Keep Us Faithful was commissioned for Arlington Presbyterian Church for their move and grand opening of their new home at Gilliam Place. Read about their journey as a congregation and their commitment to create affordable housing in their community.
Translation is such a strange, imperfect art. I'm looking at an estribillo for a Spanish hymn...va Dios mismo en nuestro mismo caminar. It's literally translated, 'God goes on our same walk.'
Hymnals have variously translated the phrase:
...then we know that God still goes that road with us.
...we see God here by our side walking our way.
Those work and they fit the meter of the tune but I'm hearing something new in a literal translation.
Read MoreI’ve been on an extraordinary journey this summer, a pilgrimage that invited me to step away from familiar spaces and routines and give myself over to the grace of the road.
I’m returning today with a full heart and suitcase, having received incredible gifts along the way: abundant hospitality, lovingly prepared food, soul friendship, new songs, time in stunning wilderness spaces, collaboration and creativity, as well as opportunities to teach, share, and connect with a life-giving network of new and old friends.
Read MoreThemes of spiritual pilgrimage and journey are woven through the last few years of my work. While I’ve blogged about pilgrimage before and even compiled a list of songs on the theme, it wasn’t until this year I actually wrote a song of my own about it. The Journey of a Thousand Miles is rhythmic walking song based on a teaching of Taoist teacher Laozi (also known as Lao Tzu), with some added text of my own.
Read MoreIt's amazing to think this new vocational journey officially began just two years ago, and what a rich and rewarding time it's been. I have had the privilege of traveling alongside an incredible range of congregations, denominational bodies, and religious institutions, and I'm indebted to the clergy and leaders who have welcomed me and the singing, noticing, and exploration we've done together.
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