TGIGF... "Thank God, it's Good Friday"

Today is Good Friday.      

     As a young child, I remember finding it difficult to understand why that awful day of Jesus' death was called good.

     Having it explained to me, and as my innocent mind gradually matured, I came to understand just what was so good about it. For without Good Friday, we could not have the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday.
     Today I found myself pondering it all once again, not wanting to revisit in my mind those horrible events surrounding my Savior's death. 

"It was a morning that changed everything." 

     I knew too well the deep, intense emotions those thoughts would evoke within me. I just wanted to move on in my thinking — past Jesus' pain and suffering — to the hopeful story of that beautiful resurrection morning so long ago. 

     
     It was a morning that changed everything.  But, realizing it all began at the cross, I knew it was necessary for me to meet Him there again — today, with an overflowing heart of gratitude. 
     It was there that He broke the power of death and sin, and brought me eternal life.
     Quoting from the beloved, classic hymn of my childhood; "So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, 'til my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it some day for a crown."

—  beulah

"Cluck, cluck", said the little red hen

    

"It's OK to look like a hobbit, when you're living in the Middle Ages."
     
     For some time now I've been pondering the expression,"to look your age". Just what does that really mean? How does one figure out how, or, what they're supposed to look like at a given age?
     While standing in line at the bank recently, I became convinced that my age is self-revealing. Waiting in the queue, I made a comment about recently celebrating a birthday.  A nearby male conversationalist picked up on my words and promptly proceeded to guess my age.  Very accurately I might say. He nailed it, dead on! 

     I'm sure it was my silverly white hair and facial laugh lines (some may mistake for wrinkles), that gave me away.

     Today's baby boomers, soon entering the "land of middle age" are being bombarded with all sorts of cosmetic tools to help them keep up a youthful appearance. 

     Their make-up bags bulge with containers of under-eye concealer, feather-proof lip liner, wrinkle erasers, micro-beads, and skin creams with impressive-sounding names. 

     

"Who was it that decided for us, that we have to work so hard to stay looking young?"

     After passing what has been dubbed the "hen house crisis", middle-agers will learn that aging gracefully and feeling comfortable doing it, works just fine. 
     I know I'm too old to be considered a young "chick" anymore; so I'll settle for being thought of as a "wise old hen". 

—  beulah

The rewards my accord affords

     I just returned from buying my yearly car insurance; one more necessary reminder to help keep my life on the right track you might say. 
     Although it doesn't help my bank account, I know it's a hidden blessing that's helping me feel a little more secure while being a part of the traffic madness on our busy city streets.
     My dear, old, trusty Honda Accord EX-R of 20 years, continues to serve me well. Thanks to the wisdom of my partner in those earlier years, his kind acts of caring now evident.
     Perhaps in people years my Honda would be nearing my age bracket. It's no doubt why we feel so comfortable together. Without a doubt the car is becoming an antique like myself --- but, a classic antique for sure! 
     My dictionary explains a classic as being "anything that is a lasting model of excellence in its kind".

     "I, too, am a one-of-a-kind classic antique!" 

     Just ask any of my grandchildren. 

— beulah

Putting all my eggs into one basket

     

"Easter is approaching — a wonderful fulfillment of Christmas."

     As a young child, Easter was a time for chocolate bunnies and candy eggs. My siblings and I even had a contest on Easter Sunday morning to see who could eat the most eggs for breakfast, the ones our hens layed of course. It also seemed important that we had a new Easter frock or hat to show off at church. Yet, in spite of all that, I am thankful I learned the real meaning of the celebration.
     This is the beginning of what some call Holy Week, the week leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection. Called Palm Sunday, and aptly named, as a cheering crowd waved their palm leaves and shouted praises and accolades to the One they expected to be crowned as their earthly Messiah King. Little did they know how the events of that coming week would unfold.

     "As Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem that week, I have tried to imagine what thoughts must have enveloped his mind, already knowing full well the horrible outcome."

     What an amazing display of love and grace that He demonstrated; far beyond my comprehension.
     Jesus certainly paid a high price to bring the promise of... unconditional LOVE, unending HOPE, and eternal LIFE to every person who believes in Him. 
     He deserves my complete love and utmost praise.

— beulah

The view from above

"I believe it was God that was the first to come up with the Occupy Movement. That's exactly what He wants to do in our hearts."

     

     Waking to a beautiful sunny morning is yet another reminder as to why Nels and I moved to this welcoming Okanagan Valley in the first place. Driving home from an early morning ladies' friendship breakfast, my heart couldn't help but overflow with gratefulness as I began enumerating in my mind, the many blessings that have come my way.

Though a spring chill still lingers in the air, it seems to be the perfect day to enjoy a nature walk along the lake, as my loving partner and I so often did together. 

     My mind suddenly began to fill with all kinds of happy memories, and then, a big ache surfaced in my heart — for all those joys no longer part of my life.    
     
     Before I realized it, my car was turning into the entrance of the cemetery, up on the hill where my precious partner was laid to rest. Looking out over the panoramic view of the city, I thought of the times we paused here together, wondering which one of us would be the first to occupy this resting place. Nels, I am so glad you were spared this pain. 
   
     Just then, these comforting words entered my mind and my heavy heart was lightened once again: "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God."

— beulah

Hairspray haven

     

"Being young is beautiful, but, being old is comfortable."

     It's Friday, time for my weekly visit to my favourite beauty parlour — Marvel College. Sure, I go each week for a necessary make-over, but after following this regular regime for several years, I feel as though I am dropping in for a visit with old friends. 
     Of course, the students come and go, and most will not cross my path again, though a few have kept in touch.
     I like colour and style, so I am always curious to see what unusual hair-do someone will be sporting that day.
     Or, what colourful addition they chose to compliment their black and white ensemble.
     I am grateful for the many conversations over the years with these inspiring young folk. No doubt due to my grandma image that just might exude a bit of aged wisdom, our friendly chatter has often taken many turns. 
     Occasionally, I have had the opportunity to remind these pretty girls that true beauty must come from within, in order to remain. 
     For as we age, outward beauty does fade. Take it from one who knows. But, even our aging process was all a part of the plan.

     "The potential, and, apparent good character I see in many of these young people — along with their dreams and aspirations — reassures me that as they take their place in our world, they will do their part in making it a better place."

     I'm thankful for the lessons I've learned, by listening and conversing with a younger generation. 
     May some story shared, or tid-bit of wisdom given, linger in their hearts, and perhaps, be an encouragement for them at just the right time.

— beulah

Remember to forget

"For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth, the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land." 

Solomon's Song of Songs 2: 11,12

     Spring arrived this week. At least that's what my calendar told me. The weather outside might argue otherwise, as I just peeked outside to see pretty little white snowflakes drifting daintily down. But, after a long, cloudy winter, we all know warm spring weather is coming. What a pleasant thought. How great it is to live where we can enjoy such distinct seasons.
     God's promise of continuing seasons in Genesis 8:22 assures us of just that; 

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease." 

     What an organized Creator and faithful Heavenly Father that cares for us. Though I appreciate something special about every season, I especially like springtime. 
     As I witness the new life happening all around me — crocuses and daffodils bursting forth from winter's sleep, new buds forming on tree branches, ever more birds appearing each day singing happy songs, even the quail is now taking over my patio — once again, I am in awe of God's beautiful handiwork.
    Here is spring, with its fresh, new look found everywhere. It seems to be offering me a fresh start as well. 
     I'm reminded that I can "forget what is behind and look ahead as I press on toward the goal God has for me" (Philippians 3:13,14 paraphrased).

— beulah

Rain dance

     I had a good cry today, Lord, as together you and I began my day. As so often happens, my burdened heart becomes overwhelmed for the needs I see all around me; in my family, friends, and neighborhood. Selfishness and self-serving attitudes abound with such disregard for one's fellowman, as well as harbouring unforgiving spirits. 
     But, after a good cry I felt as though it had just rained, leaving me fresh and even more determined to continue sharing seeds of love along my own pathway of life. Perhaps, my small part of showing the Heavenly Father's heart of compassion and love, can be an example and encouragement to someone.
     What a different world that would surround us, if we all chose the motto of my daughter's Grade 3 class of, God first, others second, me third.  

The old hymn says it:  
Others, Lord, yes others.  
Let this my motto be. 
Help me to live for others, 
That I may live like Thee.
                       
     Having this mind-set helps, as we seek to live a life of significance.

— beulah

Potluck pals

   
     Today, as I began my quiet time with you, Lord, my Bible fell open to Proverbs 3 and the words, "he blesses the home of the righteous" from verse 33. 
     These words stood out starkly before my eyes. I've realized from the first year we moved to our Kelowna retirement home, that it was truly a gift from you, Lord. You worked out the details and made it all possible. 
     Our home, in Nel's and my mind, was to be used for the people that you would bring across our path so we could be used to bless them and be blessed by them. Over the years, how Nels and I enjoyed doing just that.
     Last Saturday (March 16), was another such blessing — as a group of dear friends in their senior years like me, gathered here over a potluck lunch to initiate our friend Elizabeth into the octogenarian lifestyle. 
     So, Dear Lord, my ongoing prayer is that you would give me a gentle, humble and thankful heart, as you continue pouring blessings on my home for many years yet to come. 
     Thank you for giving me the gift of hospitality, and the joy I receive from it. I am reminded of Galatians 6:10, that encourages us. 

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people."  

Open my eyes, Lord. Open my eyes!

— beulah

Rockin' Robin

     
   This morning I awakened to a lovely spring-like blanket of snow covering the outside world. Looking out on my beautiful world, I noticed a perky, little robin hopping cheerfully around on my free-of-snow, but damp sidewalk. He had just discovered a fat, juicy worm who obviously thought his venture onto the cement would be a safe place to explore.
   Although sorry for the worm's predicament, I soon saw Mr. Robin enjoying his godsent, tasty breakfast without a care in the world. He seemed content that his needs were adequately provided for once again. Whatever his breakfast choice might have been had it not been covered with inches of snow, here was his bacon right before his eyes.
   It reminded me of the ditty I learned as a child.

Said the Robin to the Sparrow,"I would really like to know,
Why these anxious human beings rush around and hurry so".

Said the Sparrow to the Robin, "Me thinks that it must be, 

That they have no Heavenly Father such as cares for 

you and me."

   I immediately thought of Jesus' own words in Matthew 6: 25-26. 

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
                                                        

     "WOW, I say!  What a caring dad we have."      

— beulah  

Eyes wide open

     
     I have been slowly accepting the reality that life is full of change. When a chapter of our Life Book is complete, our spirit knows it's time to turn the page so a new chapter can begin.

    

 "Too many people give up during their aging years and finish with a heart that's gone flat with indifference." 

     Life offers amazing opportunities, but we've got to be wide awake to recognize them. We just never know when we may be at the start of a new adventure as God reveals His plan for us.
     My life's story now finally in print, I have been asking,"What now Lord?" Perhaps, it's why I have taken on the challenge by my family to begin blogging some of my daily devotional thoughts. 

     In some small way, may they be a blessing for you.

— beulah

Ready, set, grow

     Welcome to my blog, Seeds of Love. For those who know me, and for those I've yet to meet — I invite you to join me on a journey. 
     Look to see content shortly, as I share online devotional reflections. 

— beulah