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In the Garden

4/27/2020

by Mrs. Lori B.
from Virtuous Daughters, June 2010~Volume 10, Number 3

“In the Garden”
I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear the Son of God discloses.

(Refrain) And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own; and the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice, is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.

I’d stay in the garden with Him though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe His voice to me is calling.
(words and music by C. Austin Miles, 1868–1946)

The Break-Through Point

4/27/2020

by Tiffany S.
from Virtuous Daughters, June/July 2019, Volume 19, Number 2

I once heard someone say that our breaking point can become our break-through point when we accept the grace of God. I have certainly found this to be true in my life....

Blessed Assurance

4/20/2020

by Cheryl S.
from Virtuous Daughters, September 2005~Volume 5, Number 6

Dear Virtuous Daughters,
This month [September 2005] I wanted to discuss a lesson that is somewhat close to our hearts. September marks losses for our family. A dear family, as well as friends of ours that we have come to know and love, are moving far away. What bittersweet feelings of both sorrow for seeing them go - and joy for what the Lord will do in their lives. Even though each of them hold a special place in each of our hearts, for Tiffany this is the second close friend she has seen move away in the last year. For her, the feeling of loss is greater.

As Tiffany and I discussed this loss of her friend living close by, we were reminded of the only real assurance and security in this world. I thought about each of you girls. Have you ever felt the feelings of loss? It could be as small as the loss of something you misplaced, or as great as the loss of someone you love. Either way, this life on earth is eventually about loss. With time, you will lose friends, family, your youth, your health, and eventually your life.

Siblings as Best Friends

4/20/2020

by the H. Sisters
from Virtuous Daughters, January 2009~Volume 8, Number 1

Four Sisters Share their Thoughts about how Siblings can Truly be Best Friends...

Siblings

4/13/2020

by Hannah H.
from Virtuous Daughters, November 2010~Volume 10, Number 8

Dear Sisters,
Sibling relationships are something that I get really excited about!! Maybe because siblings are such a wonderful and special part of my life!! What a treasure and tremendous blessing God has given us in our family! Sometimes you may have to have a little imagination to see it that way. It’s like a diamond in the rough. :) Maybe you’re saying, “What, siblings and blessings; isn’t than an oxymoron? You don’t know my siblings.” No, I don’t. But, I do know that unity in the family is important to God. Psalm 133:1 “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Whether you find it difficult or easy to get along with your siblings, in this article I want to come alongside you and encourage you to build stronger sibling relationships. There are so many blessings and benefits in our sibling relationships.

Where is Your Tokyo?

4/13/2020

by Hannah C.
from Virtuous Daughters, December 2014~Volume 14, Number 9

I woke up eagerly and got ready for my exciting day. I am going to Tokyo with Daddy! I thought to myself. Micah, Dad and I rode our bikes through Miyahara to the train station. I slowed my pace as we passed Mr. Donut and enjoyed the smells of fresh hot donuts. Maybe sometime I would try a curry one. As we arrived at Miyahara Eki (train station), we pulled our bikes up the steep concrete ramp and paid the elderly man a couple hundred yen to store our bikes there for the day.

"The Gift of Life"

4/11/2020

by Naomi B.
from Virtuous Daughters, April/May 2020~Volume 20, Number 1

"Much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the life of righteousness
shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ." Romans 5:17

"Greater, His Love"

4/10/2020

by Naomi B.
from Virtuous Daughters, October/November 2017~Volume 17, Number 4

Long was the road He walked,
Heavy the cross He bore,
Piercing the nails that tore,
Yet greater, His love.

Garden Tips

4/6/2020

by Emily B.
from Virtuous Daughters, July 2010~Volume 10, Number 4

Tomato cages aren’t just for tomatoes! Use them for cucumbers and squash, too! These vine-like plants will climb right up them—you’ll get a bigger harvest, the fruits will be straighter, and the slugs can’t eat them! The cages are also great for supporting tall or large plants such as hibiscus and peonies. Place the cage over the dormant plant and let it grow right up into it. Our hibiscus grew over six feet tall when we did this!
To speed up germination, soak hard-shelled seeds (such as morning glories) in a cup of water overnight, or knick them with a sharp knife.
Store leftover seeds from this year in a jar in the refrigerator! This will keep them viable for longer. If that is not practical, store in a cool, dry place, where mice or other rodents cannot get into it!
Are slugs eating your plants? Sprinkle crushed eggshells around the plants and the slugs should leave them alone, as they won’t crawl across the sharp pieces.
To save a potted plant that is so dried up you think it’s dead: soak it in a bucket of water for about 30 minutes to an hour. And just maybe, it will revive. At least it’s worth a try! :)
African Violets don’t like wet leaves! Water them from their saucers about once a week.
If you’re growing seedlings inside, place the pots/seed tray on your dryer when it’s on. The extra heat will help with germination. After the seeds sprout, you may want to move the plants to a sunny window, for at least part of the time. When to start vegetable or flower seeds for planting outdoors varies with where you live...
To improve the soil in your vegetable garden: in the fall, winter, or early spring, spread dead leaves, wood ashes (in moderation) and fairly weed-free grass clippings over your garden. Till it before you plant in the spring.
Harvesting and using herbs: Herbs are best harvested right before they bloom. This is when their flavor has reached its peak. Of course, you can make small harvestings from them as you need the herbs. For bushier plants, pinch back the stems occasionally. This happens naturally when you harvest them. To dry herbs, carefully rinse them, and then hang them upside down in a well ventilated area, not in direct sunlight. Currently, I use a clothes drying rack in our cool, mostly dark basement. When the herbs are dried, you can crush them and store them in clean glass jars. Preferably, store them in the dark or use a dark container. Herbs can also be frozen. You can just freeze them in baggies or chop them up and put them in ice cube trays with water. When making a soup or stew, just add an ice cube with herbs and it will melt right in.
When arranging plants in a new garden, remember this simple rule: If the garden is against a house or fence, and will mostly be viewed from the front, place the taller plants near the back. If the garden is more of an “island” in the yard, place the tallest plants in the middle.

The Blessing of Brothers

4/2/2020

by Tiffany S.
from Virtuous Daughters, April 2014~Volume 14, Number 1

I was stuck. Not figuratively, but literally. The muddy road to our pond proved to be impassible and I began sinking in miry clay. As I laughed in spite of myself, Gideon came traipsing toward me. His shoes were even less sufficient than my own, yet he reached out for my arm and said in a kind, authoritative tone, “Let me help you.” Grasping his strong, rescuing hand, I, the “maiden in distress,” thought back to fourteen years ago when he was a little baby and I helped care for him. How amazing that my “little” brother had become my “big” brother and was caring for me!

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