Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 648 pieces, gathered in one home.
Here is a thought by Henri Nouwen for today: Without the solitude of the heart, our relationships with others easily become needy and greedy, sticky and clinging, dependent and sen
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Deuteronomy 32 describes God in the beautiful feminine image of a mother eagle who nurtures her young. The Lord is "like an eagle that stirs up her nest and hovers over her young,
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This last week, we have grieved and prayed for the people of Haiti. Here is a beautiful prayer by Taylor Burton-Edwards found on the GBOD website : Again the ground shakes, Earth h
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is a great quote by Henri Nouwen: "People who live close together can be sources of great sorrow for one another. When Jesus chose his twelve apostles, Judas was one of them.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
The farther along I get in ministry, the more I see the mystery. Most of the time, I feel like a beginner at the art of seeing with new eyes. But the more I navigate myself and oth
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of relationship. I am crafted to be in three-fold relationship ... with you, with the earth and the accompanying universe you created, and with those
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Tomorrow is the day of Epiphany, January 6. For the western church, this is the close of the twelve days of Christmas and the beginning of the Epiphany season of light and enlighte
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have been thinking about New Year's resolutions. I usually set goals related to things like losing weight. Sometimes I set goals I am indeed able to accomplish. At other times, a
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is a song I wrote several years ago. A musical version may be found on my "Living Stones" CD. I share the words in hopes that you continue to be blessed during the Christmas s
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
You’ve heard it a hundred times. Every year at Christmas, we retell the angel Gabriel's promise that Mary will have a child named Jesus. Every year we are reminded that it was a vi
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
It seems that every year, a song of the season captures my imagination. This year, the Grace Choir sings "The Lamb" which interprets and conveys a beautiful poem by William Blake.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A few weeks before my mother's last Christmas in 2002, she attended a worship service I was leading at Morningstar. When I opened the floor for prayer concerns, she announced "Even
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Oh God, as you formed me in your image, I ask that you reform me in your image. I ask not that I can use scripture to search your heart, But that I can allow you to use scripture t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Many of us look forward to having Christmas guests this time of year. My family started early. Last week, we had four very special visitors to start the season off right. A family
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I love this idea and I love this movement. It's something you might want to think about this Advent Season. There's a wonderful video below and there is also information at The Adv
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As Advent begins, I think of one of my favorite Advent quotes from Henri Nouwen. I share it with you in hopes that you have a blessed Advent. The paradox of expectation indeed is t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Thanksgiving prayers rarely go below the surface. Have you ever paid attention to them? We thank God for food and for plenty, for family and friends, for our nation, and for freedo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Jesus, thanks for coming to visit. I was in my office reading Isaiah 42 during morning prayer, reflecting on the Messianic hope that you would be a light to the nations. I was cont
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I thought this was both entertaining and fascinating. Why not have fun doing the things that we do? Is not life full of mundane tasks such as stair climbing? Why not make it enjoya
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A friend recently asked if she could use my song "Living Stones" at a retreat and I was honored. It occured to me that I don't have the lyrics anywhere on my blog. I offer them as
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Creatively responding to violence is a huge challenge for Christians. Those who were taught "blessed are the peacemakers" are called to pray and work toward reconciliation in the s
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Lord, in the first chapter of Jeremiah you spoke a word expressing the brokenness of your heart because the people "worshipped the works of their own hands." You were speaking of t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Remembering My Mother at the Table When we come to the table, we feast with Christians far and near as well as Christians past and future. We find a profound and mystical connectio
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Henri Nouwen is perhaps my favorite spiritual writer and I ran across this excerpt recently. It resonates with my soul, since at times I realize I am so prone to carry the weight o
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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