Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 638 pieces, gathered in one home.
I recently found an obituary written by my 4th Great Grandfather, Rev. Levi Garrison. I am touched by the spirituality deeply embedded in the grief of a father who lost his son. It
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have just heard that a liturgical prayer I wrote will be published in the Worship Resources Edition of Worship & Song: for United Methodists. This new resource will be available
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Last week, I posted my grandmother's beautiful "prayer in color" and mentioned that it came to her during one of the darkest times in her life. I know this to be true because of th
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
(pictured is my grandmother's "prayer in color") Jan L. Richardson writes of a Cistercian monastery in Lower Saxony, Germany. A team restoring the sanctuary ran across a treasury o
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This morning, as we reflected on Christ's beckoning call for personal relationship, I shared a poem written by my grandmother, Louie Williams Hamby. She died when I was six years o
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This Sunday was one of my favorite Sundays of the Christian year. It's deep. It's powerful. It's rich. We held a baptismal remembrance service. I just love sacramental spirituality
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
While this year's "White Christmas" was lingering, Sandy and I took a day to go graveyard exploring. Yes, I must be getting old ... I mean, in a "new place in my spiritual developm
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This liturgy was published in "The Interpreter" magazine in Advent of 2011. What a serendipity that they found it online, called me, and asked if they could highlight it in their m
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This is my devotional that will be published in the Nov/Dec 2011 issue of the Upper Room. Suggested Bible Reading: Luke 1:46-55 Key Verse: “And Mary said, ‘my soul magnifies the Lo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Surprised at my title, "Keeping X in Xmas"? Many statements come out this time of year by evangelical Christians decrying the use of the abbreviation "Xmas". They proclaim our need
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Yesterday was the beginning of Advent, and we lit a candle and focused on the theme of HOPE. It reminded me that I have never shared the words of my hymn, "My Hope is In the Everla
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Did the title of my blog post grab your attention? I have heard many Thanksgiving blessings over the years at public gatherings, interfaith worship services, and meetings. Some are
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
The Spirit has led me this week to meditating with a new lifegiving metaphor. I imagine myself as a great river, or rather as part of a great river, moving and flowing quickly with
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is my column that appeared in the Faith and Values section of "The Huntsville Times" on Friday, November 12, 2010. Pictured is animal rehabilitationist Lori Banton holding a w
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I have been to Gethsemane in Kentucky a couple of times for retreat. This is the place where Thomas Merton lived and worked. I remember going to dinner with my covenant group in Lo
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
On this All Saint's Weekend, I am reflecting on the communion table that binds all God's saints together across time and space. I would like to share the words to a song I wrote ca
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I recently wrote a new hymn text for a contest I heard about through the Hymn Society. They were searching for new Easter texts that are free of the typical triumphal or victorious
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
My family recently took a Fall Break trip to Nashville to Cheekwood Gardens, one of my favorite places to enjoy a fascinating interplay of art and nature. It's a mansion built by a
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
When my wife and I got married, it was a church wedding of church weddings. We were in seminary and both on the part-time staff at the church where we were wed. Naturally, a large
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Bonhoeffer was a real, honest to goodness, persecuted saint. He stood for his Christian faith, which landed him in prison in Nazi Germany. I have been reflecting on one of his poet
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Recently, someone at church asked me for some scriptures to meditate on in their time of grief. It caused me to reflect on what helped me through the storm of losing my mom years a
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Lord, you bless the dark places. For years now, I have from time to time been led to a visual prayer experience, when Christ meets me in the ancient hallways of my soul with candle
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
A few weeks ago, I described my ancestor's grave at Taylor Memorial UMC near Trussville, Alabama. He was one of a trio of brothers who were Methodist circuit riders, coming out of
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I saw this YouTube video on Facebook recently and I couldn't resist sharing it on my blog. A nice comic bit from good old Steve Martin for all you lovers of music and liturgy out t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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