The Neely Team

At the beginning of this year, I read a fascinating book about Silvia Tarniceriu called God Knows My Size. For school, I wrote a book report on it, and I thought I would share it with you.

Silvia Tarniceriu was born and raised in Iasi (pronounced Yahsh), Romania, and was the eighth child out of twelve children. Her father’s name was Pricop, and her mother’s name Elena. Because they were such a large family in communist Romania, it was hard for her parents to provide for them; therefore, many of her older siblings had to quit school and get jobs to help provide for the younger ones.

When Silvia was twelve years old, her tata (papa) took a trip and decided to take her with him. On the way,they stopped to see his sister, Estera, and while they were there, she and her husband convinced Tata to leave Silvia with them because they could better provide for her. She stayed with her aunt and uncle for one year and then went back home to Iasi.

One night when the Tarniceriu family was in church, the pastor said that God can do anything. This was very hard for thirteen-year-old Silvia to believe,and she decided to find out for herself if this was really true.That night when she was in bed, she asked God for a winter coat, a sweater, and a pair of shoes. (All three of them were basically impossible to purchase in such a large family at that time.) Then one day her family received a package in the mail that had all three items in it, and they each fit Silvia perfectly! From that time on, she never doubted God again and trusted him as her personal Lord and Savior!

When Silvia was older, she helped smuggle Bibles, but eventually was put in prison and persecuted for her faith. The only thing that kept her true to her Savior was the promise that “God knew her size” and that he could/would provide for her. After her release in 1983, she gave up her Romanian citizenship and moved to America. She was finally in a free country! There she got a job with “Christian Aid Ministries” which is a ministry for Christians in Romania. Silvia could help the Christians in her country at last!

Silvia Tarniceriu is still living, and shares her testimony at various events across the United States.

For nearly fourteen years, someone was dwelling in our home and family, of whose true personality and perspective on life we knew but little.

Then, something happened, and out she came!

Penguin-loving, laugh-inspiring, and thought-provoking, Victoria brings such joy to all of us with her unusual and often unbelievable sense of humor! Recently, however, yet another new side of her has emerged. We have discovered that she is quite the poet (and always seems to have the perfect proverb or line of rhyme to share at any given situation). Typically written late at night, while she is comfortably ensconced on the floor in my room, her poetry has greatly blessed and impressed me. The other night she shared this one with Jessi and I, when, as usual, she was journaling on the floor between our beds. I loved it! I’m sure I’ll have to post additional compositions in the future, but for now… enjoy!

Proper English

I once was told I spoke in verse;

At once I realized that was no curse.

My Mother Tongue feels no abuse

When words own color and careful use.

When artful speaking doth occur

These facts must show, of that be sure:

Vocabulary, first, must be enlarged,

While useless words are all discharged.

(No “like’s,” no “um’s,” no “ain’ts” or “got’s,”

No “fan’s,” “that long’s,” or “second shot’s.”

No double negatives, few words used o’er,

Instead of “beach” use “the sea shore.”)

Context, then, is all-important

Without it, sentences will sound discordant.

Structure, now must be considered

Here we’re in danger of sounding withered.

Arrange your words with cautious choice

They’re an accent to your voice.

Feeling, now, with depth, is key –

Ships don’t sail on shallow seas.

Mold inflection to dress the matter

Don’t just robe in useless clatter.

And finally, this last charge I give:

Speak to honor He Who lives –

He Who formed our mouth and ears

That we may speak and words may hear.

We’ve been granted simple tools

To edify God’s chosen jewels.

Use them carefully, we must

For they are a sacred trust.

Hold the tongue which tries to bite,

Speak the words which spread the Light.

There’s much to bridle as we go

Un-necessaries always seem to show

Form each sentence with thought and care;

Our “good name” this form will share.

Use your words to point above –

Speak with feeling, depth, and love.