what happened to women?

Politics and the pursuit of rights and equality and the differing opinions expressed have a way of bringing the worst out in people. What grieves me most is to see women attack each other out of anger and hurt.

I am grieved that women de-dignify themselves to smack talk against Sarah, Michelle, or Cindy. It ought not to be. We lose something of who we really are and that power of influence that we really have.

So, no matter what side of the woman's banner you live - let's commit to return to being women of grace and dignity toward each other.

The greatest influence a woman can have is when she walks in the dignity of who she is and shows an expression of grace to others who don't carry her opinion.

Will you join me?

what happened to women?

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/09/what-happened-to-women.html

blogging buzz: oprah & palin

Oprah to Palin: I Can Pencil You In Later

Oprah has issued a statement to TMZ -- she won't put Sarah Palin on her show until after the election.

Here's the statement: "The item in today's Drudge Report is categorically untrue. There has been absolutely no discussion about having Sarah Palin on my show. At the beginning of this Presidential campaign when I decided that I was going to take my first public stance in support of a candidate, I made the decision not to use my show as a platform for any of the candidates. I agree that Sarah Palin would be a fantastic interview, and I would love to have her on after the campaign is over."

It is HER show and SHE can do what SHE wants, but what does it communicate by Oprah not inviting the first Republican VP candidate on her show? Does it seem a bit ironic – that the party that wants to wear the women's banner of women’s rights be the one to condemn her?

Do you think it could create an "Oprah Boycott" or even ignite a more dramatic backlash among women? According to the Drudge Report - Oprah's website is getting tons of requests to put her on, but Oprah and a couple of her top people are adamantly against it because of Obama."

Sound off: What do you think? Please - no attacking.

blogging buzz: oprah & palin

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/09/blogging-buzz-oprah-palin.html

true confessions of various kinds

Both my girls are funny and make their mama laugh. But, today, this one takes the cake. I love it love it love it.

true confessions of various kinds

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/09/true-confessions-of-various-kinds.html

the happiest place?

Today is the last day to hang out with Candace, her hubs and Zane and Ivana. It's been a fun week at Disneyland - riding rides I shouldn't have - all for the grand kids. Kind of like 'sin' and how we say we do 'it' for the reasons we name. Oh, that's another post.

We've walked a gazillion miles, sweat buckets (my LA is humid), eaten a few pb and honey sandwiches and held hands on Soaring Over California. I think that's my favorite. Ivana's a trip on that ride. She gives these running commentaries and has to squeeze our hands tight so she doesn't fall over the edge. My other favorite is the new Woody ride and Zane was one of my favorite partners there.

I ate one two many Mickey Mouse ice cream sandwiches - but I do think I walked it all off and then some. Was proud that I only ate one piece of fudge and had fun belly laughing with Candace over how drenched our husbands got on Splash Mountain. Actually it was my husbands rendition of WHY they got so drenched that was hysterical.

They say that Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth - well, it wasn't this time - because the Griffin's weren't here.

the happiest place?

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/09/happiest-place.html

dating or courting?

I'm troubled with the "dating" scene today and especially with how hurt women get when passive me pursue them through a computer screen! Another post on another day.

This following piece is in Chapter 9 of my e-book Girlfriend School. It came from a book called: Courting, Dating and Hanging Out. I'd love your thoughts!

Dating - What is dating? Dating is spending time (exclusively) with one guy. Dating starts with “an attraction” based on (possibly) infatuation.

Dating goes like this:
· Boy asks girl out (sometimes girl asks boy out).
· Dating can include everything from kissing to hooking up.
· Dating is not an approach to marriage.
· Dating is confusing, often hurtful and with lots of regrets. Dating can be full of anxiety.
· Dating is behavioral oriented. It’s often selfish.
· You would date someone whom you would or wouldn’t think about
marrying. It is not meant to be an approach to marriage.
· Dating has “self” in mind.

What is courting?
· Courting has principles—a guy and a girl are seen together with a group of other people.
· It’s within a group setting that they get to know each other.
· Courting is meant to be an approach to marriage.
· Courting is relationally oriented. It’s not selfish.
· Courting brings the blessing of “dad” into the guy/girl relationship.
· Courting has God’s best in mind.

dating or courting?

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/09/dating-or-courting.html

Sarah Palin Speaks - words matter

Sarah Palin Speaks - excerpts from Sarah Palin's speech tonight!

"I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town. I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education better. When I ran for city council, I didn't need focus groups and voter profiles because I knew those voters, and knew their families, too. Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown. And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a 'community organizer,' except that you have actual responsibilities."

"I'm not a member of the permanent political establishment. And I've learned quickly, these past few days, that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone. But here's a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country."

"Our opponents say, again and again, that drilling will not solve all of America's energy problems - as if we all didn't know that already. But the fact that drilling won't solve every problem is no excuse to do nothing at all. Starting in January, in a McCain-Palin administration, we're going to lay more pipelines...build more nuclear plants...create jobs with clean coal...and move forward on solar, wind, geothermal, and other alternative sources. We need American energy resources, brought to you by American ingenuity, and produced by American workers."

"Here's how I look at the choice Americans face in this election. In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers. And then there are those, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change."

Sarah Palin Speaks - words matter

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/09/sarah-palin-speaks-words-matter.html

the centered woman - part 5

Today is my last post on The Centered Woman. If you've missed this little series you can go here to catch up.

Women are wonderfully created and it’s been said that women are the crown of God’s creation. I think we are. We have this amazing capacity to bring forth life, tenderly nurture others, create beauty in the space we touch, express a gamut of emotion, and influence the world around us. Indeed we are His master piece.

But, a woman who engages in life’s opportunities without much thought, purpose or a framework, can have this tendency to feel overwhelmed, be misdirected and end up burned out from unnecessary commitments to people and projects. That woman is NOT the centered woman.

The centered woman understands that life goes by quickly and she also understands how important it is to live with an on-purpose mindset, knowing why she does what she does, so that in the end of her life—she won’t stand before Jesus with regret.

The centered woman has a real sense of confidence because she knows that she’s fulfilling her unique life-design purpose which involves God’s kingdom purposes for herself and other. She knows that it’s God's purposes that she’s fulfilling.

The woman who is centered doesn’t struggle with needless fear, anxiety or insecurity as a people pleaser.

What’s the Key to a Centered Woman?
The key to the centered woman is the center she lives out of. It’s one of humble submission to follow Jesus and to do the hard life things that He asks. Entering the Kingdom is easy, it’s hard to live in the Kingdom. Life in the Kingdom is all about dying (to oneself) and the centered woman recognizes that and seeks to live with that Kingdom mindset.

The center she lives out of is one of submission, obedience and respect for authority. Her center is Jesus and she lives to please Him. She yadas Him.

The centered woman is one who has accountability and when lovingly care-fronted with sin has a teachable, humble and repentant heart.

The centered woman understands God’s heart for marriage – if she’s married, she understands the Biblical role of a woman in submission and respect and following and she appreciates the Biblical leadership role of a man to protect and guide his family.

The centered woman seeks to do her husband good. She honors him with her words and heart attitude. She understands that marriage is much about her getting character over convenience. She knows that she’s THERE for her husband and that she’s to follow him – even though he might not be totally sure where he’s going. . . but, she trust in God that He’s big enough in her husband to speak to him and give him clear vision that she makes this her constant prayer – praying for her mighty man in the making.

The centered woman’s life will be evident of her centering. Those around her will hear it – she’ll have a confession on her lips with something like: “I am committed to pursue God and to do my part regardless of what anyone else is doing.

Those around her will see it. It will be lived out and one will constantly see her coming back to her center – because she values it.

Are you a centered woman or are you spinning, blaming and not yet anchored – an UN-CENTERED woman?

the centered woman - part 5

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/09/centered-woman-part-5.html

steps to sexual intimacy

A few years back, I'd written a handbook for tweens and teens (girls) called Girl Friend School. Steps to Sexual Intimacy is an excerpt from Chapter Nine.

I'd like to give this e-book away to any woman who'd be willing to use it in the life of young girls. After you post a comment, email me at lylahl@aol.com with your email addy and I'll send it to you.


9 Sexual Intercourse. The marriage bed defiled—trust broken. Feeling used and dirty—yes, a girl will have these feelings because she’s sold her self short of God’s best for her.

8 “Experimental” nakedness. Shame upon sense of shame. How special is this—that on a girl’s wedding day—she’s already been known?

7 Petting while clothed. Petting? Touching in places that are to be discovered in the marriage bed—not in the back seat of a car.

6 Open-mouthed, passionate kissing. A new desire awakens. Oh, sure something awakens—did you know the word kiss in the Hebrew means to “light a fire?”

5 Kissing on the cheek ~ softly kissing on the lips. These are sweet, innocent signs of affection. But are they?

4 Hands on shoulders and hands on waist. A definite sign that romance is in the air. But, is it?

3 Holding hands. This is a nice sign of attachment. It says you like each other. Your relationship is growing. Is it really?

2 Talking with a guy. Remember to “stock up” for really comfortable and fascinating conversation. Do guys really like “talking” to girls? Guys are made to conquer.

1 Looking at a guy and making eye contact. A good sign he’s interested in you is that he smiles and look right back at ya babe. Oh, really? Is this flirting?


Adapted from Greg Johnson and Susie Shellenberger, What Hollywood Won’t Tell you About Sex, Love and Dating (Venture: Regal, 1994)

steps to sexual intimacy

http://lylahledner.blogspot.com/2008/09/steps-to-sexual-intimacy.html