Should women be silent in the church? John Stott, whom Christianity Today calls “the premier teacher” in the evangelical and international world, helped me understand the challenging passage that is often used to keep women from ministering to anyone but other women or children in the church. This is the passage: I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. Do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority … [Read More]
How have friends helped you in times of grief?
On Midday Connection this week I’m going to look at Naomi, particularly at the time she was overcome with grief. When I was overcome with grief I wrote this article for Focus on the Family: An invisible knife pierces my heart. Ever since my 59-year-old husband, Steve, lost his valiant battle with colon cancer, I’ve waited for him to call, to hear his hearty laugh — but silence looms. I long to talk to him about our five children — but he is gone. My body aches to be held by him in the night, to have his deep voice pray over me or to hear him recite “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod,” the nursery rhyme he often used to lull … [Read More]
How have you seen God bless America?
There are so many ways God has been merciful to our country despite our sin and selfishness. I’ll name one. He gave us a man like Abraham Lincoln. I read “Team of Rivals” by Doris Goodwin this year. (Lincoln’s cabinet was made up of the men who ran against him.) Lincoln treated his rivals with dignity, and in election speeches would refer to his opponent as “my honorable opponent.” His speeches against slavery were clear, honest, and passionate. I found myself wondering if God heard the cries of His people, much as He heard the groaning of the Israelites in Egypt, and sent, not Moses, but Abraham Lincoln. How have you seen God bless America?
Farrah Fawcett Memories
Here are my three girls being “Charlie’s Angels”. My Farrah memory is the role she played in The Apostle, which happens to be one of my all time favorite movies, but it is too out of the box for most Christians. Robert DuVall spent a year visiting Pentecostal churches and I think his performance was outstanding. I could so identify with him in it, for I fail so much yet I so love the Lord. The Farrah scene I remember is when she told him (DuVall played her pastor-husband) that she thought God was leading her to be with the youth pastor. Astonished, he asks, OUR GOD TOLD YOU THAT? What Farrah Fawcett memories do you have?
What’s Your Point Of View On The Shack?
My daughter-in-law Julie is doing The Shack in her book club which is made up of women from various faith perspectives. She asked me my perspective. So, when my friends were here this week we discussed The Shack. We read a pro article from Christianity Today and watched a strong negative video from a pastor I respect in Atlanta. Then we talked. But before I tell you our conclusion, I’d love to hear your input! Here are those two resources: FOR THE SHACK AGAINST THE SHACK
How Do We Obey The First Commandment?
Two doesn’t work with little girls, but can with sisters in Christ. And we want you to join us by answering a question: Right now two of my dearest friends are with me for our yearly re-union. In The Friendships of Women I tell of my jealousy concerning Sylvia (on my left). Twenty-eight years ago when our family moved to Fargo for a year, I became friends first with Ann (on my right) and then she told me that Sylvia, her best friend from seminary days was moving to town. I thought Sylvia would definitely monopolize Ann and I’d be out in the cold Fargo winter. But though three doesn’t work with little girls, it does work with women who … [Read More]
How Our Friendships Are Different As Sisters In Christ
I love this picture of a woman worshiping at a retreat I did in New Hampshire. Because of our love relationship with Jesus, it dramatically changes our relationships with one another. Here’s a few illustrations from my life – and we’d all be encouraged to hear yours. In looking for friends, I am prayerful and alert. I will take a risk based on faith. My first Bible study was a huge risk for me, for I was new to Seattle, didn’t know my Bible, and was so lonely. All I did that day was cry (how embarrassing!) – but two women reached out to me who have remained friends for thirty years. (Patti and Lorinda!) When Steve died I so … [Read More]
How have you seen the Lord work in your friendships?
Wednesday Moody radio starts airing a ten week Bible Study on The Friendships of Women. Click here starting tomorrow (June 17th) or any following Wednesday to listen live at noon central time. Or click here to listen to past talks online, beginning the day after the show. I want to hear your stories – how did God lead you to a friend, Strengthen you through a friend, heal a friendship?… I’ll be telling you my stories in the next ten weeks – and trying to answer your questions. Right here! And before you go, you simply must watch this and see one of the funniest videos I’ve seen showing a woman’s gift for gab – from girlhood on!
Tim Keller’s Sermons are Changing New York City, The World, and Me
You will hear me quoting this pastor often. Here he is, in the middle of New York City, which is arguably the most liberal and skeptical community in the United States – filled with people that Gallup says never go to church (young, intellectual, career-driven singles) and gaining their ear, seeing them come to Christ, and changing, yes, changing, New York City and the world. His preaching is changing the way I speak, the way I think, and the intimacy I have with Jesus. In the next few blogs I’m going to tell you why – but you might want to listen for yourself. There are many free downloads to get you started. To listen to a few, click here.
Sharing Memories of Steve or Your Loved Ones
Here’s a few memories of my husband Steve – share your memories of Loved ones – or if you knew him, of Steve! This was just months before he died, fooling around with his girls. (Annie is behind him with her dark hair over his head.) Sally and Julie had done crazy things with their hair (Julie hates this pix – so don’t tell her I put it up. She’s much much prettier – it is most unflattering.) Sally had dyed her hair black and was falling in love with Phil, who was coming up the next day. She called her stylist who didn’t have time to fit her in and Sal said, “You don’t understand. I’ve ruined my hair. … [Read More]
