Musings is a collection of short, easy-reading essays dealing with the challenges of life. Do we take certain beliefs for granted? Are our beliefs distorted by hand-me-down thinking? How can we respond to others with love, acceptance, and compassion? Poetry and humor are interspersed throughout this book's invitation to contemplate a deeper spiritual awareness. If the Beatitudes in the Bible were rewritten today, would we find this one: ""Blessed are they whose plans have been foiled, for they shall be given the opportunity to see the world anew""? Readers are suggested to pick one essay a day. Reflect on the deeper messages and chuckle with the lighter moments while you consider choices that can lighten the load of living. '""We do not see life the way life is; we see life the way we are.' Ed Boye's Musings allows us to see life through the eyes of one who views the world as something to be experienced, not just observed. Every day, life is full of mystery and depth if we pay attention. Musings reminds us to pay attention."" --Jody Seymour, author of Lost but Making Excellent Time: Transforming the Rat Race into a Pilgrimage ""Someone has said that the 'glory of God is man fully alive.' These 'musings' are short hints about being more fully alive. It is a treasure trove of ideas for preachers and all those who want to live richer and fuller lives. The author uses his experiences as a former pastor and therapist, and his skill as a creative writer, to remind us of many things we may already know, but need to remember over and over again since it is so easy to forget."" --Doug Oldenberg, former President, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia ""In these short pieces appropriate for daily reading, Ed Boye thoughtfully explores a variety of experiences and their deeper meaning. His musings encourage us to ponder our own lives in similar fashion. These gentle reminders of how valuable quiet reflection can be are a welcome counterbalance to our much too frenzied lives. I commend him to all in sharing such a rich life's journey."" --James T. Laney, former President of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia and former Ambassador to South Korea ""Musings by Ed Boye is a book of commentaries, meditations, and reflections that are refreshingly honest and inspiring. He questions our 'take for granted' beliefs and habits and is always challenging and sometimes hilarious. He invites us to live life fully, thoughtfully, and joyfully. His musings have been a good resource for our aging affirmation workshop at Elderspirit Community. They may also encourage you to keep a daily journal and begin your own musings."" --Helen Matthews Lewis, Sociologist and author of Living Social Justice in Appalachia Dr. Edward L. Boye is a retired United Methodist minister and Clinical Pastoral Psychotherapist. His passion is to assist individuals, families, and groups in developing a deeper understanding of themselves as spiritual beings. He and his wife, Julia Purcell, live in Davidson, NC, with Abbie, their shih tzu.