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The Silencing of the Lambs
Two new communication modes are emerging in western culture today–an elusive silent muzzling induced by political correctness and fear, and an accompanying rage when repressed people ultimately explode. This subtle silencing occurs now in "polite" public conversations. I feel the gagging more and in my own life, except among my closest friends and family. And the raging–We see it erupting at political rallies, in Target stores, on freeways, on reality shows, and in face to face confrontations on media. Civil discussions are dying. Behold the silencing of the lambs. It's usually brutal authoritarian governments who terrorize their citizens into silence. Talk to older generations who grew up…
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Why some leaders fear setting you free
I've been in a women's Bible study for forty years but until this spring, I've never studied Galatians in a discovery/discussion format. Have you? It's revolutionized my walk with God, and now I know why so few leaders are courageous enough to feed it to women–or anybody for that matter. I think it's because Galatians sets us free from legalism and license to soar liberated in an intended glorious relationship with Jesus–and that scares people who fear losing control over us. Here in a nutshell is what I learned this spring that has freed me permanently from the bonds of legalism and license: In Galatians, Paul presents multiple arguments that…
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Still the best Illustration of grace
Years ago I heard a message from my friend JoAnn Hummel that I've never forgotten. I used it speaking at my daughter's church in Colorado this week and found it hasn't lost it's power. JoAnn heard it from Dottie Connor, Women's Advisor at Dallas Theological Seminary back when we were student's in the 80's. You can find it at Gracestoration Ministries (www.gracestoration. org) Enjoy. A Traveler was walking down the road laboring under the heavy burden he was carrying on his back. Along came a man with a horse-drawn cart. Pulling alongside the Traveler, the cart driver said, "Sir, I see that you are carrying a heavy load and that…
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Another Recommendation–Enrich your Lenten season, see Risen
All week I've asked the Lord what to write in my blog and all week no answer–until this evening. David and I just returned from viewing the new film Risen and I simply want to add my hearty recommendation along with my friend, Sandi Glahn, and her friend Chrissy. (See their blogs 2/19 and 2/15) The earlier blog contains the film trailer. I fought back tears during multiple scenes, and I'm not a crier. How refreshing to view a creative work that isn't sappy or contrived. Invite a non believer to go with you. Productive discussion is likely to follow. For you who demand that every Christian film follow verse…
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How to select a transformative Bible study that fits you
In January, women all over the country are deciding which Bible study to attend. Which one will guide you in your journey with Jesus right now? Which one fits your lifestyle in the season ahead? Which one will stretch you enough to challenge you but not so much that you give up and quit? Bible studies come in various shapes and sizes. When you choose, here are additional questions to consider: • Does this Bible study tell me what to think or does it allow me to think for myself? Women who personally wrestle with biblical issues for themselves tend to stand stronger in the trials of life. They own…
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The Keeper of the Christmas Kitchen
For some of us, Christmas means cooking family favorites that make the season special. We deep six counting calories and fat content. We fold in real butter, sugar, and vanilla. We chop nuts and mash spuds. It can mean hours in the kitchen, aching feet, and tense attempts to make everything come out hot at the same time. As I sort recipes and make my shopping list, part of me eagerly anticipates the scrumptious smells that will soon emanate from my oven. But another part of me needs to hear The Keeper of the Spring story once again. The late Peter Marshall, chaplain of the United States Senate, told this…
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Who’s behind the sheer curtain?
I pray a lot but sometimes I wonder if my prayers bounce off the ceiling. Does God really hear? Does He really care? Do you ever feel that way? The first weekend of this month I was looking forward to speaking in Dubuque, Iowa, by way of Cedar Rapids, at the Emmaus Bible College women's conference. But I wasn't looking forward to getting there. Earlier this year on a similar occasion, my flight to that area of the country was suddenly and without explanation cancelled, leaving me to hopscotch around several airports, running from gate to gate, and arriving several hours after my first speaking session. I dreaded a replay…
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“War Room” Mentoring
Regardless of your evaluation of the new Christian film "War Room", Clara and Elizabeth paint a beautiful picture of organic mentoring. Personally, I loved the film, maybe because I'm a friend of the leading lady, but also because it illustrates the power of prayer when we get serious. True, the results in the movie often take longer than a few months–usually years. God could have worked through the husband first, and there are no guarantees. But I've personally seen and experienced prayer changing hearts and lives, including my own. In addition I also noticed an important subtheme: the power of a natural mentoring relationship initiated and guided by prayer. Consider…
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How inaccurate words hinder our evangelistic efforts with women
For months Sharon prayed that her co-worker Stephanie might accept her invitation to visit her church. Sharon was sure that if her friend experienced the beauty and depth of their authentic fellowship, she might look deeper and find Jesus. For months Stephanie resisted, giving all kinds of reasons. Church people were phony, judgmental, hierarchical, and too political. But when Stephanie's mother passed away suddenly, she decided to accept Sharon's invitation. Sharon was elated, and during the first part of the service her friend seemed open and interested. She sang; she prayed. But then the pastor read Philippians 4:1: Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy…
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Let mentees choose and down with dittos–more mentoring lessons from “The Voice”
It's my first season watching The Voice and I'm observing powerful lessons on mentoring. It's a topic that's especially close to my heart since writing "Organic Mentoring" with Barbara Neumann, based on her doctoral research on a new and needed approach to mentoring Millennials and GenExers. Since the book's release, we've been privileged to travel and speak on the topic, and everywhere we go, we learn something new. But who knew some of those insights would come from a popular TV show? First, let the mentee choose the mentor. The young women Barbara interviewed said this too. How does it work on "The Voice"? The mentors are established artists. The…