Spiritual – A Writer's Daughter

Time for February – Part 3

For the past couple of days, I have been thinking about how to end my short February treatise on ‘time.’ I researched some Scriptures on the topic, but nothing popped out at me. This morning, I received a Bible verse in a daily texting group that feels exactly right.

Second Corinthians 9 v 8 says, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things AT ALL TIMES, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” What struck me on first reading was the obvious abundance: the words “abundantly”, “all” used three times, “abound” and “every.” God promises lavish fullness, demonstrating His generosity toward His own.

A dear friend, Sandee, regularly texts a big group of us a pretty picture with a Bible verse. I received this from her this morning.

In Bible reading, context is of utmost importance. Chapter nine of 2 Corinthians is about giving. Believers in the Corinthian church were preparing to give a gift (likely monetary) to Christians in another region. The writer Paul is reminding them about their promise to give generously, as they were “blessed” and able to follow through on “every good work.” Paul then quotes Psalm 112 v 9 , supporting the concept of the righteous giving generously from another book of the Bible.

It feels odd to wrap up “Time for February” on an altered note, but I hope you can follow my track. While I was thinking of chronology in this month of numerical confusion, God’s Word brought my post to God’s goodness to us all the time, especially through Jesus our Savior, and our opportunity to live generously with good works all the time. In fact, doing so may help pass the time these last days of February, without a 29th day this year! AMEN

The Purple Foyer Welcome

Over the Christmas holidays, an experience brought to mind the Biblical principle of hospitality. Possible blog post topics pop into my head, and I often let them formulate for days, or weeks, before I finally put my thoughts into writing. As I ruminated on the topic of hospitality, the word surfaced in my Bible study as a desired quality in leadership (Titus 1 v 8). Days later, hospitality was the theme in a devotional I’m currently reading. For me, that was enough confirmation to pen the blog!

It’s OK that none of us has a grand foyer like The Mandarin Oriental.

As I mentioned, after Christmas we experienced overnight hospitality with close friends from our DC days. Halfway through our two-day drive home, we arrived at their house depleted of emotional and physical energy. Approaching the front stoop and entering their purple foyer, I felt relief at being “home,” as I later shared in a thank you note. The familiar surroundings, the memories, the dear friendship and warm welcome ministered deeply. There we’ve sat by fires in the fireplace and cookouts on the porch. We landed there the night we left our family home for the last time and munched leftover Halloween candy in our exhaustion. The guest room often welcomes me with a special treat from the hostess, and the host makes sure we help ourselves to the tea drawer. Being able to spend the night in their home and catch breakfast together before hitting the road again is the spiritual gift of hospitality: sharing out of God’s provision to others in the family of Christ.

While specific spiritual gifts are given especially to some, the New Testament calls all Christians to be hospitable. Romans 12 v 13 says, “Practice hospitality.” I do not think that means doing routines like piano or soccer practice, rather the instruction suggests making hospitality part of your way of life. Unfortunately, hospitality seems threatening to many due to the likes of Martha Stewart in my day and Joanna Gaines these days. We get the idea that everything must be perfect: the food, the décor, and the beautiful hostess. But this is not God’s hospitality plan. Biblical hospitality is genuine and unassuming, from a humble heart and even a humble abode. I encourage you to practice it: have a friend in for coffee, a family over for supper or host a mid-winter party. Scripture says you might even entertain angels unaware (Hebrews 13 v 2)!

The Salvation Army Part 2: A Salvation Story

When I was growing up, my family was close friends with the McIntyre family. Bob and Mary were sweet Southerners, deeply committed to the Lord, through church and family. Bob was a successful educator, having founded a school early in the movement to develop special education for learning disabilities. Mary joined him in business and education endeavors. They raised two boys in the DC area where my family also lived.

Bob’s back story was surprising given his successes in adult life. He and a brother were born to an unwed mother. A sister carried a different last name. Bob lived with his maternal grandparents. During his young teen years, the ministry of the Salvation Army touched his life and Bob was saved! Salvation Army Officers took him in, and at age 16 he moved with them to another state where he graduated from high school at nineteen.

Bob’s faith in Jesus deepened. He took serious Bible training and pastored churches. Later he and his wife Mary attended Moody Bible Institute and then earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wheaton College. Eventually they came to DC for educational administration opportunities and, as I mentioned, founded a prototype model for special education, The Oakwood School. He continued church and missionary work throughout his life.

I do not know the specific details of Bob’s salvation other than it was “through a meeting.” I doubt that Salvation Army bell ringers were present, but I am confident music must have been part of what drew him in – – he enjoyed music and was a good musician himself.

Bob’s faith testimony includes significant influences and spiritual impact on my life. The McIntyres gave me my first job in education: summer help at their daycare as a junior higher. (And thanks Mom for driving me back and forth for those weeks.) I followed them to Wheaton College, one of the most formative and meaningful experiences of my life. They gave me a place to stay temporarily when I got my first teaching job out of college, and I observed their beautiful Christian home and marriage. That’s legacy: God began His “good work” in His servant Bob through The Salvation Army. God’s work in him flourished until it was “carried to its completion” when Bob died of a stroke three years ago at the age of ninety-one. I pray that God’s salvation is at work in your life too. Philippians 1 v 6

Merry Christmas.

The Salvation Army Part 1: The Red Kettle Campaign

The “Red Kettle” campaign is back! Collecting money donations in a big pot started in 1891, initiated by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee in San Francisco. He needed money to fund a Christmas dinner he hoped to provide for “San Francisco’s many poor souls.” “Today, generous contributions to the kettles enable The Salvation Army to bring the spirit of Christmas to people who would otherwise be forgotten.”

Bell ringing is a traditional feature of the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. Paid and volunteer staff stand at the kettles ringing faithfully. Sometimes workers play musical instruments or recorded Christmas music. Once I saw a kettle volunteer entertain shoppers with animated dance steps as she rang; she was having fun! Another time we chatted with an older ringer named Charlie who asked for prayer for his own needs. Apparently, the Christmas song “Silver Bells” from the movie “The Lemon Drop Kid” was inspired by the tradition of kettle bell ringers standing outside city department stores.

I enjoyed sharing the book Gus and Grandpa and the Christmas Cookies, by Claudia Mills, illustrated by Catherine Stock (1997), with my ESOL students. In the story, a boy and his grandpa encounter the red kettle and a bell ringer, which is new to the young boy. A sweet conversation and a giving response follow. And I guess some bell ringers dress as Santa!

While in-person shopping is declining due to online purchases, and fewer businesses welcome Christian charities, I will be shopping about locally and be on the lookout for red kettles and keep an ear out for the bell ringers too! As the name implies, the Salvation Army is a movement focused on sharing “good news and love with … neighbors” and is dedicated to “soul-winning and compassionate service.” The pairing of practical support and spiritual counsel may be why they are “Doing the Most Good.” “Christ’s boundless love presses on our hearts, leaving us joyfully compelled to serve Him,” (a summary of 2 Corinthians 5 v 14, Biblehub.com)

Quotes are taken from Salvation Army literature, both online and direct mail sources, 2024 and 2025.

NOTE: I continue to notice formatting issues with my posts in automated emails and even phone access. Blogposts are best viewed at “A Writer’s Daughter”

The Red Kettle Campaign

Quotes are taken from Salvation Army literature, both online and direct mail sources, 2024 and 2025.

NOTE: I continue to notice formatting issues with my posts in automated emails and even phone access. Blogposts are best viewed at “A Writer’s Daughter”

Saying “Grace”

“Grace” is the traditional term for prayer before a meal. Scripture tells us Jesus modeled the practice of thanking God for food (Matthew 14 v 19; Matthew 15 v 36; Luke 22 v 19). We also read that Jesus blessed food before He ate, hence we say or ask “The Blessing” at meals (Matthew 26 v 26; Luke 24 v 30)*.

The vast majority of Americans, even Christians, no longer regularly say “Grace” at mealtimes. Look around the work lunch table or a restaurant dining room and you will rarely see folks offering a blessing over the food. Thanksgiving however will be the exception, as many will pause to acknowledge their plenty in the form of a prayer to the Almighty.

I grew up in a home where every meal began with a prayer of thanks, usually led by my father. (See photo below) And although “Grace” was a routine and might have become rote, instead the ritual solidified foundational beliefs. By praying at meals, we were acknowledging God’s reality and presence, and His provision at our family table. Gratitude is a desirable, health-promoting trait and it rightly positions our hearts toward God “from whom all blessings flow.” ** Remember Jesus leading at the last supper: “and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat…’” (1 Corinthians 11 v 24 NJKV).

I am grateful for you, my readers. I am looking forward to some entries I have in mind for December – stay tuned! As always, my posts are best viewed at “A Writer’s Daughter” especially to view the photos.

* I found “gave thanks” and “blessed” to be interchanged depending on Bible version.

** Thomas Ken, “Doxology,” 1674.

This photo is deeply personal but I will share it. It is the last photo I took of my parents together. Saying “Grace.”

Goal Setting

Are you a goal setter? It is not my preferred approach to getting things done. I love lists and checking off tasks, but setting goals feels time constrained, like a stressful deadline.

Goal setting was a big part of the job in my last 10 or 15 years of educational work. Not only were teachers required to set goals for evaluation purposes, but students had to write goals a couple of times per year. It seemed far-fetched to make first graders write a six-month goal when they understand so little of long-range time and learning potential.

Here’s a goal I should set: finish this needlepoint project by the time the medical course is finished (that’s why I started it). I have until January. and it was motivating just to pull it out for the photograph.

Goals pop up in everyday life. Today an online word game that I play blazed the words “Goal Completed” across the screen. I have no idea what the goal was nor how I achieved it! My watch reminds me of goals throughout the day and blasts a ring of fireworks when I reach its predetermined settings.

My initial blog goal was to publish twice a month. I kept up very steadily with that goal in the first years but in the spring and summer of 2020 I backed off, finding it hard to write topically in the firestorm of issues at that time. I had another unplanned lag when my site was hacked into. It took several weeks of technical expertise the get “A Writer’s Daughter” functional again.

Where do I land this post so I can catch up to my personal writing goal? I have had a few ideas that didn’t fly. I considered a passage in Romans 8 that repeatedly used the phrase “set your mind” but looking carefully at the text, the term “set” does not imply a command; it is not a directive to make smart thinking goals. But it’s a good passage if you care to check it out for yourself. Instead, the first question of the Westminster Catechism asks, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” Scripture says, “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11 v 36) This sounds like a great goal to me.

A butterfly enjoys late season marigolds spilling over our driveway. This post doesn’t strike me as a ‘homerun’ but coming across the Scripture three times in a row was confirmation for me that I should go for it. And I meet my publishing goal! Enjoy the World Series!

September is New Year’s

Happy New Year! You see, September always feels like New Year’s to me after my school years, then college, then becoming a teacher. Later, it felt like New Year’s when I sent my kids back to school … which at that time was September, but now, for many students, is mid-August. You financial types also experience the fiscal new year at this time.

This New Year’s (September) started with a bang for us: an early morning phone call on Labor Day weekend with a list of woes to be righted! Nothing life-shattering, but there were matters to attend to, nuisance issues to handle, on a holiday weekend. Frankly, troubles continue to pop up and I share this because I know you, my readers, face the same, and you’ll understand why I’m finally getting back to my blog.

We are thankful for a few days in the NC mountains recently. We were at The Cove (Billy Graham Training Center, hence our nametags). What could be better than September in the mountains? October! But it was so refreshing.

September, like New Year’s, urges a return to routine. My “A Writer’s Daughter” blog encourages the routine of being in Scripture, the book God authored for us. I came across some good insights on Bible reading this summer that I would like to share, written by J. D. Walt* (Wake-Up Call).

“’Meditate on it day and night.’ (Joshua 1 v 8) Do you know when that is? Yep. Always. It is always either day or night. But this little word – meditate– might mean more than you think it does. Many Eastern religions have laid claim to the concept of meditation. The biblical idea of meditation, as I understand it, is quite different. Meditation is often an attempt to empty one’s mind. The biblical practice of meditation is about filling one’s mind- with the Word of God.

“The Hebrew word (transliterated) hagah is pronounced “daw-gaw.” It means “to growl, utter, speak, or muse.” And, yes, you read it right, “to growl.” The biblical concept of meditation carries the image of a lion growling over, eating, and savoring its freshly caught prey. We so often think of the Word of God as duty we must exercise. The Spirit teaches us that the Word of God is a meal to be savored and enjoyed. Recall the signature instruction of Psalm 1: “But whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night.” (bolding mine)

“I have a working rubric that helps me engage the Word of God over time, and it has led me from a disciplined, dutiful reading of Scripture to a deeply delighted and desirous appetite for God’s Word. The hand is the mnemonic device with each finger representing a sequential step of engagement. And, of course, it is alliterated, each beginning with the letter r.

Little finger: Read (mouth)

Ring finger: Ruminate (meditate)

Middle finger: Rememberize (slowly load the long-term memory)

Index finger: Research (dig deeper)

Thumb: Rehearse (do it)”

May we all be encouraged to make time in God’s Word this New Year as part of our regular routine, in a delighted, enjoyable set aside time, and through on-going, joyful meditation.

*Walt, J. D. “Growling in the Word of God,” August 1, 2025. Wake-up Call, Seedbed.com

Here is the link: Growling in the Word of God

On the Brink: A Waterfall Story

Niagara Falls is stunning! My family stopped at the Canadian Horseshoe Falls many times as we vacationed and visited family nearby. The Falls always scared me. The edge’s height, and the rushing forceful river plummeting to a deep drop below was nothing I wanted to be close to! I feared the power and danger of it all. Recently someone close to us shared a momentous waterfall experience. It is deep, personal, and worth passing on to you, but I’ll not use his actual name.

I remember being at this spot as a child. Photo by Ken Lund, wikimedia.org

Matt, as I’ll call him, told us his story of a dangerous edgepoint in his life. He was young and making choices; temptation teased him, and he was caught in its rush. Matt shared that as circumstances swelled around him, an older confidant reached out to him. The mentor spared no words in confronting Matt regarding his precarious situation. Matt said that he counselled him with words something like this: “Matthew, you are nearly at a point of no return. It’s as if you’re headed toward a Niagara Falls. You’re so close to being swept up and thrown over. You’ll plunge into disaster and be dashed on the rocks and tumult below. You’ve got a choice to make. It’s almost too late.”

Matt reflected on the mentor’s wise words, spoken out of love and concern. Time and proximity were opportune, so shortly after the conversation, Matt drove to Niagara Falls. He walked to the viewing edge. Looking over into the swirling depths far below, Matt shared that the gorge looked peaceful, something his life was not. I sensed that it was a moment of crisis: maybe he even considered taking that plunge; I was not sure what he meant.

But Matt continued his waterfall story. The following day, alone and still contemplating his future, he turned on the TV. In his channel surfing, he came across a preacher, who was standing in front of a waterfall backdrop – probably the filming magic of a ‘green screen’! The preacher blurted out, “Do you want to know the secret of real joy?” Matt did not want to know what the preacher’s idea of joy was, so he quickly changed the channel. A few moments later, Matt thought maybe he did want to hear the preacher’s answer. He clicked through the channels again, but he found no waterfall and no sermon. Without the TV message, the Lord brought to mind a little ditty his father had once told him. You probably have heard it too: JOY is found when you order your life with Jesus, then Others, and then Yourself. It seems trivial but it is truthful. Jesus must come first for a right life.

The rest of Matt’s story is that he edged away from the rushing whirlpool he faced. Instead, he turned toward the safety of solid ground although we know that shoreline can be steep and rocky. It was a victory for him because of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. We all admitted with Matt that we are always nearer a dangerous water’s edge than we realize.

This morning, I read these words in Psalm 94, “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your love, O Lord, supported me” (v 18), “ the Lord has become … the rock in whom I take refuge.” (v 22). Turbulent temptations rage at times, but we can claim the calm of Jesus’ victory on the cross. (See 1 Corinthians 10 v 13

Fun waterfall frolic at the NY State Fair last summer!

Wonderings from Gym Workouts

Last fall, my husband and I joined a local gym. Thanks to an advantage of our health insurance, we, the Silver Set, get free membership! It’s a great deal and we are blessed to have a very nice facility close to our home.

This is a new experience for me. I was not a high school athlete, so I did not work out in a gym, except for the required P.E. classes. In my adult life, I’ve taken various exercise classes, but it is a first for me to frequent the gym for personal workouts.

A few things immediately stood out to me. I noticed the types of folks at the gym and the types of workout outfits they wear. Many gym goers are younger than me, with buff bodies, seemingly very fit. They flaunt well-defined muscles in spandex-tight workout clothes. I now recognize gym regulars, the body builders, and the staff trainers. While that crowd is miles ahead of me in fitness, I’ve found them to be friendly and respectful.

I’ve noticed another set of gym types. They are older and less fit. They work out in outfits from their drawer: maybe stretchy pants and a t-shirt but I saw one guy in denim jeans, with a leather belt and flannel shirt. Bless his heart, at least he was exercising! I am more aligned with this group: working out on a basic level, dressed in something less than Under Armour.

So, what am I wondering, you’re wondering? Does the Bible say much about fitness? Yes, fitness is addressed in Scripture. New Testament events took place in Greco-Roman times, when body building and sports competition were popular, and there are Scripture references to both. The Apostle Paul told young Pastor Timothy to train for a godly life because “physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way” (1 Timothy 4 v 8). In Hebrews, believers are encouraged to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12 v 1)

As summer approaches, I will continue my gym visits and not neglect to train spiritually as well. Of course, I love that the Hebrews quote above calls Jesus our Author! I encourage you to exercise the habit of reading His Word regularly. “How to Read the Bible” on my Pages tab provides ideas for Bible reading. I also added a new quote on the Testimonial page.

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Full credit to Coastal Fitness where we work out.

David E. Kucharsky

In a prophecy concerning the coming Messiah we read this: “to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion– to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor” (Isaiah 61 v 2-3). Because of our hope in Jesus, my family is comforted, not despairing, at the recent death of my father, David Kucharsky. He was an “oak of righteousness,” God’s name of blessing for all who believe. It is our opportunity to “display … His splendor” as my dad humbly did. Below I share his obituary which the family collaborated on, but was first drafted by my sister, Sandy Barton, also the writer’s daughter. Thank you, Sandy.

David Eugene Kucharsky
August 3, 1931 – February 21, 2025

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8. This scripture captures the essence of the person and life of David Eugene Kucharsky.

Gene entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Friday, February 21, 2025. At the time of his death, he was a resident of Shell Point Retirement Community in Ft. Myers, Florida. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Gene was the only child of recent Ukrainian immigrants Leon and Marie Kucharsky (née Dachko). He graduated from Duquesne University in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and as an ROTC commissioned officer in the US Air Force. He served in the Korean War, stationed in Newfoundland, Canada.

He married Patricia Patterson in Hamilton, Ontario, on August 31, 1957. They lived briefly in Pittsburgh where Gene was a staff correspondent for United Press International. The following year they relocated to northern Virginia when he became News Editor of the newly formed periodical Christianity Today, headquartered in Washington D.C. He remained there in various editorial positions, concluding as Senior Editor in 1977. During his long tenure, he covered religious events throughout the world, with particular reporting on Billy Graham crusades across the globe. As a member of the national press corps he accompanied President Richard
M. Nixon on the Moscow Summit of 1972.

Four children were born to Gene and Pat during their years in Virginia. In addition to being a devoted husband and father he pursued a wide variety of interests and activities. This included support of land conservation in Arlington, Virginia, and participation in the initial Lausanne Congress on Evangelism in Switzerland. He faithfully served his church, Arlington Memorial Church (Christian & Missionary Alliance) in multiple capacities. He tirelessly lobbied on behalf of five C&MA missionaries who were kidnapped and disappeared during the Vietnam War. He sought to draw national attention to their plight and fate, most notably in an interview by
Barbara Walters on NBC’s The Today Show.

He is the author of The Man from Plains—The Mind and Spirit of Jimmy Carter, published in 1976 by Harper & Row.

In 1977 he became Editor of Christian Herald magazine, headquartered in Chappaqua, NY. As Senior Vice President of the Christian Herald Association, he oversaw numerous ministry and publishing ventures in the New York metropolitan area, including The Bowery Mission. He was
a Trustee of The King’s College in Briarcliff Manor, NY, and served on the Board of Christian Publications (the publishing arm of the C&MA). He took a keen interest in the ministry of Ridgeway Alliance Church and often provided sermon research and editing on behalf of his friend and pastor Art Robertson until retirement in 2010.

Mr. Kucharsky is survived by his wife, Patricia; four children, Brenda Proulx (Craig), Debbie Endean (Rick), Sandy Barton (Andrew), David Kucharsky (Pari); ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He will be laid to rest in Ft Myers, FL. A service will be planned at a later date.