Poison or Lace
To the untrained eye, or to those who don’t take the time to really look, it is easy to confuse Queen Ann’s lace with hemlock…poison hemlock. They both grow along roadsides and in fields without any assistance. They both grow on tall green stems topped by lacy white flowers that resemble an umbrella. They both appear about the same time each spring and summer and last until frost. Yet for all their similarities, there is one BIG difference. Queen Ann’s lace is a safe plant. Hemlock is highly poisonous.
That’s a pretty important difference, wouldn’t you say? It’s also one that should give anybody the incentive to make sure they don’t let those similarities get in the way of knowing the differences between the two. And why knowing the difference matters.
So, how does one tell the difference between Queen Ann’s Lace and hemlock? Actually, there are several differences, but I’m going to give you the two which are most obvious. Queen Ann's Lace has hairy legs (stems). Hemlock stems are smooth with some purple streaks running through them. Queen Ann’s flowers have a tiny dot of red-purple in the middle. Hemlock does not.
Okay, now for the question I know you’re all asking: what in the world does this have to do with God, His Church, and you? Answer: quite a bit.
The world is full of poison trying to pass itself off as Christianity. You know what I’m talking about. You’ve seen it. It might even be taking up space in your life. For example:
Groups of people calling themselves a church, while ignoring God’s Word on matters of sin.
Twisting scripture or taking it out of context to suit your purposes.
Picking and choosing what parts of the Bible you want to obey.
People (both those who claim to know Jesus and those who don’t) are insisting that God got their gender wrong when he created them.
Racism, hatred, and violence toward people just because they look and sound different.
Ignoring and disrespecting other people’s rights and thoughts because they don’t match yours.
Using their ‘Christianity’ as a weapon to shame, hurt, or belittle someone instead of extending the same grace and teaching someone extended to you.
Scripture tells us to beware of false teachers, to test (measure) what is presented as scripture to make sure it is. To make sure we are in sync with God, and to choose to follow and obey God's Word and God's Word only. Faithfully and completely. BUT we cannot do these things…we cannot be the person God created us to be if we don’t know the difference between poison and lace.
Be salt and light,
Darla, aka, Momma D
Bible verses for you to read: Hebrews 5:14; 1st Corinthians 6:9-11; Psalm 119:11; 1st John 4:1; 1st Thessalonians 2:4
Who am I?
I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.
I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.
What do I write?
Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.
Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.
Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.
What do I say and who do I say it to?
*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.
*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!
*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.
*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!
*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.
*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.
*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more. Or if you want to make every day extra-special, check out my newest book, "Every Day is Today...." -a book full of special days and ideas on how to celebrate them.
Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).
Where can you find me?
My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.