Humanity used to erect temples for deities. And because their minds focused upward, the temples were lofty places and beautiful. Because the modern idol is Self, all we build now are social media followings. We can excavate and learn about the Greeks. We can translate cuneiform. But now, we've raised and poised ourselves atop generations … Continue reading In One Thousand Years
Author: Katie Baker
Something I Never Do: A Poem
I'm not a poet, but I enjoy poetry. And as I writer, I believe in challenging yourself. That said, here is my humble attempt at a poem. Enjoy. I.Put a few words in a row,And-- what do you know!--A sentence.Line a few thoughts on a stringAnd maybe they'll singOf endurance.String those thoughts over time. Fast … Continue reading Something I Never Do: A Poem
Say No to the Barbarian Horde
I come to you this week asking a genuinely curious question. Should churches update the old hymns' language--- when they sing them at all? It's a thought that's been lurking in the back of my mind for some time. It resurrected last week while I listened to a podcast interview between Jordan Peterson and Douglas … Continue reading Say No to the Barbarian Horde
It’s Not the Unknown You Should Fear
It was just a stop on the way. Rimrock, the sign said. A lookout. Ben almost drove past it, tapping the brakes so hard I had to clamp onto the grab bars and brace my feet against the floorboards. The bike brapped down through the gears in a progression of growls. We wound around a … Continue reading It’s Not the Unknown You Should Fear
Spending Days and Accruing Months
She told him a million times, "Honey if you don't ask, some other guy will." And he knew it was true. It just didn't seem this-minute-true. He thought maybe if someone else did ask that would solve his problems, and maybe if someone didn't, she would stick around. That's what loyal girls do. Stick around. … Continue reading Spending Days and Accruing Months
My Mind is a Mirror
Some mornings my mind lies as still as a pond. Can you see it? A platinum sheet. Tufts of steam shimmering in the air. Beautiful but still. Where are the words? Hidden somewhere beneath that molten mirror. Hidden by the reflection of the high cirrus skies. Down with the fish, darting in the shadows. They … Continue reading My Mind is a Mirror
Writer’s Hibernation
All writers enjoy times when the words zing from their fingertips, but just like blue skies and sunshine, that energy doesn't always stay. You wonder--- where do the words go when the mood clouds shift? Are writers like bears? Do they need to hibernate --- store up the fat and juice of life? Sit awhile … Continue reading Writer’s Hibernation
Power Play
Competition teaches you things about yourself. Super competitive v. quitter? How to win. How to lose. Honest v. Cheater? Every spring, my workplace does a walk/run challenge. The rules are simple, and there are many rewards to be given out. Hit a specific weekly mileage--- bam! You're entered into a drawing. But of course, there … Continue reading Power Play
The Problem with Profanity
I struggle sometimes, as a writer and as a Christian, with profanity. I've always taken the stance that I will use profanity in my writing when it feels applicable to a character or the narrative. However, it comes time to publish and share something, and I begin to feel self-conscious about my Christian friends reading … Continue reading The Problem with Profanity
Smokey Memory
I was struck by something when I walked out of work on Tuesday to drive home for lunch. My coworkers and I spent the morning observing the pall of wildfire smoke descend upon us. A sheet of white slowly swallowed the spine of the hills rimming our valley. We could not tell where the sky … Continue reading Smokey Memory
Seeking Prose 