Though it’s hard to believe, we’re already halfway through 2026, closer to next Christmas than we are to last Christmas. Though many people like to devote one post at the end of the calendar year to their favorite books of the last twelve months, I prefer to do it twice. This allows me to review … Continue reading My Favorite Books from the First Half of 2026
Author: Cindy Matson
A Few Thoughts on Staying Single and Pursuing Marriage
“‘In some [countries], the most common number for children born to each woman is zero.’”1 While the falling birthrate is hardly “new news,” this statistic shocked me. And then it got the wheels in my head turning. After all, Scripture says that staying single is a good thing (see 1 Corinthians 7), yet the first … Continue reading A Few Thoughts on Staying Single and Pursuing Marriage
Future Hope = Present Obedience
“But when am I ever gonna use this?” I think every student on the planet has asked that question of his parents or teacher at some point. Sometimes the work in the present just doesn’t seem like it’s going to pay dividends in the future. Maybe you feel the same way about your obedience right … Continue reading Future Hope = Present Obedience
Remember Them
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
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