Brenda Proulx writes about life with words from the Author of Life…
Author: Brenda Proulx
Wife, mother and grandmother, educator and someone who thinks about the things I observe. I am the daughter of a writer; my dad's career was in the field of journalism. More significantly, I am God's child, a person believing in Jesus Christ and in His timeless Word. Blogging is new to me but I feel like I've always had a pen in my hand. I jot notes in my planner, mark papers, underline verses, write many letters, and occasionally draft articles for work or church. When I am not holding a pen, I am probably cuddling a mug of coffee.
I can’t tell you how many things have broken recently. My lovely kitchen faucet handle isn’t working after installing all new parts. A week ago today, my car battery died. One of our kitties is living its very last days but the mother of all hassles for me is computer issues! Much of last weekend my husband was on the phone or at the store trying to solve problems that surfaced as email problems. If you talk to the internet provider, they blame the software. When you call for tech software support, they tell you to fix the router. On and on it goes! I spoke to them again this morning.
An encouraging note from a prisoner today.
Pictured with this blog is a photo of our side yard. Last Sunday night we discovered an issue with our septic system. Again, my dear husband altered his plans, working from home for two days to be there as workers came out to determine what’s wrong. Our property is aging so repair for a septic system is not unexpected but it sure will be expensive to fix. And as I went outside to take the photo today, I noticed that our small pond had lost a lot of water. I turned off the pump, refilled the water for the goldfish and added ‘leak’ to the to do list!
So why do I write this short blog about these inconveniences? A couple of thoughts cross my mind. It is good to share concerns with others; it brings some relief. Also, I know that many of you have problems too. My little annoyances pester me but some of you are experiencing serious relationship, health or financial crises. Whether our problems are minor or overwhelming, comfort and strength can be found in God. A verse that I have gone back to many times this summer is, “You are my God, the Rock my Savior” (Psalm 89:14) and for those experiencing true calamity, my favorite Scripture is Hebrews 4:16.
You might think this post features some paranormal experience. That’s the intent of my title and I hope you will continue reading even though there is nothing bizarre to tell.
Last week my friend’s mother passed away unexpectedly. As soon as I could, I got some flowers and visited her. A few days later as her family began to arrive in town for the funeral and burial, I assembled a food tray and took it over to her. We chatted on her front porch. She shared about her siblings, nieces and nephews who would be present and about her brother who would lead the service.
She told me that her mother had been cremated and her remains would be buried in a rural cemetery near the Shenandoah Mountains. Her father was buried there decades ago. We discussed the technicalities of cremation and burial. Until we face the situation, we don’t consider the logistics of these things. She felt the graveside service would be short and simple. I assured her that it would be very meaningful for family to gather and lay their parents to rest side by side. I expressed my sympathies and went home.
It was now late morning and I had not yet taken time to read the Bible, as I aim to do each day. I follow a simple Scripture reading plan*. I don’t choose a passage each time; I just go to the next one on the schedule. As I began my Bible reading, the day’s chapter detailed the deaths and burial of three people: three very significant figures in the Old Testament. In Joshua 24, Joshua dies and is buried, Eleazor (son of Aaron, who was a priest and Moses’ brother) dies and is buried, and the bones of Joseph are finally interred after being transported from Egypt more than 40 years prior! This connection to my conversation just minutes earlier is not coincidental but completely amazing! Scripture is ALIVE; the Bible teems with purpose and relevance.
Just landing on a topic that previously came up in a conversation may not seem applicable or practical to you. However, a deeper look into the passage and its context shed more light onto its relevance and value. The passage tells us that during Joshua’s lifetime and throughout the span of his leadership team, their nation, Israel, “served the Lord” (Joshua 24:31). What a lifetime legacy: Joshua’s leadership and influence inspired an entire nation to faithfully follow God. The conclusion of Joshua’s leadership era also displayed God’s character. Twice in the final chapters of the book of Joshua, Scripture states that God kept all his promises to His people (Joshua 21:45 and Joshua 23:14). God guided, protected and provided for His people under the hostile conditions of life in the desert and the conquest of new lands as He had promised to do at the outset (the accounts of this are told in the book of Numbers). We can aim to leave a legacy of faithfulness and my friend’s mother lived a full life, God having kept all of His promises to her.
Truly, “the Word of God is alive and active.” Hebrews 4:12a
*In my post “Speak Your Truth, Really? – A Plan, Part 2” January 2019, I shared about various Bible reading plans that are available.
I took this too-grainy photo of a large mulberry tree in the Shenandoah Mountains.
This morning I am at a laundromat. It’s an annual chore that I enjoy. Bedspreads are too heavy for my home washing machine so once a year I trek over to a neighboring community to give the bed covers a thorough cleaning in large professional machines.
I love the bright atmosphere and fresh scent of this well-kept laundromat. It intrigues me to observe people as they complete the task of laundry together. Moms and sometimes Dad keep up the loading, transferring and folding. Kids find ways to entertain themselves. Today, two toddlers push around wheeled laundry carts. A teenager babysits her younger sibling in front of a too loud TV. The Spanish channel (any channel!) blaring is the only unpleasant part of this experience for me. As I entered, an older woman left in a taxi with her morning’s work all done. It is good to see how others do life in ways different than my own.
I thrive on task completion. Checking off a job or errand on my “to do” list feels satisfying to me. This chore signifies that summer is in full swing; winter is packed away for a while. I am grateful for a measurable accomplishment in a life season that seems to have many unknowns.
My good friend Robin designs in textiles, including the quilts pictured. When my daughter worked for her, I learned much about the qualities, care and beautiful possibilities of fabric!
I was surprised on Sunday when my Pastor mentioned being “clean” in his sermon. Of course he was referring to spiritual cleanliness, not the clean that comes after a shower or even being free from substance abuse. I don’t think modern American culture emphasizes feelings of shame or guilt much, even when they may be appropriate. Some cultures do value honor and use shame as a deterrent. My pastor’s use of the term, however, indicates that we are self-aware of an unworthiness in ourselves, a falling short. In fact, the definition of sin is missing the mark. We have a sense that we should be cleaner. Across time, mankind has attempted to achieve purity in order to reach God. But as my pastor pointed out, God doesn’t ask us to get cleaned up for Him. Instead He allowed Jesus to get dirty for us. The task on the cross is accomplished and we have only to access the fresh life He offers. “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7 “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9
As I leave the laundromat, a woman and her adult son enter with their laundry baskets. I hope they will enjoy working together today, sharing conversation, and maybe taking a break at the nearby McDonald’s or the Dollar General next door. Such treats I also enjoy.
Robin hand-dyes cloth to produce custom pieces. She possesses amazing creativity and skill which she now uses to bless a community of women in Uganda. Find out more at Gloryboundministry.org
This blog post is long overdue. Originally I planned to title it “Spring Makeover” but that is now outdated. My busyness a year ago at this time came as our two kids married within seven weeks of each other! This year I find that springtime still kept me hopping. In education, testing and the associated preparation and paperwork all happen in the second half of the school year. Personally, we have travelled a lot and celebrated most of the family birthdays and anniversaries in the past few months.
It’s not quite meteorological summer but with the end of the school year and hot temps, it is summertime! Many of us think ‘makeover’ after the winter months. We want to get healthy, brighten our look and spiff up the wardrobe! As I mentioned, a year ago our family experienced the back-to-back weddings of our son and daughter. This meant that within a very short period of time I was both Mother of the Groom and Mother of the Bride. Though I didn’t go to a royal beauty spa as Queen Esther of the Bible did, I experienced an untypically high number of beauty appointments during those wedding months.
Two local beauticians handle my normal routines. Both women are similar in age and background and each of them own their small beauty business. With repeated visits, some patterns have emerged. One of them regularly shares about business hardships, difficult customers, high rent bills and bad employees. I try to be understanding in my response but much of her concern is the nature of the service industry and dealing with the public. She works hard and her business is successful. I like supporting her small enterprise.
I had a costly, time-consuming manicure for a beautiful occasion.
The other shop owner radiates sweetness. She too is a very hard worker which has kept her in business alone for many years. As a single parent, she is proudly sending her son off to college. She’s always grateful for customers and she’s friendly with everyone in the building. In fact, I met her through my husband, whose office was directly across the hall from her salon. It is truly a treat, not just a beauty treatment, to patronize her business.
An “all done” selfie.
And then there is Annie at the Clinique counter. Unlike some of the other Vogue-like models at make-up counters, Annie is maturing but cute and down to earth. She gives helpful make-up advice and calls to remind me when there’s a sale, because make-up is expensive and rarely discounted in department stores. I notice that Annie’s customers come from all walks of life and many greet her with a hug. I too feel pampered and prettier after my infrequent splurges there.
These three ladies remind me that how we do our work matters. Most of us choose the work we do, paid or not. We can approach our work and our coworkers and clients with joy and gratitude, even when the work is hard, the hours are long, the pay is low and . . . the people! Only God’s touch will perfect us, but a ready smile and a heart of thankfulness will be a beautiful blessing to those around us.
Romans 12:2a, 11 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
A couple of Saturdays ago, my husband headed out for his regular weekend errand to the hardware store. I reminded him that we were in search of replacement feet for a new couch. The couch, an on-line purchase, cost us very little but it needed nicer legs.
He returned finding none at the store but suggested that he could easily make some. Checking a pile in the shed, he located some wood scraps to use. “They’re black walnut,” he raved. He then sketched a drawing with measurements, making sure the size fit the wood and that I approved. The design seemed to ideally suit the sofa.
Within an hour, my husband cut and fit a prototype and then completed the other three. Wood stain and varnish were applied and he let the pieces dry. By afternoon the legs were ready to be attached but special screws were needed. He took care of that too and the little couch wore perfect new shoes!
The sofa looked amazingly better with shaped wooden legs than it had with the original black plastic knobs. Sitting on it was also surprisingly more comfortable with another inch or two of height. I smiled that my husband had so easily crafted the new legs, seeming to enjoy every step of the project.
My husband learned his wood-working skills from his Irish grandfather. As a boy and teen he spent many hours accompanying his grandfather on handyman jobs. Most of his grandfather’s contracts were for painting and carpentry. My husband gained valuable skills over those years and, like his grandfather, had natural aptitude and found pleasure in wood-working.
Wood-working skills run in my family too on the Irish side. Although my grandfather was in business and retail, his store eventually specialized in “fine furniture” so he and my uncles became experts in furniture design and wood types and finishes. Two of my cousins continue in the wood-working business and I think my brother has “the knack” too.
All skills have value but carpentry is particularly useful and creative. Building brings satisfying results to both the maker and the eventual user. Basically all work, a job well done, rewards the worker and benefits the recipient (see blog post “The Work of Your Hands” March 2, 2017)
Jesus probably spent about twenty years in a carpentry shop working alongside his earthly father Joseph (Matthew 13:55). Though he needed no human fulfillment he experienced the tension of a puzzling project and the contentment of a finished product. He also knew about cutting errors, deadlines and nasty customers. I imagine that Jesus built as attractive a piece as Joseph’s small shop could sustain. Jesus was a carpenter before he traveled and preached, taught, healed, and performed many miracles, and then was nailed to a roughly constructed wooden cross for our sake.
One last thought that occurs to me regarding the little couch is the big difference just new feet made. The simple sofa looked and felt so much better! It causes me to ask myself, what small changes should I make for a noticeable improvement, especially considering Jesus’ death for me? It’s a prayer worth asking. “So then, since Christ suffered … you will be anxious to do the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1a, 2b
Both of us claim Irish ancestry in our melting pot heritage.
What do the lyrics “fully known and loved” imply? God relates to us from a unique perspective. He created us and knew us individually even as we developed before birth (Psalm 139:13). God hears our words before we say them (Psalm 139:4). He knows the motives in our hearts, pure and impure (1 Chronicles 28:9, Matthew 9:4). We cannot escape Him, anywhere (Psalm 139:7-10, Romans 8:38-39)! Yet with all this insight into our personhood, which is often very unattractive, God loves us completely and unconditionally.
Last month as I prepared to serve an evening meal, my husband reached for his phone to make a call. I suggested that he wait until after dinner since I was nearly ready to put the food out. He went ahead with the call saying, “it won’t take long.” Twenty minutes later the call finally ended. The meal had gone cold as my irritation heated up. A perfectly nice dinner now needed rewarming and I was frustrated over wasted time.
Although my demeanor surely indicated my displeasure in the situation, I did not call him out on this inconvenience. The day had been a snow day off work for us. We had taken a beautiful walk around a nearby lake and enjoyed coffee together afterward. Additionally, my husband had helped a neighbor with a broken snowblower. I had heard that the neighbor needed a part or service recommendation and I knew my husband’s knack for fixing stuff. I sent him over and he soon got the machine running again to the great delight and relief of our neighbor! So, in my heart, I pardoned the delayed dinner for the previous goodnesses earlier in the day.
Human grace provides a dim glimpse of the lavish grace God grants us though we are completely undeserving of it. Tauren Wells calls it “ridiculous grace.” “Fully known and loved” encapsulates the extreme nature of God’s affection for us as the song “Known” conveys beautifully; I hope you will listen and enjoy. Today is a great day to accept God’s love and grace for you.
In part 2 of this blog series, I laid out some options for making regular Scripture reading part of your life routine (“Speak Your Truth, Really? A Plan” January 3, 2019). I shared that many types of Bible reading plans exist and they can be adapted to one’s available time and one’s familiarity with Scripture. I also explained that several years ago, I began a Bible reading plan that incorporates different sections of the Bible into a single reading. It is a self-paced plan and I included in that post a photo of the lovely bookmarks my daughter made for me, to keep my four places.
Last summer, as I was following along in this reading routine, I came across specific references to God’s concern for prisoners or “captives” in three of my four passages. This kind of thing has happened before. One passage quotes another that I’ve just read, or a previous event is referenced in a following passage. These are not coincidences; they are proof that God’s Word is a unified message from Him, and that God powerfully works through His Words. As I read the Bible that day trusting it as True, I came to a crossroads. How would I follow-through on God’s concern for the incarcerated?
For years I have known about an organization that provides Bible study materials to prisoners. Volunteers check the lessons and return them to the prisoners with a letter of encouragement. I had always thought it would be a great opportunity. With the clear reminders in Scripture that day, I knew that’s what I must do. I hesitate to share my commitment with you because Jesus said to keep our good works to ourselves since He knows what we’re doing (Matthew 6:1-6). We are told not to boast (Matthew 23:1-12). But as this pertains to how Bible readers must respond, I cautiously tell you this story.
After scoring the Bible lesson, I write a letter. I ended this letter by composing a prayer for both of us.
Crossroads Prison Ministry developed a Bible study program designed specifically for those in prison. It’s a leveled series broken into weekly lessons. Prisoners sign up to become a Bible student and Crossroads Ministry sends them lessons. Students mail the finished lessons back to Crossroads who document completion and pass it on to a mentor like me. Mentors receive one lesson each week. We check the answers with an answer key and then write a letter encouraging them, based on thoughts they share through the lessons. Mentors return the graded lesson and letter to the prisoner in a Crossroads envelope, signing only our first name. Thousands of incarcerated individuals are doing these lessons and Crossroads Ministry needs more mentors. This is why I wanted to tell you my story about obeying Scripture. Crossroads Prison Ministry can be found at http://www.cpministries.org
I can’t leave you with the false impression that I always follow-through fully on everything God challenges me to obey in Scripture. There is much that I neglect or violate. Such is sin and needs correction. You may have heard the expression, “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” That’s how it is. Believers trust Jesus to accomplish redemption because we can’t accomplish that on our own. The life of a Christian seeks to walk more fully in God’s ways each day (Colossians 1:10, 2:6).
My blog post from December 31, 2018 focused on truth, as demonstrated by the life and words of Jesus. I would like to continue briefly on the subject of truth.
Jesus spoke to us about acknowledging Him and the truth He taught. All the Bible contains God’s words to us. In fact, the Bible is commonly referred to as “The Word of God.” In describing the Bible, a simple comparison illustrates its function well. The Bible is like an owner’s manual. God created the world and mankind. He also wrote the guide that explains how it all works. To figure out life, the world, truth and purpose we should read the directions, the Bible.
At New Year’s you may be thinking about trying to read the Bible more. There are many ways to approach Bible reading. Several years ago, I began a method of daily Bible reading that works well for me. On most days I read an Old Testament passage, a Gospel chapter, a New Testament selection plus a Psalm. I certainly miss days, even several days frequently, but it’s my plan. There are two reasons that I like this approach: 1) it is well-rounded, giving me the full flavor of Scripture in a sitting; 2) I don’t worry about getting behind and trying to catch up. My method may be a bit much for you so do something that works for you. Also, if you’re just getting started in Bible reading get a Bible version that is easy to understand such as The New Living Translation or The Message.
Here is a link to some ideas on Bible reading: https://kenboa.org/biblical/bible-reading-guide/. In February my church will start a chronological reading plan covering the whole Bible. I will be happy to share that later with anyone who asks.
For the New Year, Isaiah 55:11 is the Lord’s great promise about His Word. It is below first in the classic King James version and then in the modern Good News Translation:
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
11 So also will be the word that I speak—
it will not fail to do what I plan for it;
it will do everything I send it to do.
My daughter inscribed bookmarks for me, with hand drawn verses for each section of Scripture.
Speak Your Truth, Really? Part 1
This fall I attended an all-day workshop for teachers. As is often the case, one of the first slides of the PowerPoint displayed the norms for the day. One expectation out of the fairly short list stated “Speak your truth.” That jolted me awake! As educators, I expected a better understanding of the English language!
Truth is something that is veritable in all situations. Truth is not dependent on circumstances or personality. Truth stays the same; is absolute. I am not a grammar expert but putting the possessive pronoun “your” before “truth” is an oxymoron, a faux pas or just plain poor writing. Pairing “your” with “truth” suggests that a colleague’s truth could be different than my truth. If that is the case, that there are multiple versions of truth, then the topic is no longer truth but experiences, feelings or opinions.
Sadly, the presenters didn’t miscommunicate their intentions. They, like many, believe that truth is relative and that kindness, respect and peace are best achieved by accepting all ideas equally. Nothing in the workshop was particularly controversial. Conflict was unlikely during the training but expecting tolerance is admirable and may be necessary in this day and age, especially in a region that is extremely diverse. Of course every participant’s contributions are valued! Unfortunately, the presenters missed the point by misusing the term ‘truth.’
As we come to the end of the Christmas season and look ahead to the New Year, we can reflect on Jesus’ words about his own coming to Earth. To his interrogator Pilate Jesus said, “In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” (John 18:37) Jesus was born as a baby, leaving behind His heavenly privilege, so we could experience truth. Jesus spoke the truth and He talked about true things and unchanging principles. He even called Himself truth when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)
Christmas cards artfully portray Jesus and His various names. Christmas carols include His names too. He is called Prince of Peace, Light of the World, and Lamb of God, to list just a few. Each of these names and His many others represent something true about Jesus the Savior, the Son of God. May you be greatly encouraged that Jesus’ birth and purpose are true and real; may you not fall prey to believing that there is any other Truth.
There is a funny story about this photo. I saw this nativity scene in a nursing home, while visiting a family member. On our first visit, the manger was empty with no baby Jesus. I joked with someone that possibly one of the residents had picked up the baby Jesus; some of them like to carry doll babies and often mistakenly take things. It turns out that the Catholic tradition is to leave the manger empty until Christmas Day. Happily, baby Jesus arrived on Christmas!
This fall I attended an all-day workshop for teachers. As is often the case, one of the first slides of the PowerPoint displayed the norms for the day. One expectation out of the fairly short list stated “Speak your truth.” That jolted me awake! As educators, I expected a better understanding of the English language!
Truth is something that is veritable in all situations. Truth is not dependent on circumstances or personality. Truth stays the same; is absolute. I am not a grammar expert but putting the possessive pronoun “your” before “truth” is an oxymoron, a faux pas or just plain poor writing. Pairing “your” with “truth” suggests that a colleague’s truth could be different than my truth. If that is the case, that there are multiple versions of truth, then the topic is no longer truth but experiences, feelings or opinions.
Sadly, the presenters didn’t miscommunicate their intentions. They, like many, believe that truth is relative and that kindness, respect and peace are best achieved by accepting all ideas equally. Nothing in the workshop was particularly controversial. Conflict was unlikely during the training but expecting tolerance is admirable and may be necessary in this day and age, especially in a region that is extremely diverse. Of course every participant’s contributions are valued! Unfortunately, the presenters missed the point by misusing the term ‘truth.’
As we come to the end of the Christmas season and look ahead to the New Year, we can reflect on Jesus’ words about his own coming to Earth. To his interrogator Pilate Jesus said, “In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” (John 18:37) Jesus was born as a baby, leaving behind His heavenly privilege, so we could experience truth. Jesus spoke the truth and He talked about true things and unchanging principles. He even called Himself truth when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)
Christmas cards artfully portray Jesus and His various names. Christmas carols include His names too. He is called Prince of Peace, Light of the World, and Lamb of God, to list just a few. Each of these names and His many others represent something true about Jesus the Savior, the Son of God. May you be greatly encouraged that Jesus’ birth and purpose are true and real; may you not fall prey to believing that there is any other Truth.
There is a funny story about this photo. I saw this nativity scene in a nursing home, while visiting a family member. On our first visit, the manger was empty with no baby Jesus. I joked with someone that possibly one of the residents had picked up the baby Jesus; some of them like to carry doll babies and often mistakenly take things. It turns out that the Catholic tradition is to leave the manger empty until Christmas Day. Happily, baby Jesus arrived on Christmas!
Did you read the classic James Herriott stories retelling the experiences of an English country veterinarian? I thoroughly enjoyed reading the detailed, even graphic accounts of treating farm animals and working among simple folks in rural Yorkshire. The veterinarian turned author wrote a series of four books and he gave each a title from an English hymn: All Creatures Bright and Beautiful, All Creatures Great and Small, All Creatures Wise and Wonderful, and The Lord God Made Them All.
This delicate flower named Toad Lily is blooming in my yard now.
Cecil Frances Alexander wrote those words in 1848. Her lyrics reflected tenants of The Apostles Creed and may have been inspired by Psalm 104. The poem’s wording also echoed a stanza from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Whatever her inspiration, the concept of God’s creatures is now well-established in the English lexicon.
Amazing how the moth perfectly mimics the leaf.
All God’s creatures, great and small, amaze me. I’m not a biologist (that’s my husband and daughter) but I appreciate the order, complexity, beauty, and creativity of living things, especially little things like flowers and insects. Field botany and biology courses in college piqued my interest in God’s tiniest creatures, starting with microscopic algae! My classmates and I collected, preserved and identified an assortment of plants and bugs. We became quite competitive regarding the varieties and sizes of our specimens, which would partially determine our course grade. I give much credit to one of my professors, Dr. Dorothy Chappell, who always pointed the origins of our amazing world to its amazing Creator.
Never did figure out what insect this was. It was about 4 inches long; maybe an unusual dragonfly variety.
God’s created organisms can all rightly be called God’s creatures, but another phrase is not so accurate. “God’s children” is an expression that some use to refer to all people. This is a misnomer. God’s children are those who have joined God’s family by means of repentance of their self-sufficiency, claiming instead dependence on God’s forgiving work through Jesus alone. Those are the only ones who can rightly be called “God’s children.” John 3:16 tells us that this opportunity is open to all, but the choice is ours.
The ‘walking stick’ and the featured praying mantis are two of my favorite insects. I see the incredible uniqueness of God’s handiwork in them.
The letter or epistle of First John (not the Gospel of John) uses the expression “children of God” several times. My pastor, David Platt, is currently preaching a sermon series on this book of the Bible. His sermons on First John can be found on-line at www.mcleanbible.org/sermons.
