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
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.
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
Our God Is an Awesome Guard
It was the most costly art theft in history; and if the security guards had done their jobs, it probably never would have happened. Briefly, the tale goes like this. Early in the morning of March 18, 1990, the overnight security guards broke protocol and allowed two thieves into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in … Continue reading Our God Is an Awesome Guard
Scoundrels and Scallywags
From Scarlett O’Hara and Scout Finch to Aslan and Sherlock Holmes, good characters make for good stories. When I read a book lacking likable or relatable characters, I’m unlikely to enjoy or even finish it (I’m looking at you, Pride and Prejudice!). I want to get to know the characters and, at some point, be … Continue reading Scoundrels and Scallywags
Synced with Culture
Had our grandparents heard, “I need to sync my watch with my phone,” thirty years ago, they would have thought you wanted to submerge your phone and watch in water—and would probably have been quite nervous about your sanity. Today, however, the idea of “syncing” is everywhere. Google and Apple sync all compatible devices on … Continue reading Synced with Culture
“Leave on the next train.”
“We’re all done. We’ll clean up the classrooms tonight, and leave on the next train back to Chengdu.” With those words, I experienced something I had only read about. My junior year of college began as most semesters do—by catching up with friends. We talked about jobs, camps, adventures, and boys; you know, the usual … Continue reading “Leave on the next train.”
My Praise
Not much creates rifts and divisions within a church like opinions over music. Contemporary or traditional? Band or no band? Hymns, contemporary songs, or psalms? Projector or hymnals? For each of these questions, I'm sure you have the "right" opinion. We feel quite strongly about our worship. No, let me rephrase that. We feel quite … Continue reading My Praise
Dead and Hidden
“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3 Dead “For you have died.” This doesn’t exactly seem like good news. Who wants to read their own obituary? Of course, that’s not what he means. I’ll let Paul do his own clarifying by continuing in the context: “For it … Continue reading Dead and Hidden
The Storyline of Scripture: Limerick Style! (Part 2)
Back by popular demand--wait, that's a lie. No one has demanded this at all. So, back because I just can't stop myself, are a few more limericks to help us learn the plot of the whole Bible. If you missed out on Part 1, be sure to check it out here! Pharaoh had the slaves … Continue reading The Storyline of Scripture: Limerick Style! (Part 2)
Bible Study Nerd 