
– Paul
“You bring peace and comfort to the places you travel and the souls you encounter. We are very lucky to have you in this crazy world.”
– Gail
“You are so good at helping people find “other ways of being.” I have personally experienced that. You are quite gifted with the “art of words.” There is such value in your art.”
– Mary
“If my mother were before you, she’d say that it is abundantly clear your inner eye is open. You see and teach in a way that I’ve only seen and heard a few people do, and for that I’m grateful to have you so nearby.”
– Eileen
“You brought a new appreciation of God’s glorious world to me, and that’s what makes me love to learn from you.”
– Susan
In regard to Retreats…
“What a truly beautiful day we experienced with you today! I am amazed at your ability to read people and how you were able to take us exactly where we needed to go.”
– Debbi
“The work I see you do on retreats with people is simply the best. You reach people and help them see their way. Truly a great gift.”
– Gary
“How important and timely your work at the Faber Institute is right now, in these times. I appreciate your courage to march to a different drum. I have had the privilege of seeing you in action at a retreat. I believe you are answering God’s call for you.”
– Mary
“The Pilgrim’s Day was ABSOLUTELY amazing!!! Thank you so much for the opportunity – how I LOVED it, and how it blessed my heart so very much!”
– Julie
“I so appreciated your [Tara’s] tender, insightful, beautiful reflections and guidance for the women’s Pentecost retreat yesterday. Your spiritual antennae are so active and ready to pick up the affective tone and energy of each person who participates in the faith sharing. And your appreciation of each of our hearts’ longings is a gift. You are a treasure and a lantern for us all. Thank you so much.”
– Barb
In regard to Spiritual Direction…
“Among your wonderful gifts, you have the ability to put events of people’s lives into proper perspective and to provide insights that help others develop a sense of peacefulness and orderliness in their lives. This is a rare gift that you have and one that is much appreciated by friends like me.”
– Steve
“You truly were God’s presence for me in a time when I needed it most. I’m not sure if there have ever been any words ever spoken to me that have been as powerful as those. They truly changed my life in that moment.”
– Josh
“Thank you again for your time and guidance today. I deeply appreciate your skill, dedication to holy listening and your playfulness. You are so very gifted in your ministry.”
– Tracy
“Our time of sacred listening, prayer, and spiritual conversation continue to feed me. I am grateful!”
– Jean
“Our monthly sessions with Rick were by far the sweetest and most faith-shaking times of the Fellows Program. He has the most compassionate, kind, adventure seeking, in tune heart that I have ever witnessed. He taught me strength in chosen silence and to let our sweet, idealist hearts lead us in our faith towards God.”
– An Oregon Fellow
“My most impactful spiritual formations were spent sitting around a large table, coffee in hand, with the other Fellows and Rick. I still reflect upon the profound insights and perspectives he shared. Our conversations enriched my spiritual life extraordinarily, both intellectually and emotionally.”
– An Oregon Fellow
“I know of no better person than you to teach young adults about cultivating a relationship with the Divine; creating the space to listen, recognizing the Voice of God. You have so much wisdom there because it is what you have done faithfully, daily your entire life. I know there is value in studying theology from books, but in my view, it is far more important for young people to know God (experience God) than to know about God. You have such depth there, Rick. The next generation needs it!”
– Peg
In regard to Night School…
“After my wife and I attended that first Night School, we both felt that this was exactly what we had been looking for. We try to attend every event that we can, because that gives us a mini spiritual retreat.”
– Mike
“Wow and wow! A cornucopia of resources to get better acquainted with St. John of the Cross! Thank you so very much, Rick. Your outpouring of spirit from last evening’s gathering was a tribute and a tributary to the Source of love.”
– Barb
“Your words, have stayed with me. And the additional blessing, since three of us came together, is that now we have added a small measure of a common language to our friendship and shared experience. Already we have pondered your words ourselves, and talked about them with each other this week. His spirit has lived on in each of us because of your kind, enthusiastic, playful, authentic and deep instruction.”
– Colette
“Your rich, witty and timely talk tonight brought spiritual nourishment to my hungry soul. Thank you!”
– Gary
“You are a remarkably gifted teacher. I am always enriched by your teaching and engaged for days afterwards.”
– Donna
“It was so nice to hear your message last evening. I am drawn to experiences that offer me the opportunity to go deeper in my own journey, not to seek answers but to ponder richer questions about this mystery we call life and death and whatever else there is out there or in there. It’s also nice to share the time with a community that seems alive and listening.”
– Jim
“Thank you for sharing the wisdom of Plotinus and his longing for truth and beauty. Every bit of what you said resonated with me and had me on the verge of tears. I’ve never heard such things conceptualized in this way and it makes more sense to me than almost anything.”
– Emma
“Thank you so much for the presentation last night. The sessions are so important to us, and last night seemed to be particularly special and life giving. It touched something very deep. It is astounding that we have this available to us so that we can grow in our understanding and knowledge. I will be thinking and trying to remember all that you shared with us, and I will ponder just why and how it awakened that longing in the special way it did last night.”
– Nancy
“Your transparency brings much courage to those of us that follow hard after His footsteps. Your presentations always break through to the heart, where we ache and long for clarity. Your humility is the causal agent many times for opening spaces that have been closed or covered or soiled. Thank you for your very strategically placed human presence in the theater of the Holy Spirit.”
– Ruth