But when I was young, I was frequently asked to sing one particular song. In the small town lived in at the time, I seemed to be the designated singer of How Great Thou Art.

When Dr. Charles Allen, then the pastor of First Methodist In Houston, came to our small town to preach in the local armory -- I was trotted out to sing How Great Thou Art.

That, I think, was when I was 20.

Before I was 25 I had sung How Great Thou Art at over 35 funerals.

People couldn't die without me singing that song.

I sometimes suggested that I sing something else. I told people I knew a couple of other songs. But they always wanted How Great .

You can imagine I got a bit tired of it. I don't know whether George Beverly Shea ever got tired of it, but I did.

I finally just stopped singing it, if I could avoid it.

You want to know the truth?

I had never been really crazy about the song. I didn't think it was a very good hymn.

Which is why I am so surprised by what began to happened a couple of years ago. I began to genuinely love How Great Thou Art .

I do love it now!

I even think It is a very fine hymn.

What will you be doing this Sunday evening? If you're not Involved In worship in another church on Sunday evenings, I would really love for you to come.

I believe we will have a time of grace and Gospel joy.

That's why I am inviting you.

The concert starts at 6:00 p.m., this Sunday, July 16., at St. Matthew. One hour -- followed by cake and Ice cream. Let me share some songs with you -- including one I have sung many, many times.

But now -- I have come to love it.