This is the second in a series highlighting the simple and the sacred. The “simple” invites us to relax and enjoy a variety of pleasant experiences – without analyzing or even evaluating.  The “sacred” invites us to see something as special, set apart, not for common use. This definition could apply to a number of things, including taking communion, participating in a Sunday morning worship service, or even offering prayers that Christians have shared through the centuries.  Today I want to highlight sacred music, because “music is the prayer the heart sings”. The point of sacred music is to experience God in a way that speaks to both our minds and our hearts. Such music can be experienced in any number of places, in any number of ways, with any number of voices or instruments. · In a candlelit sanctuary in England, in a very formal service, I listened to a choir of children’s voices.  · In a camp tent at a college retreat, a staff leader ...

This is the first in a series highlighting the simple and the sacred. I think there is a place for both the simple and the sacred in our lives.  The challenge is that we can forget to take time to experience the simple pleasures of life or feel we should have grown beyond them. A simple pleasure or task is something that is easy to understand – no demanding thinking or figuring on this one.  The other challenge is that we can become rooted in how we believe connecting to God should look. This can preclude learning and growing in our relationship with him. The word and concept of sacred, simply means that something is connected to God or dedicated to a spiritual purpose.  So for the next set of blogs, I will highlight either a simple pleasure or a sacred practice. I hope these will be an encouragement to you, and help you experience God in some vibrant and delightful ways.  Today’s blog highlights the simple pleasures.  We've forgotten ...