Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 638 pieces, gathered in one home.
I spent a little time over Memorial Day Weekend perusing family history, particularly on one of a dozen ancestors on my tree who served in the military during conflict. None of the
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This morning, as we observe our theme "ONE," I have the opportunity to lead our Annual Conference in a prayer for unity. Here is my prayer. Lord Jesus, in your last hours on earth,
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
The farther I get in my journey, the more I embrace the mystery. In fact, I am falling in love with it. I find more comfort in mystery than in any semblance of certainty. Now that
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I created this for use at Saint Mark on Sunday as a Response to the Word. You are welcome to use it with my permission, giving appropriate credit underneath. ---------- The congreg
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Some Methodist leaders have been gloomy for two weeks. They feel that General Conference, the massive every-four-year international effort of the United Methodist Church, failed to
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have concluded that the song "We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder" is poor spirituality. It is a nice reflection, of course, to express desire to rise to God. But Jacob did not rise.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is a quote from the introduction to Richard Rohr's book Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life. These paragraphs resonate with my soul. None of us go into o
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
No matter how happy I am, how meaningful the work, how fun the family occasions, how fine the friendships ... there is always a lingering, silent cry. Thank you that you are a God
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I invite everyone to participate in the “Day of Remembrance” on Friday. Last year, on April 27, there were 63 devastating tornadoes that ripped through the heart and soul of Alabam
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As we approach the first anniversary of April 27, when 63 tornadoes ripped through Alabama last year, I would like to share again a picture I took and posted last year, with my fri
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Picture taken by Beth Richardson while I was leading music at SoulFeast in July. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of serving on the team of this Upper Room conference.
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Year ago, I was officiating a funeral. Just beforehand, a woman came up to meet me. She was active in another denomination and asked what kind of preacher I was. When I told her my
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is an article recently published in a number of Annual Conference magazines. It strikes a chord in me in my own journey of spiritual formation and ministry, so I share it with
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Beginning today, Friday, March 16, I would like to call on every one if my Methodist brothers and sisters to fifty days of prayer for our upcoming General Conference. I hope you ca
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
During the last several months, I have been posting thoughts about my spirituality regularly. I never seem to finish! In recent weeks, I arrived at the pinnacle of this exercise, c
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
During the last few months, I have continued to “introduce” my spirituality. Lately, I’ve arrived the pinnacle of this exercise, claiming the deep and abiding truth that we are the
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This morning, I participated for the first time in an Ash Wednesday morning "come and go" imposition of the ashes. The space at the church was so holy and prayerful and vibrant. Be
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
During the last couple of posts, I have continued to “introduce” my spirituality to you by sharing what is probably the pinnacle of my spiritual journey, as far as my ministry goes
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I continue to “introduce” myself with blog posts describing my spirituality. Last week, I shared about my faith rooted in Paul’s theology of the Body of Christ. I wish I could put
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Over the last few months, I have been posting occasional articles describing my spirituality. You may have noticed some dynamic contrasts that developed along the way. My spiritual
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This week, our nation paused to remember the life of a man who was a symbol of change in a time of turmoil, a symbol of courage in the face of the sin of racism. For me, Martin Lut
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is a poem my Granny wrote and pasted inside Grandpa Hamby’s preaching Bible. The Bible was given to me by my Uncle Warren when I was ordained twenty years ago. It is a pricele
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
It is exciting to see a new year come. It’s a great time to look forward to what God might do as well as a personal time of starting off the year with anticipation. For me, it is n
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Join me in traditional services at 8:30 or 10:45 at Saint Mark starting January 8 for my new sermon series, “Your Light Has Come!” What difference does Christmas make if it doesn’t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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