My heart is heavy for the people of Ukraine. Although the good hearts of safe and free people always abhor the unprovoked aggression of a despot, the current assault especially touches me, as a person of Ukrainian descent. My grandparents came to America from Ukraine as young adults. I know little of Ukrainian culture, but born a Kucharsky, its plight is personal.
A few things around remind me of my Slavic heritage.
There are many Christians in Ukraine who are clinging to the promise of Psalm 145:18: “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
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.
A while ago, a friend sent our family an article of my dad’s that he had come across. It is interesting for me to see glimpses into my father’s writing; I did not read a lot of what he wrote at the time and much of his work was on the editing and publication side.
The scan of my dad’s article doesn’t photograph well, but we appreciate the thoughtfulness of the one who sent it. My niece recently came upon some of my dad’s work in her graduate research. It delights us to discover this legacy!
The piece was on the topic of cynicism and was written in 1975 for a Christian magazine**. Cynicism is a timeless subject; my father noted that cynicism “was everywhere these days.” His examples of cynical responses included politicians dodging difficult issues, dismay over declining product quality, and sports teams like the Washington Capitals always having losing seasons – it was decades before the Caps won the Stanley Cup!
Dad’s article traced the origins of cynicism to ancient Greece, where a group called Cynics, founded by Diogenes, sought virtue and a life close to nature. But one member acted rather cynically as we would understand the term, going “about the streets with a lantern in broad daylight, looking for an honest person.” That search is eerily applicable today!
Cynicism has several close cousins: sarcasm, skepticism, apathy, despair, and negativity, to name a few. It can be comic or bitter. The full title of my father’s article was “The Sport of Cynicism: Is it a game Christians should play?” His advice was to not allow “a sense of caution [to] deteriorate into a sneering manner.” To do so, he said, was an evil influence.
As we begin this new year of 2022, one could feel very pessimistic. The on-going pandemic and the continued division over its management are only the tip of the troubles we face. As believers in God and in His sovereign plan for us, we should not feel hopeless. My father’s article suggested two responses preferable to cynicism. The first was gratitude. I couldn’t agree more. Genuine thankfulness prevents complaints and discontentment. The second was patience; patience with difficult people and patience in continuing adversity. The Lord gives these two perspectives to those who pray and seek Him, submitting themselves to His work in their lives.
And in a conclusion that should be completely familiar to readers of “A Writer’s Daughter,” my dad ended his piece quoting Scripture: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” (Colossians 3:16) As God’s wise Word fills our minds and hearts, cynicism and fear cannot take hold.
I am thankful for my heritage.
**We looked into various periodicals that we thought dad’s piece might have been published in, but we were unable to determine that.
Friends of ours, Darrell and Cindy*, own a rental property. It’s not hobby real estate; the income it generates represents an important component of their finances. Keeping the unit rented with reliable tenants is a priority. During one rental turnover, Darrell and Cindy were interviewing interested renters. There were several good prospects including some newlyweds who were acquaintances of the previous renters.
The young couple toured the unit and liked it but felt it was beyond their budget. They told Darrell and Cindy that they were expecting a baby and wanted to get a place on their own, but their income was limited. They also shared that their baby was diagnosed with a medical condition, likely resulting in additional expenses. Doctors were not optimistic.
Darrell and Cindy looked at other good applicants for the rental, but the growing little family stayed on their minds. They decided to pray about it and consider how a discounted rent would impact their income. Darrell admitted that turning the couple away seemed like telling Mary and Joseph there was no room in the inn! They came back to the couple and asked what rent amount would work for them. An agreement was reached, and they signed a lease. What a sweet miracle for the young couple in an exciting but uncertain time.
Darrell and Cindy prepped the unit and finalized the paperwork. Darrell spoke to the previous renters about returning their deposit. They were a bit surprised to find out about the money, since even as a budget-conscious couple, they had not realized the deposit was still due them. Aware of the situation of the new renters, they told Darrell to keep their security deposit and apply it as the new security deposit! Another unexpected little miracle! The new couple moved in, and their baby boy was born. He is healthy and growing with no immediate health issues, such a great miracle for his young parents.
Darrell and Cindy demonstrate how Christ followers live close to truths of the Bible. Being sensitive to known needs around us and meeting them in practical ways within our capacity is what Jesus told us to do (in many passages such as Luke 3:11). And as Darrell and Cindy would tell you, the blessing is all yours.
This Nativity is on display at the Bible Museum in Washington, DC.
At Christmastime, we see the stable scene creches and sing of the lowly manger birth. On the night of Jesus’ birth, no rooms were available in Bethlehem, forcing Mary and Joseph to lodge outside. Later in His ministry Jesus charged, “you have no room for my word” (John 8:37). It is worth asking: have you left Jesus out in the cold, or do you make room for Him in your heart and daily life? The best miracle is that He is at the door, knocking and asking to come in (Revelation 3:20).
*names are changed to maintain anonymity
One Christmas, Cindy gave me this book, a found treasure, if you know what I mean. She didn’t know that I had long admired the creche collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Although I visited New York city many times at Christmas, I never made it to the Nativity tree exhibit.
I am thankful for November 30. The date marks the end of the Atlantic Hurricane season. In setting up a new life and our home in coastal Carolina, we accomplished a lot. But hurricane preparation, or even having a “just in case” plan, missed our list of top priorities. We took a risk, and I am thankful that hurricane season is soon over. The year 2021 was an active hurricane season for the Atlantic, using all 21 storm names. None of them swiped our area although a deadly tornado struck south of here in early spring.
A magnificent October beach day!
Talking to neighbors and new acquaintances, I observe a serious respect for storms. Many folks have stories of damage and devasting loss due to past hurricanes. In 2018, Hurricane Florence stalled over the area causing unprecedented flooding. We were looking at property and houses then and we witnessed the piles of debris and blue roof tarps everywhere! Among some lady friends recently there was disturbing recall of past hurricanes Florence, Floyd, and Fran. I guess I better beware of storms that begin with the letter F!
Storms pack power: the ocean has fury. This is God’s hand. He created the earth, nature, and weather. Its beauty awes us; its potency demands respect. Jeremiah 31:35 says, “This is what the Lord says, he who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and the stars to shine by night, who stirs the sea so that its waves roar – the LORD Almighty is His name.” Jesus’ followers also experienced amazement when He “calmed” a raging Sea of Galilee storm, saying, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!” (Matthew 8:27)
Blessed with a calm Sea of Galilee sail three years ago.
Recently, I came across this poem that considers the ocean and our worshipful response, https://decisionmagazine.com/ruth-bell-graham-relentless-yearning/. It was written by Ruth Bell Graham, wife of the Rev. Billy Graham. Their home was in the mountains of North Carolina.
Now, let’s hope my husband and I work on a generator and flood prevention before June 1, 2022!
In Part 1 of this series (below), I described how the book How Not to Look Old, by Charla Krupp, presents make-up, hair and fashion styles that help avoid the ‘old lady’ look, as she calls it. Krupp gathers tips and information, including specific products, from experts in these areas. Not too long ago, I referred to the book prior to shopping for some cosmetics.
The chapter on foundation suggested avoiding chalky products with a matte finish, instead opting for a powder with a silky finish. Am I losing you here? Krupp explains, “There’s a new generation of powders that are feathery light and completely translucent and that leave you with a luminous sheen. Look for powders that are light-reflecting or light-diffusing to obscure fine lines or imperfections.” Many of the recommended products are ‘transparent’ and include a ‘luminizer’ – “a light reflector that adds luminosity.” I read and reread these explanations and then read and reread the cosmetic counter labels, almost for naught! What does it all mean?
Well, I also read and reread the Bible. Just as I was brushing up on make-up tips, I came across the topic of light in God’s Word. Here’s what God said in my New Testament reading: “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 14 and 16). Followed immediately were these of God’s Words in the Old Testament: “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light, we see light.” (Psalm 36:9) A day later I read, “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” (Psalm 37:6)
How God reaches into my everyday life situations with His Living Word never ceases to amaze me! It is probably a thrill that cannot be communicated second-hand. To understand, you must experience it for yourself. Start somewhere; open your Bible (or the app). Then His Words will illuminate your world in ways beyond expectation.
Krupp, Charla. How Not to Look Old. Hachette Book Group, 2008. pp 64, 67.
I recommend this Bible app. It is sometimes also named You Version.
Part 1
How Not to Look Old is the title of one of the stacked books in my blog’s new feature photo. I updated my original featured photo of journals and calendars, to a random variety of colorful books. I took the picture around the time of our vacation so some of the books came fresh from my beach bag. I keep other titles in the stack out for easy accessibility.
I found the book How Not to Look Old at the library a few years ago and liked it enough to buy my own copy. The author, Charla Krupp, intended to help forty-somethings stay young looking, so I have missed that window of opportunity, but the book gathers many helpful fashion, make-up, hair, and other beauty tips from experts. I’ll take all the help I can get in these areas, though Krupp would categorize me in the “low to medium” maintenance group. In other words, I am not the type to take extreme or expensive measures to restore my youthfulness.
I ponder aging, my own growing older. I see and feel it every day, but my age and an awareness of my generation became acutely obvious to me when I returned to my career after being home to raise our kids. Maybe all fields are like this, but education particularly draws a young crowd. Many of my colleagues were recent graduates and brand-new teachers. I recall sitting in work meetings, realizing I was probably the oldest participant at the table.
Teaching has become very collaborative: lesson planning, classroom procedure and really everything is developed in teams. As I partnered with so many who were even younger than my own kids, I understood that I needed an honest approach. I was the ‘mature’ voice at the table. I did not have all the right answers, but I had decades of experience as a teacher and a parent to contribute. I leaned into that role as an older faculty member. I welcomed the excitement, creativity, and perspective of the newest educators. I got a firsthand view of millennial thinking and lifestyle. I limped behind their technology expertise but gained a few fun fashion tips along the way. At times, the blend was uncomfortable, but we took it all in stride and we produced strong instruction together.
The Bible talks about being the older generation. In ancient times, the elderly were revered; their voice at the table, albeit thinning, was respected and heard. With that kind of platform, God instructed them to tell their stories of God’s faithfulness to the next generation, to share all the remarkable things He had done in their lives and in the generations before them. Yes, it was an oral history to pass down, but it was also a legacy of personal faith to be shared. Though outlooks may shift, God’s Word says, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty. … They tell of the power of your awesome works. … They celebrate your abundant goodness.” (Psalm 145: 4-7) We are called to boast on God this way. It takes creativity and courage which we have since “He who called you is faithful.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
On occasion I pen some poetry. I wrote a ditty for the kids at Halloween. It has a limerick-like cadence and rhyme pattern to it. I pass out my poem and candy to Trick or Treaters. Doesn’t Scripture challenge us to “make the most of every opportunity” and “be prepared in season?” (Ephesians 5:16, 2 Timothy 4:2)
The Good News comes with good treats.
If you would like to use my poem, please feel free. I added some additional information on the back of the poem: names of good local churches, and websites and apps for an explanation of the Gospel. Depending on how you view my blog (via website, email or Facebook), you may not see the full text of the poem, so here it is:
Prayer on Halloween
Praying for you On this Halloween night That Jesus is with you And shows you His light, That God’s ways are your ways, That His praise fills your days, That safe fun for you stays, This Halloween night. By Brenda Proulx
I would love to hear how you spread the Gospel in your unique situations.
I participated in a neighborhood Trunk or Treat. I staged a fall barn scene in my “trunk.”
How Not to Look Old is the title of one of the stacked books in my blog’s new feature photo. I updated my original featured photo of journals and calendars, to a random variety of colorful books. I took the picture around the time of our vacation so some of the books came fresh from my beach bag. I keep other titles in the stack out for easy accessibility.
I found the book How Not to Look Old at the library a few years ago and liked it enough to buy my own copy. The author, Charla Krupp, intended to help forty-somethings stay young looking, so I have missed that window of opportunity, but the book gathers many helpful fashion, make-up, hair, and other beauty tips from experts. I’ll take all the help I can get in these areas, though Krupp would categorize me in the “low to medium” maintenance group. In other words, I am not the type to take extreme or expensive measures to restore my youthfulness.
I ponder aging, my own growing older. I see and feel it every day, but my age and an awareness of my generation became acutely obvious to me when I returned to my career after being home to raise our kids. Maybe all fields are like this, but education particularly draws a young crowd. Many of my colleagues were recent graduates and brand-new teachers. I recall sitting in work meetings, realizing I was probably the oldest participant at the table.
Teaching has become very collaborative: lesson planning, classroom procedure and really everything is developed in teams. As I partnered with so many who were even younger than my own kids, I understood that I needed an honest approach. I was the ‘mature’ voice at the table. I did not have all the right answers, but I had decades of experience as a teacher and a parent to contribute. I leaned into that role as an older faculty member. I welcomed the excitement, creativity, and perspective of the newest educators. I got a firsthand view of millennial thinking and lifestyle. I limped behind their technology expertise but gained a few fun fashion tips along the way. At times, the blend was uncomfortable, but we took it all in stride and we produced strong instruction together.
The Bible talks about being the older generation. In ancient times, the elderly were revered; their voice at the table, albeit thinning, was respected and heard. With that kind of platform, God instructed them to tell their stories of God’s faithfulness to the next generation, to share all the remarkable things He had done in their lives and in the generations before them. Yes, it was an oral history to pass down, but it was also a legacy of personal faith to be shared. Though outlooks may shift, God’s Word says, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty. … They tell of the power of your awesome works. … They celebrate your abundant goodness … “ (Psalms 145: 4-7) We are called to boast on God this way. It takes creativity and courage which we have since “He who called you is faithful.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
My friend Susan texted me this photo while I was drafting this post. I LOVE the contrast here: old and new? Message me if you’d like to know more about their photography.
“Cursed is the ground.” Yes, I have been wanting to write about gardening as I continue my first decade of writing. When I began this blog, I tested the waters by posting some “glearnings” from gardening. A new yard (and new climate and new soil) inspires me to discuss gardening again. From an early moment when I mistakenly thought the builder had cleared out a cherished live oak, what a trial the raw landscape has been! I have no trouble understanding the Garden of Eden curse. But like the curse of painful childbearing which culminates joyfully in a baby’s birth, “toil in the soil” richly rewards the heart and soul. (Find the two curses in Genesis 3:16-17)
I foraged this Purple Heart before we even moved in. They multiply nicely – fingers crossed!
So, what happened in our new yard? Well, surprisingly stuff grows in sand! We started with seeding a lawn and it worked! Sowing grass seed in bare sand seemed impossible but the seed germinated; we have a grassy lawn except where a heavy rain washed out a hilly spot and pesty crabgrass happily filled in.
I admit that I enjoy the better end of our gardening equation: my husband does the hard and heavy work while I play with plants. So far, I’ve had six months of garden dabbling with a host of mishaps to show for it. Here are a few of my fiascos:
We transported about two dozen of our favorite hostas to NC. While waiting to be planted (on the patio table), the deer feasted one night leaving us barely a stem! Talk about preparing a table for my (gardening) enemies, Psalm 23:5! A few other remaining hostas set out in a border were pulverized by a strong hailstorm just a week or two later! A transplanted oak sapling, also from Virginia, met its demise with the mower.
We were happy to take a young crape myrtle offered by neighbors and it likes the spot.
New flowers I tried ended similarly. A splurge purchase of a beautiful unique vinca, which would reseed annually, mysteriously keeled over, probably stray herbicide! Locally popular mandevilla vines have yielded zero growth and blooms. Portulacas that I remember self-seeding in the sidewalk cracks of my childhood neighborhood apparently drowned with too much rain. Four ‘o clocks that I grew from seed aren’t blooming at four o’ clock, nor at any time. A friend sent me lily bulbs which produced lovely pink flowers but they’re another deer delicacy, so I netted them … but the netting trapped a snake, a good snake that we wanted to keep around. (My brother-in-law managed to free it with his fishing expertise.) Geraniums hate the heat, and torrenia didn’t fare any better. Indoors, the Majestic Palm that I planted on Palm Sunday unfurls fresh fronds that quickly turn an unroyal brown. But with grass underfoot, some lush potted ferns, and a planned landscape to be installed next month, we count our blessings in this new place. I think gardeners like me embrace “the thrill of victory AND the agony of defeat,” as ABC’s Wide World of Sports used to say!
The Bible speaks often about all types of vegetation; it was written during a time when earth’s produce greatly impacted survival, keeping our ancestors attuned to their environment. Many Scriptures suit my topic of gardening, but I will share a verse I read today. It mentioned a tree flourishing in its native soil (Psalm 37:35). Incorporating native flora and trees promotes the environment. I enjoy finding and planting natives. In the context of Psalm 37, the thriving tree compares to the flourishing of evil, when wickedness seems to thrive. Certainly, godless philosophy gains the upper hand at times, and right living faces threats, but the rest of the verse promises this about evil times: (it) passed away and was no more and could not be found (Psalm 37:36). We can rest well on that promise.
