Where the Work Is

Not a perfect example of a good sentence.

So I’ve been reading a free e-book the past few days, and for good reason: I wouldn’t pay for it. The book. No, I meant it was free for a good reason, not that I’ve been reading it for a good reason. Yeah, my bad; I should have worded that better. Speaking of wording things better, this e-book I was talking about: I won’t mention it by name or author because that would be mean. So take this as an insight into why books – even e-books – should have a particular sales figure attached to them; a sales figure, for instance, that might let you know at least if the book is well-written.

The Image of God

In our (my wife’s and my) church small group last night we we’re studying from that morning’s sermon on Mark 12:13-17. This is the well-known story of paying taxes to Caesar: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (v. 17 ESV). What often happens with well-known passages of Scripture, however, is that – as with well-known water-courses – I tend to slide into the same rut I’ve commonly fallen into when reading down the verses. But occasionally, God pulls me out of that rut and shows me something above and beyond the stream-banks.

It's Never Right to Write Never

American Sign Language

“Never say never” never gets a chuckle anymore; it doesn't even strike a nerve. And some people still demand their right to deny, to set in stone and bound with rocks; to feel safe in their little versions of reality and make sure no one else feels safe outside it. Writing teachers too, of all people, still make their right to say “never.” Well I say, “Under no circumstances say never.”

Signs and Standards

“Do this, don’t do that; can’t you read the sign?” Great song. But can we really just make up signs to tell people what to do, where to go, how to be? Or laws? Or guidelines? I don’t think Christians can. And if you know me, you might have foreseen that, because I’m all about reminding Christians when they’re wrong. Permit me a little tangent.

What Day, What Week?

Another week of the new year sliding away, fading to fossilization; forgotten but not lost. I had a lot of ideas about how things might go, and a certain amount of respect for what I didn't know. But I do have a schedule for how things are supposed to go, if things go the way they’re…you know…supposed to. And it’s centered around my goal to become as close to a writer as possible while still paying the bills.

My Feelings About Truth

The moment the Romney camp announced that fact-checking would not run their campaign, what the nation should have heard was the hundreds of thousands of Christian Republicans running for the door.

Blogging a Book

I can hear the questions tumbling through your mind: What on earth gave him this idea? Did he just ruin everything so no publisher will ever look at this book? What if I don’t want to read it even if it is miraculously published? How is this going to work, exactly?

New Year's Intentions

“Atrophy: a wasting away or progressive decline.” Why am I defining “atrophy” according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, when I’m supposed to be talking about New Year’s Intentions?

Happy New Year!

Happy new year, everybody! I decided to test everyone’s limits on the phrase “Better late than never.” I may even wish you another happy new year in August, just to see if you still stick to it.

But it is a new year, and I’ve got a lot of new things going on. I’ve got a new iPhone, with new apps that allow me to create Tasks to complete and times to complete them. I have a new schedule, and a new plan of eating (I would say “diet” but that word has changed meanings these days, in a way I don’t intend it).

I have a new degree, and new opportunities for employment that I’m not taking advantage of yet.

And I have a new relationship with God: whenever I catch myself thinking sinful thoughts, or if I think of my new commitment to Him, I immediately say some variant of “Father, don’t leave me.” Because I’m a child, and Satan prowls like a lion, seeking whom he may devour; because there is darkness, thorns, rocks, and crows out there, and I need my Father to protect me.  Because I used to cry out to Him only when I’d fallen, instead of asking Him to help me walk.

So here I am, putting my hand to the plow and trying not to look back; it’s a new year of writing: college is done, my degree completed, and it’s time to pick up the keyboard and write. Starting right now.

See you Wednesday.

Don't Look Back

I don't know who that guy was, but it wasn't me; I mean, armor, really? Victorious fist pump and "Hail the returning writer?" Psh. Showboat.

I've been working. Certainly too hard for Renaissance-fair antics. Nope: I've been wearing corduroy britches, diggin ditches, dodgin' pitches, pullin' switches -- I've been working on the railway (Hadrian's Wall? Anyone?)

No, actually I've been getting married, finishing my degree, and trying to figure out what to do next. But I have some plans. Some are going to show up here, so stick around. I'm going to. Just gotta lay down my shovel first.