Essays and reflections on spiritual formation, the church, music, and daily faithfulness — 648 pieces, gathered in one home.
This morning I walked the Grace UMC prayer trail and meditated on the stations of the cross. I love doing this, especially during Holy Week. The meditation guide we publish reads "
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
It was announced this morning that I will become the senior pastor of Saint Mark United Methodist Church in the Vestavia area of Birmingham this June. I am sorry to move from Grace
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Discovering my ancestors has been an amazing journey. Last week, I gave my dad the gift of getting in touch with his own heritage. I took him on a graveyard tour of north Georgia a
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
This was my column published in the Faith and Values section of the Huntsville Times on Friday, March 25, 2011. When my wife and I got married, it was a church wedding of church we
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
In some Christian circles, the term "born again" has become a litmus test. The designation "born-again Christian" carries with it implication that either there's another kind of le
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Here is a promotional video for my Lenten Message Series that began on Sunday. We will be looking at gospel stories of Jesus' conversations with people who were not afraid to quest
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Thank God for the gift of humor! I wrote this spoof of "De Colores." The Spiritual Directors of a recent Walk to Emmaus I was on shared this as an act of agape for our Lay Director
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
I saw a great easy-to-read article on the meaning of Lent published by my old camp and college friend, the Rev. Penny Ford. It's entitled "Lent 101." I share it with you in hopes t
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
Every once in a while, I talk to my mother. That may not seem strange to you unless you knew she died about seven years ago. I just feel like talking to her, and know with every fi
Originally at Musings of a Musical Preacher
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
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