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!
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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03.13.26
As the awards ceremonies wind down and the statues that Hollyweird worships are given out, it’s time for a little reality check. The “grand finale” of major film awards will again be broadcast on ABC and Hulu on March 15th.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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03.06.26
I can recall the days of the late 1960s and early ’70s when the military draft sent notices to young men telling them that they had been “selected” to serve our country in the military.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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02.26.26
I used to love to fly. It began with my first jet ride in 1969 out of Bismarck, North Dakota. I don’t recall the destination airport, but I was entered in a speaking competition in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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02.18.26
If you know your fish, you’ve likely heard of the Sarotherodon galilaeus galilaeus. Well, maybe not. This particular species is from the genus tilapia and has a comb-like tail. It is one of the 27 species of fish found in the Sea of Galilee. In Arabic, the fish is named masht (comb) which refers to that unique tail.
By Mark Elfstrand, Cultural Affairs Writer
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02.06.26
Ahhh…it’s February. It’s the month when we reach the half way point of winter. In Illinois, it’s hardly a cause for celebration. Often some of our coldest days of the season are this month. Oh to be in Scottsdale, Arizona, this week!
