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.
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!
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.
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.
Five years later, I am writing this blogpost from the screened porch of our new home, overlooking a North Carolina golf course on a beautiful August evening! From our home in Fairfax, I launched this blog in the summer of 2016, feeling nudged by God’s Spirit to share thoughts about life and its proximity to God’s timeless writing, the Bible. I aimed to write for those who might not read Scripture that often or understand its relevance to daily living.
Blogs vary greatly. “A Writer’s Daughter” allowed me to publish short articles on a public platform, but it wasn’t a focused dialog. As you may have noticed, I didn’t schedule posts. I contributed regularly enough for my readers to know that I hadn’t vanished from the earth. 2020 was my least consistent year of writing. The onslaught of deeply divisive controversaries last year, made it difficult to address lighter topics and this blog is not meant to take sides, other than to stand fully with God’s perfect Word.
Technology challenged me the most as a blog writer. My main difficulties and frustrations came from learning the software and preparing a post to finally publish. A few entries flopped from a posting and graphics standpoint, but I accepted those failures as a humbling process from the Lord. If this blog is His work, then He determines its success. Speaking of success, bloggers can track stats. I get a count of views for each post. At times, I sigh that I haven’t reached the “millions” that my friend Cynthia envisioned, but again, my goal is to follow-through with faith, not keep records.
I plan to forge ahead with blog-style writing. Sometimes my father asks me if I will write a book. For now, I will continue these short posts and leave authoring a book to another inspiration. I thank each of you for reading “A Writer’s Daughter.” I love your comments and welcome your suggestions. With five years behind me and a new coastal locale, I am hoping to update my theme colors and feature photo. Expect a new look next time “A Writer’s Daughter” pops up. And remember that my writing clearly trumps my photography and design skills.
May God continue His good work (Philippians 1:6). Godspeed to all as we journey on, Brenda
My feature photo from the last five years is of a stack of journals and planners I’d written. The design theme appeared in dark, woodsy hues. My new photo will be of a stack of books with a more coastal color scheme.
As I farewell this series inspired by a recent beach vacation, I end with the topic of beach goodbyes. Although our beach crowd enjoys time together oceanside, a big deal is not made of the parting. Occasionally someone snaps a group photo or contact info is exchanged but mostly all linger late to soak in the last of the waves, the sun, the view that we really came for.
I’ve given thought to farewell phrases. “Goodbye” seems inadequate for a longer separation. I stay away from “good luck,” believing as a Christian that nothing is luck; all is known by the Lord. “Blessings” works and offers to pray for someone is great if you really commit to praying for them! Some say fun multilingual parting words like “Adios” or “Au revoir.” During COVID, I ended a few work emails with “Salud,” a Spanish greeting wishing good health – seemed cute for an ESOL teacher!
A goodbye that I like and use occasionally is “Godspeed.” Godspeed is an older English expression of farewell, used mostly when referring to a journey. It can be a wish of prosperity and safety but since it calls on God, to me, it appeals for God’s favor and guidance. And if God’s presence is invoked, surely, He desires to lead us spiritually, not just directionally or for gain. As I parted with one beach acquaintance, I wished her “Godspeed,” knowing with the miles ahead, our mature years, and Covid’s nasty presence, it best expressed our need for Jesus’ presence in our lives. I also gave her one of my blog cards, aiming to be salt and light in her life (see Part 2).
Godspeed brings to my mind a classic Scripture that most of us know as written in the old King James Bible version: “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3) God always desires to journey us to right living because that’s what brings Him the most glory; He wants us to stay on His path.
On the Atlantic coast, we see only sunrises, so our sunset photos are out the back door, looking west. #Duneset #signpost?!
Vacation Trilogy: Part 2, Beach Salt and Light
Salt and light. That’s what vacationers hope for at the beach: plenty of salty ocean air, the therapeutic salinity of the sea, and lots and lots of sunLIGHT! All of these were delightfully plentiful on our recent vacation.
In Part 1, I shared that we have taken this same vacation for over 30 years. Many other guests at our moderate motel, and even others who rent nearby beach homes, have also vacationed the same July week. We have become beach friends for one week per year. With only a couple of exceptions, I don’t have contact with these folks outside of beach week. However, with years of sitting together oceanside, relationships have formed. We know much about each other, seeing the families grow with children and grandchildren, marking the milestones such as graduations and weddings, witnessing sad losses in families, and being spectator to the occasional drama!
I notice how life’s going for our beachmates. After a while, lifestyles and values surface. Family dynamics emerge in the week of togetherness. Priorities are evident. Though my best beach week is to get lost in reading, reading, reading under my big beach umbrella, I try to step into conversations and time with friends who also have noticed quite a bit about me and my family over the decades. It is never far from my mind that I am called to be salt and light to those around me, to the circle of acquaintances at our annual week at the beach.
Jesus said to his followers, “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. “ (Matthew 5:13-14) He expounded on the metaphors saying that salt should be salty, potent; that light should shine, be bright and visible. Jesus warns that flavorless salt is useless and discarded; hidden light is ineffective.
Around East Coast beach towns, I often see a bumper sticker that just says, “SaltLife.” It’s a statement about a coastal state of mind. In the same stylized font, I’ve seen another bumper sticker that mixes it up a bit saying, “Be Salty.” Under “Be Salty” are the words of Mark 9:50: “Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Again, this is Jesus’ charge to His followers, and to us who follow Jesus still.
Vacation Trilogy: Part 1, Beach Worship
For over three decades, we’ve vacationed at the same spot on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We visit with many of the same people and repeat favorite annual activities, yet each year is unique. For only the second time, my husband and I went alone on this year’s vacation: no kids, other relatives or friends joined us this time.
For quite a few years, my husband has attended Beach Worship early on our first morning, Sunday. I haven’t tagged along, preferring to visit with those who were staying with us. But solo this year, I decided to attend church on the beach with him! He managed a couple of chairs, and we biked the easy mile down the road.
About two dozen folks were gathered on the open public beach. The church team was in place, greeting us, handing out song sheets, testing the sound system. The service began with a brass quintet playing a hymn anthem. What a joyful sound drifting over the ocean, almost better than the praise bands of contemporary services! My husband commented that this was new and a big improvement from canned music of previous years. The beach-going congregation then sang two songs, led haltingly by an amateur volunteer. Finally, the pastor delivered his brief message which seemed prepared and Scripturally sound. The service ended with a brass postlude, and we were on our way before the sun became scorching.
My husband and I have attended many flourishing churches and heard many great preachers. Comparatively, Beach Worship in Kitty Hawk, NC is tiny and simple. One wonders, what is its impact and purpose? The explanation is that God has called a man and others to do His Work, and they have faithfully responded to God’s challenge.
God is like that, challenging us with opportunities that may defy reason. Is God calling you to fully believe Jesus Christ, or to obey His designs for your life, or to serve and minister as you’re gifted? Listen for His call; take the chance on answering. Luke 16:10
This blog, “The Writer’s Daughter,” is now five years old and I will say more about that soon. Starting the blog and putting my writing out there was a response to God’s prodding in my life. It is simple and small, and one wonders at its purpose and impact, but I took the chance on answering the call.
In her later years, my mother-in-law enjoyed the calm activity of coloring pages. Many of the fill-in drawings were quite intricate and colorful, especially the Mandalas, but others were plainer. “It is well, with my soul” was a simple page, mostly the letters, but she had taped the finished art up on her kitchen wall. Last week, that transaction of her heart and soul was finalized when she passed from this earthly life. One’s soul isperfect when saving faith has been placed in the God of eternity, as hers was.
The phrase “It is well, with my soul” is not a Scripture; it is a line from Horatio Spafford’s famous hymn, “When Peace Like a River.” The truth of the lyrics is summed up plainly by Psalm 62:1 –
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.”
In the second of this “Lexicon” series, I contemplate the word rhythm. Its plainest meaning refers to the beat of music or patterns in sound. In that use, rhythm denotes syncopation that is harmonious, repetitive and predictable, or at least pleasant in digression. In a wider scope, rhythm describes motion and patterns in life. The term Circadian rhythm refers to long cycles in life. I hadn’t heard it for a long time until the other day I read it in a newspaper article about adjusting to Daylight Savings time.
A newer use of the word rhythm in today’s lexicon aligns the concept with routine. Some young newlyweds I know felt that it took a few months for them to find the rhythm of living together. Another young married couple setting up house chose to run the dishwasher nightly and awaken to the cleaned load each morning, as a positive “rhythm.” A recent issue of Victoria magazine, in describing an upcoming winter feature, stated “Rhythms of Repose: Amid the cadence of a quiet pastime or treasured ritual of daily living, find a calming breath of serenity …” (Victoria, January/February 2020, p. 11). Rhythm is a predictability that gives life calm.
My Pastor mentioned rhythm in a podcast explaining the importance of personal and corporate worship (“Pray the Word” Podcast # 880, David Platt, January 6, 2020.) Platt’s explanation focused on both the idea that worship should be regularly scheduled into our lives, and furthermore that within worship itself, there is rhythm. Complete worship always pairs revelation (teaching and learning from God’s Word) with personal response (letting the Word soak into your heart for God to use it and grow you.) Today’s sermon further elaborated on the “rhythm of gratitude” in worship (Mike Kelsey, 4/19/2020, www.mcleanbible.org/sermons). Clearly, spiritual rhythm is a thing and without the frequent rhythm of a worship structure, you’re out of sync. The beat won’t go on.
I like the patterns and repetition in “Ring of Fire” by Connie Broy, photographed by Janet Marney, quilter & blogger of “Weekly Encourager, Quilted Heart”
I wrote most of text above on a return flight from a wonderful late winter visit to my parents in Florida. The Corona virus was just beginning to be newsworthy. I remember being encouraged by the bustling airport and many families still arriving for Florida vacations as I departed. Only days later my district, with no forewarning, shut down school for a month. Shortly thereafter, governors closed schools statewide, in Virginia’s case, for the rest of the academic year! Talk about losing all sense of daily and work rhythm in life! It has frankly been that upheaval that has kept me from finishing this blog post. I may have more time on my hands but our new normal feels anything but normal and I accomplish less in the offbeat fallout.
As I observe Americans responding to the COVID19 outbreak, I notice something that concerns me greatly. Few seem to approach the crisis spiritually. There’s our wonderful American spirit of hope and triumph. We have some of the world’s best scientists and healthcare professionals to guide us. We protect our entrepreneurs as they improvise business practices and creatively provide needed resources during the shutdown. It is all so positive and encouraging but our hearts, as a nation, don’t appear to be seeking God in response. Maybe most folks are out of a spiritual rhythm; acknowledging the God of the universe in crisis or calm isn’t firmly regulated in their lives. I pray that whether we’ve reached the apex of the outbreak or not, people turn to God. “Call to Me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.” Jeremiah 33:3, Psalm 46:1, Zephaniah 3:17
A friend who’s both a teacher thrown into on-line instruction and a mother thrown into homeschooling organized her daughter’s day.
Lexicon is a word that may not be in your lexicon. Though it sounds like a type of unicorn, the word means the collective vocabulary of a person. As a teacher of English language learners, words and language intrigue me.
I am intrigued by a new phrase that seems to have crept into the modern lexicon. The phrase “of course” is now used as a response to “thank you.” The words “of course” are not new, but this context and connotation is a recent development. I have experienced this response especially in service situations. I say “thank you” to someone for ringing up my transaction or providing information and “of course” is the reply. Typically, the response to “thank you” was “you’re welcome” or in a service situation, “my pleasure.” The “of course” I have heard carries an air of arrogance as in, “Don’t degrade me with your gratitude” or “Wouldn’t you expect me to do this – it’s my job.” Is some of it tone? Is it generational? Probably yes to both.
Tone of voice is everything. Not too long ago I answered a family member with what I thought was a respectful reply. Unintentionally however, my words sounded terse and communicated impatience. Looking back, I could attribute my tone to both physical discomfort (overeating) and frustration with this same kind of request in the past. I spoke acceptable words but said them with an air of irritation and it was wrong. With my manner of speaking, I wounded a relationship.
God tells us that the right words spoken at the right time, in the right tone, paint a lovely still life portrait:
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11
May God give us grace and wisdom for our speech. I believe that gratitude (thank you) and courtesy (you’re welcome) should continue to be “apples of gold” in our daily lexicon. Please teach these phrases to the little ones in your life. Thank you.
I received this dictionary as a gift for high school graduation. I have used it ever since.
This summer, while sorting through papers with my parents, we came across a short devotional written by my father. It was published in a devotional periodical but inquiries to both Our Daily Bread and Guideposts confirmed that it was not their publications. Since we have the original page with a date, we know the piece appeared somewhere, yet I couldn’t determine its source.
As you may know from my blog bio, my father had a career in journalism, launching with a wire news service, then joining the staff of the newly founded Christianity Today, and eventually becoming the editor of Christian Herald magazine. His writing featured current events and issues mostly within the Protestant church, including magazine editorials. His style usually wasn’t homiletic, so the short piece quoted below is unique. I don’t know if the prayer and Thought for the Day were my dad’s or added by an editor.
Wednesday, December 1, 1976
Read John 1:43-51
Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? John 1:46
My wife and I were charmed by a visit to the village of Oberndorf, Austria. It was there that Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber first introduced what has come to be the world’s best-loved Christmas carol, “Silent Night.” The church organ was broken, so a guitar was used for accompaniment at the Christmas Eve Mass.
That was in 1818 when communications were such that the song could not be readily shared with the world. Yet it not only found its way out of that obscure place, but became the most renowned of all Christmas songs.
Jesus Himself came out of what from every worldly standard would be considered obscurity. God actually ordained that His Son take on humanity in that way, and then suffer an ignominious death so that all who trust Him might have forgiveness of sin.
Doesn’t this tell those of us who have trusted Him as Savior something important about our work for the Lord? Everything we do, no matter how humble the context, has a great potential if we do it well – as God ordained.
PRAYER: O God, help us to keep in mind that the quality of performance is so much more important that what we deem to be ideal circumstances. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Thought for the Day
The most humble became the most famous.
David E. Kucharsky (Arlington, Virginia)
I hesitate to add much commentary to this piece; his words speak for themselves. As he says, he always valued doing quality work, and that included work that was service, things done for Christ’s sake. Even recently my dad spoke to me about continuing to be useful and cognizant of what ministry God would have for him in this stage of his life. This Scripture was not quoted but it fits his intent: 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV).
An epilogue to the fame of “Silent Night” is an event from World War I. During the war, an unofficial truce occurred on Christmas Eve 1914. That night enemy soldiers joined in singing “Silent Night.” The movie “Joyeux Noel” (2005) retells the story. The humble carol, composed because of an obscure church crisis, holds a world stage.
Some vintage piano sheet music similar to what I played as a child.
