The word tolerance comes to mind

   

  Here I am, still trying to get used to the convenience of living in a retirement facility, where many services are so available. 

   I just came from having my flu shot, downstairs.    

Living here, surrounded by aging friends, all with unique personalities, the word “tolerance” comes to mind. 

     Not only the many seniors here, having to live out its meaning, but, listening to the daily news — much more broad-mindedness  and acceptance of each other is needed in our wonderful, but sometimes crazy world. 

   It is easy to become frustrated when others act or say things contrary to our own way of thinking. Seniors, who usually have all the time in the world, can get impatient when their needs are not met ASAP. 

   Most of the guests and staff I have met here are kind and respectful of each other, trying to practice that virtue. 

   Certainly we all need understanding and love. Jesus knew our frailties when He said, “My command is this; Love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15: 12). 

     “Love, God’s love in us, does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy, fretful or resentful; it keeps no record of wrongs.” 

— 1 Corinthians 13:5

   If I am to love all people, God will have to help transform the way I think of others. I can believe the worst about them, or choose to believe the best. It’s my choice. 

   When disagreements occur, we can often diffuse them by giving up our right to be right. Each of us will answer to the Lord, not only for our opinions, but also, for how we treat one another in our differences. 

   Romans 14:10 -12 says it clearly: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written, 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, every knee will bow before me, every tongue will acknowledge God. So then, each of us will give an account to God. Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another.” 

   Wow! Our deportment before others then, is very important. 

   The management and staff here at our Okanagan Chateau, continue to provide excellent care. 

   Recently, we enjoyed a surprise, noon luncheon, where we were served a variety of Chinese dishes from our local Asian Pear Restaurant. 

   

   Later, we were entertained by Ali K. Zam, an excellent juggler, who kept us spellbound.
   Many quite expensive prizes were given away through draws. 
   The staff continues to find varied ways to keep life interesting for the many residents here. 

   Occasionally, my aging body suggests I should temporarily restrict my activities. As I think back to some of those earlier times when my daily schedule was always so demanding, these now, quiet, retirement days would have been very difficult to imagine.  

   

   “When He takes your work away and bids you no longer do good and obedient things, but only to be good and obedient, surely this is not the death of faith. 

   That may be faith’s transfiguration. You can be idle for Him, if so He wills, with the same joy with which you once laboured for Him. 

   Until later, may you find yourselves enjoying the beauty of these colourful, and delightful autumn days."

— beulah  

The gathering of the clans

“Back on its golden hinges, 
the gate of memory swings, 

And my heart goes into the garden 

And walks with the olden things.”  

— Excerpt from Memory’s Garden, 

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox   

     What is it about “olden things” and “olden days” that often catch our attention? 

     Children beg Grandma and Grandpa to tell them stories of what it was like in the olden days. Many folk are avid readers of history and events that happened in the past. 

     Some folk enjoy visiting thrift shops searching for special antiques to grace their home. Antique shops often display old items that are very highly priced. Such was the case a few weeks ago, when, during my house move, I discovered my own “antique trunk” had found its way to one of our local thrift venues. 

     I had completely forgotten about it as it had been stored in the basement of our ranch-style home. It obviously had travelled along with each of our house moves. 

     Now showing its age somewhat, this antique treasure was none other than the very trunk that carried all of my life’s possessions across Canada sixty-six years ago, accompanying me as a young bride. 

     Amazed to see it prominently displayed at the thrift store entrance — with a price tag … all of $90 — I thought, ‘whoever buys this has my blessing.' 

     It was just another item from my past I was releasing, yet keeping the precious memory. 

     But as the saying goes,“One person’s junk often becomes another’s treasure.” 

     Thanksgiving has come and gone for another year, but always a good reminder for us all to get a grip on gratitude which always determines our attitude.

     I think longing for different circumstances can lead to complaining. 

     A worthy quote from Charles Dickens reminds us: “Cheerfulness and contentment are great beautifiers and are famous preservers of youthful looks.” 

     I could benefit from that! Opening my eyes to unexpected blessings around me, daily, will help me be a happier camper.  

     What a busy but lovely Thanksgiving weekend for our family! 

     It began with a delightful gathering of many from the Osborne-Eagles clans. 

     What a joy to see many faces I had not seen in awhile. 

     It began with cider-tasting, followed by a lunch soiree at the excellent venue-restaurant-lounge — Soma Craft Cidery in east Kelowna. 

     The beautiful, sunny day added to our delight as we got to greet, pet and feed the alpacas in the nearby meadow. 

     
     What a treat for my great-grands, Evelyn and Melissa. 

     It being Evelyn’s birthday weekend, Grandma Karen made sure a large, birthday cake was there for desert time, honouring seven-year-old Evelyn and others with recent birthdays.

     A big thanks to Karen and James who hosted and planned the event. 

     
     Blessed with out-of-town relatives, I so enjoyed son, Roger and grandson Brayden’s stay with me in my accommodating and very comfortable suite. 

     Sarah and Tyler Letourneau did a terrific job hosting our family’s Thanksgiving dinner in their new home. 

     The turkey was roasted to perfection, thanks to Tyler’s watchful eye and expertise. 

     My first in many years, not hosting such a gathering. 

     All the other bountiful and delicious foods were planned, co-ordinated and aptly served with Sarah’s competence.   

     My thankful heart was overflowing with gratitude as I watched the younger generation willingly taking the lead. Families are precious. 

     May I never allow that which is precious to become commonplace. 

     Presently, we here in the Okanagan are being blessed with sunny days, which is enhancing the bountiful and beautiful fall colours of the trees splashed across the landscape everywhere. 

     God designed, cares for, and controls His creation. Can you fathom the mysteries of God? (Job 11:7) 

     Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you. (Job 12: 7) 

     Even animals testify to the truth that God designed, cares for and controls His creation. 

     

     “In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10) 

     And that includes you and me. So, not to worry! 
     
     We’re in GOOD HANDS!

— beulah

Here's to making new friends

 

Let me do my best today, not for what my friends may say. 

Not for glory, not for fame, not for all to know my name. 

Not for show and not for thanks, not to rise above the ranks, 

Not to hear the crowds applaud. 

Just let me do my best for God.    

   The above echoes my thoughts, as I have been adjusting to a new and quite different lifestyle here in my ‘now’ home, at the Okanagan Chateau. 

   Approximately eight weeks have elapsed already. I have often felt like “the new kid on the block” as I became familiar with the house rules, which are few. 

   Getting to meals on time, alerting the desk if I plan to forego one, “sign out” when I leave the premises and “in” when I return — all necessary for my safety and well-being. 

   I am getting to know and greatly appreciate the friendly staff who kindly and willingly put forth their efforts in supplying our many daily needs — the cook, the meal servers, the office and housecleaning staff and even Sandy, the all-night supervisor always on call. 

   I feel quite pampered and indeed blessed with three well-planned meals with varied choices each day. 

   I am getting to know lots of friendly folk, as I try to remember names. Our name tags are helpful, if we would remember to wear them. 

   Hearing many of their stories and viewing some of their challenges, I appreciate the positive outlook most of them seem to have. I have only met one gentleman that admitted "he was not a happy camper” any day of the week! 

   I enjoy my table partners, a delightful Italian couple, John and Marg and Jim, who was born and lived all his life in Vancouver. Makes for some interesting conversation. 

   I often see John, who is restricted to his mechanized chair, taking his little dog “Chico” for a walk around the block. What a delight Wilma is! A partially blind lady whose suite is a few doors down from mine, walking confidently with her white cane. 

   Sensing her warm and caring spirit, I soon learned we both love the same Lord. Then there's Ethel, a dear lady all of 98 years young. She was, in earlier years, a part of a seniors’ group Nels and I led at our church. 

   I found Dick and Berniece, also once a part of the same group. Advancing age with its challenges brings each of them recurring hospital visits. Dick’s cheerful word from his motorized chair and Berniece’s quiet smile, always blesses me. 
   
   Paul, who shares a nearby table with two other gentlemen, though quite blind, always enjoys an exchange of greetings each new day as I pass, often commenting on my sunny spirit. 

   Passing Randy’s table, he often states his approval of what I am wearing that day. Randy seems quite young and is an avid sports enthusiast for the Kelowna Rockets. 

     Yolanda, a dear friend who attended bible studies with me in my home, now lives a few doors from me. Anticipating studying the bible with me once again, today was our first, with a few other friends. 

   I have enjoyed having my former neighbour Hedy, and a few other friends at different times, come and share a meal with me in the dining room. 

   How wonderful to still be able to entertain and have others do all the work! 

   Recently, my son-in-law, James, beautifully blessed me with a tasty luncheon and visit to Soma Craft Cidery in southeast Kelowna. 

   Here apple cider is made from 100 per cent Okanagan fresh, pressed apples. It is a craft cider conference meeting place and AirB&B with restaurant. 

   

   Surrounded by trees now showing their beautiful autumn colours and interesting llamas grazing in the pasture nearby, ready to eat from my hand … I was truly delighted with it all!

   Approaching Thanksgiving and anticipating once again, family togetherness, how blessed I am! 

   This year as we can no longer meet at Grandma’s, Sarah and Tyler have graciously offered to host our Thanksgiving dinner, keeping alive our family tradition. 

   As I view the many walkers lining the hall and dining area, I sometimes find myself questioning the how and why I am in this retirement place. Did I make the choice too early? As God’s child, I want to believe that He sovereignly predetermines my life’s activities. 

   So as I cheerfully accept what life brings, as from His hand, I know I will find meaning in life, just where He has placed me. 

   Mother Teresa once said, “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”  

   

   Thinking of OTHERS first. Perhaps that is what makes life worth living.

   So, may I always be young at heart and “loving” — surrounded by so many lovely folk to practice on! YEP!! Think I’m in the right place!! 

   Sending love to all you patient readers.

 — beulah