Bible – A Writer's Daughter

A Decade

My back patio pavement came to life this summer. In tiny crevices between the brick-like border, twin green leaflets emerged dotting a lot of the seams. They looked familiar and as I let them grow, I recognized the plant as vinca. I planted vinca in my patio flowerpots last year and apparently seeds formed and then lodged in cracks where spring rains and summer sun brought them to life from the rocks! I considered pulling them up until I decided I could use the flowers in spots around the yard. Plus, travel and ‘to do’s’ are limiting my garden activity this year. So, pictured, you see flowers blooming from the cracks! I have transplanted some of the strays but I discovered when they got too big, the root broke off as a pulled them out.

In my decade of blog writing, ideas and topics come to mind for a post, and then I select the feature photo (a requirement in the program I use). If you’ve been reading for long, or have an eye for photography, you realize photos are not my strong suit. But this time, the photo of the scene on my patio takes the stage and I wonder and pray for an application.

Some of you will probably think of what I first thought: the quip, “bloom where you’re planted.” Yes, the vinca did just that, but my mind isn’t settling there. Instead, I am thinking of the need to keep a short account, to nip problems in the bud, not let a bitter root grow. Though the analogy breaks down on my patio as the cute pink and white flowers bloom, albeit out of place, Scripture does bear the warning.

Song of Solomon levels with us about controlling “little foxes that spoil the vine,” an admonishment to keep short accounts in relationships (Song of Solomon 2 v 15). God used the author of Hebrews (12 v 15) to warn against letting a bitter root (or root of bitterness) grow, that is, get larger. It should be pulled up quickly when small and manageable! And in the epistle of James (3 v 3-5), a trio of metaphors describe the big impact of just a little, untamed sin, foremost among them sinning words and speech. Timely spiritual weed control is a serious and consequential chore.

Ten years ago, in August of 2016, I launched my blog, “A Writer’s Daughter.” My debut was a series of gardening anecdotes on Facebook. Since then, it has been the Lord’s work and His pace. I prayerfully persist in writing as the thoughts (or images) form in my mind. My blog numbers are not in the millions (I haven’t gone viral!?!) but I trust that the real Author is writing His story in others’ lives, as I share some of His words, The Word. AMEN ~ thank you for reading.

This sunflower came up on its own in the front border garden. Volunteers, as some call them, pop up anywhere. There’s a bright pink Crape Myrtle about a foot tall, blooming at the edge of a nearby highway. I smile every time I drive by.

More Funerals Than Weddings

Catching up with a long-time friend recently, we recalled together the tragic death of a mutual acquaintance a few years back. The young man, barely in his 30’s, died of a drug overdose. Drug use had apparently plagued him for years. My friend added, “My son says he’s been to more funerals than weddings.” How sad that a generation only in their first half of adult life, are witness to such loss of lives due to drugs.

“More funerals than weddings” expresses another awareness: less weddings. This is a reality today. There are fewer marriages among the young and maturing adult generation. I am guessing that you can name many young-ish single friends or adult children of friends who, surprisingly to you, are not married. In other words, they seem like the type who could be married, but they are not and are advancing past the age when a marriage would include having children.

I was at this local jeweler’s yesterday, dealing with some estate jewelry.

Plenty of statistics and analyses give us facts and provide likely causes so that is not my purpose. I point to God’s planned design for humankind. God ordained marriage and family right from the start: He gave Adam EVE! Before and after the sinful fall, God instructed His creation to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1 v 28; Genesis 9 v 1). In fact, even during a period of punishment in captivity, God encouraged His people to “flourish” in family life and build prosperity (Jeremiah 29).

Of course, I must pause here to be understanding. It is not wrong to be single; there is nothing wrong with you if you are unmarried. And I care deeply for those who desire to be married but for whom a spouse has not come into their lives. Being married is not a happily-ever-after status either! Rather, it is two fallen people making a go of it in what is an ongoing sanctifying process … but God still calls us to flourish. I know single people flourish too. Thank you, Lord.

Christians can be ambassadors for marriage. We can ask the questions and provide support. We can talk up healthy dating and courtship. We can connect those who are open, though I have never successfully set up a match. We can pray specifically. Years ago, my friend Dana told me she had a list of eligibles that she prayed for. I did the same and smile to see God work on my list, even as I also add more names. I will make sure my little ‘grands’ have wedding clothes in the dress-up box, and we should take preteens to Christian weddings when they are invited!

Jesus joined in the joy of marriage by performing His first miracle at a wedding (John 2) and Scripture ends with the most amazing wedding reception ever: the wedding feast of The Lamb (Revelation 19 v 6-9) ! Hurray for marriages!

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Happy 250th, America!

I would loved to have written a blog for America’s 250^th birthday, but my circumstances through June were not ideal for writing. Instead, I will share an important quote from the podcast, “The World and Everything In It,” broadcast earlier this year on May 4, 2026:

“You cannot promote freedom and markets and enterprise without attaching it to our faith and transcendent truths. (Those who) have a moral framework and a creational theology to explain free markets (all our freedoms really) have a chance to be a full antidote to the radicalism of May Day and (other) protests and communism (or socialism) and all of these other failed experiments, but we have to do it fully armed with the Christian worldview (as found in Scripture).” ~ David Bahnsen

Galatians 5 v 13

(my edits)

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A highway fruit stand in Florida where we bought peaches.

The lighthouse on St. Simons Island, GA.

They Are Watching – Is It Prada Worthy?

Earlier this year, a scene with a sweater emerged while I was staying with my grandchildren. I do not quite share the early-bird energy of the kids, so I arrived at the breakfast table one morning with the family already dressed and eating. For the chilly day, I had put on a high-necked cozy white sweater. My sweater would not rank a fashion designer label: I am sure it’s more likely what the fictional Runway fashion magazine editor (Meryl Strep) called “that lumpy blue sweater” found in a “clearance bin,” a classic scene from the original “The Devil Wears Prada” movie (2006).

As I savored my coffee and toasted homemade bread, I did not notice my almost 5-year-old granddaughter slip away from the table. She returned to breakfast several minutes later having changed her outfit, a challenging habit her mother tolerates. I still wasn’t alert enough to notice what actually happened until my daughter pointed out, “She put on a white sweater to match you.” Sure enough, she too was now wearing a warm white sweater and dark pants. Her sweater was more of a wrap style so she added a white shirt underneath to maintain the overall look. I could not believe she had noticed me … and that she wanted to match her Nana for the day! Later, as that day wound down, I pointed out to my granddaughter, who had surprisingly not changed outfits again, that we had both spilled red spaghetti sauce on our white sweaters!

I would love to show photos of the cute little grandgirls and me, or how the grandsons work and watch alongside their Papa, fixing a cabinet, planting grass seed or eyes alight waiting for the ‘surprise’ ending to their favorite book, but an abundance of caution in the internet age prevents that. Instead, a white beauty in nature designed by the Master.

They are watching. It is a huge understatement. It might be your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews or others in your circle of acquaintances and sometimes even total strangers who observe our behaviors and attitudes. Being watched is an opportunity to display faithful living, if you follow Jesus. But the responsibility runs risk too. You could poorly represent a life of faith, just when someone was watching and thinking of matching you. Sobering.

This morning, I was mulling over this blog post and wondering about a Scripture to use. Not surprisingly, a fitting verse came in a devotional email today:

Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. Ephesians 5 v 1

God’s Word is always in perfect style.

Here’s two fashionistas modeling mink stoles at an estate sale!

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

Time for February – Part 2

As this shortest month of the year, which sometimes wearily drags on the longest, passes the halfway point, I extend “Time for February” with a recent incident.

Over the holidays, I decorated our fireplace mantel. In typical fashion, I decked it with Christmas-y greens, lights, and ornaments. Also in typical fashion, a mantel clock usually sits centered there. I moved the mantel clock off to the side on a nearby bookshelf, planning to keep it running, visible and audible in a temporary spot.

This clock was built in a train station in Paris, now the Musee d’Orsay art museum.

The clock is mechanical. I wind it monthly and it keeps relatively good time, ticking in a calming, familiar way. I gave the clock a few winds as I set it on its new perch and gently pushed the pendulum to restart it. After a time, I realized the clock had not restarted. I again gave the pendulum a little shove to get it going. Again, some time later, the clock was not ticking, not keeping time. Just to make sure, a third time, I wound it a bit more and started the pendulum. This attempt also failed.

Now, I realized something else was awry. I suspected the bookshelf where I placed the clock might not be level. When the holidays ended and I put all the decorations away, the mantel clock went back on the mantel. With no prompting from me, the clock began its ticking, meting out its normal timekeeping. Apparently, the carpenter did a better job on the mantel than on our bookshelves!

Where do I take this time-keeping anecdote? I think of one of Jesus’ more familiar parables: The Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:47-49). Many know it well from the Sunday School ditty, “… the rains came down … and the floods went up!” What happened? When the winds and the rain came, as they certainly will, the house built on the sand collapsed, similar to my clock on the unlevel bookshelf. The house built on the rock foundation stood firm in the flood: my clock was perfectly functional on the solid mantel. In this construction story, Jesus says our lives must be founded on something solid, namely Him and His Truths, or there will be “destruction” (Luke 6 v 49). Storms are inevitable but grounding ourselves in Him stands the tests of time.

Time for February

The month of February defies time. It is the shortest month of the year with only 28 days, but winter weather woes, Super Bowl woes, and Valentine’s Day woes can drag February painfully on. The short month further confuses us with the Groundhog Day syndrome (immortalized by the Bill Murray movie) and a 29th day of the month that only happens every four years. What to do!?! Blog about it!

Scripture speaks much about time. God is the author of time, though in His divinity He is beyond our human limitations of time. God is not a Father Time; that was Chronos, a figure out of Greek mythology. Our God of the ages is the “Ancient of Days*,” and He points us to (a sampling of) His perspectives on time, beginning with my favorite:

Teach us to number our days [aright], that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90 v 12 (Note – this verse is a prayer or request of God)

My times are in Your Hands. Psalm 31 v 15

The seasons chapter, a time for everything. Ecclesiastes 3

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 2 Peter 3 v 8

“I am the Alpha and Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1 v 8

May God’s Word sustain your days and weeks. I will continue this post in a few …

February roared in like a lion (oops, that’s March) with a rare coastal snowstorm!

*Daniel 7 v 13

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)!

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 Part 2 – Baby Hits a Homerun

It encourages me when a door opens that I did not foresee. Such is the case with my recent blog post on goal setting. The topic and outcome felt lackluster to me but it a spawned a Part 2 – a surprise to me!

I ended the “Goal Setting” piece with the first question of the Westminster Catechism. The question “What is the chief end of man?” summarized a goal priority to my mind. Which now leads me to, “Why catechisms?’ I will not cover the history and purpose of catechisms here except to say that the question/answer format is a teaching tool. For difficult foundational doctrines, new faith converts (or those seeking faith) easily learn important truths through the repeated question/answer process. For that reason, catechisms are often used with children.

In my family, one of our young grandsons was learning by way of a catechism. The toddler had been asked many times, “Who made you?” Not being in a cooperative mood one night at dinner, he refused to answer the question. His baby sister, sitting in the highchair next to him, seized the opportunity for success and attention, and peeped out, “God.” Whoa, a homerun for this tiny one!!! She knew.

Young children absorb and learn and know so much, much more than we realize. I had a similar experience that I shared in a blog once before. My own children were at a craft show and had the opportunity to shop for me. They came out with a pair of yellow and orange tie dye socks and my son exclaimed that the bright socks would match the candy corn earrings I liked to wear in the fall. How had he noticed? Why had he remembered? Kids are always watching and learning from their parents, grandparents, and others.

For our wedding ceremony, one of the Scriptures Craig and I chose was Deuteronomy 6 v 8 – 9: “⁶These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” We were agreeing with God’s Word that everywhere and all the time we would constantly need His Truths in place to establish a home built on Jesus Christ.