Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 648 pieces, gathered in one home.
We value honesty, and rightly so. It's a pretty good thing. But I'm fascinated that though the scriptures compel us to speak the truth (after all, "bearing false witness" made it t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This morning, during my morning prayer, I felt an unexpected urge to spend time with my broken gourd instrument. I didn't know why, really. It has sat on my shelf for a whole year,
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do it, because the world needs more people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman This week,
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I don't know why I've been so blessed with passionate and faithful preaching blood. Most of the 30 pastors on my family tree (yes, that's right, 30, and that doesn't count the ones
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Last week, one of my heroes died. I know it’s unusual for me to comment on entertainment on my blog. But Andy Griffith has shaped a generation of people who, in the midst of social
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As we approach Independence Day, I share a story from my family heritage that I told on Sunday. I hope it bears repeating. Six of my ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War. One
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Last week, I posted about Michael Slaughter's inspiring teaching at Annual Conference. Here are some nuggets from our time together. Steve "How can anything God created be evil? It
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This quote from Michael Slaughter was shared at Annual Conference and it resonated with my soul. He was also there to teach and encourage and was a real highlight of our time toget
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my column which was published on June 14, 2012 in The United Methodist Reporter. You might prefer to read it in The United Methodist Reporter. JUNE 14, 2012 POSTED BY SPECI
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
When I clicked past age forty, I had a sudden, surprising, compelling yearning for the trail. I started with four wheeling and have morphed to mountain biking. I presently go bike
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I spent a little time over Memorial Day Weekend perusing family history, particularly on one of a dozen ancestors on my tree who served in the military during conflict. None of the
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This morning, as we observe our theme "ONE," I have the opportunity to lead our Annual Conference in a prayer for unity. Here is my prayer. Lord Jesus, in your last hours on earth,
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
The farther I get in my journey, the more I embrace the mystery. In fact, I am falling in love with it. I find more comfort in mystery than in any semblance of certainty. Now that
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I created this for use at Saint Mark on Sunday as a Response to the Word. You are welcome to use it with my permission, giving appropriate credit underneath. ---------- The congreg
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Some Methodist leaders have been gloomy for two weeks. They feel that General Conference, the massive every-four-year international effort of the United Methodist Church, failed to
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have concluded that the song "We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder" is poor spirituality. It is a nice reflection, of course, to express desire to rise to God. But Jacob did not rise.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is a quote from the introduction to Richard Rohr's book Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life. These paragraphs resonate with my soul. None of us go into o
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
No matter how happy I am, how meaningful the work, how fun the family occasions, how fine the friendships ... there is always a lingering, silent cry. Thank you that you are a God
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I invite everyone to participate in the “Day of Remembrance” on Friday. Last year, on April 27, there were 63 devastating tornadoes that ripped through the heart and soul of Alabam
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As we approach the first anniversary of April 27, when 63 tornadoes ripped through Alabama last year, I would like to share again a picture I took and posted last year, with my fri
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Picture taken by Beth Richardson while I was leading music at SoulFeast in July. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of serving on the team of this Upper Room conference.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Year ago, I was officiating a funeral. Just beforehand, a woman came up to meet me. She was active in another denomination and asked what kind of preacher I was. When I told her my
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is an article recently published in a number of Annual Conference magazines. It strikes a chord in me in my own journey of spiritual formation and ministry, so I share it with
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Beginning today, Friday, March 16, I would like to call on every one if my Methodist brothers and sisters to fifty days of prayer for our upcoming General Conference. I hope you ca
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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