Renewed Strength

This morning, two of my favorite Scripture texts became real to me as never before. You probably love these passages as well. The first is Isaiah 40:28–31. Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding … Continue reading Renewed Strength

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Looking for whip-poor-wills

Have you ever heard the whip-poor-will cry down the twilight? Years since I've heard the haunting chant, it still echoes in my mind. A chance glance recently reverberated melody and memories. As a subscriber to Iowa Outdoors magazine, I receive its lovely DNR calendar each year. Each month features a gorgeous picture showcasing Iowa's natural beauty. The dates are sprinkled … Continue reading Looking for whip-poor-wills

What inspires creativity?

How does a writer fuel the creative muse? What role could poetry or music play? Could sermons or scripture generate creativity? For years, I've believed poetry--or at least being familiar with good poetry--elevated prose. The instructor for my first creative writing course (more than 20 years ago) taught a unit on poetry before teaching prose, … Continue reading What inspires creativity?

Creativity and Productivity

At the beginning of a new year, many people implement innovative strategies to increase productivity and meet specific goals. I usually consider ways to make better use of my time, work smarter, and get more accomplished. Like others who work creatively, I struggle with bringing projects to completion. Is it possible to be productive and … Continue reading Creativity and Productivity

Makoto Fujimura’s recommendations on creativity

Well-known artist Makoto Fujimura recommends on the Christianity Today site his top five books on creativity. If you click on that last hyperlink, you'll see his five are: The Gift: Creativity and the Artist in the Modern World by Lewis Hyde On Beauty and Being Just by Elaine Scarry Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L'Engle … Continue reading Makoto Fujimura’s recommendations on creativity