“Our lives are not problems to be solved but journeys to be taken”

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What is spiritual direction?

Two hikers walking through a black-and-white canyon with mountains in the background.

Spiritual direction is a sacred practice in which a directee seeks guidance from a spiritual director to deepen their awareness of God's presence and movement in their life. It is a process of holy listening, where the director, acting as a companion, helps the directee discern God's presence through prayer, reflection, questions and conversation. Rather than providing answers or advice as in other helping ministries such as mentoring, discipling, pastoral counseling or even therapy, spiritual direction aims to foster a contemplative space, encouraging awareness of the whispers of the Spirit.

Whether you feel stuck, tired, bound by rules and duty instead of joy, are in need of encouragement, desire to know God more deeply, or are lacking clarity on life decisions, you are welcome here.

Spiritual direction is a safe and confidential place to bring one’s sacred story for evaluating in light of God’s love and care. It nurtures an ongoing relationship with God and cultivates an inner transformation and a more faith-filled life, aware of God’s loving presence.

Are you ready to explore whether spiritual direction might be for you? Let’s set up a call.

Two people exchanging a grey mug over a white table, with a black vase containing dried flowers in the background near a window.

What can I expect?

Sessions last one hour and are available online or in-person (for those local to McKinney, Texas). During the first meeting you can expect to get to know the director (and vice versa), explore reasons for considering spiritual direction, and see if it might be a good fit for you. Sessions often include sharing experiences, struggles, and joys while exploring scripture, spiritual exercises or silence as pathways to deeper connection.

I find joy in companioning others on their journey with our Triune God, discovering together on the directee’s behalf a more intimate walk with him. I offer direction with an attentive heart, trusting God’s transforming work.

Spiritual direction services are usually $100 or less. There is added benefit for directees’ through their financial investment. We tend to take things that cost something more seriously than if we received them for free.

Having said this, I have felt invited by the Lord to provide my services as a free ministry in this current season of my life. I ask only that you come committed to your ongoing journey with the Lord, and that you honored the schedule we set up, allowing 24 hours or more for a change or cancellation of a session.

Illustration of hikers with a quote that says 'Spiritual Directors are companions... not guides.'

Spiritual direction is best understood as having a travel companion rather than a travel guide on your journey with God. A travel guide moves ahead of you, offering expertise, knowledge, and recommendations based on experiences you have yet to encounter. They direct you to must-see landmarks, optimal routes, and key historical insights, shaping your journey according to their expertise.

In contrast, a spiritual director serves as a travel companion - someone who walks alongside you rather than leading from the front. They do not dictate the path or prescribe experiences but instead help you notice the signs of God’s presence along the way. Like a companion, they assist in reading the map, discerning directions, and making space for what is unfolding. Their role is to bear witness to your unique journey, listening deeply and reflecting with you as you respond to the Spirit’s invitations.

This companionship fosters awareness of God’s movement in your life, encouraging deeper trust in His leading rather than reliance on another’s experience. Spiritual direction is about presence, attentiveness, and discernment rather than instruction or expertise. The journey remains yours, but you are not alone in traveling it.

Hi, I’m Shelley

I hold a degree in elementary education with an art certification from Baylor University and spent early years teaching before staying home with our four children. For over 35 years, I’ve served in various leadership roles in my local church, deepening my passion for spiritual formation and discipleship. I earned my master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2016, where I also trained future leaders in spiritual formation. I completed my training in spiritual direction in 2023 through Selah, a two-year program with Leadership Transformations.

In my free time, I enjoy God’s goodness, beauty and truth, as evidenced in the world, especially literature, art, theater and music. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and family as well as kindred-spirit friends over a strong cup of coffee. I live in McKinney, Texas.

Rocks stacked up on the side of the road as part of The Camino in Spain.

My journey with spiritual direction

During my time in seminary, I began my journey in spiritual direction, seeking to reconcile the disconnect between what I knew to be true in my head and what I experienced in my daily life with Christ. I had been taught to distrust emotions, yet I recognized their deep influence on my faith. I wrestled with how to honor my emotional life without allowing it to dictate my faith journey. Jesus himself lived with strong emotions that complemented his relationship with God—how could I learn to do the same?

Spiritual direction provided a space where I could explore these questions without judgment, allowing me to be curious rather than pressured to find neat answers. I discovered that my questions mattered to God and that He was more invested in my wholeness than I was. Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, I came to see my emotions not as enemies but as integral parts of my embodied soul, designed by God. While errant emotions would always exist, I found hope in the possibility of living a fully integrated life, experiencing transformation in both heart and mind.

This journey birthed in me a deep desire to accompany others in spiritual direction, helping them navigate the tension of living in both the beauty and brokenness of their embodied souls. I long to create space for others to experience the abundant fullness of Christ—one where emotions, intellect, and faith are not at odds, but working together in harmony through God’s transforming love.

  • "Spiritual direction has helped me to embrace this journey (with God) in expectancy and peace instead of duty and guilt."

    Julee

  • "Shelley has been a source of profound wisdom and encouragement to me as I've shared my walk with Jesus with her over the years."

    Kristin

  • "My spiritual director, Shelley, has been such a blessing, creating a safe and sacred space where I can explore my journey to know God more deeply and recognize his presence in my life."

    Kathy

 FAQs

  • Sessions often include sharing experiences, struggles, and joys while exploring scripture, spiritual exercises or silence as pathways to deeper connection.

    I find joy in companioning others on their journey with our Triune God, discovering together on the directee’s behalf a more intimate walk with him. I offer direction with an attentive heart, trusting God’s transforming work.

    Spiritual direction is best understood as having a travel companion rather than a travel guide on your journey with God. A travel guide moves ahead of you, offering expertise, knowledge, and recommendations based on experiences you have yet to encounter. They direct you to must-see landmarks, optimal routes, and key historical insights, shaping your journey according to their expertise.

    In contrast, a spiritual director serves as a travel companion-someone who walks alongside you rather than leading from the front. They do not dictate the path or prescribe experiences but instead help you notice the signs of God’s presence along the way. Like a companion, they assist in reading the map, discerning directions, and making space for what is unfolding. Their role is to bear witness to your unique journey, listening deeply and reflecting with you as you respond to the Spirit’s invitations.

    This companionship fosters awareness of God’s movement in your life, encouraging deeper trust in His leading rather than reliance on another’s experience. Spiritual direction is about presence, attentiveness, and discernment rather than instruction or expertise. The journey remains yours, but you are not alone in traveling it.

  • Spiritual direction services are usually $100 or less. There is added benefit for directees through their financial investment. We tend to take things that cost something more seriously than if we received them for free. Having said this, I have felt invited by the Lord to provide my services as a free ministry in this current season of life. I ask only that you come committed to your ongoing journey with the Lord, and that you honor the schedule we set up, allowing 24 hours or more for a change or cancellation if possible.

  • I am available in McKinney, Texas for in-person sessions and also virtually.

  • Yes, this is why I set up an initial call with every new person. We can get to know each-other, hear what you’re hoping for, and determine whether spiritual direction with me might be a fit.

  • Yes! I pursued a two-year specialized training in spiritual direction, receiving my Selah certificate through Leadership Transformations. I also have a Masters degree from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Set up an initial meeting to see if spiritual direction is right for you.