Seeking More of God
January 30, 2009 |
The theme of my life and ministry seems to be MORE! That is, God has more for each of us. I can go way back in my walk with God to see his more.
Since I was eight years old I had wanted to be a writer and then a magazine editor. When I joined Campus Crusade for Christ staff, I gave up that dream - wanting God's will more than my dream. Two months later I was asked to begin working on Collegiate Challenge magazine. That began fourteen years of writing and magazine editing - for God and his kingdom. What he had planned, and the eternal value of it, was so much more than I had dreamed.
Or I can go to the past few weeks. The primary focus of my ministry has been our staff women. I love encouraging them and challenging them to believe God for more. But sometimes I miss working with young believers. Lately, not only have I had the privilege of watching my new sister in Christ, my daughter-in-law, Brandon, learn and grow, but my husband Steve and I are helping to plant a church primarily for college students and recent graduates. Every Sunday evening I am talking to another young woman about knowing and trusting God. God has more than I was expecting!
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on January 30, 2009 | Comments (11)
Supporting the Surge
January 27, 2009 |
As I glanced over the last Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) alumni newsletter, my eye caught the announcement that the seminary had reached a significant milestone: 1,500 female alumni on their roster. As one of the first women to set foot on the DTS campus as a student, I admit my heart skipped a beat when I saw that number. The fact that DTS was celebrating this was even more satisfying.
Rock on DTS!
Here are more encouraging statistics: The latest Association of Theological Seminaries study (2007-08) reported 34% of seminary students are women. Interestingly enough, the same report indicates a significant rise in the numbers of women students between the ages of 40-64 - underscoring the happy notion that it's never too late to get started! Furthermore, women now comprise 23% of fulltime seminary faculty.
This growing trend is one of the biggest success stories of the modern church, and we should be making a lot of noise about it. I know there are still some who question (or flat out oppose) the decision to offer theological education to women and still some seminaries that refuse to admit them. Opinions divide over how far women can go with their theological training and whether or not seminaries are capitulating to the culture (and more specifically to feminist influence) by opening their doors to women. But there is strong biblical warrant for what is happening.
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on January 27, 2009 | Comments (10)
Top 10 in 2008
January 23, 2009 |
As we begin a new year, once again we’ve looked back on the previous year to see which blog articles and downloads you found most intriguing. Thought you might enjoy seeing what was most popular with the Gifted for Leadership crowd in 2008. Check out the great conversations from last year:
Top 10 Most Popular Blog Posts of 2008
10. The Women Out There
by Caryn Rivadeneira
9. Why I’m Glad Sarah Palin Didn’t Speak for Women
by Amy Simpson
8. What’s Missing in Friendship
by Laura Polk
7. The Life You’ve Always Wanted (In Bed)
by Amy Simpson
6. Is the Church Ready for Iron Ladies?
by Halee Gray Scott
5. Is Women- or Men-Only Ever Okay?
by Caryn Rivadeneira
Posted by Amy Simpson on January 23, 2009 | Comments (3)
Continuing Our Journey
January 21, 2009 |
All of us at Gifted for Leadership are so grateful so many of you participated in our Devotional Journey! We hope it's been a great one for you.
I hope you've been as encouraged and challenged and as blessed as I was. One of my favorite things about this journey was that we took it together - in community, even if it was virtual. I loved that we got to share our stories and insights together. This community and togetherness is really what drives the Gifted for Leadership team.
Our desire is to provide a place for Christian women in leadership to voice their frustrations and triumphs as well as to find encouragement and resources to help you in your leadership. Those resources include this blog as well as other downloadable resources. We WISH we could offer them all for free as we did with this devotional, but as a not-for-profit ministry, we rely on the sales of these downloads to support our ministry (and since most downloads are $9.95 and you can make copies for up to 1,000 people, this is quite a bargain!).
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on January 21, 2009 | Comments (1)
Devotional Journey--Day 14
January 19, 2009 |
For the final day of our Devotional Journey, Laurie McIntyre writes that what growing Christians need is not a new idea but a commitment to put into practice what we already know. This commitment, she writes, is similar to trying to lose weight. Laurie says,
"I liken it to the multi-billion dollar dieting industry?Those of us who struggle with unwanted pounds are always on the lookout for some new strategy, breakthrough method, or even the ever-hoped-for magic pill that will melt the pounds away and somehow eliminate the hard work of denying ourselves and hitting the gym. In truth, there is no easy way and no one can do it for us."
Her bottom line: There are no shortcuts to spiritual intimacy with God.
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on January 19, 2009 | Comments (6)
Devotional Journey--Day 13
January 17, 2009 |
It's not often that I laugh out loud in the opener of a devotional. But Angie had me laughing. I mean, isn't her image of the "ideal" Christian woman dead on? The coffee. The nook. The light streaming in. It's the way I imagine it should be too.
But like Angie, it's not at all the way my life looks. Frankly, I've found much of my spiritual formation has come out of the crazy and the chaotic - and not quite the peace and tranquil. Which is not to say my spirit has been formed a better way because of it. It's just the way my life is right now.
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on January 17, 2009 | Comments (5)
Devotional Journey—Day 12
January 16, 2009 |
I can definitely relate to Kirsten's beautiful narrative today. In fact, this story is really just a continuation of what I wrote about on Day 2 of our Journey. If you'll remember, I confessed to you that I was a perfectionist and ball of nerves when it came to academic achievement. I'm not like that anymore, and here's the brief story of how that came about:
I attended a reputable and challenging Christian college and spent my freshman year miserably battling insomnia, anxiety attacks, and general sadness and disappointment. I did get my straight A's, and yet was deeply unfulfilled. I was doing exactly what it seemed my life was building to, and yet had never felt more lost, and never had God been so silent.
Posted by Bonnie McMaken on January 16, 2009 | Comments (4)
Devotional Journey--Day 11
January 15, 2009 |
It's so typical that this is the entry for today. A day - if you must know - that has already been filled with "tasks" - one of which happens to be to write an entry for our shared devotional journey. (If you're just joining us, click here to download the FREE devotional booklet.)
In fact, in the 20 minutes after I sat down at my desk, I was cranking: I responded to five emails, confirmed a speaking date, revised a schedule for this blog, and written notes for a new book proposal. Once I checked those off my little to-do widget on the side of my screen, I headed to the devotional (I'm a day ahead of you guys so I can have this up in the morning. I probably wouldn't beat a lot of you out of bed otherwise!). It took no further than the title to convict me.
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on January 15, 2009 | Comments (6)
GFL Devotional Journey—Day 10
January 14, 2009 |
Boy, I know what this one is about. I have fallen into this trap repeatedly. Maybe it's because I grew up in a pastor's family and constant unquestioned service - filling whatever roles weren't already filled - was a way of life. I still tend to see a ministry opportunity or need and ask myself, "Could I possibly do that?" rather than "Should I do that?" or "Am I the best person to do that?" or "Does God want me to do that?" or "Has God gifted me to do that?"
That question - "Could I possibly do that?" - almost always leads to "Yes" and to a bad experience.
Like the time when I volunteered - out of guilt - to serve as cook for a high school retreat when I was 8 months pregnant. Could I possibly do that? Yes. Should I have done it? No. I don't possess any of the gifts needed for effectively serving in that role: hospitality, service, preparing food, making kind-hearted conversation with surly teenagers while my hormonal condition made me want to smack them, spending two sleepless and painful nights sleeping on the floor while my nearly-born youngster kicked my ribs and stomped on my bladder. No, I don't have those gifts. Bad experience.
Posted by Amy Simpson on January 14, 2009 | Comments (8)
Devotional Journey--Day 9
January 13, 2009 |
Today's devotion, "The Sin of Humility" (available by clicking here if you're just joining us) got me thinking - more than reflecting. Particularly because Heidi writes that she believes men may lean more toward the sin of pride and women more toward the sin of humility. So I'm busy here thinking backward and forward in my own life and my own experiences to see if that's true.
And I don't know. While I'm certainly not a boastful person - I don't walk around trying to convince other people how great I am because of my achievements (or at least, I HOPE I don't), I wrestle with pride - no doubt about that! When I do something well, I feel great. I start thinking it's more my doing than God's and all that bad stuff. When things are swimming along for me accomplishment-wise, I get happier in that all-puffed-up-with-my-own-greatness sort of way. So there's that.
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on January 13, 2009 | Comments (6)
Devotional Journey—Day 8
January 12, 2009 |
The topic of today's devotional, intellectualism, has been hotly debated among Christians for centuries. The debate is not new to me. I was baptized Lutheran, went to Episcopalian churches as a child, a nondenominational church as a teen, a Reformed college for my freshman year, and an Assemblies of God school for missions. As a result, I've experienced a wide range of opinions and biblical teachings on the importance of an intellectual faith.
Continue reading...Posted by Amy Simpson on January 12, 2009 | Comments (13)
Devotional Journey--Day 7
January 11, 2009 |
I'm just going to jump right in with and say this in response to today's reading, "The Heart of a Servant Leader": I'm a gung-ho, work-hard, give-it-all-I-got kind of leader. But if I look at the state of my heart - as Jaye suggests we do - I'm not such a hot servant leader. More of a struggling servant leader.
This is not to say I don't "aim to please" - because I do, actually. But mostly that pleasing is less about serving than it is making people like me - or think better of me. God included.
So, one of today's questions asks, "What non-servant heart attitudes do you need to confess?" For me, it's really that in my leadership I focus more on my abilities and results and on what people think of my efforts than the people I lead and the One whom I serve. And that's not right.
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on January 11, 2009 | Comments (4)
Devotional Journey—Day 6
January 10, 2009 |
Speaking of work and the workplace, we now have scientific proof that one bad apple can ruin the whole bunch. A recent episode of National Public Radio's "This American Life" featured researcher Will Felps, who identified three types of bad apples (below) when it comes to group dynamics. He hired an actor to play each of the parts below and surreptitiously placed him in motivated small groups working on a business project. After you've been thinking about your work today, see if any of these types sound familiar:
Continue reading...Posted by Bonnie McMaken on January 10, 2009 | Comments (2)
Devotional Journey--Day 5
January 9, 2009 |
When I was the editor of Marriage Partnership magazine, I used to tease my husband: "You know I'll never leave you, Babe. It would kill my career!" While I wouldn't have left him anyway (love that guy!), I have to admit there was an ounce of truth to my joking. I mean, how much of an advocate for marriage could I have been if I were to have thrown in the towel in my own marriage?
But I didn't have to throw in the towel to doubt my effectiveness as an advocate for marriage on those days (weeks or months) when our marriage was less than stellar.
That's why I liked this set of Reflect questions from today's devo: "Have you felt pressure to present an exemplary, ideal marriage to those you lead? How have idealistic ideas about marriage had a positive or negative effect on your relationship with your spouse?"
My answers?
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on January 9, 2009 | Comments (7)
Devotional Journey—Day 4
January 8, 2009 |
It's Day 4. Are you starting to notice any themes in these Bible studies? One message I've noticed cropping us it that we are to fix ourselves solely on the Lord and not his work. Being spiritual and holy is all about "to be" instead of "to do." Consider these excerpts:
Day 1: "Our sole focus should be on the compelling beauty of our Lord, and what moves us forward is only our desire for him. So my advice is: don't seek an improved spirituality, or even a better prayer life. Just seek the Lord Jesus Christ, and keep your eyes on him."
Posted by Bonnie McMaken on January 8, 2009 | Comments (7)
GFL Devotional Journey—Day 3
January 7, 2009 |
I'm acutely aware of my need for God's help in loving others. Some people seem specially gifted and naturally inclined to love others - even the unlovable. My husband, a counselor, is one of those people. Unfortunately, I'm not. Instead, I seem naturally inclined toward competition, self-protection, revenge, jealousy, and winning at all costs. I sometimes find it hard to love the lovable, let alone the unlovable.
Knowing this, I beg on a daily basis for God's grace to infuse and inform my relationships with others. As all leaders know, every day carries the potential for serious and unexpected challenges in relationships with others, especially those we lead. And God is faithful in answering my prayers and granting me the grace I need.
So in reading today's devotional, I was struck by its reminder that begging for God's help isn't the only way - or perhaps even the best way - to exhibit his love in leading others. In Verses 1 through 3, John establishes Jesus' frame of mind as he sits down to the evening meal with his disciples:
Continue reading...Posted by Amy Simpson on January 7, 2009 | Comments (13)
GFL Devotional Journey – Day 2
January 6, 2009 |
Did you feel like Sally had you in mind when she wrote today's devotion? I sure did. As soon as I read her introduction to today's devotion, I felt like this could be a prophetic nudge from the Lord about an all-too-familiar topic.
Because, you see, I've always been someone who wants to be not only good at things, but distinctively the best. I'm naturally driven and inquisitive, and find peace in lists and accomplishments. My default is please others and follows the rules. This propensity to overachieve easily went in to hyper-drive when it came to school. In fact, the only intentionally disobedient thing I remember doing in elementary school was to sneak into the forbidden teacher's lounge and steal extra homework from the recycling bins. Later in high school, I took high-level classes and worked hard for straight A's. When people at church told me God would take care of all my needs, I would sneer, "Oh yeah? God's going to write this paper for me?"
Continue reading...Posted by Bonnie McMaken on January 6, 2009 | Comments (12)
Devotional Journey--Day 1
January 5, 2009 |
Welcome, everybody! I hope you're excited about this 14-day devotional journey together. It's not too late to join us. If you'd like to download the free GFL devotional, just click here and follow the prompts!
Okay, so Day 1: "Spirituality vs. Jesus." I don't know about you, but this one hit me. While I've never been the sort to describe myself as "spiritual" when describing my faith, I certainly have fallen prey to this "consumer" mentality of practicing religion that Frederica writes about: "What appears to be very intentional involvement with spiritual things can actually be simply
the taking up of a new beauty regimen." And I'm just about as good as sticking to the practicing of spiritual things as I am about sticking to new beauty regimens. Which - since most of you don't know me all that well - is not very good.
But I love her antidote to this ugly self-centered spirituality - focusing on the "compelling beauty of our Lord." Now that's something that's easy to stick with. Because once you really seek - and then see - the face of Jesus, once you see how he interacted with people, how he loved (and loves!), it IS hard to look away.
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on January 5, 2009 | Comments (21)
The Rested Leader--Part 1
January 2, 2009 |
One of my mentors tells me, "You have all the time you need to do the things that God has called you to do." I tend to doubt her. I write books and articles, I travel the country to speak at retreats and events. I describe my job as "full-time freelance ministry." I also devote time to building my relationships with my children, my husband, and friends. I lead and mentor and teach at my church. I often feel that I have anything but all the time I needed.
But unpack that statement for a moment. None of us has all the time we need to do everything everyone else wants us to do, or even all the time we need to do the things we think we want to do. In order to have all the time you need, you must begin by listening to the call of God.
Continue reading...Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on January 2, 2009 | Comments (1)
