Words – A Writer's Daughter

Randomize

Words intrigue me. In linguistic studies, one learns that language does not stagnate: it changes over time. Words are lost, words change, and words are rediscovered or newly created. The word ‘camera’ isn’t used much anymore since it’s our phone. ‘Google’ is a verb that was nonexistent 30 years ago. ‘Transformative’ has replaced ‘transformational’ in popularity, though their meanings may be distinct.

I recently heard a new use of a familiar word: random > randomize. ‘Randomize’ describes how researchers randomly select participants for the experiment variable or for the control group. To keep the results unbiased, the experimental assignments are made with, another new term we have – AI! Randomizing might select a traveler for additional security checks or determine the order of questions in an online exam. A patient might be told they were ‘randomized’ for a treatment in a clinical trial.

But is anything really randomized? Are our lives left to chance? I believe that God is in control of all things. Scripture tells us that God knows when a lowly sparrow falls (Matthew 10:29), that God sends elements like rain and fire, (Matthew 5 v 45, 2 Kings 1 v 10), and that He saw us forming in the womb and has numbered the days of our lifetime! (Psalm 139 v 15 – 16). God’s plans supersede the adage “right place at the right time.”

But what about “wrong place at the wrong time?” Yes, in God’s sovereignty, we face terrible things sometimes, yet we are promised God’s guidance and help when we walk the path He’s planned for us (Psalm 37 v 23 below). In other instances, one might have strayed to the wrong place and face consequences (Psalm 119 v 9, Proverbs 7 v 25).

Here, in conclusion, I admit that these are hard truths. Followers of Jesus boldly give God credit for His provision and blessings, or cling to His strength in crisis; it is a day-by-day surrender to do so, only through Holy Spirit power. AMEN

Book Reports

Do you remember doing book reports in elementary school? Teachers cleverly devised multiple project ideas to ensure that students were regularly reading books. Assignments included paragraph summaries on 3 X 5 cards, dioramas, posters, book jackets, and others you may recall. Book reading for the young student continues to be a high priority at the elementary level, but approaches have changed, which I will not get into here. Instead, I will report on two, make that three, books I read in 2023. They stand out for me in ways I’d like to share. I hope my synopses earn passing marks from you!

“Live Not By Lies” was the famed dissenter Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s clarion call to resist Soviet repression, especially of religion. Writer Rod Dreher borrowed Solzhenitsyn’s phrase to entitle a book he never intended to write. Live Not By Lies lays out a “soft totalitarianism” that is creeping, maybe steamrolling, into American culture. Dreher came to author the book when immigrants from communist countries approached him about the glaring similarities of events and policies in Western democracies to the oppression in communist countries that they had personally experienced.

The book uncovers the many ways that a liberal ‘creed’ is being forced onto American society. Warning that it could happen again, Dreher recounts dreadful stories of massive religious persecution in Soviet block nations. It is a sobering and very unsettling book to read, but the story is not limited to America’s current dangerous reality and the evil history of the recent past. Dreher shares the steadfastness of individuals, families and congregations who resisted communist aggression against their faith, and he explains how their means of resistance were effective. He suggests these are ways that would be successful again.

My other book report features the book The Thrill of Orthodoxy by Trevin Wax. I saw the book on a recommended list in 2022 and was captured by its title – a bit of an oxymoron? The author was a new name to me, but I liked his bio. ‘Orthodoxy’ sounded daunting, nonetheless I bought the book and determined to read it. I was pleasantly surprised: the book was quite readable and compelling! Wax’s thesis is that orthodoxy, the timeless doctrines of the Christian faith, is adventurous and exciting. Rather than being dull or static, the Christian faith has been and always will be solid, stable, exuberant, invigorating … and in other words, thrilling! Joy and energy permeated the explanations and examples of historic Christian orthodoxy.

For extra credit, let me tell you how the two books are complementary. The onslaught of a new totalitarianism determined to wipe out Judeo Christian beliefs is chilling, but the orthodox truths of God are firm and life-giving. Scripture is “for such a time as this,” not unlike the Jewess, Queen Esther’s, vital calling during an impending genocide (Esther 4 v 14). With confidence and fortitude, we hold on to our foundational beliefs knowing they, by the power of God and His Son Jesus, will withstand the confrontations that may lie ahead.

Indeed, the Bible is the third in my book review of 2023. Now my assignment is complete and posted by the January 31 due date! As this first month of 2024 draws to a close, evaluate the quality and quantity of your Bible reading: set some goals or make a plan for the year ahead, inasmuch as “Every word of God proves true” (Proverbs 30 v 5) and “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4 v 4).

The topmost book on the pile is a journal I keep of books I read. I record the title, author and a brief summary and critique.

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ADVENTS – Should it be plural?

Like so many early seasonal promotions, I began seeing Advent calendars advertised months before Christmas. Soap, puzzle, dog treat, and chocolate countdown calendars were among the ones I saw. They are quite unlike the Advent calendars of my childhood. In my young girlhood, my Nana sent us beautiful Nativity calendars featuring numbered windows. My sisters and I took turns opening each day’s window to find an illustrated creche figure. Window 24 always opened to the stable scene of baby Jesus in the manger.

Beautiful sanctuary decorations for Advent.

Today is the first Sunday of Advent, a season of the days or the Sundays leading up to Christmas. It is a countdown to Jesus’s birthday. Worship services may focus on the traditional themes of the four Sundays of Advent. Pastors often prepare sermon series based on Christmas topics. Many of us read Christmas devotionals throughout December and return to the narratives of Jesus’ birth in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It is good to prepare for Christmas in these ways. The countdown is exciting!

Advent means coming; we suppose anticipation. We think of Jesus and His birth as arriving soon, but Jesus already arrived on earth some two thousand years ago on the first Christmas. Advent, then, is a misnomer, unless something else is coming, to anticipate. Yes, there is: Jesus is coming again! Jesus’ return is an Advent. You may not know this fact and may not understand. And Christians over time have not completely agreed on the exact details surrounding Jesus’ return, but all agree that He is returning, as declared in Scripture. Jesus spoke about His own return in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 and writings in both the Old and New Testament further explain Jesus’ Second Coming.

May your December anticipate the 25^th and another miraculous day yet to come!

(www.gotquestions.org is a reliable resource for topics such as Jesus’ return)

Friendsgiving to Thanksgiving

Friendsgiving is a newly coined term, referring to a meal and gathering of friends, similar to and around the time of Thanksgiving. You can search its origins as easily as I can, but I first encountered the concept as college students held a Thanksgiving-type buffet dinner together before heading home to their families for Thanksgiving. I continue to hear about Friendsgivings among various communities such as neighborhoods or church small groups.

I do wonder about the emphasis and intent of a Friendsgiving, as opposed to Thanksgiving. Hopefully, it is not the replacement of the family but an extra dose of celebrating with an additional group of people. In other words, an extra chance for great food and fellowship in the harvest season. I also wonder if some individuals use the term Friendsgiving to de-emphasize gratitude or religious significance, but the Friendsgiving events that I’ve known of include giving thanks in their celebration among friends.

My daughter-in-law shared this photo from a recent Friendsgiving.

A holiday devoted to giving thanks by feasting together is splendid and accurately regards American history. Thanksgiving is Biblical too. The American event is not, of course, found in the Bible, but giving thanks is a theme throughout Scripture. In the inspired words of 1 Thessalonians 5 v 16-18, Paul famously said to be thankful in everything. The Scripture is a trio of commands: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” [The continual nature of giving thanks is also found in Ephesians 5 v 20, Philippians 4 v 6 and Colossians 3 v 17]

It’s hard to think of always being thankful in light of tragedies, deadly diseases, and waging wars that we hear of too often. Sadly, there will be empty seats at Thanksgiving tables. Psalm 107 v 1 reveals how unconditional gratitude is possible: “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good.” Again, we are told to give thanks, but there is more clarification here with a direct and indirect object. We give thanks TO God BECAUSE He is good. The circumstances may not be good by human standards, but God Himself, by definition, is good (think holy, correct, sovereign). Whether you are already half full of turkey and pumpkin pie from Friendsgiving or headed to Thanksgiving with family anticipating a feast and the fellowship, go with a grateful heart to God, for who He is!

Pardon My French – Part 2

This past spring, my husband and I celebrated a milestone anniversary with a trip to the Caribbean island of St. Martin. The island is comprised of two countries: the Dutch Sint Maarten and the French Saint-Martin. Of course, the Proulxs chose a resort on the French side!

Besides the picturesque aqua waters of the Caribbean, the French international atmosphere enriched our short stay. French citizens travel to this island, no passport needed; guests from France seemed clearly comfortable in their own country! The local language is French though St. Martin is strongly influenced by Caribbean culture.

During our stay at the resort, I noticed that one of the guest activities was a French class. Being a former language teacher, I thought that sounded fun. I showed up at the poolside activity booth at the scheduled time and asked about the class. The host manning the booth scrambled a bit, but soon a staff member showed up, and brought along another staff member in training. No other guests showed up, so the two guys offered me a table and chair nearby … and I had a private French lesson! It was comical!

Here are the phrases the tutor wrote for my lesson.

The two fellows were young, Black Caribbean natives. Many residents on St. Martin are immigrants from nearby Caribbean islands, as these two may have been (I do not recall). Apparently, job opportunities are more plentiful on St. Martin. My tutors asked me what I wanted to learn. One of them pulled out a sheet of paper and began to write out conversational phrases. They pronounced the phrases, and I repeated them. I enjoyed asking them questions about local education and language. They told me the official language and the language of school is French, but English language instruction begins early in their education. There are locally spoken Creole languages too. After 45 minutes of conversing with the two young men, I thanked them for their time and went on my way. Let’s just say that I will need a few more lessons before I can manage any kind of French interaction, no fault of my sincere tutors!

Where does “A Writer’s Daughter” land this post? One of my favorite themes is work and excellence. My French teachers demonstrated those admirable traits, but I addressed that subject in my recent post “Dressed for Success on the Produce Aisle.” Instead, I lean into the value of every individual, folks like us and folks who are not, like my Island tutors, so different from me. All of us share the imprint of the divine, being created in the image of God (Genesis 1 v 27). We must esteem each other, beyond what we may or may not share in common. God’s creatures, however, are not automatically all His children, as is often misstated. God’s children are those who call Jesus, the sacrificial Son whom God provided for humanity, their one and only hope of redemption and salvation. Romans 10: v 9 – 13 Rendons grâce à Dieu.

This post is better viewed on www.brendaproulx.com where you can also read Part 1 of “Pardon My French” and other previous posts.

Pardon My French – Part 1

Before our September trip to London and Paris, we met with a couple friend of ours to get their insights on Paris. He spent some of his youth there, and they had returned to Paris for a family trip. Being the sweet hostess she is, there was a lovely snack prepared for our short visit. With the snacks, she laid out the “Pardon My French” napkins. I laughed at the unlikely thought that my friend would speak any indiscretions. She laughed too saying she didn’t even think of that, but that her grown children had given her the napkins because of the way she mixed a little bit of French and a smattering of Korean into her English vernacular. Such fun humor!

I read up on culture as our trip approached, especially for Paris. One hears that the French do not care for American tourists. What I read is that the French dislike our brash style. Americans, especially Americans on travel, may lack courtesy as they pursue their travel itinerary, expect to get all they paid for, and move on to the next event or destination. In the American rush, politeness may be cut short. This, I believe, is not the French way, The French are gracious and desire to provide polite service but expect to be approached with due courtesy.

A few years ago, I discovered a book series entitled Madame Chic. The American author, Jennifer Scott, lived with a French family as an exchange student. Scott was taken with the priority for grace and elegance she experienced in the home of her French host family. The hosts were not a family of means, but they took the time to make everyday life elegant. This included setting a nice table for every meal, keeping the house orderly and uncluttered, and taking care to dress and groom well daily. These little niceties created a sense of beauty, enjoyment, and calm in the everyday. The French expression “Joie de vivre,” the joy of living, suggests living well in the moment.

I think we felt this vibe in Paris. Many Parisians dress nicely. For example, an older lady may be seen wearing pumps to walk her dog. The cafes of Paris – there are three on every corner – are filled late into the night, even on weeknights, with folks savoring their meal, their cigarettes, and their wine. There appears to be no hurry; they do not seem to worry that it’s getting late on a ‘school night.’ I rarely saw a laptop open in a Paris cafe, unlike an American Panera where half the patrons are working on their computers or phones.

Espresso is not the size of American coffee!

Called ‘red stonefruit tart’, this fresh raspberry tart was extraordinary!

I certainly admit that I can tend to be in a rush, especially when we lived in DC, especially when I was working. I caught myself barging into an office or classroom, in a hurry to meet a student, blurting out a request, not taking the time for a kind greeting. I get impatient in inefficient lines, rather than saying a friendly word to someone else who is also waiting. Jesus’s disciples had a similar tendency: anxious to find food or in a hurry to move on to the next stop, missing the mission of the moment. Jesus, on the other hand, savored His earthly time. He stopped to heal, paused to engage (with Zaccheus, among others), welcomed children. The Apostle Paul wrote that we should “make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5 v 15 & 16) The words God speaks through Paul may not be emphasizing the large quantity of things to be done, but rather the value of quality pursuits, using time wisely for God’s kingdom, relishing opportunities rather than rushing through them. What do you think? And yes, these are ominous days.

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Providence

Once in a while a photo sparks one of my blog posts. Earlier this summer, I admired this photograph* of the tall ship Providence, sailing through the Wilson Bridge, in Alexandria, VA near Washington, DC. It brought to mind the idea of the providence of God. When I think of God’s providence, I associate it with His goodness toward us. God often protects and provides for us in generous ways and in ways we couldn’t earn for ourselves. I see God’s sweet providence to me when a neighbor brings me flowers, when an item I need is on sale, or when a loved one recovers more quickly than expected.

I have a funny story about the Wilson Bridge. When George Allen ran for governor of Virginia, I took the kids to a small campaign event at Reagan National Airport. Allen greeted each of us and upon meeting our son, he joked, “I’ll name the new bridge after you!” – it was under construction at the time, near the airport. That fall, Allen won the election and now you know our son’s name!

The American Dictionary of the English Language, a preferred resource by one of my family members, defines theological providence as “the care and superintendence which God exercises over his creatures.”** Maybe that aligns with my perception of its meaning as God’s good care of us. Some will challenge this view asking about those events that do not seem good, times when disease or tragedy strike. That leads me to the second term that I often pair with the thought of providence, and that is sovereignty.

Dictionary & clock: lovely shelf accents.

God is sovereign. He has the right, the authority, the power, and the responsibility to carry out His plan. Parts of His plan, at times, do not seem good but because God is good (Psalm 107 v 1), His plan must be trusted. This is difficult to always accept. Horrible stories cross our screens daily.

Typically, Christians lean on Scriptures that promise God’s goodness. Jeremiah 29 v 11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you” but it should be remembered that these words were spoken to a people living in captivity. Romans 8 v 28 promises that “in all things God works together for the good of those who love Him” but it must be noted that not all things are good, but for the good of those called according to His purpose. Isaiah does not mince words about life’s dangers when he writes, “when you pass through the waters …. when you walk through the fire” but he continues by speaking of God’s care, His providence, over those in danger (Isaiah 43 v 2). Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble,” which sounds ominous, but He adds, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16 v 33)

As my husband and I embark on an upcoming adventure, we pray for God’s providence, that He will superintend over all that we have planned, but friends are cruising in quarantine, experiencing God’s sovereignty over an unplanned outcome. You can wish us a bon voyage, and Godspeed to all of you too! See my blog post on “Godspeed”

* The photo may have been from the Facebook page “Visit Alexandria, VA” **Webster, Noah. 1828. Websterdictionary1828.com

Postscript – After drafting this post on Saturday afternoon, my pastor specifically spoke about God’s sovereignty and providence in the Sunday morning sermon. Coincidental? No, providential! And we concur.

This post is best viewed at A Writer’s Daughter

Magic Words

You are probably surprised that I used the word ‘magic’ alongside a photo of my Bible. I would more often use terms like sacred and inspired. Read on to find the connection and to a prayer request at the end.

I saw this plaque in a shop: “Please and thank you are magic words.” Parents and teachers say this phrase to children to encourage them to speak politely. I believe that using courteous language sets a respectful tone in conversation and relationships, but I am noticing a decline in manners.

In communicating with two businesses recently, I failed to get a thank you, a reply, even an acknowledgement. My patronage of both businesses is substantial and long-term. In one case, I supplied important requested information and I asked for confirmation that it was received. In the other instance, a favor had been asked and with some personal effort I followed through, yet I received no acknowledgement to either communication. I know in life’s stresses and the pressures of our ever-changing society, things fall through the cracks. I suppose I should grant grace for that.

Similarly, last spring I contacted the motel where we have vacationed for the last 35 years. The ownership of the motel is transitioning to the next generation of the family, which is nice to see. My messages, however, were not returned although the matter was resolved. I guess I chalked that one up to younger owners with different communication styles.

After our wonderful July vacation, with attractive updates to the motel premises, I couldn’t find my Bible. I remember reading my Bible on the motel porch but since then, I have not been able to find it. I have searched the cars, at church, at a Bible study home and throughout our house. It is not turning up. Though I thought it unlikely, I contacted the motel and asked if my Bible had been found. Quickly, Brooke, one of the new owners responded that it had not been found but she offered to recheck on the weekend when the unit would be cleaned. She suggested that it could be in a drawer, although I didn’t recall ever storing it in one. After cleaning day, Brooke again emailed me that she had not found a Bible anywhere. I thanked her for checking so diligently, assured her that I have other Bibles to use, and kidded that I hoped wherever it was, someone was reading it! I also made “the most of the opportunity” by sharing that I write a blog based on Scripture (Ephesians 5:16).

My confidence in communication manners rallied after the exchange with Brooke. All of us can be mindful of staying courteous, using the magic words of “please” and “thank you” as frequently as we can, even at home, with our loved ones. (Sometimes family get the worst of us, don’t they?).

I had my Bible rebound and repaired in 2013.

For now, my Bible remains missing, and I miss it a lot! I have used this Bible for several decades. It is well-marked; I know its pages well. I speculate that I absentmindedly set it in the wrong place and that someday it will show up at the bottom of a sewing basket or the gadget drawer! Would you pray with me that I find my Bible soon? I would appreciate it – thank you. I will keep you posted.

“… if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, … if you seek it like silver and search for it as hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2: 1, 4-5. Important Postscript: I finished this draft last night, planning to post it sometime this weekend. This morning in church, I got a text that my Bible had been found and was at the Welcome Desk. It is wonderful to have it back – a real answer to prayer! Thank the Lord with me!! Scripture tells us to handle The Words rightly (2 Timothy 2:15), and apparently I need to handle my possessions rightly too!

Valentines Words

Doing crafts and activities with children makes me happy. I made these Valentine projects with some kids last week. I wanted to post them for Valentine’s Day and then decided to expand the post with Scriptures on the topic of LOVE.

The Bible speaks often of love, especially of the great love God has for us. Psalm 62 culminates by expressing it quite clearly: “One thing God has spoken, … that you, oh God, are loving.” Old Testament passages frequently say of God that He is “abounding in love” as I read for myself this morning in Nehemiah 9:17 and Psalm 86:5.

A familiar passage in the New Testament defines perfect love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians13:4-8, 13).

By loving us and defining love, God also demonstrated selfless love for us and asks us to follow His example; “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:8). And Jesus told us, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27) and “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

These simple but rich words from the Author of Love provide much for us to ponder on this Valentine’s Day.

Scripture is the Best Script

Not too long ago, I saw a live dramatized recitation of “Revelation” performed by Marquis Laughlin. From memory, Laughlin recited the entire Biblical book called Revelation, word for word. He used no props that I recall, but his inflections and voices, sound effects, physical motions and posturing presented a powerful rendition of God’s Word and only God’s Word! The theatrical performance of “Revelation” lasted about two hours, in two acts, but it was spellbinding throughout!

Marquis Laughlin delivers a theatrical rendition of Revelation. Learn more at actsoftheword.com

As part of the program, Laughlin shared some of his story and how he got into dramatic recitations of the Bible. Early in his life and career, Laughlin wanted to be an actor. He went to California to pursue an acting career. While in California, a faith in Jesus Christ was born in his life. He began to grow and mature in his new Christian faith. He wondered how his beliefs would impact his acting career. Eventually, Laughlin concluded “Scripture was the best script” and he began his work in theatrical performances of the Bible. His ministry, for over two decades now, is “Acts of the Word.”

Marquis Laughlin’s story illustrates the transformative power of the Gospel. Among other things, for him, it meant a shift in his career plans. As one deepens in true Christian faith, beliefs will permeate all aspects of one’s life. Social choices, finances, lifestyle, education, health issues and more are surrendered to God. With Laughlin’s career redirection, it could wrongly be assumed that all Christians must go into some kind of ministry work. This is not at all what I believe God requires. Instead, our faith infuses whatever career God leads us to! That is why there are great Christian chefs, electricians, scientists, artists, medical personnel, you name it! As my father once wrote in a pamphlet on careers, “Every human activity provides a way for your light to shine.”*

A few years ago, I had my Bible rebound. The result was beautiful; a treasure preserved.

“Scripture is the best script” reiterates the theme and place where I always like to land in “A Writer’s Daughter.” The Bible is the most useful textbook, manual, or script ever written. Read the script, study the textbook whenever you can, for every reason. I have added a new tab to my blog: “How to Read the Bible,” for those of you who may need direction with Bible reading.

*Kucharsky, David E. (1995) Where in the World Are You Going? [pamphlet]. Christian Publications, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.