Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 648 pieces, gathered in one home.
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
Saint Mark UMC holding its first Taize Service in September of 2013. A Taize service is a Christian service of prayer, with improvisational instrumental music supporting the contin
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Richard Rohr is a great spiritualist and writer that my late friend and dear companion Michael Stewart introduced me to several years ago. As I am exploring middle age, the empty n
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A former parishioner published an article and sent it to me in gratitude for pastoral care I was able to offer when she and her husband began the journey of having a special needs
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Tomorrow, August 28, is the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. It would be a speech that would change a nation. What a great man and a potent
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Sometimes work is difficult for people of any occupation or place in life. It is true in ministry as well as in any other vocation. Yet there is great blessing in the gift of work.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I just did an act of kindness for one of my neighbors. I took them some fresh vegetables and included the Acts of Kindness promotional card my church provided for our summer Acts o
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
On Sunday morning, I told of a highlight at Music and Arts Week this past week at Sumatanga. Music and Arts Week is always amazing for our children, youth, and adults who attend. T
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my column which was published in The Vestavia Voice on June 26, 2013. It was originally published in the "Faith & Values" Section of The Huntsville Times on May 9, 2008 - S
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This weekend was quite a journey, bringing a taste of so many aspects of one’s life. Friday began with preparing for and attending to the funeral of the elderly mother of a dear me
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Recently, on Memorial Day, I posted a picture of my Uncle Marvin Hamby on Facebook and honored his sacrifice for our country. Unfortunately, I never met him. My mother's brother wa
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
In my journey through mid-life transition, much of my spirituality has been to focus on integrity. I desperately yearn for my inner values and core spirit to be more fully integrat
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Yesterday in worship, I shared with a heavy heart about the upcoming protest that has been announced for this Saturday by the Westboro Baptist Church from Topeka, Kansas on the cam
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Since the very beginnings of the Christian church, artistry has evolved to tell the story and celebrate the faith. Second only to the preached word (but more prominently in history
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
My friend Lonna Lynn Higgs is a pastor and chaplain for the United Methodist Children's Home in Alabama. She shared this beautiful prayer in her email "Lines from Lonna Lynn," and
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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