Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 648 pieces, gathered in one home.
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
The church I serve is working on a new web page. In a link on beliefs, I attempted to craft a way of phrasing Methodist spirituality in my own words. I tried to be brief and unders
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I hope the title of my blog post got your attention! Don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about the kind of chemical or perfume smell that many can’t tolerate well. I am speaking of
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
There is a difference between the institutional church and the mystical church. Both are gifts of God, but one serves the other. The institutional church serves to uphold the mysti
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Memorial Day is a Monday, not a Sunday. I say that as a grateful American who loves my country, who celebrates the blessings of freedom that so many laid their lives down for. I sa
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Each year, I invite confirmands to write a letter to Jesus, expressing their thoughts and feelings to Christ and their decision about whether to be confirmed. I promise them that o
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Yesterday in morning worship, we shared about Jesus appearing to Thomas, who did not yet believe he had risen. We reflected on the way Thomas experienced his own “resurrection” of
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Easter is a day of great joy and celebration, not only because it is the culmination of the drama of Holy Week, and not only because it is the climax of the entire Lenten experienc
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Usually when people talk about all the “drama” at their church, it’s not a good thing. But this week? It certainly is. Holy Week is the most dramatic week imaginable for people of
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
We are entering a time of transition at Saint Mark. On Sunday, our Staff-Parish Relations Committee chair announced that I am being appointed by Bishop Wallace-Padgett to serve as
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I had a most incredible week as part of the Mexico Mission Team from Saint Mark. As I shared on Sunday after my return, it was an amazing journey of connecting with brothers and si
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Lent is a 40-day time reflecting Jesus' 40-day journey in the wilderness. Have you ever felt called to "wilderness time?" I am a part of one of the two men's studies this winter at
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Thanks to Walter Bryant of the church I serve for writing the article below, which was published in the Vestavia Voice and on the North Alabama Conference e-Voice. The experience w
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
"To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of a human life unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the re
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
As I write, our nation is observing the holiday celebrating the life and ministry of Martin Luther King, Jr. I keep a picture of him preaching in my study. The picture reminds me o
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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