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Last Christmas at Lifelink Memphis, we talked a lot about slowing down and keeping Christmas meaningful. We even offered a series of classes on what that might look like.

I know this because I taught them.

I was really excited about it and I remember thinking after last Christmas that my family had made a good start at slowing down and that this year we would really nail the whole restful, meaningful, intentional holiday thing.

But…that didn’t really happen.

I have a confession to make. The reason I haven’t written here in so long is not because I am too busy, or because I’m too tired, or even because I’m too absorbed in my secret life as a superhero. (Although it is quite time consuming.)

I’m afraid it’s due to a much more mundane and well….rather petty reason.

It’s because I don’t like this software.

It’s true.

What better job could someone have than giving away money? I have a friend whose job it is to make sure enough money is given away from the foundation for whom they work. Some groups have to give away money to keep within their incorporation guidelines, to stay out of trouble! Love it.

Life is beautiful. The hopes and dreams of people, when unfettered, imaginative, and released from past pain, are powerful and guiding forces. God can speak to us and our listening to His truth causes our dreams to become even more real. Like salvation. When a life is surrendered completely to Him, suddenly there is a deeper meaning and a resolution of some part of the struggle within.

Let the cheese flow! Lifelink Memphis Small Groups are engaging with the "Who Moved My Cheese?" parable and some interesting fun is emerging. Though the book is not spiritual, the people of the church are and the conversation questions are setting off some good, those sometimes cheesy, conversation. As with all parables, the imagery and connection to the story can be stretched uncomfortably in a 2 hour prayer and meeting time, but it is "good times".

It feels good today after a great community gathering time at Lifelink Memphis yesterday. Although many faces are sadly missing, I can't help but reflect on how good God is at bringing together those who seek Him to a place of healing, restoration, and kingdom work, even when we are all fallible people. The sunshiney days are reminders of His grace to continue to bless when we obey Him and live out of love for God daily.

On the evening of December 24th, as it did on various parts of the planet, Christmas came to Lifelink Memphis.

There it was met by a unique assemblage of individuals: locals and travelers, friends and strangers, people from assorted zip codes and some who whose address was simply "the street."

I would like to take this opportunity to direct your attention to A Short Conversation With God, a post I have recently unleashed upon my blog The Ominous Comma.

It's funny and fairly meaningful. I think you might like it.

Happy Friday

-Brent

In support of the argument that 1 Timothy 2:11-15 is teaching that women should be silent in church meetings and never speak, address, or especially teach the body of Christ, some would point to 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 as another proof text.

There is no doubt that 1 Timothy 2:11-15 is one of the most debated passages in all of Scripture.  This specific passage is only one in the midst of a theology concerning women and their role in the body of Christ.  I have decided not to address the whole theology of women but mainly just this passage, along with another closely related passage in 1 Corinthians 14:33-35.  Though there are many differing views concerning these two passages, and we definitely should be willing to listen to those views, I hope to lay out at least some teaching that can help us further get our heads around t