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.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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04.17.26
We talk about “human flourishing” like it’s a formula. But Scripture already gave us the answer: Fear God. Keep His commandments. That’s the foundation—everything else is vanity.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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04.14.26
Recently, in reading an article titled, “The Challenges of Discipleship in an Age of Distraction,” I resonated with these observations:
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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04.06.26
We don’t drift into a strong walk with our Creator and Savior. Abiding in Christ requires daily discipline—time in the Word, obedience, focused prayer, and fellowship. There are no shortcuts. No substitutes for growing in our faith and knowing Him more.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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04.02.26
First, let’s agree there is no such thing as a crystal ball. Back in the day, friends would buy one of those Magic-8-balls to which you would ask a question, shake it slightly and then turn it over to see a response through the “little window at its base. Please note this is not science!
