writing
-
The Bookish Quote That Isn’t Actually Bookish
I am rereading Pride and Prejudice for probably the sixth time for an independent study project. At the risk of sounding like Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail, I really don’t think you can read this book too many times. Every time I revisit it, I enjoy it with greater relish: the wit strikes deeper, Continue reading
-
This is the Day the Lord has Made I Guess
There is a wind chill of -40. Negative. Forty. While my Arizona-raised mind cannot fathom this stark reality, I was just outside and my chilled hands can confirm: this is my third winter in Iowa and this weekend alone has rendered it the most brutal. I knew this day was going to be nasty when Continue reading
-
All My (Author) Friends Are Dead – A Reflection and Update
First of all, if you got the reference from this post’s title, let’s be friends; we clearly went to junior high in the same era. Alright, moving on. Last month, I received some long-awaited and long-prayed-for news. When I opened the fateful email, I ran screaming across the house to tell Billy. “Crsweryawfurrmuncnterct!!!” He thought Continue reading
-
12 Ways Your Headphones Are Changing You
I recently read 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Tony Reinke, which was a scary read not because it contained monsters or spooks but because it cut to the heart of certain realities–namely, that our smartphones are changing us far more than we would like to admit. This made me consider what other Continue reading
-
Marvelous (A Song Based on Psalm 139)
On Saturday, I helped a friend lead musical worship for a women’s event. The morning was centered around testimonies, with at least one woman quoting Psalm 139. As I picked out the songs for the morning, I remembered that somewhere in the depths of my old laptop was a song I wrote based on this Continue reading
-
Publication Update: The Sacrifice
Nine years ago, I began a story—a story that kept me up at night, that made me sick to my stomach, that sent me down weird Google rabbit holes. It is a story that I could not forget and have revisited every year since. It is, I believe, a necessary story. I am pleased to Continue reading
-
Not a Laser, a Light: Reflecting on Encouragement
I live in the neighborhood all Midwestern dads reminisce about. Every morning, kids march past my house and up a hill to the elementary school. In the afternoon, they traipse back, climbing through my yard, which is also uphill. They don’t know it yet, but someday they’ll boast to their kids, “When I was your Continue reading
-
Of The Making of Much Content There is No End: Reflecting on Ecclesiastes and Instagram
My Instagram feed is filled with “marketing experts” offering advice on producing endless content to build up a personal brand. But, why? These self-proclaimed “experts” have built massive followings of people who are desperate to gain followings…but for what? We have created a culture of people who are eager to be famous just for the Continue reading
-
7 Similarities Between Christian Encouragement and Spirit-filled Singing
As I’ve plunged into the deep end of exegesis and research this week, I’ve found even more similarities between encouragement and singing than I expected. These are not fully developed premises, but I hope these basic points and scripture citations inspire you to dive in for yourself. Encouragement and singing are both:1. Characteristic of God Continue reading
-
Social Media and Sabbaths
It’s Saturday evening, and I am filled with relief. Tomorrow, at last, is a Sabbath. Sundays are not restful for me. I rise earlier than other mornings and practice for an hour or so before my first church service, where I play the organ and direct the choir. After this, I snatch a few donut Continue reading
blog, blogger, Book, books, bookworm, christian, christian blogger, Christian living, church, church life, church music, church musician, faith, fruit of the Spirit, Fruitful Worship, journal, literature, ministry, ministry life, music life, organist, pastor, Reading, reflection, theology, traditional worship, worship, worship leader, worship music, writer, writing -
Three Ways Musical Roots Teach Us About Love
I am always amazed by how music—even music theory—images certain theological concepts. Enjoy! 1. The Root Provides Identity In music theory, the “root” is the note by which a scale or chord is named (C is the root of a C major scale, and so on). It is the foundational pitch that gives the scale Continue reading
-
Publication Update
ClayJar Review, a Christian literary journal, selected my sonnet, “Ash Wednesday 2023,” and my flash fiction story, “Protocol,” for publication. It is rare to find a Christian journal that values both authenticity and hopefulness, so I am honored to be included. My pieces, along with those by other Christian creatives, can be read here: https://clayjar.review/issues/sorrow-and-joy 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 