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Essential Equations: Goodness in Ministry and Music
I deeply enjoyed drafting the sixth chapter in my work in progress, Fruitful Worship, in which I considered the necessity of doctrinal, moral, and creative goodness for fruitful music and ministries. As I wrap up this chapter, I want to share the following, which may be helpful to those who, like me, might wonder where…
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Cross Pollination
It is no coincidence that, as I am writing a book on the fruit of the Spirit, I am also learning to be a gardener. I recently discovered that my yard features a cherry tree, an apple tree, two different kinds of grape vines, and numerous different ornamental flowers. I have also planted several types…
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Non-Partisan Ways to Promote Life
I’ve seen a lot of pro-choice posts declaring that, “If overturning Roe was really about babies, the government would pay for all medical care, all schooling, provide guaranteed jobs post-college.” I needn’t examine the logic of such statements because, frankly, there is none. It has never been the duty of the government to provide for…
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The Amazing Grace of a Father
The first hymn I ever learned was “Amazing Grace.” My dad used to hum it to me when I was a child and, later, taught it to me. At my wedding, nearly one year ago, it was my wedding processional. (The above photo is of that exciting, terrifying moment.) “Don’t worry,” my dad said before…
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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…
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Gardening Advice
I say to you: do not pull up the weeds. If you begin, it is a lifelong taskAs with each stem and bud you find and graspThree more will seem to spring up from its seeds. Again, I say: don’t bother with the weeds.If they offend, give them some other name;A “wild rose,” although it…
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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…
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Quick and Foolproof Dystopian Society Recipe for Beginners
I’ve read a lot of dystopian novels and, interestingly, they all seem to suggest the same elements for the destruction of a functioning, fulfilling society. If you are looking to contribute to the actualization of dystopia in our day, look no further! I’ve compiled a list of ingredients that are absolutely essential to generating the…
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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:…
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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…
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Leaning toward Grace
Too often, I’ve heard professing Christians say, “I just lean more grace than truth.” This statement is used to simultaneously claim Christ while committing the sins that crucified him. Such statements ignore the nature of grace, which does not leave us to stew in sin but saves us from sin. Grace is not separate from…
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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…
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