Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 638 pieces, gathered in one home.
The church I serve is working on a new web page. In a link on beliefs, I attempted to craft a way of phrasing Methodist spirituality in my own words. I tried to be brief and unders
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I hope the title of my blog post got your attention! Don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about the kind of chemical or perfume smell that many can’t tolerate well. I am speaking of
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
There is a difference between the institutional church and the mystical church. Both are gifts of God, but one serves the other. The institutional church serves to uphold the mysti
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Memorial Day is a Monday, not a Sunday. I say that as a grateful American who loves my country, who celebrates the blessings of freedom that so many laid their lives down for. I sa
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Each year, I invite confirmands to write a letter to Jesus, expressing their thoughts and feelings to Christ and their decision about whether to be confirmed. I promise them that o
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Yesterday in morning worship, we shared about Jesus appearing to Thomas, who did not yet believe he had risen. We reflected on the way Thomas experienced his own “resurrection” of
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Easter is a day of great joy and celebration, not only because it is the culmination of the drama of Holy Week, and not only because it is the climax of the entire Lenten experienc
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Usually when people talk about all the “drama” at their church, it’s not a good thing. But this week? It certainly is. Holy Week is the most dramatic week imaginable for people of
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
We are entering a time of transition at Saint Mark. On Sunday, our Staff-Parish Relations Committee chair announced that I am being appointed by Bishop Wallace-Padgett to serve as
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I had a most incredible week as part of the Mexico Mission Team from Saint Mark. As I shared on Sunday after my return, it was an amazing journey of connecting with brothers and si
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Lent is a 40-day time reflecting Jesus' 40-day journey in the wilderness. Have you ever felt called to "wilderness time?" I am a part of one of the two men's studies this winter at
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Thanks to Walter Bryant of the church I serve for writing the article below, which was published in the Vestavia Voice and on the North Alabama Conference e-Voice. The experience w
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
"To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of a human life unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the re
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As I write, our nation is observing the holiday celebrating the life and ministry of Martin Luther King, Jr. I keep a picture of him preaching in my study. The picture reminds me o
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As I write on the day of Epiphany, January 6, I am pondering the ways that we are called to be people of the light and to carry the light of Christ’s presence into a new year. This
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I saw this post on the Twitter feed of musician and priest John Michael Talbot. I felt it was worth reporting during this holy season of Christmas. There is nothing more precious a
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
"Good King Wenceslas" is a Carol based on the legend of a 10th century Duke of Bohemia, a saintly monarch who personally cared for the poor and widowed. He was martyred for his fai
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
"Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight, and the rough places plain." (Isaiah 40:4, Handel's "Messiah", and Martin Luther King, J
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This week, we are moving into the rhythm that we go through during the last full week before Christmas. Not only is my church preparing for next Sunday’s special services with Hand
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
"Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again." This quote from Nelson Mandela inspires me in my walk with God these days. In my jo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is a wonderful meditation from Richard Rohr for Thanksgiving Day. May your spiritual eyes be opened to the "second gaze," the perspective of deep gratitude, compassion, and pe
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I enjoyed my 24-hour retreat in Lessburg, Florida with the leadership team for the Five-Day Academy to be held in March. My favorite quote from our discussion was "Anger leads to r
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
"Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to You. Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with Your selfless Love. Our hearts are sinful; Lord, cleanse them with Your precious Blood. O
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Sometimes ministry is not easy. But it's not supposed to be. I heard a version of a scripture from the Sermon on the Mount that was read at a public service. It caught my ear. It s
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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