"I am a collection of some thirty trillion cells... Each cell is a microscopic living universe, complete with its own power plants, internal communication systems, and manufacturing capabilities. Yet, these trillions of independent lives willingly subordinate themselves to form one harmonious whole: me." ~ Dr. Paul Brand, 1914-2003, Renowned Hand Surgeon, Author, and Medical Missionary.

Happy Thursday, October 1, 2026, everyone! Welcome to today’s edition. I often thank God for giving me the wherewithal to put together and publish these daily visits. I became interested in what science says about the writing process, so I asked Google A.I. what happens in the brain when someone writes a story on a computer. Here is the response, cleaned up to remove a section that appeared twice:

~ Writing a story on a computer requires several parts of the brain to work together. The brain helps you sit upright, develop your thoughts, turn those thoughts into words, move your hands across the keyboard, read what appears on the screen, and stay focused throughout the process.

1. Maintaining posture and balance

Before you can type, your brain helps stabilize your body in a seated position. The cerebellum and basal ganglia monitor your body’s position and make small, ongoing adjustments to your muscles. The brainstem helps send signals through the spinal cord to the muscles in your core, back, and neck so you can remain upright.

2. Formulating the story

Developing a narrative and putting it into words involves several areas of the brain. The prefrontal cortex helps with planning, working memory, and decisions about what to say next. Areas involved in language, including Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas, help you form sentences, understand words, and select vocabulary that conveys your meaning.

3. Typing and reviewing the words

Once you have words in mind, the premotor cortex helps plan the movements needed to reach the keys. The primary motor cortex sends signals to the muscles in your shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. The somatosensory cortex processes what your fingers feel as they touch the keyboard, while the visual cortex processes the words appearing on the screen so you can read, proofread, and edit them.

4. Sustaining focus

Networks involved in alertness, including the reticular activating system, help you remain awake and attentive as you write.  ~

 

I know—that’s some heavy, thought-provoking information. But stay with me. Please. Over the years, I purchased several books for my grandmother, who loved reading. After her death, those books were returned to me. One was Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, written by Dr. Paul Brand, a renowned hand surgeon, and Philip Yancey, a best-selling writer. These evangelical Christian authors sought to describe the mind-boggling intricacies of the human body as a reflection of God’s design. The book’s title draws from Psalm 139:13–14: “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works.” I understand that scholars differ on how the wording of this passage should be interpreted. Even so, when I consider all that goes on in my body and mind just to sit here and write, I am amazed by how God designed us to function. Many verses in Scripture speak of how God made us. Today, my thoughts lead me to this simple conclusion: Thank You, Lord, for giving me the ability to produce a blog that seeks to honor You and be of service to others. Amen and Amen.