Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 645 pieces, gathered in one home.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Will and Patsy Willimon were our guests at Grace UMC today. For me, there is something deeply spiritual about having the bishop consecrate a new building. A historic responsibility
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
The prayer book that Teresa of Avila was using at her death contained her "bookmark", the outpouring of her own heart, translated: Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing distress you
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I saw this quote by Ben Simpson on another blog recently and loved it. This articulates my greatest hope, which is in our return to focusing on Christ, our true vine: As I’ve worke
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Experiencing the Alva & Edna Maxwell Center Young Harris College It is an awesome experience to stand on ground that those who have gone before you stood. My family and I visited Y
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Picking up on my last post about the vine and the branches, I would like to share a portion of a letter of praise I wrote recently to leaders who planned a most wonderful workshop
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Jesus gave us a great gift when he gave us an image, a metaphor, a way of understanding ourselves and our ministry in the world. He taught that he is the vine and we are the branch
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is the Hallelujah Chorus like you've never seen it before! Monks with a vow of silence hold up signs. It's hilarious, have a look!
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Developing a "Rule of Life" is an ancient spiritual discipline that emerged from monastic influence and the traditions of religious orders. For me, a simple, personal rule provides
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
An Ash Wednesday Meditation Lord, I was struck yesterday, Ash Wednesday, by my encounter with the very first "station of the cross" on the prayer trail. Jesus was condemned and per
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
One of my deepest passions is spiritual formation. Spiritual formation is a whole world of study in Christian spirituality and experiential learning founded on a fundamental assump
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Spiritual Formation is “The process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” (Bob Mulholland) Why do I feel led to Spiritual Formation studies? It would b
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Author Carl McColman is working on a book and blogs about a chapter that will explore his conjectures about the future of Christian mysticism. I love it and think it is extremely t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
There was a high-profile motivational workshop held this week here in Huntsville featuring outstanding speakers such as Rudy Gulliani and Zig Zigler. It was a business seminar with
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As I sit at my computer to write on January 20, I reflect on the incredible historical significance of this day. We ended staff meeting a few minutes early to catch what we could o
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Those of us who are Methodist might appreciate this article written by Kathy Gilbert about a prominent United Methodist pastor and Civil Rights leader partipating in the inaugurati
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Sometimes one of my parishoners reminds me of what church is all about. Rachael teaches a children's Sunday School class and posted this article on Facebook. I asked her permission
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This week, my Covenant Group went on retreat to Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman. We meet every six months for group spiritual direction in various places. It was an awesome exper
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is a wonderful covenant prayer for the new year from my own Wesleyan tradition: I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is a quote from Carlo Carretto from the book The God Who Comes. Blessings to you for continued wonder during the days of Christmastide! God presents himself to us little by li
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I found this wonderful prayer I would like to pray, oh Lord. As we approach Christmas Eve, may Margaret's soul lead ours to the manger. Into the bleakest winters of our souls, Lord
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my LifePoints column which appeared in the religion section of the Huntsville Times on Friday, December 19, 2008. “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
The power of the incarnation is that God comes! God is with us! Christmas is not just about God "sending" us a Savior and about having a birthday party on his behalf. Our definitiv
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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