We are family

     

     "The family is our refuge and springboard — our link to the past, our bridge to the future."

     
     Often with our busy schedules, we feel pulled in different directions, with responsibilities competing with each other. Because of our fast paced lives, it is necessary that we schedule a "time-out" to restore, renew and revive ourselves, both physically and spiritually. 
     Even Jesus reminded his friends to... "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile." 

 — Mark 6:31   

     

     This was the desire of our family as we just ended a week together at the beautiful Little Shuswap Lake. 
     Some came and went throughout the week due to various ongoing commitments, but, a sense of family togetherness was evident. 

     

     "It has been said, 'nature engages a part of the brain that involves involuntary attention, not requiring intense focusing, thus helping us to completely relax our minds.'" 

     


     
     How invigorating, to let the beauty of God's creation fill up our senses!  

     Whether relaxing in the hammock while reading a good book; suntanning while lying on the wharf, mesmerized by the cadence of the waves below; having a quiet conversation with a family member while sipping coffee on the spacious deck,

as eyes feasted on the tranquil lake; listening to the honking of a family of geese; witnessing a majestic eagle flying over-head; be awed by a colourful hummingbird, lighting on the potted flowers;

the scurry of a delightful, little chipmunk sending our dog Hailey, into a frenzy; the two otters we named, Oliver and Beatrice, who came almost daily to sun themselves on our neighbour's wharf;

the laid-back games of Scrabble or Frustration; and, the combined effort producing the varied and delicious meals; all of which, helped make our week beautifully restful and serene. 
     

     Yet, best of all, was the time spent interacting with family members — siblings, aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews — and for me, my delightful great-granddaughter.    

     

     
     Today — as never before — we need to purpose to hold our families together.   
     Sometimes, life's storms 
rip through our lives, often tearing families apart. But, it is within families, that forgiveness, encouragement, and unconditional love should be modelled. 

     

     

     "Family should always be a place where we are cared for, loved and protected, accepted and treasured for who we are. "  

Family Ties  

Family ties are precious things, woven through the years; 

of memories of togetherness, of laughter, love and tears. 

Family ties are cherished things 

Forged in childhood days, 

By love of parents deep and true, 

By tradition, by family ways. 

Family ties are treasured things and far though we may roam, 

The tender bonds with those we love, 

still pull our hearts toward home.     

— Author Unknown    

     "Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts."


     A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position.   
     Passing a barnyard of mules, goats and pigs, the wife asked sarcastically, 
"Relatives of yours?"  
"Yep," he replied, "in-laws."     


— beulah