An article in the New York Times suggested that Oscar is due for another change.  Author Kim Elsesser  asks why, after all this time men and women are not allowed to compete against each other for the Best Actor Oscar? We’ve done away with the term “actress” for the most part but on Oscar night, the divide remains.

She writes:

Since the first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929, separate acting Oscars have been presented to men and women. Women at that time had only recently won the right to vote and were still several decades away from equal rights outside the voting booth, so perhaps it was reasonable to offer them their own acting awards. But in the 21st century women contend with men for titles ranging from the American president to the American Idol. Clearly, there is no reason to still segregate acting Oscars by sex.

It’s certainly an interesting idea, but what struck me most about her comment was that I had genuinely never thought about it before. I did not even notice that the Oscars were gender-split.  I wonder if that’s a good sign or a bad one?  You don’t have to look far beyond our own borders to see that women in North America have it pretty good.  Yes, there are still places where things are unfair.  But in North America no one is altering our bodies without our consent, or forcing us into unwanted marriages or telling us we can’t leave the house.

It’s interesting to think that in the midst of so much positive change, there are still splits that have stood for so long we don’t even see them.  The Best Director category is not gender-specific, nor are any of the technical Oscars, where admittedly there are more men than women in the field.  What are the messages hiding behind our attempts to be inclusive? Elsesser goes on to say that “separate is not equal” which is true, but equal is not always fair. So here’s one more question for your Oscar ballot: do you think the Oscars should be gender-blind?

How do you define yourself? Try our interactive Life Lesson What’s in Your Bag? for an intriguing look at the way we tell our own stories.

Image courtesy of Jeroen Miedema . Used with permission.  You can see more of Jeron’s photos on Flickr.

It might surprise you to learn that the tradition of fasting has very little to do with food

In his article, “Fasting: Is it Healthy?” Darren Hewer explores many aspects of fasting from its health benefits to potential pit falls.   Throughout history people have fasted, for a variety of reasons.  Some fast an act of worship, others do it to create time for prayer and contemplation.  As with all changes to your diet, if you are considering a fast, be sure to talk to your doctor first.

Fasting is often associated with the season of Lent which began a couple of weeks ago.  Some time ago I found a blog post about fasting written by a Catholic Nun.  While I am not Catholic myself, I found her perspective both insight and refreshing.

Sister Julie writes:
Eventually I learned more about fasting in a variety of religious traditions as well as an overall aesthetical practice, a spiritual discipline. I realized that fasting is not about denial but about freedom … freeing ourselves from the things that bind us and keep us from right relationship with ourselves, with others, with creation and with our God. Fasting from food is one form of fasting.

We eat simply (if at all) and only what is necessary. This has a profound effect on the body and frankly feels very good. It also lends itself to a clearness of mind. Just as our body and mind are affected, so also is our spirit. Our fasting from food is a way of simplifying, getting down to basics, clearing oneself to be in a place of openness, receptivity. It gives us a chance to take stock of where we are in our life and what we need to do to continue to grow in life and love. (from anunslife.org)

Sounds lovely doesn’t it? I know that Lent has already started, but there’s still time to put some of that space and freedom to work in your life.  Have you ever participated in a fast? If so, I’d love to hear what you learned from it.

Online mentoring is designed to START A CONVERSATION and encourage someone to take the next step in his or her faith adventure.

This Faith Adventure is done through The Mentor Center, which creates a safe and secure environment where people with questions are matched with Christians who can answer them with the hope of Christ.

Discover new life through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  You can start a conversation and talk to one of our mentors.

Experience the Holy Spirit & learn to share your faith with people who need to discover Jesus by becoming a mentor.

Inspire others to become a hero learn how they too can share their faith by starting your own mentoring community where you can help others discover Jesus and learn how to share their faith.

Discover more Power to Change Faith Adventure opportunities in your areas of interest.

Our Power To Change Faith Adventure Model hasn’t changed in underlying principle, but we have a newer graphic form for it and a definition of a Faith Adventure. We are increasingly organizing all of our ministry activities around the concept of Faith Adventure.

A related way of describing the same concept is the more traditional language used within our organization of “win, build, send.”

A Faith Adventure involves three kinds of people doing three different things at the same time (or as part of the same process).

The three kinds of people are:

1.    People who are not Christians discovering a new life through relationship with Jesus Christ.
2.    Christians who are experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit as they learn to share their faith with people who need to discover Jesus.
3.    Engaged Christians who become heroes by inspiring others to learn to share their faith.

A Faith Adventure occurs when these three kinds of people are all involved in at the same time, or, we say, as part of the same process. It’s another way to talk about a spiritual multiplication cycle.

Download a PDF of the Faith Adventure Model

Gary’s Story: Surviving a Bomb
On Saturday November 8th, 2008 my world blew apart – literally. I was carrying a package I thought was gift when it exploded in my hands. We had recently sold our cozy townhouse and were excited to move into a larger home with yard for our daughters. As I went to retrieve the BBQ cover from the back yard I discovered an unexpected package sitting directly in front of my the back door. Read my story, recently featured on CTV news, and how I was able to respond afterward. Read more

Take action: Having to give up some of the things we cherish can be difficult. Gain valuable perspective by trying our interactive online study Struggling with Contentment.

You said it: This week, Rick commented on the article Gorging on Chocolate Love, saying “i liked your analogy of chocolate versus real food in explaining “eros” love versus “agape” love.” Read the article and add your own thoughts: Read more

Blog: Are You Still Interested In Each Other?
So now that you’re married, are you still interested or are you … bored? Read more

Feature: Choosing to Simplify
In this In Other Words video, Senior Editor Claire talks about different perspectives on cutting back in a tough economy. Read more

Coming up next week: One of the topics of our upcoming online chats is “Empowering Relationships” Join us in the chat room November 22nd 2009 @ 9:00pm EST for this chat, and check our full chat calendar for other upcoming topics.

Take action: The holidays are coming. Prepare in advance by thinking about your time management skills. Try our interactive online study Managing Time Wisely.

You said it: This week, Jacob commented on the article How to Set and Attain Goals for Success, saying “I am 18 and have gone from summer office help in a small construction company to the manager of materials and logistics, in 6 months. I am dealing with project managers for some of the largest construction companies in the country. I feel successful for my age at this moment, but I want MORE …” Read the article and the rest of the comment, then add your own thoughts: Read more

Blog: Decorating Tips for Big Impact on a Small Budget
Plan ahead and you’ll avoid stress, lost boxes of decorations, impulse purchases and overspending. Here are some tips for decorating on a budget Read more

Video: Street Level: Family Traditions
This week in our Street Level video feature, we went to the streets to ask you how you define family. What does “family” look like, and do you keep any family traditions? Read more

Coming up next week: One of the topics of our upcoming online chats is “Empowering Relationships “ Join us in the chat room November 22nd 2009 @ 9:00pm EST for this chat, and check our full chat calendar for other upcoming topics.

Take action: Having to give up some of the things we cherish can be difficult. Gain valuable perspective by trying our interactive online study Struggling with Contentment.

You said it: This week, Rick commented on the article Gorging on Chocolate Love, saying “i liked your analogy of chocolate versus real food in explaining “eros” love versus “agape” love.” Read the article and add your own thoughts: Read more

Blog: Are You Still Interested In Each Other?
So now that you’re married, are you still interested or are you … bored? Read more

Feature: Choosing to Simplify
In this In Other Words video, Senior Editor Claire talks about different perspectives on cutting back in a tough economy. Read more

Coming up next week: One of the topics of our upcoming online chats is “Learning to Love Again” Join us in the chat room November 15th 2009 @ 9:00pm EST for this chat, and check our full chat calendar for other upcoming topics.

Suellen likes to introduce me as her first and third husband because it surprises people. I can see why some people think it’s shocking and I guess it is, but I am so grateful to God that I have the privilege of being her husband today. A marriage with God in it is so different from one without. We had to learn this the hard way, after much pain, difficulty and tears. Read more

Take action: A healthy marriage is worth working towards. Improve your marriage by exploring our Lovebusters Series of online marriage life lessons.

You said it: This week, Hellen commented on the article Suicide Seemed Like a Good Option, saying “Thanks for sharing this story, it is very inspiring …” Read the article and add your own thoughts: Read more

Blog: Ordinary Miracles
I think we forget that even under the most ordinary circumstances, a pregnancy is always a miracle. Read more

Feature: Changes in Family Dynamics
The transition to college isn’t limited to the students. Parents and siblings also experience growing pains. Read more

Coming up next week: One of the topics of our upcoming online chats is “What gives meaning to your day?” Join us in the chat room November 9th 2009 @ 12:15pm EST for this chat or see also our full chat calendar for other upcoming topics.

Women Today Magazine’s new site has launched today

Along with all of your WTM favorites the new site includes more video and blogs, bigger images, easier commenting and lots of opportunities to get involved in mentoring and chat. We hope you’ll love it as much as we do.

The site has been divided into three main areas — Discover, Experience & Inspire. You can access each area through the tabs in the top left hand corner.

Women Today is in the Discover area. If you find yourself in another area of the website and want to get back to WTM, just click on the “Discover” tab and then click on “Women”.

You can still find WTM by visiting womentodaymagazine.com as you always have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find chat?
On the right of every page you’ll see a section called “Start a Conversation” in the top right corner. There are three links. The third one, Join chat will take you right into the chatrooms.

Can I get to the Women Today homepage or my favorite article using the old links?
Absolutely! If you have bookmarked something you visit often those links will redirect to the same place on the new site. You will always be able to use WomenTodayMagazine.com to reach the site.

My favorite section is missing, where is it?
Go to the any of the main areas (Family, Beauty, Life, etc.) listed on the WTM navigation and you’ll find yourself on an index page. Half way down the page are a group of icons that take you to related categories. You’ll find fashion, recipes, fitness and more in these categories.

Can’t find something? Think something’s missing? We welcome your feedback, just comment below.

Enjoy your new site!
Women Today Magazine

Take action: Have you received bad news lately? Are you going through painful experiences? Take one of our Dealing with Hurts and Emotions interactive life lessons.

First Aid for Bruised Hearts: Talk to a Mentor. If you have a question about love, relationships, or marriage you’re not alone. Love, even when it’s wonderful, is complicated. We’d love to hear from you. Online mentoring is a private email conversation between you and a mentor. The conversation is free, confidential and non-judgmental. Contact an online mentor if you’d like to talk.

Article: Gas vs. Electric Heating
How will rising energy prices affect my budget and what can I do to limit the damage? This article could save you a lot of money on your heating bill this winter! Read more

Online study: Living with Significance
Many of us are passionately engaged on the road towards success, but if we were to be questioned as to whether or not we are living a life of significance, we may not have an immediate answer to that question. Read more

Coming up next week: One of the topics of our upcoming online chats is “What Does It Mean to Have Faith?” Join us in the chat room October 26th 2009 @ 9:00pm EST for this chat or see also our full chat calendar for other upcoming topics.