Once Upon a Time in Christian Music
Gatekeepers Have you ever bumped up against a gatekeeper? You know, the person in charge of a thing who bars entrance to their domain? They’ll let you through only if you dutifully bow to their power, repeat their creed, or maybe pay the right price. It helps if you have a nice face. Once upon a … Read more
Am I Doing My Best?
Sometimes I feel stuck, like I can’t change despite my efforts. From physical afflictions to moods and attitudes, there are parts of me that seem imbedded beyond any self-helping or God-healing reach. I usually feel better when I spell out my frustrations, either by journaling, conversing, or meeting with my counselor. At the end of … Read more
What’s The Story About?
The Woman in the Willow: A Tale of Hope and Redemption I wrote a novel about a woman facing old age. Old Age is creeping up on me. She will, God-willing, knock on my door in a few years. Beyond my desire to live a simple and contemplative life, is the wonder of what I … Read more
My Mother in Pieces
Overgrown Toenails Oh no! My mother’s toenails, clipped just this morning, are now strewn across my kitchen floor. Pieces of my mother I’d meant to throw away. I’ve just spent time with her in the Memory Care facility. After my one-hour drive there, I had arrived in fear of what condition she’d be in. Last … Read more
God Hasn’t Changed, But I Have
Bananas As a one-year-old, my daughter, Chloe, ate a banana every day. I’d mash up that meal for her like cashing in a guarantee: she’d get a solid breakfast to help her grow, no matter what other foods she’d refuse throughout the day. By two she was peeling and eating the fruit as she toddled … Read more
Woke Yet? There’s Hope for Our Myopia
In the Eyes of the Woke Beholder I know some folks who believe that the earth is flat. Although others consider their views a joke, they consider themselves woke. So, too, academy-awarded actors who proclaim their enlightenment from their platform. They clasp the golden man and parrot the current political narratives. They would say they’re woke. As do the … Read more
A Parent’s Blessing: “Travel Well”
Seasons End Peace wears the softest summer smile, She lands, but only stays a while, Oh, where does she go? The seasons of parenting are gone like the summer. A sense of peace hovers in my memories of those decades. My husband, Scott, and I get a little teary-eyed when we talk about the days … Read more
A Letter From My Future Self
Dear Me, Your life is NOW. I know you try to be in it, to stay present, to be here as it is happening. But I admonish you to try even harder. Not with sheer willpower, but with surrender. Surrender as hard as you can. Surrender to life as it is. And trust. Trust in … Read more
Have You Noticed What You Notice?
Mindfulness Part 2: The Nature of Attention The natural world rejuvenates my mind and spirit, helps me be present. A slow walk on a lovely rustic path improves my mental and spiritual health. Living in Tennessee, I have access to many outdoor havens including Cheekwood Gardens, Warner Parks, and my pretty little yard. Absorbing the … Read more
About Christine
Sign up for my newsletter and you’ll also get a free digital copy of,
Lifelines -
Tracing My Journey in Story and Song
Hi! I’m Christine Dente. I am a writer and a singer/songwriter.
I am a God-pursuer and a Jesus-follower.
Someone once said that “we write our own medicine.” That’s what I have been doing most of my life with songs and with prose.
- I try to draw beauty out of the grey shadows of life,
- trace the shape of grace in childhood traumas,
- find lifelines of hope in everyday dramas, and
- share the things I’ve learned along the road.
- find lifelines of hope in everyday dramas, and
- trace the shape of grace in childhood traumas,
I grew up on Horseshoe Road in rural Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I spent much of my childhood negotiating the rocky places in my parents’ relationship and the effects of their eventual divorce. Shaped by American culture and family dysfunction, I developed the skills I needed to survive and thrive in my high school years and beyond. Some of those skills needed dismantling when they wore out their usefulness. Some have made me what I am today.
In 1985, I met Scott Dente at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
We graduated and married in 1987, moving to Nashville, Tennessee, a year later.
Armed with 2 cats and a guitar, we took on the music business and became recording artists 2 years later.
As Out of the Grey, Scott and I had the privilege of writing, recording, and performing our music as we were raising our family. You can find out more about Out of the Grey here.
After years of homeschooling and touring, our 3 children grew up and out of the house.
With more time on my hands, I let my thoughts and memories stretch their legs and take their turn in the journey.
I get to write books, blogs, and music.
I get to work on my issues with fear and faith.
I can discover some freedom in getting older.
This is where you find me.
May the words of my medicine and the meditations of my heart inspire and encourage you on your own journey!
Thanks for listening,
Christine
