Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 638 pieces, gathered in one home.
Every year, something whimsical delights my soul during Christmas. It is as if something random and not-so-sacred becomes a window showing me the true light of the season. This yea
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Altar at "Candlelight" at a recent Walk to Emmaus at Sumatanga. The candlelight tradition of welcoming pilgrims by the communion of saints always feels like a glimpse of heaven to
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Longing and waiting are difficult concepts for us in our culture. We are used to fast food, fast cars, and fast answers. We are accustomed to having a world of information at our f
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I wonder what the prophet Isaiah would put on his Christmas tree. I am thinking he'd have a dump truck Christmas ornament. When I read Isaiah 40, I hear "Every Valley" from Handel'
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As I've been enjoying my new hobby, I've been thinking about what it has to teach me about LIFE. Here's my list so far. 1) The trail is not hard. It's the rocks, roots, limbs, logs
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is an article published in the Interpreter Magazine about my "Blessing of the Toys" liturgy. I created it last year since Sunday was the day after Christmas, and plan to use i
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
What do you hold in your hands? Two Sundays ago, I shared a dramatic musical rendition of "Moses" by Ken Medema in worship. Click the link below to see it.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I am honored to be serving as worship coordinator and musician for an upcoming two-year Academy for Spiritual Formation. Academy #33 will be at the Lindenwood Retreat Center near A
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
The new hymn text I created for the fiftieth anniversary of Saint Mark UMC, "When Our Founders Built a Legacy," has been published by the General Board of Discipleship for use of c
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Lord Jesus, you do not call me to achieve or succeed. But neither to you call me to mediocrity. What you call me toward is creativity. To be creative is to express the beauty and g
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is the article by William Singleton that appeared in the Birmingham News on Wednesday announcing our 50th anniversary at Saint Mark. VESTAVIA HILLS, Alabama -- Since its forma
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This Sunday, the church I serve is celebrating our 50th anniversary. What a great occasion it will be! I feel so fortunate to be a part of Saint Mark at such a pivotal time in our
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have shared in previous posts this summer some musings about my spirituality. This has been a wonderful discipline for my personal enrichment, even as I write in order to get to
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I preached today on the lectionary reading from Matthew. Jesus' promise that where two or three are gathered in his name "there will I be" is not just warm and fuzzy words about hi
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As I write, I watch a documentary on the construction progress of Tower One in New York. To be completed in 2013, it is emerging from Ground Zero as a testament of healing. The 105
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have been sharing about my spirituality recently. Today you may notice there’s a method to my meanderings. There is a dynamic tension between my first two, the spirituality of “r
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is the new collage in my office from the spring heritage tour I took my dad on. We traveled through GA and SC tracing our family heritage of the Garrisons, Wills, Thompsons, W
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
In the last two posts, I shared about my “spirituality of retreat” and my “spirituality of creativity”. Today I’d like to share about the “spirituality of risk.” In my sermon recen
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This week, I would like to share about what I call the “spirituality of creativity.” I believe that God gives each of us unique and marvelous gifts for the building up of the body
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
One of the things you will learn about me is my love for spiritual formation. I believe God’s people are called to a growing, experiential relationship with Jesus that shapes us ov
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This summer, I've been introducing myself to my new congregation in the weekly newsletter. Last week, I began sharing about my spiritual journey. I thought this might be helpful to
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I had a wonderful experience leading worship music at SoulFeast. Lake Junaluska Assembly is such a holy and beautiful place anway, but to be with others who have a longing such as
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
In a recent post, I reflected on the central symbols of the beautiful windows in my new study. Today I offer some musings about having an office that is "built into" the original s
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Faithful Christians in Alabama differ in their political opinions. One of the things I love about being Methodist is that diversity is appreciated. I encourage each congregation I
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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