Author Archives: billtonnis

About billtonnis

Child of God, Pastoral Minister, Chaplain, Music Minister, Jail Minister, singer-songwriter, author, activist, former radio news anchor, imperfect follower of Jesus inspired by God's unconditional love, proud uncle... what else is there?

Homeward Bound

Posted on March 4, 2020 by billtonnis

We are spiritual beings on a human journey to discover compassion. +++ Listen to my song “Love Will Always Lead You Home” by clicking HERE. +++ Psalm 51:3 Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love. +++ … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, inspiration, progressive Christianity, religion, spirituality, Today's Contemplation | Tagged centering prayer, compassion, crucifixion, God, happiness, human, Jesus, love, meditation, mercy, mindfulness, peace, spiritual | Leave a comment

Join the Adventure

Posted on March 3, 2020 by billtonnis

Creation is still happening – so why not be creative? +++ Listen to my song “Shall We Dance” on YouTube by clicking HERE. +++ Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, inspiration, progressive Christianity, religion, Self Help, spirituality, Today's Contemplation, Uncategorized | Tagged centering prayer, compassion, contemplation, creation, creative, God, grace, holy Spirit, Jesus, love, meditation, mindfulness, true self | Leave a comment

Churchianity or Christianity?

Posted on March 2, 2020 by billtonnis

Jesus wanted followers…not fans. +++ Listen to my song “Make Me a Channel” on YouTube by clicking HERE. +++ Matthew 25:35-36 “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, God, inspiration, progressive Christianity, religion, spirituality, Today's Contemplation | Tagged Beatitudes, centering prayer, Christianity, churchianity, compassion, contemplation, happiness, Jesus, love, Matthew 25, meditation, mindfulness, peace, service | Leave a comment

True Fasting

Posted on February 28, 2020 by billtonnis

Maybe we should give up our egos for Lent? +++ Listen to my song “Pour Me Out” on YouTube by clicking HERE. +++ Isaiah 58:6-7 Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, inspiration, progressive Christianity, religion, spirituality, Today's Contemplation | Tagged compassion, contemplation, fasting, forgive, God, Jesus, Lent, love, meditation, mercy, mindfulness, motivation, peace, sacrifice | Leave a comment

Dying and Rising

Posted on February 27, 2020 by billtonnis

When you let go…you can actually live. +++ Listen to my song “Take the Road Less Traveled” on YouTube by clicking HERE. +++ Luke 9:24-25 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life … Continue reading →

Posted in inspiration, progressive Christianity, religion, Self Help, spirituality, Today's Contemplation | Tagged centering prayer, contemplation, grace, happiness, Jesus, koan, let go, life, meditation, mindfulness, paradox, peace, service, true self, Zen | Leave a comment

Action Required

Posted on February 26, 2020 by billtonnis

How will justice and compassion manifest…if not for us? +++ Listen to my song “Glorify You with Me” on YouTube by clicking HERE. +++ 2 Corinthians 5:20 We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. +++ … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, inspiration, progressive Christianity, religion, spirituality, Today's Contemplation | Tagged centering prayer, chaplain, Christ, compassion, contemplation, God, healing, Jesus, love, meditation, mindfulness, peace, presence | Leave a comment

Christ Criteria

Posted on February 25, 2020 by billtonnis

What is your definition of success? +++ Listen to my song “Mercy Reigns” on YouTube by clicking HERE. +++ Mark 9:35 Then Jesus sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, inspiration, progressive Christianity, religion, Today's Contemplation | Tagged centering prayer, Christ, compassion, contemplation, happiness, Jesus, love, meditation, mindfulness, peace, servant, service, success, true self | Leave a comment

Good Motives

Posted on February 24, 2020 by billtonnis

EGO stands for: Edge God Out. +++ Listen to my song “Breathe On Me” on YouTube by clicking HERE. +++ James 3:16-17 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, inspiration, progressive Christianity, religion, Self Help, spirituality, Today's Contemplation | Tagged centering prayer, Christian, common good, compassion, ego, happiness, Jesus, love, meditation, mercy, mindfulness, motive, peace, true self | Leave a comment

Being Christian

Posted on February 21, 2020 by billtonnis

Beliefs in your head are useless without compassionate action from your heart. +++ Listen to my song “The Way You Are” on YouTube by clicking HERE. +++ James 2:26 For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, inspiration, progressive Christianity, religion, spirituality, Today's Contemplation | Tagged centering prayer, compassion, contemplation, forgiveness, God, grace, happiness, Jesus, love, meditation, mercy, mindfulness, peace, spirit | Leave a comment

Gut Check

Posted on February 20, 2020 by billtonnis

Love is supposed to be the bottom line for all Christians. +++ Listen to my song “Love God” on YouTube by clicking HERE. +++ James 2:8-9 If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your … Continue reading →

Posted in faith, inspiration, progressive Christianity, religion, Self Help, spirituality, Today's Contemplation | Tagged centering prayer, Christian, compassion, contemplation, Jesus, love, meditation, mindfulness, peace, service | Leave a comment