literary living
-
Instrument
Do you look upon me as an unused pen Or an instrument prepared and poised to write The words and works that speak of such a life Made pleasing and productive in your sight? Or am I still a stone that holds within The unspilled waters of the unstruck spring, The unloosed letters of the Continue reading
-
Life’s Liturgy: “Wir danken dir, Gott”
Isn’t it interesting how certain pieces of music grip us and follow us throughout our lives? As a lover of liturgy, I welcome these key songs, letting them bookend chapters of my life. They are a testimony to the great Composer who is orchestrating all things for my good and his glory. The main piece Continue reading
-
Good News for Writers: You’re Not that Unique
For about a year now, I’ve had a silly idea for a story. Finally, I worked up the courage to write it and share it with the world—or, at least, the small part of the world that represents my readership. For several weeks, nobody mentioned it. I nearly succumbed to my old pattern of thinking: Continue reading
-
Becoming Who Your Book Thinks You Are
When I was in grad school, I asked a fellow student to grab coffee. She was a few steps (and degrees) ahead of me, but we shared an alma mater and enough other similarities that I hoped maybe we’d become friends. At coffee, she told me about a book she was writing on happiness and Continue reading
-
Seven Deadly…Gyms?
Today, I chose the treadmill most people at the gym avoid. Situated right behind a load-bearing column, it’s the one treadmill that doesn’t afford a view of either the TVs, the mirrors, or other people. I anticipated insufferable boredom and resolved to run as quickly as possible so I could be done as quickly as Continue reading
-
Pruned: A Parable
Originally posted on Ryanne Molinari: In a garden in the desert there was a tree. She was beautiful, lush and healthy and growing with a swiftness unknown to most desert plants. She had been planted in good soil and her roots drank deeply from a nearby stream. One day, the Gardener was walking along the… Continue reading
-
An Easter Rehearsal
Originally posted on Ryanne Molinari: I know my feet are prone to slip, unsure, So I play it again: Alleluia. And I know my hands may strike without measure, So I play it once more: Alleluia. But, worst, I know my heart is yet impure, So I pray it again: Alleluia, Amen. The organist and… Continue reading
-
Holy Saturday 2022
This is the space between all life and death, Between his final cry and second-first breath;The stillness between singing and applause,Between the reign of love and rule of laws. The space before the church door is unlocked,Before the stone is rolled, the grave is rocked. The stretching shadow’s still beneath the cross,The stretch of time Continue reading
-
Things Your Garmin Can’t Measure
I love my Garmin watch. Just today, it recorded my fastest 10k yet. The main reason that I ran well today, though, was that I was not thinking about running well. Instead, I was considering the many things that my watch can’t track. Often, these are the very things that make running worthwhile—far beyond any Continue reading
-
Spirit Songs…or Lack Thereof
I have written extensively on the role of the Holy Spirit in musical worship, specifically in the following posts: Pedals and Pandemic Be Thou My Breath Four Reasons Your Church Should have a Choir The Fruit of the Spirit in Worship While the singing of Christians is innately spiritual, there seems to be a significant Continue reading
band, blogger, chord chart, christian blogger, christian contemporary music, church band, church musician, contemporary worship, evangelical, hymnals, lead sheet, organ, songs, Spirit, traditional church music, worship, worship eader, worship leader, worship musician, worship songs, worship talks, worship thoughts, writing -
To the Former Owner of Andersonville
Dear Jack, I recently obtained what was previously your copy of Andersonville. I just wanted to express how thankful I am that you (or your heir, perhaps) gave this book to The Book Cellar, where I added it to my stack of purchases. I have wanted to read Andersonville since high school when I first Continue reading
-
Running without Weight
It’s finally warming up here in Iowa and, although I am glad to run outside once more, I am confronted by the fact that even outdoor running has its restrictions. I must hold my pepper spray if I am running alone. I must carry a water bottle if I plan to run any significant distance. Continue reading
Recent Posts
- Last Things First: January–February 2026
- Waiting and Watching
- Don’t Know What to Post? Try This!
- The Freedom of a Lower Reading Goal
- A Little Theology of Exercise: Enjoying Christ in Body and Soul
Subscribe for Free
Support
If you enjoy my work and would like to keep the music playing and words flowing, consider buying her a coffee using the button below.
Social Media
Ryanne Molinari 