Book Review - A Dutiful Daughter - by Evelyn Hood - Publication Date: 28 February 2026

 There's a quick-paced and down-to-earth, homespun feel to this narrative, I felt.  In my opinion, it is partially developed through coloquial Scottish speech in the mill town of Paisley, Scotland in the 1920's.  It's seen in the cameraderie of Mirren, Ella, Grace, Robbie and even Joe.  Sadness and sorrow, joys and victories, mark the lives of these 'ordinary' citizens trying to earn their living, often under less than ideal circumstances.

Issues such as workers conditions were exposed, socialism, revolutionary actions, incest, rape and child abuse; staying true to ones' promises and more, surface throughout.  Endearing and frustrating family connections and a time when some of the townfolk immigrated to Canada and/or America, looking for a "better life" garnish the tale.  The account also touches on the fate, state and plight of returning veterans, who had been injured in more ways than one.

I found this far from boring.  The serious elements were tempered by some of the fun and joys of the time (post WWI).  What's more, romance seasoned the works, although it did not override the story.  All in all, it was an enjoyable read for me.

                                                        ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                                  February 2026

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads. 

Seeds, Saplings and People Fruit (Humility)

 

There's a story of a missionary doctor and his family who ministered in a tropical climate for several years.  Then they had to leave that country.  Before they did though, the 16 year old daughter, who had grown some pomelo, langsat and rambutan saplings in small pots, decided to plant them into the ground around the mission hospital compound.

Fifty years later the daughter was able to revisit the site.  She specifically wished to see if these saplings had grown and  borne fruit.

Well now ... she arrived at the compound only to discover there was no longer a hospital and there were no fruit trees in sight.  There was a church though and a pastor.

She asked the pastor if she knew anything about the fruit trees.  Had they grown?   Had they borne fruit?

The pastor answered.  Yes, the trees had grown and did bear fruit. However, they got old and stopped bearing and so were cut down.

The missionary's daughter may have been  briefly disappointed by that, but then the pastor continued.  She told her something very remarkable.  The trunk of the trees could still be used!  And so they were.  They had been cut into timber planks and used to build a shelter beside the church.  The church members had fellowship lunches and snack times under it.

What's more, the number of believers had increased to 500 people!  This is 'people fruit' !  This was so much better fruit that the daughter had ever imagained.  She was so joyful and thankful to the Lord.  

Her family's laborings among the people so long ago had perhaps only been seeds sown or saplings planted, but had sprung up and borne 'people fruit' for the Kingdom of God.  This was so much more meaningful!  All praise be to the Lord!

In 2 Peter 3:18 ESV we read,

"But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.  Amen."

As we walk humbly and in the fear of our God, we too can bear fruit in our lives and the lives of others.  Humility will grow, slowly but surely, even more than 50 years later.  It's a choice we can choose daily.  And, as we practice humility, we just might be planting seeds and saplings of humility in other peoples' lives as well.

P.S.  Before the daughter left that mission ground again, she planted some durian trees.  It's been some years since then.  I'm not sure if she'll get to go back and see if these have grown and borne fruit or not.  Her prayer though is likely more for the 'people fruit' to mature and mulitply.

Let's intentionally bring forth much fruit for Christ.  This is the type of fruit that remains for all eternity.  Come Jesus, Come.

Lord Jesus, this story encourages me to understand and to be more proactive in practicing humility.  I see it takes much time to begin to grow and bear the right kind of fruit.  Help me to be consistant and persistant in cultivating humility as well as walking humbly in the fear of God.  Make me a blessing to others, too.  I ask in Your name Lord Jesus.  Amen.

                                                  ~ ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on 2 Peter 3:18 ESV.

Sing, Fruitful Trees The Spirit's Sowing, along with SDA Hymnal.

Keeping In Step (Humility)

 

As we live by the Spirit, in humility, we can also keep the unity of the Spirit among the people of God.  We do this by

 "keep-[ing] in step with the Spirit" (see Galatians 5:25).  

While doing so we can be more attentive and listen for our Lord's voice of guidance.

It may be pictured like a parade of soldiers marching while playing musical instruments.  They keep in step and don't miss a beat.  They can do so because they drill and practice regularly.

Not long ago a preacher gave a helpful 'step' for humbly keeping in step.  I use it with his permission and some small adaptations.

           S - Step up in faith.  Bow your knees and confess Jesus as Lord

T - Teachable heart - remember your attitude & be open to reason (see Phil. 2:10-11)

E - Endure godly discipline; admit & repent of wrongs (see 1 John 1:9)

P - Pray - cast all your burdens upon the Lord, wait patiently for His answers

It is very important to pray and show our dependence upon our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who gives us strength and courage to step up with Him and keep in step with His Holy Spirit.  We can keep the steps in our mind and heart and practice them daily.

These steps will help us to walk in humility all the days of our lives until Jesus comes.  Let's mindfully keep in step with the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, it is only with Your Holy Spirit's intervention that I can keep in step with You and walk humbly with You.  Guide my feet with Your light, O Father, so that I may do justly, love mercy and grow in the humility You require.  So be it Father God, until Jesus comes.  In Jesus' name I ask.  Amen.

                                                 ~ ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Galatians 5:25 ESV

Sing, Keep In Step, along with Awesome Cutlery.

Book Review - All in Her Hands - By Audrey Blake - Publication Date: 24 February 2026

 

This story gripped me from the outset.  My emotions roller-coastered along from indignation at the extreme chauvanistic attitudes of the day - females should not be doctoring, to injections of joy that brought laughter, to sorrow of loved ones taken by epidemics.  Then there were ribbons of romance laced with marital riffs and tiffs, making the narrative genuine.  Consequently, the story sat up with a good straight spine and marched along without lags or doldrums setting in.  

All in Her Hands is the fourth book in this historical Nora Beady series fiction.  It is a stand alone book but it never hurts to read its predecessors.  They'd be well worth the time and entertainment as well as gaining understanding of what women had to navigate around during those times if they wanted to be more than just decorative flowers in her husband's bouquet.  Indeed, I have enjoyed Nora's journey and meeting her, Daniel, Horace, Mrs. Phipps and more, again.  I found this work brilliantly executed and lable it  with a 5-Star rating.

                                              ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

                                                            December 2025

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

Protection Duty (Humility)

 

If you ever get the chance to visit the palace of a king or Sultan, whether you actually go inside, or just to drive by, you'll note strong walls surrounding the perimeter.  Guards toting guns stand sentinal at iron gates, guarding, protecting and defending the king.  They're doing their level best to keep him and his family safe from would-be attackers.

Similarly, being at church we are told to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  We must become guards.  But not with guns, of course!  We must protect and defend with the armor of God in place, standing firm and praying.  These are our weapons.

With sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, in our hand and the belt of truth clasped about our waists, we stand up against Satan and his evil minions.  God's truth guards against false teachers who wish to creep in, confusing and dividing the believers.

Another important weapon we can wield is our humility.  This armament protects against jealousy, gossip, selfishness, pride, resistance to learning and being corrected, and comparing our God-given gifts and talents with others.

These expressions of humility in church settings protect against people who wish to hurt or harm God's people.  In this way we can guard, protect, defend and keep the unity of the spirit.

Even though we, as individuals, may feel inadequate to do much, I believe we can begin our 'protection duty' by thinking about how we can be a part of this 'secret service' among the Lord's people more effectiviely, ensuring keeping the unity of the Spirit for a great and mighty King of kings.

Making and taking small steps towards this action can begin with learning about what humility is, and then actively growing in it.  An abundance of small steps eventually adds up to something much more comprehensive.

We can each do our part to guard, protect, defend and keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace in whichever gathering of followers of Jesus Christ we happen to meet with.  Pray.  Stand.  Guard.  Protect.

Heavenly Father, help me to be more conscious and alert to keeping the unity of the Spirit.  My part may be small, but together with Your other children and Holy Spirit's help, we can effectively accomplish our protection duty for You.  Thank You so much for Your help and Your Word.  We need all the help we can get.  I ask in King Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                ~  ERC  February 2026 ~

Based on Ephesians 4:3; 6:10-18 and James 3:16.

Sing, Bind Us Together Lord, along with Rockwood First Congregational Church.

Book Review - The Vatican Conspiracy - By Rob Jones - Publication Date: 15 February 2026

 Once again we get to traipse across desert and moutainous terrain, hopping even from country to country, after Dr. Hunter, the archeologist connected with UNESCO, and members of the ex- HARPA team as they go in quest, of the Garden of Eden.  Dangers lurk and threaten at almost every turn from known and unknown sources, until one may wonder if they'll all escape unscathed.

This is the sixth book in the Hunter Files series, but could be considered a stand alone.  However, to make greater connections with Hunter's past adventures, a potential reader may wish to read those that come before.  I do believe though that this book is adequately 'stand alone-ish'.

There is plenty of suspense and weapon action, and themes revolving around religious intrique as may well be deduced from the book's title.  Those readers who like such combinations should be well satisfied with this read, I believe.  The only caution I have with this narrative is the several insertions of swear words throughout.

                                                     ~  Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger  ~

                                                            February 2026

Disclaimer:  This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent to me by NetGalley and the publisher.

Read review on Goodreads.

HAIKU - Pipe Line to the Heart

 

Heavy rain.  Earth slid.

Whoosh!  Slam!  Pipes hit.  Water burst.

Gushing wildly forth.

Turn on the faucet.

"No water!"  Residents shout.

One week or more.  Thirst.

Collect rain water.

Barrels and barrels.  Dip out.

Slosh!  Over dishes.

Slosh!  Over body,

and teeth and down the toilet. 

 No more rain!  Ration.

Still no water.  What

to do?  It's like God's Word, none,

and we thirst for Him.

Then with refreshing

daily, word of God, we re-

-vive, bringing new life.

Read. Meditate, day

by day.  Thirst for Christ in your

life.  Pipeline to heart.

Lord, the washing of the water of Your word is a lifeline to my heart.  As I read and meditate upon Your Word, make it a pipeline to my heart too.  The water of Your Word refreshes, revives and sanctifies.  Without it we thirst.  May I conscious not to ration it.  I ask in Your name.  Amen.

                                                  ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

 Based on Ephesians 5:26 ESV.

Sing, Lord, Sanctify Me in the Truth, along with hymnal.net.