literary living
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This Fear of Our Lord 2023
It’s popular now to pick a theme word for each new year instead of crafting a list of resolutions. As a lover of words, this idea appeals to me. And yet, the word I feel most drawn to for this year is far from the ordinary ones—joy and kindness, for instance. Instead, my theme word Continue reading
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2022 Reading Roundup
I read 55 books this year. Here are a few of my favorites: 1. Historical Fiction: Andersonville by MacKinlay Kantor I’ve been wanting to read this Civil War epic since high school, but was determined to find a vintage copy in a used bookstore. Finally, my hunt was rewarded. The Book Cellar in Grand Haven, Continue reading
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Christmas Trees
I.Beside the road, browning in the breeze,Are th’unadorned and corpselike Christmas trees.Their severed stumps pine for forsaken sod,The rootless forest for a promised Rod. Dangling from a beam of their own bark,They wait in vain for cries of joy or “Hark!”In these rejected trees we find reversedThe truth that He who hangs as such is Continue reading
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Every Saint a Singer
While recording a podcast earlier this week, I was asked: “Are all Christians required to sing?” I replied that yes, scripture indicates as much. Not every believer is called to music ministry as a vocation, but every saint is, fundamentally, a singer. The calls to song that punctuate scripture are not only directed to all Continue reading
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Gift Ideas for Worship Leaders/Musicians
Struggling to shop for the worship leaders or musicians in your life? As an organist, pianist, teacher, and music director, I’m here to help. Here are some gifts that will never not be appreciated by musicians and worship leaders of all styles, ages, and levels: 1. This portable music stand. (Finally, one that isn’t flimsy Continue reading
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Dry Land
Lately, I’ve been overwhelmed with writing projects and concert preparations. To-do lists cascade beyond the lines of my planner and onto post-it notes, phone reminders, and my journal, which no longer feels like a record of my life but an invoice proving my productivity. Yesterday, I came home from work emotionally and physically drained. I Continue reading
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Books Recommending Books
I’ve noticed a trend in books that I love: they also love each other. When I first read Anne of Green Gables, I was intrigued by the part where Anne gets caught reading Ben-Hur when she is supposed to be doing her history lessons. First of all, I share a great deal with my partial Continue reading
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Theology of Worship Panel – Part 2
Originally posted on Ryanne Molinari: I had the absolute joy of speaking on music-making, spiritual formation, and worship last night at Redemption Church Arcadia. It was such a fruitful time of sharing my thesis on musical practice as spiritual formation and then discussing how this factors into congregational worship. You can watch and listen here… Continue reading
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Nuggets of Hospitality
One year ago, my husband and I launched a young adults’ life group for our church. I spent the entire day preparing. I tidied every inch of our house and polished the floors—by far my least favorite chore. I unpacked every charcuterie board (it turns out that I have quite a few) and carefully arranged Continue reading
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Knox Knock: Protestant Parents Reform Halloween Door-to-Door Tradition
Knox Knock: Protestant Parents Reform Halloween Door-to-Door Tradition http://abookishcharm.com/2017/10/27/knox-knock-protestant-parents-reform-halloween-door-to-door-tradition/ — Read on abookishcharm.com/2017/10/27/knox-knock-protestant-parents-reform-halloween-door-to-door-tradition/ Continue reading
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Hallmark Doesn’t Make Cards for That
Yesterday I searched and searched for a card, but could not find one suitable for this morning’s wedding—the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever attended. The bride was glowing, wearing a tee-shirt and wrapped in a beach towel. The groom wore a matching shirt and complementary towel. The wedding party wore swim trunks. It was a Continue reading
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Our Temporary Eternal Flame
Many churches feature an “eternal flame” at the front of their sanctuaries, a continually-burning candle that signifies the presence of Christ. Our church, being nondenominational and fairly young, does not have such a candle. This week, however, we did have an eternal flame. When Prairie Bible Church first moved into its building, the congregation read Continue reading
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Ryanne Molinari 