Radical Womanhood

Pride and Its Offspring

(I am headed to Sovereign Grace Church in Virginia Beach for a women's conference. But while I'm gone, I'm featuring some wise words I gleaned from Justin Taylor's blog a few weeks back. I saved this list to be able to consider it again and again in the future.)

Joe Thorn points to Puritan Richard Mayo's sermon on The Prevention and Cure of Spiritual Pride. Mayo says: “It is a big-bellied sin; most of the sins that are in the world are the offspring and issue of pride.” Joe summarizes some of the sins that pride gives birth to:

Covetousness - because you believe you deserve something more than others.

Ungodly ambition - because you believe that you are most qualified, and the idea of someone else being preferred over you is an insult to your perceived worth.

Boasting - because everyone should know who you are and what you have accomplished.

Contention - because in picking fights you feel a sense of superiority over those who may (or may not) be in error.

Unthankfulness - because you deserve everything you get!

Selfishness - because others do not!

Self-deceit - because it’s easier to believe you are something, when in fact you are nothing.

A judgmental attitude - because you believe the errors of others are much more serious than your own.

Gossip - because you look so much better when telling others how awful someone else is. Mayo said that the proud “endeavor to build their own praise upon the ruins of others’ reputation.”

Complaining - because God should have consulted you before orchestrating the events of your day/life.

Hypocrisy - because you must hide the truth, your own failures, in order to avoid shame and accumulate praise.

Joe also did a follow-up post on this topic called "Overcoming Our Pride."

Sing Truth to Your Soul

It was almost two years ago that I wrote about creating a playlist of "Trusting God" songs. These are songs that reinforce to me the truth of God's character and the beauty of the gospel, to be sung in moments of doubt or discouragement. (But I can't believe this was almost two years ago. Pardon me while I have a geezer moment here, but really, two years?! Insert cliche comment here: "Where has the time gone?" Good thing these are timeless truths in these songs!)

Now I have a few more songs to recommend for your iPod.

- "All I Really Need" reminds me that trials do have their sanctifying purpose. Here are a few of the lyrics:

In the darkest hour I must face
I’m counting on Your grace to give me all I need
Sunless days and cheerless nights will pass
And work their work at last to form Your joy in me
For when I am weak
I find that You are strong, and
All I really need is Your grace

This song is by Mark Altrogge and was recorded on the father-son project, In A Little While (Sovereign Grace Music). Right now, you can download it for free from the Sovereign Grace Store.

- "O God of Love" from Lou Fellingham is an older song, but her solo album with this recording, Treasure, was just released last year. I downloaded it from iTunes. My church has been singing this pretty song for at least four years, maybe longer, but it is always a refreshing reminder of God's love in any situation or season of life.

I can't explain all the things I see
But I'll trust in You
In every moment, You are there
Watching over, You hear my prayer
You go before me, You're behind me
Nothing's hidden from You
How good it is to be loved by You

- Finally, "In Whatever (Glorify)" I find lyrics that remind me of the importance of glorifying God in daily life.

In whatever I do
Let it be done with Christ in view
To glorify You, glorify You, Lord
In whatever I say,
Let it be filled with truth and grace
To glorify You, glorify You, Lord

This song was written by Steve & Vikki Cook and is on the Glorify CD, a live recording from Metro Life Church in Orlando, Florida, on Ugg Records.

Three solid songs drenched in truth. Good stuff for the weary soul.

Tagged for Recipes

I've been lurking on the blogs of many of my friends and noticed there is a "recipe tag" going on among them. They are posting four of their favorite recipes and tagging others for more. I've actually printed a number of these recipes because I'm looking for more veggie dishes, though I couldn't resist one of the yummy dessert recipes! So though no one's tagged me for a recipe (not anyone's fault--I'm notorious for not responding to tags!), I thought I would still participate and pass on some of the recipes I thought looked good and will be trying soon. Below is one of my own favorite recipes, followed by three more that I've gleaned from these blogs. I'm especially interested in trying the lentil recipe because of the benefit of eating lentils as a protein-packed meat substitute. (A cup of cooked lentils has 18 grams of protein, but under 1 gram of fat.)

SPAGHETTI SQUASH w/SUNDRIED TOMATOES (I made up this recipe in order to introduce this healthful veggie to my diet. One cup cooked spaghetti squash contains 45 calories. It is an excellent source of folic acid, high in fiber, and contributes a fair amount of potassium and small amounts of vitamin A and niacin to the diet. It is also very low in sodium.)

1 spaghetti squash (they are the football-sized yellow squashes)
1 jar julienned sundried tomatoes in olive oil
Garlic salt or minced garlic, to taste
Fine sea salt, to taste
4 oz. crumbled feta cheese
Optional: grilled chicken breasts, cubed

Pierce the squash with a knife or fork all over--at least eight times. Microwave it for 8 to 10 minutes, until you can smell the squash cooking. Let it cool briefly and then slice it lengthwise. (You may need a potholder if the squash is still very warm.) Using a fork, tease out the middle section with all the seeds and discard. Then pull the "spaghetti strings" of the squash out with that fork and place them in another bowl. Add the sundried tomatoes and toss to coast the squash with olive oil. (You may need to add more olive oil, depending on the volume of the squash.) Add garlic and sea salt to taste. Microwave the squash for an additional minute if it has cooled while you've been preparing it. Add the feta cheese and toss. You can also add cubed grilled chicken breasts if you'd like to make this a main meal instead of a side dish. Serve warm.

Serving sizes vary, depending on the size of the squash, but generally you can count on six side-dish servings and three main-course servings.

ROASTED VEGETABLES (from Christy Greer)
Ingredients:
* any amount of assorted vegetables
(Here are some combinations we enjoy:
-potatoes, onions, carrots, beets
-squash, zucchini, tomatoes, carrots, mushrooms
-sweet potatoes, potatoes, beets, fennel
Basically, put together a colorful combination.)

All you do is chop your vegetables up into similar sized chunks. We prefer them on the larger size, but if I'm stuck for time, I cut them small. (Of course, peel them first if you want.) Spray a large pyrex dish lightly with cooking spray. Toss the vegetables in the dressing (see below). Place them in the dish. Bake at 375 for 30-60 min, depending on the size of your chunks. Take them out of the oven when they are getting browned on the edges.

There are 2 basic dressings that I often do:

ONE
olive oil
balsamic vinegar (1 tbsp)
herbs (basil, thyme & rosemary--fresh is always better, but dry works fine)
garlic powder
salt & pepper, if desired

TWO
olive oil
honey (maybe 1/8 cup)
thyme
salt & pepper

Whisk all the ingredients together for the dressing until blended well. Basically, you can use however much olive oil you desire. The more you use, the more "fried" it will be. I often use about 1/4 cup for a large 15 inch pyrex dish full of vegetables.

I know this was a lengthy recipe, but it really is such a simple, healthy and hearty dish to make. It's great for company because it's easy to make a lot of it. Here is a picture of some roasted vegetables I made recently. I roasted these in my Schlemmertopf (clay pot) instead of a pyrex dish.

PUMPKIN GINGERBREAD TRIFLE (from Jenni Smith--I can't wait to try this one for Thanksgiving!)

2 (14-ounce) packages gingerbread mix
1 (5.1-ounce) box cook-and-serve vanilla pudding mix
1 (30-ounce) can pumpkin pie filling
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping
1/2 cup gingersnaps, optional

Bake the gingerbread according to the package directions; cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the pudding and set aside to cool. Stir the pumpkin pie filling, sugar, and cardamom into the pudding. Crumble 1 batch of gingerbread into the bottom of a large, pretty bowl. Pour 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the gingerbread, then add a layer of whipped topping. Repeat with the remaining gingerbread, pudding, and whipped topping. Sprinkle of the top with crushed gingersnaps, if desired. Refrigerate overnight. Trifle can be layered in a punch bowl.

BAKED LENTILS WITH CHEESE (from Susan Jansen via Nora Shank)

Preheat oven to 375. Combine in shallow 9x13 baking dish:

1 3/4 cups lentils, rinsed
2 cups water
1 whole bay leaf
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon each marjoram, sage, thyme
2 large onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups canned tomatoes

Cover tightly and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and stir in:

2 large carrots, sliced 1/8" thick
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery

Bake covered for 40 minutes until vegetables are tender. Stir in:

1 green pepper chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

Sprinkle on top:

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Bake uncovered for 5 minutes until cheese melts.

This recipe serves 6.

Nora adds this comment to her mother's classic family recipe: "Travis tasted this for the first time a few months ago when I made this family favorite...and he LOVES it... It is good for those omnivores in your life that don't typically like meatless dishes. If they are particularly ravenous, you can add some sliced chicken sausage."

When God Speaks About Relationships

[Here's an article I did for Crosswalk, based on a question I received following the testimony of two of my friends in a blog post titled, When God Speaks to a Single Man. With the permission of the correspondent, I used it as a basis for this month's Crosswalk column. An except follows below...]

QUESTION: I am a single woman and I read an interesting testimony where a single man said that during his personal devotions, God told him to pursue a certain woman. This man wasn’t praying about her or even considering her, but he was sure it was God’s voice. But then he continued to pray about it, sought counsel from others, and over time came to believe he had truly heard from God. So he did ask this woman out and they eventually married. But I don’t get this. If God is speaking clearly, why are counsel and prayer necessary? Isn’t that relying on men and not on God? Does God really speak clearly to mankind today apart from His written word?

ANSWER: This is a great question to ask, because when it comes to discerning God’s leading in the area of romance, our emotions often cloud our subjective evaluation. Some people lean very heavily on their own interpretation of signs and impressions. Others lean very heavily on their own desires and understanding, without seeking God in prayer. It’s easy for us to live in the extremes—but it’s always a mistake to do so.

Does God Still Speak?

Let me start with your last question first: Does God still speak to mankind today apart from His written word? Scripture is full of references to God leading and guiding His people (Ps. 16:7; 25:9; 32:8), but I think one of the most helpful passages about God’s voice is found in the gospel of John.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. . . . My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:14-16; 27-28 NIV)

Jesus promises that His people know His voice. He compares this relationship to dependent sheep that need a shepherd to lead them to food and water and to protect them from harm. Relationships are not based on a one-time command (“follow me”); they are built upon ongoing dialogue. In fact, the Bible presents many different relationship metaphors for the way God interacts with His people—father, bridegroom, master, teacher, and, of course, the good shepherd. A relationship cannot exist in a vacuum of communication. We are not called to be in a monologue with the Lord or in a relationship with a book. The book points to its Author, who still speaks to His children today.

So how do you recognize the Lord’s voice? [Read the rest of the article on Crosswalk.com.]

Evergreen

I noticed it when I went grocery shopping last week: the women's magazines are once again featuring the "beauty at every age" issue. It's a perennial topic. But apparently only three decades count--20s, 30s, and 40s. Before and after that, forget about it.

You would think that women's magazines, of all publications, would be the ones to resist this kind of limited definition of feminine appeal. If you look closely at the models presented on these covers, it's hard to tell the difference between the decades. But life experience would teach you that it's impossible to maintain this standard in succeeding decades. The implication is that women have no use or beauty in the second half of life.

Here's a different perspective from Psalm 92:12-15 (NIV):

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

planted in the house of the LORD,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.

They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,

proclaiming, "The LORD is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Dating: When Words and Choices Clash

Dan Phillips at Team Pyro lit up the blogosphere last week with this classic Pyromaniac analysis of Christians dating unbelievers. I bet you haven't encountered this spin on "missionary dating" before. Here's an excerpt:

Let me approach the issue another way.

Would you date a child molestor? Oh, of course not. Instant deal-killer. Thief, murderer? No and no. Rapist? Never. Those are really bad things.

But not as bad as being an enemy of God (Proverbs 15:9; Ephesians 2:3)? I think we have some seriously skewed priorities.

See, if you are in a dating relationship with someone who doesn't love Christ, you've already said the Christ-issue isn't the issue to you. Her looks, his job, the way she treats you, his sense of humor— whatever; these things matter more to you than Christ does. . . .

See? You've already dealt a death-blow to your own credibility. You really might as well stop talking. Your priorities, your choices, have drowned out your words (cf. the principle of Titus 1:16).

To be clear, I agree that missionary dating has problems. I've written about it before. It's the mixed messages and mixed motives that present problems. But friendship evangelism is both good and necessary! We need to reach out to others--but in relationships with no strings/expectations attached.

Tonight on PBS: Christian Hospital in the Congo

(Please note today's entry is not appropriate for younger readers...)

Following up on last week's post about the prevalence of civilian rape in the civil war in the Democractic Republic of Congo, formerly known as Zaire, I'd like to draw your attention to a documentary that will air tonight on PBS. I was alerted to it when I received the following letter from a U.S.-based graduate student who is doing research in the region. Lumo airs starting tonight in the U.S. on most PBS stations at 10 pm (check local listings). It is about the work a Christian hospital is doing in the region to help these victims. I have no idea how PBS might portray the faith element of this work, but this is how the producers describe the program: "In eastern Congo on the Rwanda border, vying militias, armies and bandits use rape as a weapon of terror. Lumo Sinai was just over 20 when marauding soldiers attacked her. A fistula, common among victims of violent rape, rendered her incontinent and threatens her ability to bear children. Rejected by her fiancé and cast aside by her family, she awaits reconstructive surgery. 'Lumo' is her story, tragic for its cruelties but also inspiring for the struggle she wages and the dignity she displays, with the help of an extraordinary African hospital, to overcome shame, fear and the affliction that robs her of a normal life."

Here's some background via the graduate student who wrote me:

I've been conducting research in the eastern D.R. Congo since 2005. The scope of the suffering there is beyond most of our imaginations, and evil is the only accurate description for what's happening there. I've seen eight-year-old girls who were taken from their families and forced into sexual slavery by soldiers, thirteen-year-olds who've become mothers when rebels attacked their villages, and elderly women who suffer the physical, spiritual, and emotional wounds of rape at a time when they should be enjoying the rest of old age. That all of this takes place in a desperately poor place makes it even worse. Women who are raped are usually cast out by their families, and have to find a way to support themselves. The orphanages are overflowing (4 million people have died in DR Congo in the last 15 years), and adoption isn't really an option, so these mothers have to learn to love their children who were conceived in such horrific circumstances. If they don't or can't, the children end up on the streets or dead. Teenage girls deliver their babies and then give up on life. It's not an exaggeration to say that they live through hell on earth.

Readers who are interested in supporting a Christian organization that supports these women and girls should check out the website of Heal Africa, a wonderful hospital and community-based development organization in Goma that provides physical treatment (including fistula repair surgery), psychological counseling, spiritual counseling, and life skills training to women and children who are affected by the rape epidemic. It's possible to donate through their website, and even $25 makes a huge difference in a victim's life. Lumo, a documentary featuring one of the patients at Heal Africa, whose name is Lumo (which translates as "joy"), also airs on PBS next Tuesday evening, the 18th, so that would be a great opportunity for those who are interested in learning more. (Also, FYI, World Vision is active in eastern Congo, but they don't have a dedicated sponsorship program there because of the instability in the countryside.) Again, thanks for spreading the word about this important, silent tragedy on the other side of the world.

I have a friend who is a Christian and whose profession has made him quite knowledgeable about Christian organizations in Africa, and he confirmed Heal Africa is a credible operation doing vital work in this devastated nation. If you'd like to read more, Christianity Today profiled the founder of Heal Africa last July.

Lord willing, I'll be watching Lumo tonight. I invite you to join me in praying for the Congolese rape victims and the heroic work of Heal Africa. (UPDATE: My local PBS stations aren't showing this documentary during the network slot, but I did order the DVD to watch later on.)

(Photo: Fistula patients at HEAL Africa hospital. Goma, DRC. Courtesy of the Goma Film Project.)

Something for Everyone

The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood just revamped their website, making it a lot easier to find some published gems on the topic of gender roles. I use this site as a research tool, even though I have to admit that a few of the theological materials are a bit over my head. However, there's so much of value there that I simply must encourage you to poke around the website for yourself! Here is a sample of the outstanding articles and audio messages that are available for free from CBMW:

- "How to Encourage Husbands to Lead and Wives to Follow", a chapter by C.J. Mahaney from Pastoral Leadership for Manhood and Womanhood and the audio message from C.J. on which the above chapter was based

- Manhood and Womanhood in Creation and Marriage: A Biblical Defense by Wayne Grudem, an audio message from the Different by Design 2005 seminar for pastors and church leaders

- Different by Design 2005 (Session 2) with C.J. Mahaney, an audio message

- The audio message, A Song of Joy: Sexual Intimacy in Marriage by C.J. and the chapter that was based on the same message and published in Building Strong Families

- Rediscovering Femininity and Modesty, an audio message from Carolyn Mahaney

- Pastoral Responses to Domestic Violence, an audio message from Ken Sande

- Portrait of a Wise Woman, an audio message from Nancy Leigh DeMoss

- Jesus, Men, and Women, an audio message by John Piper

Regional Tip: Women's Conference with Noel Piper

Here's a tip for any woman in the Washington, D.C., region who has a free weekend one month from today: Capitol Hill Baptist Church is hosting Noel Piper for their annual women's conference on October 12th-13th. I'd love to go myself, but I have a family event during that time. But I know my good friends at CHBC will do a wonderful job of hosting this conference:

Capitol Hill Baptist Church is pleased to invite you to our 2007 Women’s Conference. This year's conference features Noel Piper, wife of John Piper, senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN. Noel will be speaking on "The Psalm 91 Woman"--a meditation on living as a godly woman without fear. She will explore how this psalm speaks to women today as we strive for godliness in our busy, modern lives. Noel will also bring us the story of Betsy Stockton, a woman from the past who exemplifies a life without fear. Times of teaching will be accentuated by worship, Scripture, and prayer. Outside the sessions, we hope to enjoy fellowship over hospitality and browse resources on our Bookstall.

Noel Piper is a woman whose life exhibits a wholehearted acknowledgement of Christ and a genuine trust in His good work in her life. All women are warmly invited to attend and, we trust, be encouraged through God’s work of grace.

For more information, please visit the Capitol Hill Baptist website.

'Taking Care of the Ladies'

Wow--if I'd seen this video before I wrote "You Are The Man" this week, I could have saved a lot of time. Daniel, from Everyday News, gets down to the basics!

HT: Retro Evangelical via The Family Room