I enjoy reading The Narrative Bible, edited by F. LaGard Smith. It sets out a chronological plan to read through the Bible in one year. During this third week of 2025, I am newly impressed with the family dynamics of Abraham. Issac, and Jacob.

These three ancients were liars and manipulators, proud and fearful, cunning and cowardly. Abraham and Issac, based on unwarranted fear of their lives, lied to three different kings about their wives, saying that they were sisters,

Jacob lied to his father, Issac, fooling him into believing that he was Esau, his brother, and stealing his birthright. Twenty some years later, he pulled the wool over the eyes of his father-in-law by cleverly supplanting spotted and speckled sheep (and calling them his own) for the white sheep of Uncle Laban, which were under his care.

 And we wonder why our own families are broken and the world’s systems are dysfunctional. Whether considering my daughter’s Yorkshire family or my Portland family 8000 miles away, I see that the nastiness of human nature persists despite well-intentioned nurturing.

You know, this blogging business is like a family. It begins with the desire to communicate a couple of worthwhile thoughts. For a total novice like me, it quickly involves the expertise of other bloggers, who lead me step-by-step through the how-to’s of posting and enhancing what I write.

Then the readers respond with foundational questions like these: Did you introduce the reader to its intent? Where are you headed with the blog? Where do you plan to take the reader, and what do you hope to accomplish?

In only a few weeks, my timid foray into the blogging world has formed a small community of writers, instructors, and readers. Everyone who shares a comment, especially the critical ones, sharpens this writer’s efforts. And what are my intentions for those efforts?

In a respectful yet humanistic manner, I intend to tell family-based stories that reveal the truths of the faith-family, built by God upon the redemptive work of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Future essays will touch on the diverse topics of living in the moment, trapped by a body and mind that no longer function efficiently, verbal abuse, downsizing, the forwardness of hope, and the comfort of pets.

I do hope that you will keep reading and commenting.    ☺️

Linda Highman              ~author and tutor~                                                                                              “Let your light so shine…that people may see your good works and glorify the Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16