I have been honored to join the Weatherfords on several tours over the past year. It is somewhat of a “rerun” of the time I was with the quartet in 1969 — when Steve was the same age as his young son who tours with us now.

 The travels have taken me from California to Florida, to Pennsylvania and many states in between. I have “reconnected” with numerous friends from my past. What a joy!

 When home in Branson, I am blessed to still be a part of the music ministry at Faith and Wisdom Church where Gary…

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Having a grand time on tour with the Weatherfords in California this month of November.

A couple of the highlights:  An outdoor concert at the Range Riders Ranch, where I played a rockin' duet with Jesse Hanna :)

 

 

Then had the great honor of meeting Gordon Jensen — one of gospel music's most prolific song writers —who attended one of our concerts last week. Standalee Weatherford took this photo of Jensen, Steve and me after the concert.

Our own Murphy Family had recorded Jensen's song, "Redemption…

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The newest member of the Brann family arrived this past Saturday, July 26th, at 11:49 p.m. Aiden Christopher Brann made his debut in New York City, born to my son, Tyler, and his wife, Sarah. 

What excitement! I have yet to meet this first grandchild of mine — hopefully will do that in a few weeks. 

 

I spent this past Independence Day celebrating with “The Mom’s” friends at Maranatha in Springfield. I did find it sobering that many of her closest ones have moved upward — now reunited with her in a better world. 

I confess I do not visit her earthly resting place often. When I do, I just have this overwhelming awareness that she is not there! 

I did however, this past holiday, make the journey to the little corner of the earth where her old “cabin” lies beneath a beautiful tree in Greenlawn Cemetery. I…

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Someone once said of a father that had passed on: “Dad, remembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is the heartache that never goes away.” How true this is for me … missing my dad, Bill Murphy, so much this Father’s Day.

However, a cousin sent me a treasure this day that brought a smile to my broken heart. I must share this with you … especially those of you who knew my father and his ministry.

First, a quick background story is in order.

In 1944, Bill met Canadian evangelist, Willard…

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This Christmas is the first ever that I have not been with my loved ones. Feels somewhat strange … but circumstances made it impractical this year. New York City, Fort Worth … you will miss me!

I will celebrate this day of Jesus’ birth with some of my church family. I am blessed to have great friends here in Branson Land; and we will make new memories this special day.

However, I will relate one of my most cherished holiday memories of all time. It was many Christmases past… when the Murphy Family was…

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“Well, Mama … this day is almost over. 

It’s been one of mixed and untamed emotions for me. Hard to believe it was 1 year ago today that you moved out … Left your earthly house – in its weakened condition and needing repairs – and got a brand new one in Heaven’s land.

You had told me that it was time to move on … and how you longed to see Dad and your folks again. I think you knew that the little family you were leaving behind would be okay, and not far behind you. We’re doin’ alright – but we sure do…

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“Because we know that in all things God is at work for our good, we are confident that storms are not forever … the sky will clear again.” Daniel E. Johnson

 During the past months since “The Mom’s” going Home, I have gone through the gamut of emotions that come with personal grief. At a time when I needed words of comfort and hope, I found them in the pages of an extraordinary little book titled, “When You Ask Why.”

 First printed in 2002 and now in its eighth edition, the author/pastor uses his…

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A close friend of the family, Greg Asimakoupoulos, wrote this beautiful poem about a mom celebrating her first Easter in Heaven. It so touched my heart, I  want to share it with you this day. "Happy Easter, Mom."

 

            HOME FOR EASTER! 

 

Your mom went home for Easter.
Someone took her by the hand
and said “Ma'am, you are invited 
to have supper with the Lamb.

“Your name’s written in this volume,”
he said pointing to a book.
“It’s the Lamb’s list of the faithful.
Step in closer. Take… Read more