By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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09.16.26
Certain words when they are mispronounced, overused, misused or applied carelessly drive my wife Rhonda a bit crazy.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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09.10.26
Virtually all American citizens (and many around the world) will remember September 11th, 2001. We usually just refer to it as “9/11.” That is the day when foreign born haters of our nation used our own commercial jet aircraft to take down the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. And heavily damaged the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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09.05.26
We pay athletes $50M+ to throw a football while taking for granted the surgeons, soldiers, and first responders who save lives daily. But the greatest gift of all costs nothing: the eternal life and forgiveness offered to us through Jesus Christ. Set your priorities on what lasts.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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08.28.26
As Burning Man 2026 kicks off in Nevada, the media highlights the art and spectacle—but rarely the spiritual reality. Former "Burner" Nicole Shanahan shared how years of hedonism, the occult, and spiritual darkness at the event ultimately led her to Christ. From C.S. Lewis to Genesis 18, true freedom isn't found in burning the man, but in walking in the Light. (John 8:32)
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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08.08.26
In case you had not heard, Social Security funds (or Social IN-Security as I like to call it) will likely run dry within ten years. That is, unless our federal government finds yet another way to create money out of thin air. Something at which they seem to excel.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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08.01.26
Is your work just a job, or a divine assignment? How we approach our daily work matters to God. Scripture reminds us to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. A great reminder on finding joy, purpose, and Christian witness in our daily labor.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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07.22.26
The world glorifies busyness. Scripture calls us to faithfulness. We all need a break—not to escape our responsibilities, but to be refreshed for them. Take time to rest, pray, worship, and remember that God is in control.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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07.15.26
In golf, a single fraction of a minute can cost you the tournament. A two-stroke penalty for being late to the tee cost PGA golfer Garrick Higgo the cut. In life, the margins are just as thin. What lessons from the green can we learn about etiquette, patience, honesty—and the ultimate scorecard?
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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07.03.26
As America marks 250 years of independence, let's remember that our liberties were not self-sustaining—they were built on biblical truth, moral courage, and God's providence. Freedom survives only when each generation is willing to defend it. May we recommit ourselves to faith, truth, and liberty.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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06.18.26
I can’t say I’m totally shocked. But almost. In scanning through my Apple News stories a few weeks back, I stumbled across this article from Vogue (kindly pardon the obvious inference). “‘I Wear It on My Middle Finger’: Inside the Booming Market for Divorce Rings.”
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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06.13.26
Some in our culture now openly talk about children as obstacles to personal freedom and fulfillment. Scripture offers a much different view: “Children are a heritage from the LORD…” — Psalm 127:3 How we view God and the value of human life will shape how we view parenting. Children are not burdens. They are blessings. Love them. Teach them. Treasure them.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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06.01.26
If April showers bring May flowers then what does June bring? Unfortunately, it turns our focus to the sin of pride, amplified in many colorful and distorted ways by what is promoted as “Pride Month.”
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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05.23.26
As we approach the upcoming holiday, it’s time to remind everyone not to go around saying, “Happy Memorial Day.” Nice thought on most other holidays. But not this one.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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05.09.26
Christian mothers play a powerful role in shaping the spiritual foundation of the home. Worship, prayer, and faithfully pointing children to Christ are not small things — they are kingdom work with eternal impact.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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05.04.26
May is Older Americans Month—a time to honor the generations who understood that marriage isn’t disposable. It takes faithfulness, sacrifice, and commitment rooted in truth. When culture redefines it, families suffer. It’s time to restore God’s design.
