[Marlon’s Musings] Personal Reflections, Seal Lullaby, This is the Tragedy

Marlon’s Musings #26

What lessons can 42 years of life and 19 years of ministry teach? In this personal reflection, I look back on the journey God has led me through—from Texas to Michigan, Georgia, and Idaho—and share some of the most important lessons I've learned along the way. From the value of relationships and the importance of simplicity to the best decisions I've made and the skills that have shaped my ministry, this post is a candid look at God's guiding hand throughout my life. I hope these reflections encourage you to consider the lessons God has been teaching you through your own journey.

Read the entire post here: What 42 Years Have Taught Me About Faith, Ministry, and People

I would love to hear your thoughts, either as a comment on my blog or as a reply to this email. (or in person the next time we see each other)

Video

One of my favorite contemporary composers of choral music is Eric Whitacre, and I have recently enjoyed music by VOCES8. This rendition of Whitacre’s Seal Lullaby, performed by VOCES8, is just beautiful! I recommend headphones or good speakers when you watch this video.

Poem

THIS IS THE TRAGEDY

God pity eyes that have not seen the dawn,
Twilight, or shadow, or a wind-blown tree,
But pity more the eyes that look upon
All loveliness, and yet can never see;

God pity ears that have not caught the notes
Of wind or wave, of violin or bird,
But pity more that, daily music floats
To ears that hear and yet have never heard.

God pity hearts that have not known the gift
Of love required, comfort and caress,
But, O God, pity more the hearts that drift
From love’s high moment to forgetfulness.

This is the tragedy of common sense:
To dim all wonder by indifference.

- Helen Feazee-Bower

Blog

How can you get more out of your Bible reading—even if all you have is a Bible?

Many Christians assume they need commentaries, Bible software, or knowledge of Greek and Hebrew to truly understand Scripture. But what if the key isn't having more resources—it's learning to slow down and engage the text more deeply?

In this blog post, I share a simple approach anyone can use to discover rich insights from Bible stories using only their Bible. Through a practical walk-through of Acts 16 and the story of Paul and Silas, you’ll learn how prayer, curiosity, thoughtful questions, and what I call “sanctified imagination” can transform familiar passages into powerful encounters with God’s Word.

If you’ve ever felt like your Bible reading has become routine or you want to experience Scripture in a deeper way, this article will give you practical tools you can start using today.

Read the full post and discover how slowing down may help you hear God's voice more clearly through His Word.

That’s it for issue #26

For the previous newsletters you may have missed, you can click here (and scroll to the bottom of the page).

Until next time, may God bless you!

Marlon