Dozens of women walk past my window each day. I imagine their conversations as they walk through the neighborhood: “Did you hear? Her husband is having an affair. I know, I can’t believe it either. I used to see them working in their yard every weekend…” “Is her son out of jail yet? He used […]
Archives for 2010
Neighborhood Cafe:
ABC’s of Leadership
A leader is more than someone who has followers. She needs skill and then someone to lead well. Leadership of both large and small groups should include an acute sense of responsibility to God, the local church and the group itself. Leadership should arise out of who we are before God. A seasoned leader learns […]
Stay Little in Ministry
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 I’ve had numerous conversations with my almost-teenage daughter about what it means to grow up. Do you start wearing makeup? Downloading different styles of music? Ignoring your family in public? Tenderly, I challenge my daughter. “Hon – don’t […]
5 Tips for Working with Volunteers
My grandmother was a master gardener…without the benefit of formal training. I don’t ever remember hearing her call a plant by its Latin name, but she could grow anything bigger and better than anyone I’ve ever known. We’d walk amid rows of sprouts, and she would occasionally point out a stray shoot and remark, “That […]
Devotional: Who Am I in This Story?
I’ve heard the Good Samaritan story hundreds of times. I’ve been familiar with the beloved parable for over 40 years, and most times I hear it, I ask, “Who am I in this story?” Am I the Priest, the Levite or the Samaritan?” Of course, the goal is to be the Samaritan. He was the […]
Devotional: Clean Out Your Thought Closet
We all have the tendency to talk to ourselves that way from time to time, don’t we? If you’re not sure, listen to what goes on in the Thought Closets of some women you might know… “This church never listens to my ideas.” “My mother-in-law is so annoying.” “That meal was too salty.” “I have […]
Devotional: Building on the Foundation
The quality of the building materials we use in our lives reflects the foundation we build our lives upon. Here’s what I mean. Paul put it best in his letter to the Corinthians. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on […]
Turn Down the Volume as a Speaker
I feel like I should start this column like those support groups start… “Hello, my name is Jennifer.” (Then you say, “Hello Jennifer” and I continue…) “My name is Jennifer… and I am a speaker who used to yell!” There are several challenges facing women when it comes to public speaking. One is obvious… we […]
Observations on Inspiration
“You are such an inspiration!” I imagine Joni Eareckson Tada has heard that comment millions of times. In fact, I probably have repeated that very phrase to her! I think anyone who lives with a special challenge hears that comment frequently – and rightly so. I know I hear it. And each time I do, […]
Event: Teacup Exchange
Our Ladies Ministry Team is coordinating our second annual teacup exchange. I must admit I took this idea from another church that has been doing it for 10 years. We use beautiful tablecloths, real napkins, beautiful centerpieces, etc. to make this a special occasion. It is held from 2-4:00 PM and the ladies are asked […]