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Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth
Rich Mullins was a once-in-a-lifetime singer/songwriter whose impact on Christian music and the church is still felt today, even twenty years after his passing. His words and music softened and inspired the most hardened hearts to believe. His was a ragged and raw faith of a pilgrim, poet, and prophet. Now more than a dozen of today’s singers, songwriters, producers, and authors gather to share never-before-heard stories and lessons that continue to influence their music and ministries today. These lessons, gleaned from Rich’s own struggles and pursuits, are combined with lyrics from unreleased Rich Mullins songs that will inspire longtime Mullins fans, new Christian music followers, and spiritual seekers trying to understand the reckless love of God.
289 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2017
21 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Greer
3 books5 followersAuthor, musician, and filmmaker Andrew Greer has published two books, released multiple chart-topping recordings, and directed the documentary Plainspoken, a film inspired by the lives of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and their neighbors in Plains, Georgia. A Texas native, Greer now makes his home in Plains.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 13, 2018
I would give this book ten stars, if I could.
In Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth, Andrew Greer and Randy Cox have accumulated a veritable plethora of brief conversations, as noted in the subtitle, "inspired by the life and lyrics of Rich Mullins."
People who know me know how much I love the life and work of Rich Mullins. I cannot listen to some of his songs without crying, to this day. It has been over twenty years since he died, and I still almost break down when I think about that day. There has never been another artist, much less human being, who has had such an impact on my life.
The book's contributors, besides Andrew Greer and Randy Cox, include such people as Amy Grant, Andrew Peterson, Ashley Cleveland, Brandon Heath, the late Brennan Manning, Cindy Morgan, Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay), Mark Lee (Third Day), Mark Lowry, Carolyn Arends, and many others, whose names may not be quite so recognizable.
Sometimes, the book is about Rich, other times, the brief chapters don't speak so much about him, as they do about things that he wrote or said, and how that has inspired the person speaking or writing. The book even includes several song lyrics that were never published.
Perhaps the most gut-wrenching statement in the entire book is the first line of Mitch McVicker's chapter. "I have no memory of what happened that night." You see, Mitch was in the car with Rich the night of that tragic accident. He woke up three weeks later, with no memory of that night. His close friend and musical accomplice was gone.
Rich Mullins died on September 19, 1997, 41 years old. But his legacy has lived on and will continue to live on, not only in the hearts of those who knew him, but in all of us who have loved his music and the effect it has had on us.
I, for one, am forever moved by lyrics such as:
"Talk about your miracles,
Talk about your faith;
My Dad, he could make things grow
Out of Indiana clay.
Mom could make a gourmet meal, out of just cornbread and beans
And they worked to give faith hands and feet
And somehow gave it wings. . . .
Never picture perfect,
Just a plain man and his wife
Who somehow knew the value
Of hard work good love and real life."
And then, there's that wonderful little chorus, that Rich didn't even write. If my memory doesn't fail me, which it frequently does, that was written by his close friend, Beaker (I don't know all of Beaker's name).
"Oh, God, you are my God,
And I will ever ever praise you.
Oh, God, you are my God,
And I will ever praise you.
I will seek you in the morning,
And I will learn to follow your ways,
And step by step, you'll lead me,
And I will follow you all of my days."
If you like Rich Mullins, you should read this book.
In Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth, Andrew Greer and Randy Cox have accumulated a veritable plethora of brief conversations, as noted in the subtitle, "inspired by the life and lyrics of Rich Mullins."
People who know me know how much I love the life and work of Rich Mullins. I cannot listen to some of his songs without crying, to this day. It has been over twenty years since he died, and I still almost break down when I think about that day. There has never been another artist, much less human being, who has had such an impact on my life.
The book's contributors, besides Andrew Greer and Randy Cox, include such people as Amy Grant, Andrew Peterson, Ashley Cleveland, Brandon Heath, the late Brennan Manning, Cindy Morgan, Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay), Mark Lee (Third Day), Mark Lowry, Carolyn Arends, and many others, whose names may not be quite so recognizable.
Sometimes, the book is about Rich, other times, the brief chapters don't speak so much about him, as they do about things that he wrote or said, and how that has inspired the person speaking or writing. The book even includes several song lyrics that were never published.
Perhaps the most gut-wrenching statement in the entire book is the first line of Mitch McVicker's chapter. "I have no memory of what happened that night." You see, Mitch was in the car with Rich the night of that tragic accident. He woke up three weeks later, with no memory of that night. His close friend and musical accomplice was gone.
Rich Mullins died on September 19, 1997, 41 years old. But his legacy has lived on and will continue to live on, not only in the hearts of those who knew him, but in all of us who have loved his music and the effect it has had on us.
I, for one, am forever moved by lyrics such as:
"Talk about your miracles,
Talk about your faith;
My Dad, he could make things grow
Out of Indiana clay.
Mom could make a gourmet meal, out of just cornbread and beans
And they worked to give faith hands and feet
And somehow gave it wings. . . .
Never picture perfect,
Just a plain man and his wife
Who somehow knew the value
Of hard work good love and real life."
And then, there's that wonderful little chorus, that Rich didn't even write. If my memory doesn't fail me, which it frequently does, that was written by his close friend, Beaker (I don't know all of Beaker's name).
"Oh, God, you are my God,
And I will ever ever praise you.
Oh, God, you are my God,
And I will ever praise you.
I will seek you in the morning,
And I will learn to follow your ways,
And step by step, you'll lead me,
And I will follow you all of my days."
If you like Rich Mullins, you should read this book.
October 3, 2017
If you’re a fan of Rich Mullins, or even just a fan of worship music, this is a book to check out. It’s released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rich, a singer/songwriter who had an incredible impact on the Christian music industry. His words have inspired many.
This book contains numerous stories by singers, songwriters, producers, and authors. They include Rich’s lyrics, as well as some handwritten lyrics, memories, pictures, and interviews. At it is an honest look at a man who pursued God with his heart and soul. In some ways, this book is a devotional, memoir, and biography, all in one. It is a short, quick read.
Some of my favorite stories were by Melissa Reagan, Mitch McVicker, Keith Bordeaux, and Mark Lee (from Third Day). I also enjoyed the Rich Mullins’ quotes included throughout the book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I was not required to leave a positive review.
This book contains numerous stories by singers, songwriters, producers, and authors. They include Rich’s lyrics, as well as some handwritten lyrics, memories, pictures, and interviews. At it is an honest look at a man who pursued God with his heart and soul. In some ways, this book is a devotional, memoir, and biography, all in one. It is a short, quick read.
Some of my favorite stories were by Melissa Reagan, Mitch McVicker, Keith Bordeaux, and Mark Lee (from Third Day). I also enjoyed the Rich Mullins’ quotes included throughout the book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I was not required to leave a positive review.
March 24, 2019
Rich Mullins died just when I was becoming familiar with his music, so this history embedded in "spiritual conversations inspired by {his} Life & Lyrics" took me back to what I had missed, and helps explain why his music is still on my regular playlists and still pulls me closer to Jesus.
November 1, 2018
Loved savored this little devotional book.
October 13, 2017
Remembering Rich Mullins
In Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth you'll find a treasure-trove of memories, information, and testimonies to God's pervasive presence and everlasting faithfulness. Andrew Greer provides an ongoing narrative punctuated by reflections from musicians, publicists, producers, band buddies, friends and others who either knew the (sadly too early deceased) singer, songwriter, troubadour, and creation-lover Rich Mullins. Most of us have heard some stories from relatives, friends, or neighbors so frequently that even though the events happened long in the past or the characters died decades ago, the dynamism of the raconteur has brought them alive to the listener. In fact, that's how the canon of scripture first began as an oral tradition before it became a written one. Drawing upon that tradition, the book also includes contributions from people who'd interacted with those who'd met him face to face so they'd developed their own sense of Rich's life and persona.
"Rich's imagination was so saturated by biblical narratives ... Yes, he longed for the winds of heaven, but he also ached for the redemption and restoration of the stuff of earth, and he had the courage to let some of Christ's passion for the world infuse his own." Page 175, from Chapter 34, "The Bittersweet Longing," by Carolyn Arends
I discovered Rich and his music when a friend linked me to "Help me, Jesus." The World as Best I Remember It was my first Rich Mullins album; "Calling Out Your Name" the cut that grabbed me so I couldn't leave it: "Where the sacred rivers meet // Beneath the shadow of the Keeper of the Plains // I feel thunder in the sky // I see the sky about to rain // And I hear the prairies calling out Your name." The Revised Common Lectionary appoints Psalms 96, 98, and 148 for Christmas, the celebration of God's incarnation on earth in a body made from the stuff of earth. Fields rejoice, oceans roar, trees sing, sea monsters, fire and fruit trees, wild and domestic animals all praise God because God in our midst means the end of pollution and decay, the beginning of the new creation, the dawn of humanity reclaiming its divine image. Martin Luther described the divine presence as "in, with, and under" all creation; in his closeness to Creator and creation, Rich heard the prairies praise. How about us?
"Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth" celebrates Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit of Life, and the promises of God the Father throughout—though it's not exactly a devotional book. But reading the short entries in order or at random still could enhance anyone's devotional life; it's not too much to claim it has a place alongside any collection or single volume of lives of the saints. As much as we can learn from the people of God in centuries past (shoutout to this year 2017 being #Reformation500 / #Luther500 and our ongoing awareness of ways God used both passions and imperfections of Martin Luther and other reformers, and more recent Jesus followers like Saint Teresa of Kolkata), Rich Mullins' inner struggles, his contributions to the world of music, the world of the church, and society in general bear pondering and at their best, are worth imitating.
I've had the privilege of being on the launch team for Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth; I'm excited to start wearing my t-shirt and finding even more fans for Rich!
In Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth you'll find a treasure-trove of memories, information, and testimonies to God's pervasive presence and everlasting faithfulness. Andrew Greer provides an ongoing narrative punctuated by reflections from musicians, publicists, producers, band buddies, friends and others who either knew the (sadly too early deceased) singer, songwriter, troubadour, and creation-lover Rich Mullins. Most of us have heard some stories from relatives, friends, or neighbors so frequently that even though the events happened long in the past or the characters died decades ago, the dynamism of the raconteur has brought them alive to the listener. In fact, that's how the canon of scripture first began as an oral tradition before it became a written one. Drawing upon that tradition, the book also includes contributions from people who'd interacted with those who'd met him face to face so they'd developed their own sense of Rich's life and persona.
"Rich's imagination was so saturated by biblical narratives ... Yes, he longed for the winds of heaven, but he also ached for the redemption and restoration of the stuff of earth, and he had the courage to let some of Christ's passion for the world infuse his own." Page 175, from Chapter 34, "The Bittersweet Longing," by Carolyn Arends
I discovered Rich and his music when a friend linked me to "Help me, Jesus." The World as Best I Remember It was my first Rich Mullins album; "Calling Out Your Name" the cut that grabbed me so I couldn't leave it: "Where the sacred rivers meet // Beneath the shadow of the Keeper of the Plains // I feel thunder in the sky // I see the sky about to rain // And I hear the prairies calling out Your name." The Revised Common Lectionary appoints Psalms 96, 98, and 148 for Christmas, the celebration of God's incarnation on earth in a body made from the stuff of earth. Fields rejoice, oceans roar, trees sing, sea monsters, fire and fruit trees, wild and domestic animals all praise God because God in our midst means the end of pollution and decay, the beginning of the new creation, the dawn of humanity reclaiming its divine image. Martin Luther described the divine presence as "in, with, and under" all creation; in his closeness to Creator and creation, Rich heard the prairies praise. How about us?
"Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth" celebrates Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit of Life, and the promises of God the Father throughout—though it's not exactly a devotional book. But reading the short entries in order or at random still could enhance anyone's devotional life; it's not too much to claim it has a place alongside any collection or single volume of lives of the saints. As much as we can learn from the people of God in centuries past (shoutout to this year 2017 being #Reformation500 / #Luther500 and our ongoing awareness of ways God used both passions and imperfections of Martin Luther and other reformers, and more recent Jesus followers like Saint Teresa of Kolkata), Rich Mullins' inner struggles, his contributions to the world of music, the world of the church, and society in general bear pondering and at their best, are worth imitating.
I've had the privilege of being on the launch team for Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth; I'm excited to start wearing my t-shirt and finding even more fans for Rich!
November 20, 2017
I was thrilled to read this book. It's not a biography-it's exactly what the subtitle claims: Spiritual Conversations Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of Rich Mullins. By reading how Rich affected those who knew him well, it allowed me to remember his influence on my life and get to know him better. Each chapter is written by a different person, and the chapters are fairly short. I took my time reading through this book so I could savor each reflection.
Rich was such a unique individual because of the depth of his love for God. For this reason, I highly recommend it not only for all Rich Mullins fans, but for anyone who wants a glimpse of a life fully lived in the love and grace of God.
I am so thankful to Worthy Publishing for providing a review copy of this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
Rich was such a unique individual because of the depth of his love for God. For this reason, I highly recommend it not only for all Rich Mullins fans, but for anyone who wants a glimpse of a life fully lived in the love and grace of God.
I am so thankful to Worthy Publishing for providing a review copy of this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
October 23, 2017
I have been a huge Rich Mullins fan for years. There is/was absolutely no one like Rich and his music was/is as unique as he carried on with his life as a Christ-follower. His music leads me to Christ like no other musician, past or future. He is greatly, greatly missed and his music never gets old for me. So, when anything “new” comes out about Rich Mullins, I am very excited to read it because I think his life is a mystery still worth uncovering. For the book, a large group of his friends provided short conversations either about Rich’s influence on their lives or just spiritual topics that Rich would have been a part of. Well done and a book that deserves to be read again.
September 19, 2017
Every fan of Rich Mullins will want to read this book. It's an honest, I really look at a man who didn't so much have peace with God, but was relentlessly pursuing God throughout his life in the midst of an incredible restlessness. Rich Mullins was not a perfect man, everyone knew he had faults, but his passion to serve the Lord seamed to know no bounds. The reflections, memories, and stories about Rich found in these pages are wonderful. Some of them truly make my heart ache to know God more. I can't recommend this book enough to people who love the music of Rich Mullins.
September 11, 2017
I can't believe it has been 20 years. I was planning to attend the concert in Wichita that Rich was traveling to when he died. This book was a beautiful tribute, with some new insights into who he was. Mostly, I appreciated the Rich Mullins quotes, the specific stories behind his songs, and the applicable scriptures included with each chapter.
Thank you to the author and contributors for reminding us of this genuine, ragamuffin life.
Thank you to the author and contributors for reminding us of this genuine, ragamuffin life.
September 16, 2018
Rich Mullins was one of the greatest influences in my early Christian life. There were moments in this book that I was reminded why, especially the essays written by those who knew him personally and well. Other essays left much to be desired. But that's the nature of a book like this with multiple contributors. Overall, however, I enjoyed this read. I was once again drawn into the life of this quirky man who knew the love of his Father.
January 18, 2018
Great Book
Go read this book. It gives you an inside look at the life of Rich Mullins. Loved it! Go get yourself a copy.
Go read this book. It gives you an inside look at the life of Rich Mullins. Loved it! Go get yourself a copy.
January 21, 2018
Obviously, I savored this. A chapter a morning with a break over the holidays.
October 27, 2019
I’m not a fan of giving bad book reviews, but here it goes. I was really looking forward to this book. However, the writers of it have not learned the first principle of grief: Do not put the dead person on a pedestal. This book does exactly that. More than half of it was written by people who never met Rich, but are sure he would still think this or that 20 years later. Most are random memories that have been twisted to spiritualize them. On a more positive note, there were 3 wonderful chapters in a 267 page book.
February 18, 2023
I love this book. It not only celebrates a life while challenging you to look at how well you love others, especially those that are not in your corner of the world. It will remind you of the friend Jesus is to us and that His table is plenty big enough for everyone.
This is a book you'll want to read twice, discuss with friends later and maybe put feet to your faith. I can't recommend it enough.
This is a book you'll want to read twice, discuss with friends later and maybe put feet to your faith. I can't recommend it enough.
April 15, 2020
A profound and enlightening book referencing the life, poetry and lyrics of Christian musician/storyteller Rich Mullins. A longtime fan of his music, I appreciated his faith perspective given by those who were close to him. The reading experience was as if I was holding a mirror to myself. Though Rich is no longer with us, the ultimate story continues.
February 11, 2020
Few people have shaped my walk with the Lord like Rich Mullins. I'm so grateful for his musical influence and the reminders that this book provides that God loves us in our doubt, messiness, and restlessness.
April 15, 2024
This book is simply a treasure trove of encouragement, timely truths that are also timeless, and food for thought. Pretty much anything related to Rich Mullins deeply ministers to me, and this was no exception.
September 22, 2023
Not quite the book I thought it was going to be.
But it was great reading some reflections of people who knew Rich well and be reminded of Rich’s love of God and those around him.
But it was great reading some reflections of people who knew Rich well and be reminded of Rich’s love of God and those around him.
December 5, 2025
I was disappointed in this book.
I should have read the subtitle more carefully: “Spiritual Conversations Inspired by the Life & Lyrics of Rich Mullins.” So it wasn’t really a book about Rich Mullins - as I had thought. Despite the picture of Rich on the cover and the title being from one of his songs, it was mostly people I’d never heard of rambling on about their own spiritual thoughts. So I read the book quickly, searching for the sparse information regarding (or stories about) Rich Mullins.
If you excised all the enjoyable Rich Mullins quotes and stories from the book along with the several interesting reflections on his life, you would have a really excellent magazine article. This book was a great magazine article stuffed with filler to make it a book.
The marketing people did a great job.
Before reading the book, I almost bought copies for my friends. I’m glad now that I didn’t.
I should have read the subtitle more carefully: “Spiritual Conversations Inspired by the Life & Lyrics of Rich Mullins.” So it wasn’t really a book about Rich Mullins - as I had thought. Despite the picture of Rich on the cover and the title being from one of his songs, it was mostly people I’d never heard of rambling on about their own spiritual thoughts. So I read the book quickly, searching for the sparse information regarding (or stories about) Rich Mullins.
If you excised all the enjoyable Rich Mullins quotes and stories from the book along with the several interesting reflections on his life, you would have a really excellent magazine article. This book was a great magazine article stuffed with filler to make it a book.
The marketing people did a great job.
Before reading the book, I almost bought copies for my friends. I’m glad now that I didn’t.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews