Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 648 pieces, gathered in one home.
Here is another hymn of Charles Wesley from his collection "Hymns for Our Lord's Resurrection." I find that so many of his hymns (particularly those that are not in modern hymnals)
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
In my Methodist hymnal collection, I have a facsimile reprint of "Hymns for Our Lord's Resurrection," one of a number of thematic hymn books of published by Charles Wesley in his l
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A friend and church member wrote this poem after hearing a famous sermon on the subject years ago. I asked if I could share it on my blog. Here it is, with his permission, on this
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
We enter the holiest week of the year with great anticipation. The cross and resurrection are not just object lessons leading us to a correct doctrinal explanation of how we are sa
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I ran across a quote from spiritualist Thomas Green as I was preparing for my Companions in Christ class. It resonates with my soul. It happens that I am in the midst of preaching
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I recently enjoyed our church's annual retreat to Sumatanga. It's holy ground in North Alabama, one of those places Celtic Christians might call "thin places." Sometimes it's a spi
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Now that we have entered the season of Lent, this is a good time to reflect on the meaning of “the color purple,” as well as other colors that greet us when we worship. The colors
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
There is more than one way to interpret the importance of the Adam and Eve story in understanding our human condition and our need for God's grace. After years of pastoral experien
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Peter was born as Simon. When Jesus affirmed Simon and renamed him Peter, a name resembling PETROS, the Greek word for rock, he said “on this rock I will build my church.” It is as
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A few years ago, I wrote a meditation on Ruby Falls after visiting the site near Chattanooga. I explored the way Christ's light illuminates the inner caverns of the soul, making da
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I must be the last holdout in my neighborhood. As usual, we are the only ones with a lit Christmas tree left standing. Today is January 3, and this morning I enjoyed some morning q
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my article that was published on the blog of "Weavings," a journal for the Christian spiritual life. To see the original post, see The Spirituality of Waiting. We know that
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
The past several days were very busy for me. I had a funeral come up to celebrate the life of a dear church member, I held a series of meetings related to staff, I went out of town
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
What is this “Advent” we have entered? First of all, it’s not Christmas … yet. In the Western church, the season of Christmas (also called Christmastide) begins on Christmas Eve an
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As American people, we emerged from this past week with what I hope is more than a couple of extra pounds! Perhaps we have emerged with a deeper sense of gratitude for all of God’s
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
An important facet of the spiritual formation of John Wesley, founder of Methodism, began long before his heart-warming experience on Aldersgate Street. As he traveled to Georgia i
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin was a French Jesuit priest, biologist, geologist, and philosopher who lived until 1955. At times, his ideas were at odds with the church. This quote was
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This quote from Henri Nouwen resonates with my soul: "The spiritual life starts at the place where you can hear God's voice. Where somehow you can claim that long before your fathe
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
What would John Wesley have to say about our upcoming elections? Actually, he did have something to say. I saw this posted by a friend in social media recently and simply had to sh
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
It is such a joy to lead Evening Prayer at the Piano on Sunday nights. It’s a place where we can lift simple gifts of music and song, hear a brief homily or exhortation, and share
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I didn’t even see it myself. Someone told me after worship on Sunday how much it touched her heart. Just hearing about it, I was brought to tears and it’s been resonating in my min
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I realized that I have not included one of my hymns on the list of publications found in the right column of my blog. I composed the tune and text of "God Before Us" which emphasiz
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As I write, I am taking it easy on Labor Day. I really was planning on biking this morning, but the rain last night (and sleeping late after my daughter’s birthday party) compelled
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have been flooded with memories since hearing of the death of Neil Armstrong this weekend. I so vividly remember the first moonwalk, when I heard for the first time the words “on
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
New essays and reflections, delivered as they're published.
Soul Studio