Almost everyone likes new beginnings! From new babies, to little chicks, to a new day, there is something exciting and inspiring about the phrase “a new beginning.” As the year opens, how are you going to begin it? Since we are Christians, bought with Jesus’ blood and saved by His grace, we should want to please Him in everything we do. How would He want you to begin this new year?

Giving is really so very rewarding!  It is to be seen as a privilege, a joy!  Here are some pointers from Scripture concerning our opportunity to give.  

​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.​

​"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”—John 14:18

Darling Virtuous Daughters,

“The Fellowship of Loneliness, what a strange title . . . what a paradox!” you must be thinking. But, dear girls, it is my hopes to show you just this. The greatest fellowship often comes during times of loneliness. Of course that fellowship is with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, girls, I have felt the depths of loneliness in my lifetime. I understand that when you are in the midst of it, it can feel quite sorrowful at times. So I write this with compassion knowing that if you are experiencing loneliness right now, you are probably experiencing pain along with it. But be encouraged, there is Hope and Help.