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Pop Quiz: Can you name the 9th governor of Massachusetts? 

We’re guessing you knew it was Elbridge Gerry (pronounced "Gary"). Gerry’s best known for signing an 1812 law that created an oddly shaped district map to politically benefit his Democratic-Republican Party. The districts were so distorted they resembled a salamander (see picture), prompting a local newspaper to coin the term Gerry-mandering. 

And here we are 200 years later, mispronouncing Elbridge’s last name every time we use the term "gerrymandering." 

What is gerrymandering?
It’s the act of manipulating district maps for political gain. Let us explain.

Every decade, there’s a census to determine how many representatives each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Each state that is allotted more than one representative is then tasked with dividing itself into districts of roughly equal populations; constituents of each district then elect one of their own to represent them in Congress.

Where those district lines are drawn matters, and any effort to draw district lines in a way that favors one political party over another is called “gerrymandering.”

Give some examples. How does one "gerrymander?" 
The art of political origami can be done in a few aggressively-named ways:

Here’s a nice graphic. See if you can see which districts have been cracked and packed.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Our hope is never contingent on a political outcome; it’s much more secure than that. Regardless of whether things get worse or better during your lifetime, everything eventually ends well for followers of Christ.

“The life of every living thing is in his hand, as well as the breath of all humanity.”
Job 12:10 (CSB) (read full passage)

Hydration isn’t just about chugging water. When you sweat, you lose sodium—and water alone can’t bring the balance back. That’s why replenishing electrolytes is key, especially if you’re active, spending lots of time in the heat, or just tired of feeling foggy by 2 p.m. 

That’s where LMNT comes in. No sugar, no junk—just a science-backed blend of sodium, potassium, and magnesium to help you feel clear-headed, energized, and actually hydrated. 

Our office fav? Raspberry Salt. It’s tangy and tart and tastes like summer if summer helps your hydration. Pro tip: Mix it with ice water. So refreshing.

TPO readers get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular drink mix flavors with any order. Stay salty (in the best way).

News Article: Dramatic photos of the “haboob” dust storm hitting Phoenix, AZ

Product: CCCU’s full-service banking that helps you live—and give—more abundantly.

Whipped Cream: Kinetic art... with Legos.

Can you complete this week’s news crossword?

What Our Kids Are Playing
By the Book Games

My three-year-old can explain why Jesus is like a doctor, thanks to a game.

Gallery is an activity bag that helps kids explore the Bible’s metaphors for Jesus. Each bag includes:

Steph Juliot | Writer

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What We’re Using
The Dwell App*

I’m trying something new with my quiet times, and I’m loving it.

For years, I’ve felt guilty about not spending enough “quality” time with God (which requires a hand-crafted cappuccino, a fresh notebook, a worn leather Bible, and no distractions). 

My new focus is quantity time (quality will follow). If I want to grow closer to God… I need to log more hours with him. More time in prayer, more time with Christian community, and more time in His Word. 

The simplest way I’ve found to spend more time in Scripture is to listen to it. I personally use Dwell (read by Austin, in CSB, 1.25x speed). I bet you’ll find it helpful, too.

Jason Woodruff | Founder

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