Desiring to be obedient to God’s Word regarding how I function in the Church and what I teach others, over the last several years I have spent hours researching and writing about the role of women in the Church.



Aware of my interest in this subject, I was recently asked to edit a review Jon Zens was writing of a book written by John Piper, What’s the Difference? Manhood & Womanhood Defined According to the Bible. While there have been ongoing debates about this topic amongst… Continue

This is the first anniversary of Searching for the Whole-Hearted Life! I’m so thankful for the opportunity to write for the Diagonal Progress, as well as for those who are following my articles via internet. I sincerely appreciate the encouragement which many of you have offered.



Although writing these commentaries has been a highlight for me, I realize that at the least I’ve raised some eye brows, irritated a few people and possibly even alienated others. Thanks, Patty for… Continue

New Years, the oldest of all celebrations, began in Babylon 4000 years ago. However, the western cultures didn’t follow suit until only 400 years ago. The early Church condemned the festivities as pagan even into the Middle Ages. Shouldn’t we, as followers of Jesus, pay attention to this? What is the history of new year celebrations?



• Recognized as the season of rebirth, the Babylonian New Year began at the spring equinox.

o Most important of all festivals; it lasted 11 days… Continue

Because we’ve been programmed to believe that this time of year is to somehow be more peaceful and joyous than any other, many of us become disheartened by and lost in the expectations:



• Family gatherings are less than perfect or don’t happen at all.

• Circumstances make it impossible to place or find the “perfect present under the tree”.

• Painful memories get in the way of believing that there can ever be any peace or joy.



Often the Lord uses music to express… Continue

For a number of years now, the Lord has been exposing Gary’s and my true heart regarding how we celebrate Christ’s birth. Each year, it seems He reveals more and more of our activities which really have little significance to the true purpose of Christ. We’ve relinquished the desire to spend more than we should or fret over finding the perfect gift. We’ve recognized that no one on our gift list truly needs more. We’ve given up the frenzied attempts to decorate every corner of our home, bake… Continue