Women of Intelligent Faith

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."  ~ C.S. Lewis I'm delighted to announce I enrolled at Biola University in the Masters of Arts in Christian Apologetics program. Never stop learning. Never stop growing. Never stop asking questions. Never stop searching for answers. Never stop helping others. Never stop growing in faith. Never stop loving. Never, never forget how much God loves you.

There is a common language among both believers and non-believers, and that language is Human Rights. Something stirs deeply in us when we watch the news or read headlines about public beheadings, girls taken captive in sexual slavery, or other horrible events. We know deep in our hearts that these things are WRONG. But why? Why do we care about Human Rights? What gives human beings value and dignity? Interestingly, today Human Rights advocates influenced by post-modern, atheistic, philosophical teaching have no explanation for "why" Human Right are important. Many such scholars have publicly abandoned the conversation. But Christianity is the only worldview that can make sense of this "Why" question. What gives human beings value and dignity is that we were created by God in His image because He loves us. How do we know our value? Value can be determined by what a buyer is willing to pay for something. Christianity teaches that God purchased us with the bloo...

Last year when I went to the National Apologetics Conference I felt a stirring. This year when I went, I wasn't just stirred again, I was shaken! I had the privilege of attending the Women's Pre-Conference to this event. I was intrigued by a class about "Jesus Feminists." I had to go.  Since that time, I cannot stop thinking about this concept--Jesus Feminists or Christian Feminists. Can women be feminists and be Christian? What a great question! This year I had the honor of teaching conflict resolution at the Ratio Christi Symposium and Retreat.  I love teaching. Have I mentioned I love teaching? I love teaching!!! This stirring or shaking has given me much to ponder. Someone should lead this discussion.

More training in helping married couples resolve conflict. Delighted my friend Marla could join me. We had a blast connecting with other Iowa peacemakers.

I am thrilled to announce that John and I have recently acquired this beautiful building in Panora, IA for our office space.  On the lower level will be Stewart Law & Mediation, PLLC. On the upper level will be Ratio Christi International. Stay tuned for Grand Opening information...

Sometimes opportunities come and you just can't say no. On our last trip to West Africa, John and I met with a few Christian lawyers. They were very interested in the teaching I do on conflict resolution. The Christian lawyers in this town have a heart to start a mediation center. They asked if I would come and teach. This area has a history of heavy religious persecution, so the need was real and urgent. When John & I returned the following year to teach, I had hoped for maybe 20 students. However, the interest grew. We were informed we should expect over 100 lawyers, judges, and other leaders in the community. We packed 6 suitcases to take with us, 4 filled with books and other teaching materials. Thankfully they all arrived, despite cancelled flights, long delays, rerouting flights, and one suitcase temporarily missing. Words cannot begin to describe this teaching opportunity. What do you say when a woman tells you story of bringing someone into her home to help f...

Recent trip to visit Megan at U.C. Berkeley. Missing my girl!!