Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 638 pieces, gathered in one home.
This is the full version of my raccoon story, published in The Arab Tribune on July 29, 2015. Abbreviated versions have been published in The Huntsville Times, The Upper Room, and
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my column which was published in The Arab Tribune on Saturday, June 27, 2015. I think of my monthly column as musings on things that are light, perhaps even humorous. Love
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is a short teaching on baptism I wrote as part of my studies this summer. It is intended for use in my local church setting. When I was young, I went through confirmation clas
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my column which appeared in The Arab Tribune on May 27, 2015. A very similar version of my story appeared in my column of the Faith and Values Section of The Huntsville Tim
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
When I saw this beautifully written pastoral letter from the bishops of the UMC, I immediately felt led to share it with all of you. In light of recent rioting on American soil, I
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my column that appeared in "The Arab Tribune" on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. I am turning this in to the local paper the day before my fiftieth birthday. I thought I’d give
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A Good Friday Meditation (and critique of Ransom and Substitution Theories) I have a communion chalice that I keep on my shelf. It’s my favorite chalice, aside from the ones given
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This column was published in The Arab Tribune on Saturday, March 28, 2015. Usually when I hear someone talk about all the drama in their church, it’s not a good thing. Maybe they g
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Our beloved bishop in North Alabama, Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, released this prayer which we used in worship yesterday at the church I serve. It is a prayer for the persecuted
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This devotional was written by Pastor Steve for the "Night Watch" at Discovery Weekend. John 14:27 says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the wo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my column that includes the story of Rev. Thomas Maxwell, my fourth great grandfather. It was published in The Arab Tribune on Saturday, February 28, 2015. As I reflect on
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This was my column that was published in The Arab Tribune on Wednesday, January 28, 2014. Another version of it was published in the Faith and Values section of The Huntsville Time
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my column that appeared in "The Arab Tribune" on December 27, 2014. Here we are, just a couple of days after Christmas. There are leftovers in the fridge and crumbs in the
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
"Spirit of Christmas" is a song I wrote a number of years ago, during my first semester in seminary. We had been studying Athanasius, an important fourth century church father, in
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Spending time with hymn texts can expand our spirituality incredibly. There is no doubt that out of Charles Wesley's thousands of hymn texts, the most beloved one today is "Hark! T
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my column that appeared in the Arab Tribune on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 I have heard many Thanksgiving prayers over the years at public gatherings, ecumenical worship s
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Pictured is Rev. Charles P. Hamby, Sr., my grandfather. This column appeared on the front page of The Arab Tribune on Saturday, November 22, 2014. As I posted this, I realized this
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my soul friend Glandion Carney's new book on experiencing grace during his struggle with Parkinson's. In Richard Foster's forward, he notes that Glandion says "No matter ho
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A slightly modified version of my recent blog post appeared as a column in the Arab Tribune today. Here it is. My training in Arabian dining started early. On a Wednesday this past
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
My training in Arabian dining started early. On a Wednesday this past June, my family moved into the home our church graciously provides. I was eager with anticipation, though I ha
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
You are a brushstroke in the artistry of God's grace. The farther along I get in life, the less life seems to be about success, accomplishment, and notariety. I am no longer as mot
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A slightly modified version of my recent blog post (and sermon introduction) appeared as a column in the Arab Tribune today. I'm honored. I am glad to share it here as well. I have
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have this theory. I think the manna from heaven, which God rained upon the children of Israel, was really grits. I love grits. It's true that I am a thoroughbred Southerner. The
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Jesus loved Gentiles and tax collectors. It’s a good thing, too, or I wouldn’t be here writing this. So I have always been perplexed by the closing words of this scripture: “If ano
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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