Instrumental Reflection #21 – On a Hill
Feb 24, 2010 Devotions and Thoughts, Instrumental Reflections
While I sat down to write this I had the words to the hymn “Old Rugged Cross” stuck in my head. The phrase “On a hill, on a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross, an old rugged cross” kept echoing in my head. That rhythm became the recurring theme of this song.
To listen click play!
Check out the previous Instrumental Reflections or Subscribe in Itunes
Tags: Instrumental, Music, piano, reflections
Instrumental Reflections #20- Great is Thy Faithfulness
Feb 23, 2010 Devotions and Thoughts, Instrumental Reflections
A fellow blogger, Bridget Willard, has a series called Hymn Theology. She asked if I had an instrumental reflection of Great is Thy Faithfulness. I said, “not yet.” Here it is, today’s instrumental reflection for Lent.
As you listen to this reflect on how God has been faithful, to you, in your life.
To listen click play!
Check out the previous Instrumental Reflections or Subscribe in Itunes
Tags: Instrumental Reflections, Lent
Instrumental Reflections #18-Waiting
Feb 19, 2010 Devotions and Thoughts, Instrumental Reflections, podcast
Continuing the Instrumental reflections for lent with this one called “Waiting.” As you pray, reflect, journal and relax I would ask you, “What is it that you are waiting for?”
To listen click play!
In case you missed them here are the links to first 3 Instrumental Reflections for lent.
#15 Ash Wednesday
#16 Hopeful
#17 Near the Cross
Tags: Instrumental, Lent, piano, reflection, Russell Martin
Instrumental Reflections #17- Near the Cross
Feb 18, 2010 Devotions and Thoughts, Instrumental Reflections, podcast
I have always loved the words and music to this old hymn. Here is the 3rd of the Lent Instrumental Reflections based on the hymn “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross”
To listen click play!
Tags: Instrumental Reflections, Lent, piano
Instrumental Reflections #16- Hopeful
Feb 17, 2010 Devotions and Thoughts, Instrumental Reflections, podcast
This is the second in my Instrumental Reflections for Lent. I titled it “Hopeful”. Listen to it as you read the scriptures, pray or meditate.
To listen click play!
Tags: Instrumental Reflection, Lent, piano, Russell Martin
Instrumental Reflections #15- Reflections for Lent
Feb 17, 2010 Devotions and Thoughts, Instrumental Reflections
Here is an instrumental reflection for you to use as you read the lent scriptures, pray or meditate.
To listen click play!
Tags: Instrumental, piano, reflections, Russell Martin
Blinded By Christmas
Dec 9, 2009 Devotions and Thoughts, Me
Last week I attended a children’s Christmas program. The children had worked on various Christmas tunes over the past several weeks and this was their chance to sing them for a packed house of proud parents, grandparents and friends. It was a great time and definitely one of those things that will get you into the Christmas spirit.
It was awesome watching the children singing, and smiling, and full of joy. That is all but one. One child wasn’t quite so happy. He cried. Maybe because he wanted to be with his dad. Maybe the music was too loud. Maybe he was scared. I don’t know the reason. All I know is that I was struck by the sight of one sad child crying while the rest sang their songs joyfully.
It made me stop and think. I noticed one child crying amidst all the joy and pageantry of Christmas. One child amidst the lights, and music, and children singing joyous songs.
As I thought about this, the one question that came to my mind was this. As I go through the rest of my holiday, will I notice? While I am at Christmas parties and singing my favorite carols, will I hear those who have no song to sing anymore? While I am decorating my tree and watching the twinkling lights, will I notice those who’s eyes have lost the twinkle they once had? While I gather with friends and share cherished family memories, will I remember those who have nothing to share, nothing to cherish or nothing worth remembering?
My prayer, and my hope is that I will notice. I pray that I will not lose sight of those who stand right beside me and are hurting. I pray I will not be doing Christmas so much that I fail to see the hurts of my friends, family and neighbors who are longing to be held, to have peace, and to not be scared anymore.
What can you do to make sure that you don’t get blinded by Christmas?
Words of Encouragement
Dec 1, 2009 Devotions and Thoughts
When I was in college I was part of a ministry leadership team for a student ministry group. Each week we had a memory verse that we had to memorize and recite at our weekly meeting. These scriptures, ingrained in my head, have been helpful in different situations to offer comfort and encouragement.
Here is one I recited often over the past two weeks through our move to a new house.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
~ Philippians 4:6-7
Tags: Christmas, College, encouragement, help, house, Music, Nothing But Nets, peace, Prayer, Request, scripture, Team
What I Am Reading-Freebies, Printing Press and Questions
Nov 26, 2009 Communication, Devotions and Thoughts, Media and Technology, What I'm Reading
Thought I would let you in on a few different blogs and articles I have been reading lately-
1. The Internet is Not Your Delivery Boy- From Church Marketing Sucks I learned that the internet is not just the 20th century printing press, but should be so much more. It’s not about informing but connecting…
2. Freebie Friday- Tim Schmoyer from Life In Student Ministry shares different freebies each week. Last weeks was #152: Dallas Theological Seminary Courses on Itunes-
3. Finally David Risley in a guest post from ProBlogger asks the question, “Are You Talking At or To Your Readers” in a recent post. I wonder how many of the questions, and lessons learned, in this post could be applied to churches too?
Tags: blogs, Church, Itunes, Ministry, ProBlogger, Tim Schmoyer
What You Can Buy For $10
Nov 18, 2009 Devotions and Thoughts, How To, Me
Movie ticket and drink
10 Dollar menu items
2 Packs of ornaments at walmart
Starbucks Venti Egnog Latte or two
2 $5 Footlongs from Subway
Mosquito Net that saves the life of a child in Africa
Tags: Methodist, Net Raiser Team, Nothing But Nets
