writing
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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
Bible, Bible church, christian, christian blog, Christian writer, christianity, church, church life, eternal flame, inspiration, life together, ministry, ministry life, nondenominational, pastor, pastor's wife, pastor's wife life, Prairie Bible Church, reading the whole Bible, scripture, study, worship, writer, writing -
Insignificant in Life, Glorious in Death
There’s a tree at the end of my street that is unfairly beautiful right now. It’s nice enough throughout the rest of the year, but in the early autumn it turns a vibrant red. I slow down whenever I drive past just to marvel at it. There’s something somber about this tree. It spends its… Continue reading
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Joyfully, Ryanne
I sign my emails “Joyfully,” which seems ironic. I don’t tend toward cheerfulness when I open my cluttered inbox. Signing my emails this way began as a choice—much like joy. No matter my mood when I type the body of a message, I am forced to rejoice when I sign and send it. The early… Continue reading
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Seven More Books for Spooky Season
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield This gothic suspene story is punctuated by frequent hot cocoa breaks. Equal parts cozy and creepy, it combines Wuthering Heights and Emily of New Moon. Tales of the Macabre by Daphne du Maurier This collection of short stories is a fabulous introduction to du Maurier’s poetic style. Make sure… Continue reading
author, Book, books, Chesterton, diane setterfield, emily bronte, father brown mysteries, gaston leroux, good books, Good Reads, halloween, inspiration, literature, nine tailers, nine tailors, october books, october reading, old books, phantom of the opera, poem, Reading, recommendations, spooky season, the birds, thirteenth tale, writer, writing, wuthering heights -
Wednesday
Wednesday is a day of reorientation. Monday and Tuesday, I reflect on Sunday’s services. What went well? How did the music interact with the message? Was my preparation enough? On Wednesday, I turn my gaze toward the coming Sunday. I finalize my service binder, confirm my prelude and postlude, and rehearse with the choir. I… Continue reading
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2022 Reading List
This weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Maranatha Christian Writers’ Conference. Perhaps the most invigorating part of this experience was swapping book recommendations. This inspired me to update my abandoned GoodReads account. This year has been a good one for reading and writing. I’ve finished my first draft of Fruitful Worship and, in… Continue reading
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The Sacrifice
I recently revisited and revised this old story for a competition. To my horror, multiple rounds of editing and two different spell-check programs failed to catch a few typos. For my own peace of mind, I’ve decided to share the corrected version here as the typo-riddled version is already awaiting adjudication. Typos aside, I feel… Continue reading
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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… Continue reading
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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… Continue reading
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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… Continue reading
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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… Continue reading
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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:… Continue reading
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