Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 638 pieces, gathered in one home.
This weekend is the ninth anniversary of 9/11. It is a time to remember those that lost their lives in a terrible attack in New York nine years ago by terrorists. This is also a ti
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I was looking through one of my books in my personal library the other day and found this note from my daughter. I wonder what year it was that she gave it to me as a gift. Now she
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I recently had another opportunity to visit the grave of my great, great, great grandfather, the Rev. Isaac Taylor. He was a Methodist circuit rider and preacher during the 1820's
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have been reflecting on this quote from Ken Wilson's book, "Jesus Brand Spirituality: He Wants His Religion Back." I hope the book blesses others as much as it has blessed me. Je
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A few weeks ago while on vacation, I had opportunity to visit a little church near my brother's lakehouse in Renfroe, Alabama. Shiloh UMC was of particular interest since my grandf
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A hummingbird came to visit me this morning, Lord. Just for a few seconds, a long time for one who flits and buzzes so, she hovered. I just knew she was pausing to have a good look
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I used this for our pastoral prayer on Sunday. We were reading the book of Hosea and fathoming the incredible, never-ending grace and love of God that pursues those who stray. It i
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I was very honored by Bishop Willimon's words in the article below, which was published on the e- Voice of the North Alabama Conference. It was a joy to collaborate on this hymn. M
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I wrote the text and tune of "God Before Us" as one of my very first hymns many years ago. I had been chaplain that week at Music and Arts Week at Sumatanga and I believe I had bee
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
We have a hummingbird feeder outside our kitchen window. This week, we filled it with sugar water again and, lo and behold, we have had visitors. What fascinating little creatures,
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I wrote the text and tune of "Taken and Blessed" at an Academy for Spiritual Formation during the silence. I was reflecting on Henri Nouwen's teachings in "Life of the Beloved" aft
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Inspired by a recent trip to Atlanta with my family to the Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historic Site, I read his Letter from the Birmingham Jail this week. The title of this
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Today is Father's Day, and I've been reflecting lately on how integrated fatherhood has been in my spirituality. It is part of my vocation, my core identity. Much of my prayer life
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I recently got hold of my first copy of the new "Celebrating Grace Hymnal". It contains one of my hymns, co-authored with Bishop Willimon. It was an odd feeling to see my name publ
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have another new hymn that has been recently published on the General Board of Discipleship Worship website. It is entitled "I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me" and it is joined b
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have a new hymn that is now published on the General Board of Discipleship Worship website entitled "My Hope is In the Everlasting God". I share it with you in hopes that it deep
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
One of my ancestors is Rev. Isaac Taylor. Taylor was my great, great, great grandfather. Back when the Methodist movements of North Alabama were part of the Mississippi Conference,
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I recently saw a statement by a denominational leader I look up to. He heralded efforts to step away from a system of seniority in pastoral placement in favor of valuing innovation
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Once in a while, I am given an experience which seems to whisk me away into the life of God for a moment. Sometimes these experiences are mystical, as the Holy Spirit communicates
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Recently it has dawned on me that not only do we have seasons of the year, we also worship in seasons of the day. In traditional liturgy, this is known as the canonical hours or th
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
"To be present to Christ, we have to resist going out and finding a new recipe for happiness." This quote from Sister Kathleen Flood has been resonating with me ever since I came h
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This past week, I finished my journey as Worship Leader for Academy #28 in Wisconsin and Iowa. I have recently been reflecting on why I love the Academy for Spiritual Formation so
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
There are a number of resurrection appearances in the scriptures. They have dramatically different details, as if the apostles in their extreme excitement reported this awesome set
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I am often entertained, and sometimes quite moved, by the things children say. During worship this morning at Grace, we celebrated the Eucharist as we continued Easter joy. A mom t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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