foundations

I intentionally refrain from responding to these issues "out-of-hand." I think whatever position you hold, you should be able to defend it throughly and biblically. As Paul says in 1 Thes 5:21, test everything - but hold fast to the good.

Drinking, Tattoos, and smoking:

We like to ask the wrong questions. Instead of asking how can I walk more closely, and know Him more fully, we want to know where the line is so we don't cross it. The problem with this reasoning is we lose sight of our purpose. Our purpose is to know Him, and make Him known. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Instead of asking is it permitted, we should be asking how will this bring glory to God, how will this help me to know Him, and make Him known. Based on my understanding of scripture, no where does scripture say these things are sin. BUT scripture gives us some additional qualifiers for all decision making. (1 Cor 6:12, 1 Cor 6:19-20, Romans 14:19-21) Just because something is permissible doesn't make it beneficial. We're called to be good stewards of all our resources which includes our physical bodies, and we should never forget that we are indeed our brothers/sisters keepers.

Role of Women (in ministry):
The reason this topic is so highly controversial is due to a lack of Godly men, in this generation and the last. Our fathers failed us, and we continue to follow their horrible examples. Our generation desperately needs Godly men. We find ourselves surrounded by dysfunction and brokenness. We have a plethora of examples of what not to do, but few to follow. Fathers who've failed their God given mandate to raise up sons and daughters in the way they should go. We're bombarded by extremes, that don't line up with scripture. On the one side we have "men" who use scripture to defend their dis-respect, abuse, and oppression of women. They demand, insult, defame, and destroy. On the other we have "men" who allow women to lead, to teach, and have authority they were never designed to take on. God created us both male and female in His image. Both have equal value in the sight of God, BUT our roles are different. God has laid down boundaries in scripture because He knows what's best for us, more then we do. He knows that living in these boundaries will allow us to experience the Joy and fulfillment that we long for. Men are first called to love, and in that love to lead. Women are first called to love, and in that love submit. BOTH men and women are called and gifted for ministry, but those giftings are to be used in the context of the boundaries laid down in scripture.

1 Timothy 2:9-15 (women shouldn't teach or have authority over men)
1 Corinthians 14:33-35 (women should submit to male leadership and authority)
Titus 2:3-5 (women should teach women)
2 Timothy 1:5 (women should teach children)

I think Matthew Henry sums it up best:
"... the woman was made out of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved."

formed in me

we're undeserving of any praise, reward, or accolade. we strive after obedience to our King, even at the expense of our own reputation or status. we're learning that leadership in His economy is found in servant hood. we humble ourselves before men for His names sake. we pray to love as He loved, to desire what He desires, and to die as He died.

we're completely awestruck by His incredible provision. we're surrounded by brothers and sisters who bless us in ways we'll never fully comprehend.

and yet how often do we consider ourselves before others, how often do we expect to be compensated for our efforts... He beckons we die to ourselves, knowing He is faithful to take care of all our needs. that we would give out of the overflowing fullness that comes from Him.

may our groans never cease until the day we see Him face to face.

For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
2 Corinthians 5:4 (NIV)