writing
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Preaching as the Choir
*The following is a paper written as part of my master’s coursework. The research and thought that generated this paper have had a profound impact on my thinking in regards to worship, and I return to these sources and ideas frequently. In the post-Christian age, sacred choral music remains “a significant part of many people’s… Continue reading
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Publication – The Carpenter
Several of my Advent poems have been published by Agape Review, a newer Christian literary journal. Below is a link to one that has really stuck with me, as well as its text: “The Carpenter” This small pink being in my aching arms is not my own But I am now and ever wholly his.… Continue reading
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Publication – The Silent Carol
Recently, I had the joy of writing on my favorite carol for Deus ex Musica, a fantastic publication and resource for musicians, ministers, and students. You can read my article and listen to some beautiful recordings at the link below: https://www.deus-ex-musica.com/blog/2021/12/10/the-silent-carol Continue reading
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Joseph’s Magnificat
My troubled soul shall magnify the LordWhose glory proves through my humiliation.May it be unto me according to his wordFor the promised hope of this, my own nation. The Master works through my humbled estateAs the fitting tool to smooth my splintered grain.He gives and takes away and by his greatCraft turns my lonesome loss… Continue reading
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November
In Little Women, Meg March complains about November, declaring it “the most disagreeable month in the whole year.” As a November baby, this passage stuck with me. I first read it as a child living in sunny suburban Arizona, so could not understand why Meg hated November for the simple reason that I had never… Continue reading
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Reel Talk
I have developed a bad habit of swiping aimlessly through Instagram reels. Today, though, I nearly dropped my phone like a hot coal. Why? I saw the following advertisement: This reeks of heresy. We are not made in our own image, but in the image of God and, for believers, the likeness of Christ. To… Continue reading
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Fall Reading 2021
Seeing as A Bookish Charm began as a book review blog, I thought I’d return to my roots and share a bit of what I’ve been reading this season. It’s an eclectic bunch of books, but that’s the way I like it, and I hope you will too! Eat this Book by Eugene Peterson: This… Continue reading
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Historical Humility
I’m currently enjoying Theology in the Democracy of the Dead, by Matt Jensen, a former professor of mine from the Torrey Honors College and a fellow (though much more accomplished) St. Andrew’s alum. First of all, I highly recommend this read, as it offers a comprehensive yet relatively brief look into the lives and work… Continue reading
author, authors, Bible, bible study, blog, blogger, Book, book review, books, christ, christian, christian blogger, Christian living, christianity, church, contemporary worship, faith, gospel, learning, literature, Reading, reflection, theology, theology and the arts, torrey honors institute, truth, word, write, writer, writing -
The Quiet Art of Reading Aloud
I remember reading in St. Augustine’s Confessions how he was astounded to see a man sitting before a book, his eyes roving back and forth across the printed page, and yet without uttering a sound. Could he be…reading? The very idea was shocking. I laughed at first, struck to think that reading silently was once… Continue reading
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“Water, Water, Everywhere”
The value of poetry is often found in its ability to capture the core of nuanced situations. Prior to moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, I did some research on the area and was shocked to discover this article by The Gospel Coalition: It’s an article worth reading, at once eye-opening and encouraging. It lays bare… Continue reading
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Desiring Disneyland
My university was situated within a short drive of Disneyland, a major selling point for many of us. I remember fellow students who were constantly complaining about tuition, but continued to spend massive amounts of time and money on Disney passes and products. Now, I enjoy Disneyland. Occasionally—because I am a musician and am sometimes… Continue reading
author, christian, christian culture, christianity, Christianity today, church, church service, college, college students, contemporary christianity, contemporary church, contemporary worship, culture, Disney, disney magic, disneyland, Fantasy, ministry, ministry life, modern Church, sunday experience, word, world, worship production, writer, writing -
The Purest Literature
In Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers, Lord Peter Whimsey defends a woman accused of murder. In an ironical move, Sayers makes this woman a detective novelist which, oddly, works to her favor as Whimsey claims that this counterintuitively renders her unlikely to have committed the crime of which she is accused: “She writes detective… Continue reading
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