Webster defines rapport as a relationship “marked by harmony, conformity, accord, or affinity.” It seems an appropriate word to begin the New Year, a wish for peace and unity. Such qualities, though, don’t arise out of nowhere. They require effort, devoted attention, time, and humility. Unity and peace — harmony — only come through bending toward other people rather than demanding one’s own way.
Archives for January 2018
To Whatever End
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.
“Where you die, I will die, and their I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.”
Ruth 1:16–7, New American Standard Bible
I believe the phrase “to whatever end” finds its most popular use in a young adult fantasy series. It isn’t one I’ve read, so the words stick with me for a reason other than literature. For me, the words resonate because of where I currently reside, physically and spiritually.
Write Right’s List of Exquisite Books for 2018
The New Year often brings all sorts of resolutions, including ones to read more books. I could offer numerous suggestions for such a decision, but the recommendations would take the better part of the day. Because of that, I narrow the focus. I won’t share my favorite books — an almost impossible task — but my most exquisite books.
[Read more…] about Write Right’s List of Exquisite Books for 2018
Alphabet Adventure: Q is for Querulous
Querulous seems a fitting “q” word, mostly because the letter sees little use unless one serves a queen or plays Scrabble. Querulous, though, produces a small Scrabble score with all its vowels and “l” and “s.” A better option would be quiz or quagmire.
Book Review: The Original Storyteller
Robert Carnes’ devotional The Original Storyteller: Become a Better Storyteller in 30 Days states its intended purpose outright. It is a guide meant to aid writers in both their craft and faith. “Writers” in this case largely refers to novelists and memoirists; the series of devotions focus on matters especially pertinent to them: character development, thematic motifs, foreshadowing, et cetera.