A bit over two years ago, I blogged on Psalm 90 under the title "Our Dwelling Place" (you can read that post here). Because Psalm 90 seems particularly appropriate for the last day of the year, I decided to break from my regular schedule and blog on it again. But before I wrote today's entry, … Continue reading Numbering Days, Psalm 90
Christmas Rest
Tomorrow is Christmas! How does thinking about that make you feel? Excited as a child who just can’t wait? Calm as a queen who has everything under control? Or as panicky as an arachnophobic in a cellar full of spiders? Are you making your list and checking it twice? If you’re like me, you’re making … Continue reading Christmas Rest
A Month of Sundays free at Challies!
Tim Challies is famous for his book reviews and "Free Stuff Fridays" on his blog: challies.com Today he's giving away packages from Reformation Heritage Books, including copies of my devotional, A Month of Sundays: 31 Meditations on Resting in God. Head over to challies.com to register for your chance to win!
Draco and Gandolf
At first glance, you may think I'm mixing fantasies (Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings). But, no. I'm talking about the weather. Yes, really. Well, weather and some literary rabbit trails. Apparently The Weather Channel (weather.com) has taken the initiative to name this season's winter storms. You can read the rationale behind the decision … Continue reading Draco and Gandolf
An ordination service at Dunedin RCNZ
After a vacancy of four years, the Reformed Church of Dunedin (RCNZ) on the southern part of the South Island of New Zealand, has a minister. Rev. Erik Stolte was ordained on October 13, 2012, in a special service at the Dunedin church. Rev. Robert van Wichen, pastor of Bishopdale Reformed Church in Christchurch (RCNZ) … Continue reading An ordination service at Dunedin RCNZ
Steadfast love, Psalm 33
The English Standard Version (ESV) uses a term that I cherish: steadfast love. The King James (KJV) and New King James (NKJV) translate the same phrase as "goodness," while the American Standard Version (ASV) translates it as "lovingkindness" and the New International Version (NIV84) uses "unfailing love." Based on what I've heard from those who know … Continue reading Steadfast love, Psalm 33
The Nutcracker
On this fiction Friday, I'm posting a short story I wrote several years ago since it's appropriate for the season. The Nutcracker by Glenda Mathes With “Silent Night” playing in the background, Marti rubber-stamped paper lunch bags to proclaim, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” Pints of strawberry jelly sparkled in straight rows … Continue reading The Nutcracker
Marketing or ministry?
My friend, Yvonne Anderson, reflects today on the tension between marketing and writing. Having two books published this year has shown me how that tension increases exponentially. There seems to be a continual tug of war between these two priorities. But one thing I'm learning is that the lines blur between marketing and ministry. Since … Continue reading Marketing or ministry?
Focus on Fellowship: An outside look at the Reformed Churches of New Zealand
Imagine a country of lush hills, placid lakes and majestic mountains surrounded by spectacular coastlines. A country with mild temperatures, where Christmas can be celebrated with a picnic on the beach. Then imagine that the country’s language is English, and within its borders exists a solidly Reformed federation that not only embraces the Three Forms … Continue reading Focus on Fellowship: An outside look at the Reformed Churches of New Zealand
Forgiveness blessings, Psalm 32
In Psalm 32, David meditates on the great blessings of God's forgiveness. Its first two verses are familiar confessions: Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit (ESV). The believer who trusts in the finished … Continue reading Forgiveness blessings, Psalm 32
Glenda Faye Mathes 