Author: Matthew Ruttan

More and more people are using the Internet to communicate. It makes sense. After all, it's quick and easy to send someone an email, text, or direct message. But I think that there's a growing problem. It's that people write things that … Read more

When we hear about other people going through hardship in a noble way, it can actually be a source of encouragement for us. First, we sympathize with their situation and offer help. But it can also make us think, "If they can do it, so … Read more

When Jesus burst onto the scene, He said, "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15 NIV) Repentance. It's an unpopular topic. And it certainly flies in the face of our do-whatever-makes-you-happy … Read more

When I think of the word "gossip", I think of Rachel Lynde from Anne of Green Gables. She constantly snooped, made judgments, and then scattered her version of the "news" to other people around the town of Avonlea by flapping her … Read more

None of us can deny that friendships have a huge impact on us. How many of us can think of a time when a good friend helped us through something tough? When we think about our friendships, it's easy to think about what we get out of … Read more

Some people put their foot in their mouth, but seem to enjoy the taste. Some people rub us the wrong way, but act like it's the right way. Some people know how to push our buttons, and we detest that they can have so much negative impact … Read more

In 1894, the United States mint in San Francisco made twenty-four coins. That's not many. The superintendent, John Dagget, knew how valuable that they would be some day. So, he gave three of the dimes to his daughter, Hallie. "Hold on to … Read more

Have you ever been to a public protest? If so, you've probably heard some chanting. Usually the leader is equipped with a bullhorn and yells out, "What do we want?!" Then the people respond with their demand. Then the leader says, "When … Read more

During World War II, Corrie ten Boom's family sheltered many Jews who were fleeing the Nazis. The Nazi police seized Corrie, her sister Betsie, and their father. They ended up in a concentration camp, all the while holding firmly to the … Read more

We live in the Information Age. There are some positive things about that, but there are some negative things, too. Linda Stone, a former senior executive with Apple and Microsoft, coined the phrase "continuous partial attention". She … Read more