The Pathetic Patriot
Fireworks and cookouts light up the Fourth, but are we missing the heart of the American Revolution? We cheer heroes like George Washington against 'tyrannical' King George III—yet was the king a mere villain or a complex figure in a turbulent age? This July 4th, ask: when does civil disobedience cross the line, and how does it echo the Declaration of Independence’s ideals?
Stand Up!
Football fans come to know, and often despise, the term “interference.” It usually results in a penalty against the defensive or even the offensive player preventing a pass from being completed. The Chicago Bears have seen their share of these—and our Illinois college teams as well. 
Greatness in the Workplace – Part Two with John Blumberg
This second article on this topic takes us deeper into the story of John Blumberg. John is a national speaker, thought leader on integrity, and author of four books.
The Zodiac Killer
Hey…what’s your sign? I’m a Libra. You know what THAT means…? Absolutely nothing!
Greatness in the Workplace
Judging by the frequent surveys of employees in the workplace who seem unhappy in their jobs, you’d think companies would make some serious changes. This does not account for the fact that there are perpetual “grumpies" who wish work itself would go away. There are plenty of those! 
Papal Warmup
No doubt it baffled a significant number of Catholics worldwide when the more-than-100 cardinals at the Conclave earlier this month chose a onetime Chicagoan as their new Pope. A Southsider.

As Gomer Pyle used to say, “Surprise. Surprise. Surprise.”
Don’t Leave Home Without It…REALLY
As if we needed it, the Department of Homeland Security posted this reminder on April 12th:
Jesus Christ. Savior, Not Superstar
We’ve come to what is often referred to as “Holy Week.” Bar none, it brings us to the most significant of all Christian events in history.
No Fool Like an Old Fool
It seems appropriate today to consider the nature of a “fool.” After all, it is “April Fools Day.” We view the day as an annual game of mostly harmless, practical jokes played on others. Any potential embarrassment is supposed to be softened when the prankster states, “April Fools!!”
Ready for Harvest
At the age of 14, a teenager wrote in the back of his King James Bible, “Contend for a Generation.” Who does such visionary spiritual thinking?
Betrayers in the Hands of a Loving God
What is the difference between a betrayer and a traitor? Cambridge dictionary defines a betrayer as “a person who is not loyal to their country or to another person, often doing something harmful such as giving information to an enemy."
The Price of Speaking Up
There are often times when my mind weighs in on hot button issues as I consider a “pastoral response.” Not being a pastor—but having served in various ministry leadership roles—makes this not too much of a stretch. I feel for pastors who take a stand—and pay for it.
A God without Compassion
While at one of my doctor visits earlier this year, I was caught off guard by a staff member quite upset over a recent news story. Perhaps you saw it. I had not.
The Budde System
A while back, in the first decade of this century, Moody Publishers offered a prayer journal notebook by E.M. Bounds. This Methodist minister died in 1913. During the 70-plus years of his life, he wrote several books on prayer. One of his classics is titled Power Through Prayer.
Temporal and Eternal Fires
As I write this, these were the latest numbers of the devastation from the California wildfires. It will only get worse. Total emergency responses: 34,354. Total wildfires: 227. (You read that right.) Acres burned: 40,687. Fatalities: 28. Structures destroyed: 15,798. 
Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer

Mark Elfstrand is a Christian husband, father and grandfather. A 40-year radio veteran, Mark has been a drive time air personality in Sacramento, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Chicago, including WMBI and WYLL. He has also served in various ministry leadership positions. His current endeavors can be found at elfstrandgroup.com.

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