Cheyenne, WY, may bring to mind its world-famous rodeo and Frontier Days that have attracted visitors for over 100 years, or perhaps the Warren Air Force Base, command center for the US Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. But the city is also the site of the annual Cheyenne Reformation Conference hosted for the last four years by … Continue reading Cheyenne Reformation Conference focuses on the future’s promise
Books boost brains
Yes, reading friends, what you've always suspected is true. Books boost brain power. Here's a news report about a study that says brain changes last for five days after finishing a gripping book.
Olive tree, Psalm 52
Looking back on this past year, do you find it depressing to think about the tough times? Try focusing on how God got you through them. David knew persecution. He was God's anointed, the appointed successor to Saul. But he was continually on the run for his life. One of the most tragic episodes during … Continue reading Olive tree, Psalm 52
Writing & Living – a book review
Letters & Life: on being a writer, on being a Christian by Bret Lott Crossway; hard cover; 192 pages; © 2013 Book review by Glenda Mathes You have to admire a writer who admits to having received over 600 rejections. And who repeatedly confesses that he knows nothing about writing. Bret Lott's work always strikes … Continue reading Writing & Living – a book review
Clean heart, Psalm 51
King David wrote the well-known penitential Psalm 51 after the prophet Nathan confronted him with his sins involving Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah (whose death in battle he'd arranged). You can read the sad sequence of self-centered actions in 2 Samuel 11. Nathan's confrontation and the beginning of consequences are recorded in 2 Samuel 12. God's … Continue reading Clean heart, Psalm 51
Forward on fiction
Sometimes God prevents you from writing a project so concretely it seems as if he holds his hand at your chest (an expression Larry Woiwode used in Words for Readers and Writers and I quoted here). I've felt that hand most of this year, especially on my novels. But I haven't sat around, staring at my monitor screen … Continue reading Forward on fiction
Seminary students from near and far
Some seminaries within the Reformed community welcomed students from overseas as well as from Canada and the United States to their campuses this fall. Mid-America First-year students at Mid-America Reformed Seminary represent every continent except Antarctica. Master of Divinity (M.Div.) students include Joshua Flinn from the RCNZ in New Zealand and Pete Van’t Hoff from … Continue reading Seminary students from near and far
Thanksgiving sacrifice, Psalm 50
Americans celebrated Thanksgiving last Thursday. Between sitting at a table bowed from the weight of turkey, cranberries, and pumpkin pie and sitting in front of a TV with a bloated belly, many Americans paused to consider the things for which they're thankful. Psalm 50 demonstrates that thanksgiving must be more than a few moments or … Continue reading Thanksgiving sacrifice, Psalm 50
NaNo end nears
For thousands of writers around the world, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is winding down. Or perhaps, speeding up. In these last days of November, NaNoWriMo participants have less than 48 hours to hit the 50,000 word count goal. Those writers in the winner's circle are resting on their laurels, while those who can see the … Continue reading NaNo end nears
A PY perspective
In coming issues, Christian Renewal hopes to share reflections from a few experienced ministers within the Reformed community. This first article features a man who’s no longer with us, Dr. Peter Y. De Jong, who was called home on August 28, 2005—two months to the day short of the 90th year on his earthly sojourn. … Continue reading A PY perspective
Glenda Faye Mathes 