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, […]
Devotional: Does Meek Mean Weak?
Meek sounds a lot like weak. Doesn’t it. A doormat. A wimp. Who wants to be weak and powerless? Meek and Mighty When the Old and New Testaments were written, meekness was a greatly desired virtue. In the Near East and ancient Greco-Roman world, it was not uncommon for a king to describe himself as […]
Devotional: Give Honor to the Player
As you reflect on your role in women’s ministry, consider yourself as a musical instrument. God is the masterful player. Your role and responsibilities may place you in the limelight. Perhaps, you are the person behind the scenes–seldom seen or heard. Regardless of where you serve or how much (or little) attention you might receive, remember, […]
Ride the Waves
In early 1992, some remarkable passengers were cast overboard during a fierce storm in the North Pacific. Nearly 30,000 Chinese-made plastic bath toys began slowly making their way across the waves. For the past 15 years, yellow ducks, green frogs, blue turtles and red beavers have been quite a colorful flotilla! Their journey of nearly […]
Practical Perseverance
One school night, I found my high schooler lying on his floor in despondency when he was supposed to be finishing a big English project. ‘What’s going on?’ I asked in disbelief. ‘What about your portfolio? Are you already done?’ His only response was a moan, a groan, and deep sigh. ‘I’m overwhelmed-this is too […]
Dealing With Unanswered Questions
A still born baby, a fatal car wreck, a freak accident are all mysteries that cause us to struggle with the failure of God. A wayward child, a terminal disease, a terrorist attack… isn’t an all powerful God supposed to show His power by intervening in such painful mysteries? When a human mystery like the […]
4 Tips for Effective Public Speaking
Last week I had a radio interview with Pat Williams, host of the “Road Home” radio broadcast in Orlando Florida. You may have heard of him, especially if you are a sports fan. He’s the Sr. Vice President of the NBA’s Orlando Magic and quite a prolific author and popular motivational speaker. After experiencing him […]
Answering Difficult Spiritual Questions
Sometimes, I like to read the gospels as if I’m thumbing through a photo album chock full of snap shots, glancing at each one. Recently, a great snap shot of Jesus reclining at a dinner party in Matthew 9 caught my eye. It’s a picture of Jesus and His disciples having dinner at Matthew’s house […]
