On this wonderful Wednesday, I wonder about many things. Most of them are research questions related to the NaNoWriMo novel I began yesterday. In three hours, I wrote 3,193 words. That couldn't be considered a terrific sprint, but it was a very satisfying beginning that put me 693 words above yesterday's scheduled goal. This is what I discovered: … Continue reading Reader Research: Jr Hi girls
RCNZ Synod: Stability above earthly tremors
For the first time in the nearly 60 year history of the Reformed Churches of New Zealand (RCNZ), the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Bucklands Beach hosted a Synod meeting. Synod’s location was moved to this church on the upper shore of the North Island due to recent earthquakes around Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. … Continue reading RCNZ Synod: Stability above earthly tremors
Sin-free anger, Psalm 4
David covers a lot of territory in the short Psalm 4, but one striking section contains the apparently contradictory command to: "Be angry, and do not sin" (Psalm 4:4a, ESV). Prior to the first verse, this notation appears: "To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David." The psalmist begins, as he does many psalms, … Continue reading Sin-free anger, Psalm 4
NaNoWriMo countdown: 5, 4…
Only four days left until the annual NaNoWriMo madness! This undeniable fact was brought home to me today by an email from NaNoWriMo Program Director, Lindsey Grant, who gives this realistic glimpse of the upcoming month: Greetings, writer! Whether this is your first, fifth, or thirteenth NaNoWriMo, it's always helpful to have a guide to … Continue reading NaNoWriMo countdown: 5, 4…
Reformation resources
You won't see John Calvin bobble-heads or Martin Luther window clings in the seasonal aisle of your local discount store, but Reformation Day is right around the corner. Many Reformed churches sponsor conferences this time of year, which recharge adults' Reformed batteries, but what about the kids? How does your family or church jumpstart children's … Continue reading Reformation resources
URCNA Classis Central sustains candidate, passes songbook overtures
When Classis Central US met at Covenant Reformed Church in Pella, IA, on September 12 & 13, 2011, its agenda and atmosphere were lighter than recent meetings. Business included finishing a candidacy examination and dealing with a four overtures, three dealing with a federational songbook. On Monday evening, Classis conducted the biblical exegesis portion of … Continue reading URCNA Classis Central sustains candidate, passes songbook overtures
Breaking teeth, Psalm 3
David wrote Psalm 3 when he fled from his son, Absalom. That chaotic scene appears in 2 Samuel 15:13-16:14, but the roots of this complex narrative go back to Ammon's rape of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13 and even further back to David's sins that begin in 2 Samuel 11. Much could be written about not only … Continue reading Breaking teeth, Psalm 3
Secret of Chimneys
Mysteries were my standard reading fare during the long summer breaks between my highschool years. Ever since I've equated summer reading with mysteries. And although I now have several favorite authors, my first favorite mystery writer--and one who remains a favorite despite some criticisms--is Agatha Christie. Last night I read The Secret of Chimneys, one of her … Continue reading Secret of Chimneys
Trust and Obey
Some of the childish things I put away when I became an adult were the songs I sang as a little girl. But lately they’ve been on my mind. And I realize that, although many were of questionable value, some—like “Jesus Loves Me” and “Trust and Obey”—were pearls of great price. When I was young, … Continue reading Trust and Obey
The two-edged sword of promotion
On this wonderful Wednesday, I'm wondering about promotion, which is a two-edged sword for the Christian who writes. One side of the blade cuts with the necessity of self-promotion, while the other side slices with the desire for kingdom promotion. I write to glorify God. When I begin thinking about my name on the cover … Continue reading The two-edged sword of promotion
Glenda Faye Mathes 