Thursday, August 21, 2008

Reruns...


I had trouble sleeping last night because I came across a webpage by an acquaintance. She persists in shunning women who are called to leadership--and has insulted me in my own home--even though she pushes her husband around--and builds the "case" on that one scripture (incorrectly translated) that tells wimmin' folk to shut up in church--while ignoring Junia, Nympha, Chloe, Priscilla, and Phoebe, among others.
My journey in Christianity has led me to some interesting places, and I'm at a point where the Bigness of God just makes my head spin. Church seems so very small right now, and I know some of you have great churches, I wish I could find one, or come with you. We visited a new one last week and my husband waited patiently while I calmed myself in the parking lot; all the frustrations coming back. It was friendly enough, but no women in leadership, so there you are. The communication card offered coffee, childcare, and parking as places to serve. There was no place to check ministering, or caring for people.
Not that we need to check a box for that. We're going back, though, and I'll have to suck it up because my husband doesn't have "church" every day with folks like you, like I do. I'll just have to Trust.
The bottom line is, I want the Really Good News out there.
Anyway, rather than rewrite, I thought I'd re-cycle, even though it's a little testy:


January/2007
I really don't have anything intellectual to say about this subject right now. It's all from my gut. You know how I feel about the subject of women in ministry....it just seems that the devil is throwing all these blogs, comments, and websites at me that espouse limits of the calling of women to pastor over a congregation. I'm not just talking about men here.

First...I'm currently out of church, but women in ministry was never an issue with me personally. I was ordained as an elder...and the RCA considers that once an elder always an elder with them. Eldership means serving the Body. That's it, and that's the only way that I would allow myself to answer that call--in that manner. I always consider myself to be a servant. Kneeling before a congregation to be "ordained" meant that I made a public promise to do so.

Second...it's unbelievable to me that in this day and age, with all the information available, that there are still Neanderthals among us who lie through their teeth when they say "women and men are equal. They just have different 'roles.'" The Q'uran says something similar. It says that women and men are equal, but men are 'more' equal than women.Hmmmm.Who of us has the right to say what anyone's role is? If God calls you to minister, to serve, you GO! If someone tries to stop you, just who exactly are they working for?

Third...the powers that be, the ones who are keeping their chosen Bible translations in your hands, and the information away that they DON'T want you to see, are the ones we should be keeping an eye on. They want to confuse you by saying that these new translations are gender inclusive. That's a lie. The truth is they are gender ACCURATE. There's a huge difference. Be proactive....go to the interlinears and some websites (I'll help ya) and see how many words have been inserted that were never there. Do a little sleuthing. Don't be spoon-fed.

Fourth...Jesus had no trouble using women in ministry, why should anyone else? When Paul's words are really looked at, he had no trouble with women either. I used to think so, but not anymore. And quit throwing those horrible translations of the "women" scriptures at me. And stop with the rules that aren't even in scripture! Only priests can anoint? Jesus had no problem being anointed by a woman before his death! He chastised her criticizers. What would he say to you? What can I say? That's where I am. If you don't think women should pastor over a church, don't go to that church.There's a battle out there, and this is the time that God is calling His daughters to rise up and take up the sword with His sons against the enemy! The Truth is here. I can't imagine any real soldier who is intent on fighting and winning a battle that would refuse help from another warrior! There's work to be done.

If you can't get over it...then get out of the way.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Oh, heck....

...I was ready to hang this blog up, but will putter on...I have a couple posts brewing thanks to you all....make me think, will ya?
This is kind of true, except for the balanced person thing, and the success thing. Having a mid-life crisis and not feeling so successful....but I DO love playtime! :-)




You Have A Type A- Personality



You are one of the most balanced people around

Motivated and focused, you are good at getting what you want

You rule at success, but success doesn't rule you.



When it's playtime, you really know how to kick back

Whether it's hanging out with friends or doing something you love!

You live life to the fullest - incorporating the best of both worlds



Tuesday, August 19, 2008

I have....

...absolutely nothing brilliant to say. I read all of your blogs, and you're so clever and insightful. Barbara and Tim always have something wonderful to contribute. Don is always coming up with the freakiest, deepest, stuff. Brian, KB and Codepoke talk way over my head half the time. Milly and Missy cut to the chase and get me thinking. Connie has the best pics and devotionals. Paige, Pearlie, Helen, Dave, Matt, and Trace always have a good word. I know I've missed several of your names.
I don't know...wonder if it's time to shut 'er down. Guess I'll just keep reading!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Last few days. . .

I had a whopper of a migraine; the boys and I went out to my dad's to help him in his yard and around the house a little. I guess breathing in all the plant stuff plus already having allergy problems set it off. The fact that he keeps his house at 80 degrees didn't help much either. However, I managed to clean some vines out of his landscaping and help him with the NY Times crossword.


It finally rained....and a GREAT rain it was.....yesterday. Absolutely fab!









Michael spent some time
with us. Gracie doesn't like
rain much. She sits on the furniture....like ON the furniture--the top, edge, whatever. She tries to sit on your head, too.






I managed to finish my brick curvy "line" in my back yard between my graveled french drains and my grass. It was getting frustrating
keeping the gravel out of the grass....may not be much better, but it
looks lots nicer. Thank God it was cool this a.m.! We're putting in
a stained concrete pad (that irregular shaped bed there) for our grill toward the back there, with a berm (in the back corner) that will be mulched and planted, and a quiet place way on the
left for a hammock. Getting there.










Wednesday, August 06, 2008

My baby is 17!!!

"Little" G is 17 at 9:14 pm today! He was 9lbs, 13oz at birth. Whew!
We're proud of you, and love you!
G is:
A keen observer of people (he'll figure you out before you will!)
Smart (straight A's-no effort)
Talented...whatever he does, he does well
Kind
Polite
Star Scout with an incredible wit and sense of humor
(In other words....better than we!!)
Happy Birthday, Grant!


Here he is (left) with Robert

Friday, August 01, 2008

I fully admit it....

...this. heat. is getting to me.
Whining warning!
I'm cranky, short on patience, and my nonsense-o-meter is registering in the high 100's. I'm mad at my foot (can you get mad at something that you should be grateful you even have??) and everything costs more; my SUV that I use to tote disabled people, wheelchairs, and paint is making greedy sucking noises, and I need a freakin' routine, people! I usually like warm weather but this is ridiculous and I hate not working full time at this time.
Not to mention the Texas DPS is messing with my summer-born kid--how am I supposed to renew a provisional license with a Verification of Enrollment when it's summer and the school is closed?!?
Growing up, now...
I feel so sorry for our soldiers in Iraq. I'm going to go buy more cool neckerchiefs and send them on.
Sorry.
I'm done, now.