Daunting because of its length and subject matter, Isaiah stands as a mountain that many believers never dare climb. Though they may make it to the end doing a Bible read-through plan, many may never be willing to spend more time than the surface-level reading. Pastors likely won’t take up the challenge to preach all … Continue reading Reflections on God from the Book of Isaiah
Author: Cindy Matson
My name is Cindy Matson. I proudly hail from the great state of Wyoming, land of more antelope than people (officially), more tumbleweeds than antelope (unofficially), and one four-year university (Go Cowboys!). While I was born and raised in the West, I transplanted to the Great North of Minnesota after attending college in Wisconsin (even farther north!). I’ve lived in Viking-land for nearly a dozen years now. While I enjoy writing, my day job for the past twelve years was teaching English and Spanish to 7-12 graders (hence the enjoyment of diagramming). Maybe one day I’ll write about exactly how I came to faith in Christ, but for now, please suffice it to say that I believe in a risen Savior who took upon Himself my sins on the cross, suffering righteously in my place, and rising again the third day. Without Him, I have no hope.
Here are a few things I love: My husband and our two adorable (but crazy) children, my long-legged black dog, coffee, peanut butter, chocolate, reading, basketball (playing, coaching, watching), autumn, playing the guitar, the Green Bay Packers.
Here are a few things I hate: humidity, ketchup, the New England Patriots, humidity, stuffing, parades, and humidity.
What If Seeking Attention Doesn’t Have to Be Bad?
Whether in the form of a toddler’s temper tantrum, a celebrity’s outlandish exploits, a teenager’s rebellion, or the class clown’s obnoxious antics, we are all familiar with attention-seeking. We all do it. In fact, I’ve written at other times about approval as one of the three root idols of our hearts. By that I mean, … Continue reading What If Seeking Attention Doesn’t Have to Be Bad?
Three Lessons from God’s Grumpiest Prophet
Some stories make it into every kid’s Bible story book. You know the ones: Noah's Ark, the parting of the Red Sea, David and Goliath, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, and Jonah in the Belly of the Fish. While each of these accounts has significant theological significance, I doubt that is the only reason they’re … Continue reading Three Lessons from God’s Grumpiest Prophet
The Unintended—But Terrifying—Consequence of Anger
It seems so simple, and yet we struggle with it so much. I see it everywhere and in all ages: my high school stents who lose points on a paper because they didn’t adhere to the formatting directions; my very young PE students who choose to do their own thing rather than follow simple instructions; … Continue reading The Unintended—But Terrifying—Consequence of Anger
Two Things We Get Wrong About Spiritual Warfare
I doubt it’s in any Top-10 list of the greatest movies ever made, but it definitely should be. With an all-star cast, award-winning director, witty dialogue, and utterly atrocious special effects, The Princess Bride is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. One of the best lines of the film is when Inigo muses about Vizzini’s … Continue reading Two Things We Get Wrong About Spiritual Warfare
God Is Bigger Than Your Excuses
Career moves aren’t all that rare these days. In fact, according to some estimates, Gen Z-ers and millennials will switch jobs maybe a dozen times during their working years.1 While these moves might be lateral and within the same occupation, often they’re a jump to a completely new field. However, I think it’s safe to … Continue reading God Is Bigger Than Your Excuses
Walking Worthy of the Gospel Starts Inside the Church House.
Putting on a uniform means something. Whether it’s a soldier donning his dress uniform for a formal event, a quarterback putting on his jersey and helmet before the big game, or an employee putting on the uniform supplied by his business, the uniform carries significance. That special clothing transforms the wearer from an individual with … Continue reading Walking Worthy of the Gospel Starts Inside the Church House.
As Image-Bearers, We Must Keep Creating
“We may get to a point one day when students don’t write papers.” I'm a language arts teacher, so when my principal said that in a staff meeting recently, my mind kicked into gear: “What does that mean for teaching English?” “What would it look like to live in a world where no one knew … Continue reading As Image-Bearers, We Must Keep Creating
Weakness is NOT the Enemy
“Pain is weakness leaving the body.” While you may associate this slogan with the United States Marine Corps (which we hope is filled with strong, able-bodied soldiers), society at large has adopted the mantra to say that our ultimate goal ought to be strength. Our a strongly individualistic American culture values the ability to “take … Continue reading Weakness is NOT the Enemy
What’s So Wonderful About the Word?
“What’s so wonderful about God’s Word?” I’ve tried to ponder this question as if someone, hot latte in hand, had asked me across the Starbucks table. In reflecting, I did what any sane person would: I made a list. And, while I make no claim that it’s perfect, what I want to share with you … Continue reading What’s So Wonderful About the Word?
Bible Study Nerd 