It’s hard to imagine living in a more politically charged climate than this one. The advent of social media and a 24-hour news cycle allows us not only to know what’s going on at any minute of the day but also to offer our opinions about it—opinions that can instantly be read and shared all … Continue reading Praying for Elected Leaders Is More Important Than You Think
Author: Cindy Matson
Expelliarmus!
If you're a Potterhead (like yours truly), you know exactly what the title of this post means; if not, allow me to explain. In the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling, the spell to disarm an opponent is performed with the word Expelliarmus! and a flourish of one’s wand. When done correctly, this spell causes … Continue reading Expelliarmus!
Rumble Strips and Road Signs
We love to use them; but we don’t want them used against us. I’m talking about 100% words. Always. Never. Forever. If you’ve got kids who are able to talk, you’ve heard them. “You never let us do anything!” Or, “She always gets to ride shotgun!” Or, “Why do I always have to do the … Continue reading Rumble Strips and Road Signs
Better than Sherlock
Confession: I don’t really like mystery novels. If you know me, that may come as a surprise. I think I seem the type. I like the idea of a mystery and occasionally read them hoping that this time I'll enjoy myself, but I inevitably get frustrated while reading because I read too fast and miss … Continue reading Better than Sherlock
Not Just a Flannelgraph
When you think of Daniel (the Bible character), what do you think? Lions? Handwriting on the wall? The fiery furnace? (Wait, that wasn’t Daniel—or was it? I just remember the three guys. But they were Daniel’s friends, right? Where was Daniel?) Yes, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, and yes, he read the handwriting … Continue reading Not Just a Flannelgraph
Growing in Grace One Word at a Time
“But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 3:18). Spiritual growth isn’t an option. It’s a command. The Christian life knows nothing of cruise control or auto-pilot. While God is at work in us, we are also supposed to be at work in sanctification (the fancy theological term … Continue reading Growing in Grace One Word at a Time
Five Books I Liked in 2019
I know that there are a zillion end-of-year book lists out there, many by more eloquent and insightful readers than I am. However, because I love to share books I like, let’s make it a zillion and one. Suffering by Paul TrippPaul Tripp is a prolific author, so you have probably encountered him either in … Continue reading Five Books I Liked in 2019
Far as the Curse Is Found
The longest chapter in Deuteronomy begins with hope but ends with horror. Moses has finished reiterating the Law to the new generation who will conquer the Promised Land; now in chapter 28 he tells them what to expect in return for keeping the Law—and what to expect if they don’t. Of the 68 verses in … Continue reading Far as the Curse Is Found
The Greatest Avenger
Fueled by fury, hatred, and hubris, the serpent strutted into the Garden and smiled. He knew the woman would soon wander near the forbidden tree, making his plan almost too easy. He arrived well before her to make sure everything was in order. He had been planning for too long to make a careless mistake … Continue reading The Greatest Avenger
Am I Thankful? Four Questions for Self-Examination
We call them Christmas-and-Easter Christians—the people who attend church only on the “religious” holidays and then assume that they’ve done their duty and go about their business until the next obligatory attendance day arrives. If you’re reading this, you probably recognize that this method of church attendance is a far cry from the biblical mandate … Continue reading Am I Thankful? Four Questions for Self-Examination