Maybe it’s because it marks the end of the school year, or because it’s the “official start to summer,” or because it’s usually near my birthday or that I don’t have many close ties to fallen soldiers. I’m not quite sure of the reason, but I’ve never been a good observer of Memorial Day. I … Continue reading Remember Them
Author: Cindy Matson
Psalm 27: A Blueprint for Waiting Well
“I’m sorry. We can’t do that here. Didn’t you see the signs?” I couldn’t believe my ears as, after an hour and a half of waiting I had finally heard my number called (73, by the way) and thought I could do what I had come to accomplish. My kids and I had made the … Continue reading Psalm 27: A Blueprint for Waiting Well
Can I Trust My Desires?
“I just want a good job.” “I just want to find a good church.” “I just want a husband.” “I just want a baby.” “I just want to lose a few more pounds.” “I just want a little time to myself.” “I just want a little bit bigger house.” As image-bearers of Him, God created … Continue reading Can I Trust My Desires?
Why The Shepherd’s Rod and Staff Are So Comforting
Sometimes memorizing Scripture is hard. You work and work, and for some reason the verse just doesn’t stick in your brain. Other times, though, if you hang out in “churchy” circles long enough, you memorize passages without even trying. Some verses seem to be almost floating in the air, and they work their way into … Continue reading Why The Shepherd’s Rod and Staff Are So Comforting
Reflections on God from the Book of Isaiah
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
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