Celebrating Victoria by-the-sea

   

    What is a blessing or to be blessed? 

   
   My dictionary describes it thus — “to invoke God’s favour upon; make happy; fortunate or prosperous; to praise or extol; a fortunate occurrence; approval." 
  

   The meaning I’ll use for now is — “a fortunate occurrence,” one that took place in my life last weekend. 

   

   I had the privilege of spending a weekend enjoying beautiful Victoria, the lovely city “by the sea.” 

   Our two-bedroom suite overlooking the harbour was comfortable and so adequate for James, Karen and myself. 

      

   James made an excellent choice when booking earlier. Close by, were interesting stores which Karen and I enjoyed checking out and of course, walking away with a few purchases. 

   We enjoyed delicious meals at the Canoe restaurant nearby. Karen recalled her dad telling of his wartime days being stationed during the entire time, near Victoria at the Esquimalt Air Force base. 

   It was during this period in Nels’ life that he was introduced to Jesus by a Christian friend, under a lamppost on one of these city streets. 

   So we decided we would choose for our Sunday worship, the same church her Dad had attended and that became so special to him in his early Christian journey. 

   

   All in all, our island adventure was a lovely one, and for me, so reminiscent of the lovely trips he and I used to share together there. 

   Of course, a highlight and the main reason for our visit, was to attend my eldest grandson Jonathan’s graduation from the University of Victoria. 

   

   What a thrill for me to see another grandchild walk across the stage, this time Jonathan James, to receive his degree, a neurobiology major. 

   Last year, it was Ashton Brooke’s year to shine as she graduated from the University of B.C. in Vancouver. 

   I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father who has permitted me to still be around and physically able to attend special events of my dear grandchildren, and also to enjoy my dear, great grand-children. 

   

   That was also an added blessing as I spent time having lunch, visiting Krista and Nathan with their two lovely daughters, Evelyn and Melissa. 

   The good life for me continues at the Okanagan Chateau. Plenty of entertainment to choose from, or not, lovely weather calling me for a walk, perhaps on an errand to the nearby mall, or just laze about on my generous patio. 

   

   I'm looking forward to a visit from Roger this weekend as he passes through on his way to Calgary to visit his son Brayden, who is now working in the city there.
Blessings! 

   Until another time, may God’s favour continue to rest upon you all.

— beulah

Time to hit the refresh button

     

     Today, upon rising, I felt really grateful for my good health and the ability to enjoy the precious gift of another lovely day. 

   
     Feeling a sense of awe that I am blessed in so many ways, I make my way down to breakfast awaiting me in the dining room. 

     Today, I would like to see those around me with fresh eyes. How can I concentrate on seeing hearts, not just appearances. 

     I believe I am often blind and too occupied with visible things to recognize my Heavenly Father’s Presence around me and in other’s lives. 

     I pause for a brief chat with one of our servers, who obviously begins her day very early — just to be here to graciously serve me and others. I was glad to have that moment to share my appreciation with her. "...man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b). 

     I would like my life to be more about, "the heart of things.” 

     The endless bombardment of ads, trains us to have eyes for much that is not always that important, as they often absorb our minds with shallow surface things. 

     These days, the subject of "sex” and the #Me
Too Movement seems to be confronting us — front, back and centre on the newsstands and in our daily news broadcasts. 

     

     I’ve been somewhat impressed hearing about the Catholic Bishop’s Sex Abuse Summit recently held in Vatican City — the Pope now pushing for zero tolerance and accountability from the Catholic Church.

     The long over due silence surrounding abuse, but now confessions from the clergy, many would say, is a positive step in the right direction. 

     A recent report — during the years between 1960 and 2016, we’re told, 6,700 priests have been accused of abusing children. Victims were silenced, as the abuse was covered up with the Catholic church destroying the files. 

     Now, the news media seems to think they have to expose the past sins of some of our former politicians. Perhaps it might help us to remember that we live in a fallen world, and all of us have and do sin in one way or another, and is one sin any greater than another in God’s eyes? 

     

     That is why we all desperately need the saving grace of Jesus, the only sinless human being that ever lived on our great planet Earth.

     It might help us to remember — Numbers 32:22 
"You may be sure that your sin will find you out."   

— beulah                                            

Snapshots from my family album: My father’s house

     “As long as our hearts are still beating and there’s breath in our lungs, our story is still being written.”

 — Unknown

     Now, already well into another new year, I am encouraged by Jesus’ words… "Do not let your hearts be troubled. 
     Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you. 
     I am going there to prepare a place for you. 

     And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” 

— John 14:1-3

    I have faint recollections of my father’s house — the home where my father was born. 

     It was in a small community outside of Sackville, N.B., called Midgic Station. 

     As a young child, I recall our family occasionally visiting there on a quiet, Sunday afternoon. 

     A special black and white snapshot in our family album showed my Daddy’s home. With several family moves, that physical image has seemed to also have moved and now is nowhere in my collection. 

     I was fortunate to have a loving father that worked hard, caring for the needs of his growing family. 

     Fond memories include, occasionally being tucked into bed at night and Dad sharing a story with me or just chatting about my day. 

     Most families were large in those days, probably as the convenience of birth control was not yet in vogue. I was the “tail end of the litter” — the youngest of seven siblings.

     At my appearance, along with me came a twin sister, whose life on this earth was only for a few days. 

     I’m told she was the largest, and seemed the healthiest. However, it was not in God’s plan for her to remain a part of our earthly family. So he took her on ahead to our Father’s house. 

     Meanwhile, and much later, I am still wondering the “why” of it all. 

     The house in which I was born — dubbed “the house on the hill,” could also be called my “father’s house.” 

     I learned it was a specially designed home by my father for his growing family. It had many delightful features and was somewhat the dream home for my Mom. 

     Objections were heard from my five sisters when plans were being made for a trade — a move to an aging farm house, complete with barn, a few cattle and a small acreage. 

     My Dad’s reasoning — “I can’t feed my children on just a house.” 

     It would be from this farm house that both my mom and dad moved on to their “Father’s house” — their heavenly home. 

     While on earth, Jesus often reassured His friends “not to fear,” he was making arrangements for them in his father’s house. (John 14:1-3) 

     He also says to us, “I’ve got this. Nothing will get to you that didn’t get past me first. Fear not! I am with you.” 

     So this same assurance, which he gave them is the same provision awaiting us, his children. He wants us to be with him forever in his Father’s house. 

     Some say, talking about Heaven feels almost like writing out your will and so we don’t want to think about it. It is just that our finite minds cannot possibly comprehend the wonder of it all.  

     My life has been rather busy since the entrance of the new year. I was blessed to have had a delightful visit with Andrew and Melissa in January, a Penticton day-trip to enjoy shopping and sight-seeing, a movie at the local theatre, The Return of Mary Poppins and recently, a live show featuring The Marvellous Wanderettes — a birthday gift from my daughters and, an overnight retreat with the Resurrection Anglican ladies' group. 

     Now, the frigid cold keeps me inside, enjoying the warmth of my fireplace in my cozy apartment, writing and doing lots of reading. 

     

     My most recent book is, The Upside of Hunger by local author Roxi Harms. She recently visited our home to share her writings with residents here. 

     I have just returned from an enjoyable hymn sing with Gordon who regularly comes to bless us with music. 

     Life remains good in the (sometimes) sunny, but cold Okanagan.



— beulah

A Christmas rerun: Home, [but not] alone

      

     “He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.”  

— Ruth 4:15 

     I can attest to the truth of the above verse. God graciously grants renewal to people of the "third age" — like me. 

     Life becomes extra busy for all of us at this time of year. Anticipating one of the most exciting celebrations in the calendar year, we may find ourselves often over booking our schedules. Hopefully, we will all allow ourselves quiet moments to ponder the "reason for the season," listening to what God’s message may be for us. 

     The Christmas story, such beautiful truth, filled with hope; the unassuming way in which Jesus entered the world, coming to draw us to Himself with his offer of peace with God. Amazing, a Saviour born in a manger!  

     Again this year I have taken my turn helping with Salvation Army kettle donations. My station being at our nearby Walmart store. 

     

     Christmas seems to jog our memories, that we are supposed to be "givers." 

     I love it when I see generosity — a $50 bill, or a toonie, often someone’s last, tossed into the bucket. 

     While many of us look forward to a joyous Christmas with family and friends, we are aware this scenario is not true for many. I’m sure all of us know of someone, or of a family that we can reach out to, helping to make their holiday a bit brighter. 
     

     We know Christmas can be an awfully lonely time for many, for various reasons. Let’s be alert to those we can bring cheer to.  

     For the first time ever, my family and I will not be having Christmas in our family home. But, home is where the heart is, so it’s all good. We will share meals here in the dining room at my residence, in my suite and also at my daughter's home. Life goes on, and can still be good, even while there are significant changes happening within our lives. 

     May you all receive the gifts your hearts desire this Christmas and may 2019 shower you with continued blessings!  

       
“The more you give, the more you get, 
Nobody can deny.
And if anyone disputes this, just let them go and try. 
And if this greedy world today would only start to give,
Life everywhere, for everyone, would be more sweet to live. 
For happiness is only found in bringing it to others.
And thinking of the folks next door, 
As sisters and as brothers.”

 — Author unknown

  


P.S. 
     What a pleasant surprise “Christmas gift” I received yesterday — a delightful visit from two favourite nephews, Andrew Eagles, from Delta, B.C. and brother Michael Eagles, all the way from Sussex, N.B.  
     How great it is to realize many in the younger generation remember and respect those of us, now being the older generation. 
    
     Thanks guys — you made my day.

   
     Love you all. God Bless! 

— beulah 

Extending our care, for those among us

     

     I just returned from our dining room where I was served a delicious dinner, ending with a delectable dessert, bread pudding — much like what my mother used to make. 

     Continuing to enjoy my new home, I am getting to know and appreciate many of the fine folk here. 

     I occasionally hear a grumble or two, but generally, most folk are upbeat, gracious and kind — like my new friend Lena, who bears my dear late mother’s name. 

     Perhaps it is her warm smile and friendly persona that so reminds me of my mom. 

     The following poem comes to mind: 

I’ve never seen God but I know how I feel… 
It’s people like you who make Him SO REAL. 
My God is no stranger, 
He’s friendly and warm. 
It seems that I pass Him so often each day…
In the faces of people I meet on my way. 
He’s the stars in the heaven, a smile on some face… 
A leaf on a tree, or a rose in a vase. 
He’s winter and autumn and summer and spring…
In short, God is Every, Real, Wonderful Thing… 
I wish I might meet Him much more than I do…
I would if there were More People Like You.” 

— Helen Steiner Rice.

     I was pleased to have my former Glenmore neighbour call me up today and ask a favour of me — just like old times. 

     She wondered if I would drive her to the hospital emergency room, as she needed treatment on a badly infected finger. Though no longer an-across-the-street neighbour, I was pleased she felt she could still call on me if the need arose. 

     On my return, I stopped to visit with my dear friend Terry, at Cottonwoods, our local extended care hospital. 

     Her recent fall — leaving her with a broken limb just as she was about to be released from hospital — has put her homecoming on hold, once again. 

     But, as always, she shows a quiet, peaceful smile and happy countenance. 

     She has learned to "take the bitter with the sweet," not letting such things spoil her day. I have never, ever heard her complain. What an example she has been to me. 

     Not able to walk on her own until almost six years of age — due to polio — it is obvious Terry learned how to accept life’s challenges early on in life. 

    Now, in her very late 90's, I believe God is allowing Terry to remain a little longer with us for the above reason. 

     My short visit last week to Dave and Carolyn’s home in Kamloops, came as an unexpected delight. 

     Son-in-law James, having company business in the River City, suggested Karen and I accompany him and make a visit of it. 

     

Beulah with daughter-in-law Carolyn Eagles.

Stopping for lunch at Marian's favourite spot, Wendy's.

Marian playing at a Remembrance Day sing-along.

     While there, I had the privilege of attending a Remembrance Day sing-along at one of the several extended care facilities where Marian Owens (my daughter-in-law’s mother), regularly provides music. 

Marian Owens at the piano.

     
     War songs, such as, When the Lights Go on Again all Over the World, brought back poignant memories. 

     I can’t believe how the days continue to quietly slip by. 

     

     

     I just realized Christmas is not that far away. Checking my calendar, I see that I am scheduled one week from today to begin my yearly stint as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army Christmas kettles. 

     I think the following statement is quite appropriate:  

Time cannot be halted in its swift and endless flight, 
For age is sure to follow youth, 
As day comes after night. 
And while being young and frivolous, was very stimulating…
I find that being old and wise, 
Is very compensating.   

—  by Helen Steiner Rice

Wise words, I say.

— beulah

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