Reformed folks emphasize the covenant, God's promises to believers and their children throughout all of history, and Psalm 144 contains two beautiful similes for covenant children: sons like plants full-grown and daughters like a palace's corner pillars (Psalm 144:12, ESV). What beautiful images of children who grow into godly adults doing what God created them to … Continue reading Plants and pillars, Psalm 144
Karen Parman: Climbing mountains, facing fear
Two months before Karen Parman trekked up Mt. Everest in Nepal, she posted on Facebook a picture of a primitive swinging bridge with this status line: Cancer was scary, but these suspension bridges I will have to face FREAK ME OUT!" Karen, a member of Covenant Reformed Church (URCNA) in Pella, IA, was one of … Continue reading Karen Parman: Climbing mountains, facing fear
Time keeps ticking
One of the most difficult aspects of working from home is time management. The lines tend to blur between personal and professional work. Online research quickly degenerates into rabbit trails. One of these interesting rabbit trails recently led me to an article on "How to Deal with Distractions in a Web Worker's World" at the … Continue reading Time keeps ticking
The thirsting soul of Psalm 143
Christians battle the devil, the world, and our own flesh. The conflict often wages on all three fronts. We grow weary and long for victory, or at least furlough from the front lines. In Psalm 143, David conveys his weariness and his awareness of personal sin. Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to … Continue reading The thirsting soul of Psalm 143
Poured out complaint, Psalm 142
While David was hiding in a cave, he poured out his heart in this lament to God. Most of us become uncomfortable when praying aloud, but David emphasizes that this prayer is vocalized. With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD. I pour out … Continue reading Poured out complaint, Psalm 142
“Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me: A memoir…of sorts” by Ian Cron (book review)
Whose interest would not be piqued by Ian Morgan Cron 's uniquely titled Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me: A memoir…of sorts? Once you’ve read this gritty literary work, you realize how aptly that title captures content. Jesus is the primary mover in a memoir that describes the author’s lack of a relationship with … Continue reading “Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me: A memoir…of sorts” by Ian Cron (book review)
PCA GA accomplishes work without controversy
The following article by Glenda Mathes appeared on pp. 22-23 of the July 27, 2011, issue of Christian Renewal. Photos by "pcagal" linked from PCA GA website. When the 39th General Assembly (GA) of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) met from June 7-10, 2011, funding matters turned out to be a non-issue, while paedocommunion … Continue reading PCA GA accomplishes work without controversy
Surprise!
A few days ago, I was surprised to see these beautiful lilies outside my office window. While its scientific name is Lycoris squamigera, the plant is known as "Surprise Lily" or "Magic Lily" or even "Resurrection Lily." It has earned its nicknames because the leaves die down in late spring, usually disappearing in May. After months with … Continue reading Surprise!
Passing by safely, Psalm 141
David was obviously in deep distress when he wrote this psalm. No biblical author, inspired by the Holy Spirit, portrays a wider range of human emotions than David in his psalms. When we struggle emotionally, we can remind ourselves that we are in good company. David was a man after God's own heart. The psalm … Continue reading Passing by safely, Psalm 141
Thinking biblically about literature and movies
The August issue of Tabletalk by Ligonier Ministries warms my heart with a subject close to it: literature. In the past, I've read R.C. Sproul's thoughts on "The Unholy Pursuit of God in Moby Dick," but that brief article in the August Tabletalk is an excellent summary of his views. In "Good and Evil in the … Continue reading Thinking biblically about literature and movies
Glenda Faye Mathes 