Trick-or-treat?

     

     Hallowe'en, also known as Hallows Eve — and the world's oldest holiday — is usually thought of as a fun holiday. 

     Trick-or-treating, costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories or watching horror films, all of which has boosted mass marketing. 
     Children especially, enjoy the innocent fun of dressing up, pretending to be their favourite hero or storybook character.  

     As a teenager growing up in the country, our youthful fun often involved playing pranks on our neighbour. Perhaps, over-turning their biffy (free-standing out-door toilet), hoisting a wagon onto the roof of a nearby farmer's shed or, transporting a piece of machinery further down the road to another farmer's property — all in just plain fun!  

     Government educators who normally shun anything religious in their school system, enthusiastically embrace the celebrating of Hallowe'en, declaring it to be a secular holiday celebration. But, considering its origin and initial practices, is it really? 
     Many of the customs observed in our Hallowe'en celebrations can be traced back to 200 BC and the Druid religion. Rooted in ancient pagan and Christian festivals, it involved aspects of darkness; evil spirits, and people believing spirits returned from the dead and roamed the earth during that 'hallowed' evening or Hallow's Eve. 
     A Celtic ritual was to wear strange disguises and roam about, pretending to be spirits from the other world. It was a festival of the dead, as they believed on this one night, spirits of the dead could readily mingle with the living once again, even conversing with them. 
     It may seem that some of our practices are adaptations of a pagan observance that has been assimilated into our society. So, are we practicing something that has originated from the evil forces of darkness?  You decide. 
     The celebration is tolerated by Christianity, recognizing it is a fun holiday, and not intended to hold religious or other supernatural beliefs or religion. 
     All Saint's Day, observed mainly in the United Kingdom, falls on the first of November. It's chief meaning is to honour all saints — living and dead. 
     But, what makes a saint a saint? My dictionary says, "a person of great virtue and holiness, approved by a religious authority."   

     Yet, because of God's gift to me, God has called me to be His child and a saint in Christ Jesus, approved by God Himself — a saint in the real sense of the word!   

  
     Another slant worth considering... why were the Saints, Saints?  Because, they were cheerful when it was difficult to be cheerful, patient when it was difficult to be patient; and because they pushed on when they wanted to stand still, and they kept silent when they wanted to talk; and were agreeable when they wanted to be disagreeable. That was all. It was quite simple and always will be.

— beulah

A living legacy: Nels' life

     Lately, I have been musing on the word legacy. Perhaps having just passed another anniversary of Nels' death, may have got me to thinking. I found myself considering my own life and what kind of a legacy I am creating. 

     

     "A legacy is something bequeathed or transmitted to succeeding generations, usually thought of as property or money. Yet, I believe it is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives while lived on earth. We are creating a legacy every day by each decision we make."

— Beulah Eagles

     

As Ghandi said, 
"Everyone has a message. My life is my message." 

     

     

     

     Reflecting on Nels' life and the message he left to his children and grandchildren, I see it as: a legacy of memories; a legacy of faith; a legacy of life; and, a legacy of love. 

  
     

     Nels' loved to share stories of his early days whenever he found a listening ear. Sharing family history seems to almost be a lost art these days. The stories once shared around the dining table, fireplace or, on the back porch, now seem to be an experience of the past. 
     

     Nels' enjoyed creating memories with his grandchildren: whether playing on the beach at Angel Island, California, with grandson Jonathan; looking for seashells on White Rock beach with Ashton and Brayden; enjoying the circus when it came to town, with Jordan and Nathan; or, trying to beat Sarah and her girlfriend Courtney at table games — Grandpa was always as enthusiastic as his young participants!   



     
     Perhaps, the greatest legacy one could leave to the generations that follow, is a legacy of faith. Nels decided early in his life to embrace a strong faith, one that would see him face the challenges of life with strength and courage. This faith enabled him to have integrity and honesty in the workplace. 
     As William Shakespeare aptly put it, 
"No legacy is so rich as honesty." 

     Nels always believed in, "a day's work for a day's pay." 

     One of his earlier decisions in life — to abstain from strong drink — didn't always bring him popularity with the crowd. But, his humble sense of self, helped him to stand strong in his beliefs. 

     

     Nels' life was a spirit-led one, conscious of allowing the Fruits of the Spirit to become increasingly evident in his life; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  (Galatians 5: 22-25)  

     It was evident to all that Nels had a big heart of love for God, for his family and for his fellow-man. Love is powerful. 

     

     Nels' unconditional love was understood and accepted by his growing family throughout the years. His main loves were: God, Family, and his Church, exactly, in that order.       

     
     Someone has said, 
"My father didn't tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it."    

     "It isn't how many years one spends on earth that matters, but the legacy left from your many."     

     And lastly... "Some of our best living is done by the people we leave behind."

— Unknown Quotes

     Nels, may the generations coming after you embrace the legacy you have left them: a life well-lived, priorities well-chosen, and values well-demonstrated.        

— beulah                                                                             

              

              

                                                                     

Canadian Senate Saga: as the world turns

     Senators Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau. (REUTERS)

Senators Mike Duffy (left), Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau. (REUTERS)

   

     I feel compelled to address the story captivating Canadians this week — the one front and centre that has grabbed the attention of many, who otherwise, pay little attention to the happenings in the political arena. 

     It kept the news media on their toes as they related the on-going Senate Saga — often with a new twist — in the drama, unfolding hourly. 
     Our Canadian Senate, composed of 105 members, is our only non-elected legislature in the country, appointed by the Governor General in agreement with the acting Prime Minister. 

     

     Their meetings are held in what is often referred to as the red chamber, lavishly decorated with red cloth that adorns the chamber as well as the throne.   

     
     The decorative scheme was inherited from the British House of Parliament, though theirs is lavished with red benches, as well.  
     Growing up in my family, I was taught respect for all human beings. These could include: the elderly, those in authority over me, such as my boss, my teachers, my pastor, those in governing positions, such as our Prime Minister and others in legislative authority, including the Queen, the head of the Commonwealth, of which I am a part. 
     I heard these words a lot in my family: trust, honesty, love, peace, respect, credibility, integrity, good-manners, kindness, self-control — all necessary, I was told, for successful living.   
     Developing these character-traits would be wise, should I ever consider a role of leadership in any field. 
     The main role of these Canadian Senators, is to provide "sober second thought" in legislation, on work done by the House of Commons.

     I am sure many have purposed to carry out their duties well and have done so. The concerns now facing several of these respected servants of our government are legitimate and need to be addressed fairly and sanely to the satisfaction of all involved. I emphasize "sanely!" 

     
     Someone labeled the continuing discussions as a soap opera, with many of the aforementioned character-traits missing... replaced instead, with such words as: dishonesty, distrust, lack of credibility, jealousy, enmity, even with outbursts of bashing, etc. 

     
     What a disreputable example for our young voters and our leaders of tomorrow! 
     

     Surely those representing us in our government are mature enough to calmly find peaceful solutions to the problems that arise, meanwhile treating each other with respect and dignity. 

     May God help those in authority over us.

— beulah

God is like...

 I guess, "Once a teacher, always a teacher!" 

See where my thoughts lead me?               

                  

     

     A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at T. V. commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God. 

     Here are some of the results: 

1. God is like — Bayer Aspirin... He works miracles. 

2. God is like — a Ford... He's got a better idea. 

3. God is like — Coke... He's the real thing. 

4. God is like — Hallmark Cards... He cares enough to send His very best. 

5. God is like — Tide... He gets the stain out that others leave behind. 

6. God is like — General Electric... He brings good things to life. 

7. God is like — Sears... He has everything. 

8. God is like — Alka-Seltzer... Try Him, You'll like Him. 

9. God is like — Scotch Tape... You can't see Him, but you know He's there. 

10. God is like — Delta Airlines... He's ready when you are. 

11. God is like — All State... You're in good hands. 

12. God is like — VO5 Hair Spray... He holds through all kinds of weather. 

13. God is like — Dial Soap... Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did? 

14. God is like — the Postal Service... Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination. 

15. God is like — Excel... He excelerates your breath.

— beulah

Letters to the editor

     

     Having returned from Sunday church, I am still pondering the pastor's sermon based on Luke 10: 38-42, where sisters Mary and Martha were having a debate regarding kitchen duty. 

   Jesus was a guest in Martha's home. Wanting everything to be just right, she was distracted by all the preparations. Upset that her sister Mary was not helping, she implored Jesus to intervene on her behalf. Jesus' short, but profound response, reminded Martha [and me] that we often get caught up doing many good things, but lose our focus on what really matters. 

     "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better..."  — (spending time developing her relationship with Jesus). Like the sisters, we all have different ways of expressing our love. Each of us are made differently, which determines our own unique way of relating to God. Over the years, I often felt akin to Martha, too concerned over unimportant details of life. 
     When I am focused on developing an all-consuming relationship with Jesus, my good works, like Martha's, will automatically flow over to my neighbour and fellow man. 
     So thanks, Pastor Tim, for the reminder! 
     My hour at church today was well spent.  We occasionally hear the comment, "Why should I attend church anyway? Isn't it a waste of time?" 
     Consider the following, and you decide. 

"Why Go To Church?"   

     A church-goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for thirty years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."   
     This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher. 
     "I've been married thirty years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 3200 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this... they all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. 
     Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"  

  

— Author Unknown.     

     Now, for a little Biblical humour:  

1. What do they call pastors in Germany? 

Answer: German Shepherds.  

2. What kind of a man was Boaz before he married Ruth? 

Answer: Ruthless. 

3. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible? 

Answer: Moses. He broke all ten commandments at once. 

4. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden? 

Answer: Your mother ate us out of house and home. 

5. Why didn't they play cards on the Ark? 

Answer: Because Noah was standing on the deck. (Groan)

— beulah

Serving pregnant turkey, ensures your goose is cooked

     Last year, during the Thanksgiving season, my sister and I were enjoying the beautiful fall foliage of the Eastern Coast. 

     

     We had booked a journey that began with a bus tour to Washington State, on to Seattle where we boarded a flight to New York City. 

     Our three-day stay in the 53- storey Sheraton Hotel, enabled us to have time for an organized tour of the Big Apple. 

     
     Though this was not my first visit to this popular city, I was again awed at its continuous bustle of activity.

     Hailing one of their iconic yellow taxicabs, we made our way to the Broadway musical hit, Mary Poppins, an experience in itself!   
     Visiting the Twin Towers site and the 9/11 Memorial, was unbelievable and very emotional to view. 
     

     

     Then, boarding the 3,100- passenger ship, the Caribbean Princess, we set sail, cruising to ports of call in the Maritimes and New England States. 

     Meeting with family and friends in the ports of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick was truly the icing on the cake. 
     

     Viewing for the first time the autumn beauty of Bar Harbour, Maine, a city tour of Boston, Massachutes, and seeing the lovely countryside around Newport, Rhode Island — where J.F. Kennedy spent his summers — was indeed delightful.  
     

     So, this year as I pause to give thanks while taking inventory of my many blessings, I am grateful for beautiful memories, and to have had the privilege to create them.    

     

     Did you know? — Americans did not invent Thanksgiving. It began in Canada. In the year 1578, the English navigator, Martin Frobisher held a formal ceremony in what is now Newfoundland, to give thanks for surviving his long journey. Frobisher Bay, an inlet in northern Canada, bears his name.   
     
     The Pilgrims celebrated their day of thanks in 1621, 43 years later. 
     

     On January 31, 1957, the Canadian Parliament proclaimed: 

"A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been so blessed — to be observed on the second Monday in October."  

     The Europeans, holding celebrations at harvest time, would fill a curved goat's horn with fruit and grain. This symbol was called a "cornucopia" or, horn of plenty. 
     
     A giant pumpkin at a farm in Windsor, Nova Scotia, weighed in at 1,813 lb. Imagine how many pieces of pie that would serve!  

     The main mascot of modern-day Thanksgiving is the turkey. Here is some Turkey Trivia: 

1. The long fleshy skin that hangs over a turkey's beak is called a snood. 

2. Male turkeys are nicknamed "toms" while females are called "hens." 

3. Reaching maturity, turkeys can have as many as 3,500 feathers. 

4. Faster than a speeding bullet, wild turkeys can run up to 55 miles an hour.    

Now, for the laugh of the day... 

Pregnant Turkey   

     One year, at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister's house for the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to play a trick. She told my sister she needed something from the store. 
     

     When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, and inserted it into the turkey, and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird back in the oven. 
     When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird. With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, 
"Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!" 
     At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry. 
     It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs.  Yep, She's blonde!

— Author Unknown 

— beulah

A Thanksgiving, forever etched in my memory

     

     As I approach another Thanksgiving — the one our family experienced six years ago, will forever be etched in my memory. 

     

     The vibrant life of Nels, my soul mate and life-long partner, was slowly slipping away. Although the family was trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy in the midst of impending grief, our traditional thanksgiving table just wasn't the same without Grandpa at the head.

(Click here, and listen as Nelson offers a Prayer of Thanksgiving, just weeks before our Lord took him home.)

     When we contemplate the loss of our loved ones and the void it leaves in our hearts by their absence, it is comforting to know we will see them again. 

     

     

     Someone has said, "Knowing where you are going takes the uncertainty out of getting there." 

     
     Nels, calmly and peacefully faced his death with the assurance that Jesus — his Saviour and trustworthy Shepherd — would lead him safely through the valley of death to eternal life.    

     "The truest end of life is to know that life never ends... Death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity." 

 

— William Penn   

     When Jesus left this earth, He left us with this promise; 

"... Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you." (John 14:1-2)   

     

     "Heaven is a home of your dreams, a home of eternal peace and safety that's filled with family and friends and where you will be wanted and welcomed. 

     Our heavenly home will glow and radiate with light from within — the light of God himself and the glorious radiance of His presence. 

     The invitation to our Father's house is extended to all, but, you have to RSVP. 

     It's a home you may claim as your own — the Father has left the light on for you!"   

— excerpts from Heaven, My Father's House, by Anne Graham Lotz   

     "... No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him – but, God has revealed it to us by His Spirit."   

— 1 Corinthians 2: 9-10  

     
     "Each departed friend is a magnet that attracts us to the next world." 

— Jean Paul Richter     

     Nels, though you are no longer physically present at our thanksgiving table this year, our hearts, full of memories, will overflow with thankfulness for having had you such a part of our lives.      

     "I think sometimes a person's spirit is so strong that it never completely leaves the earth, but remains scattered forever among all those who love them." 

 — Chris Crandall         

Memories    

     The one who leaves a legacy of love to generations that follow has lived a life worth remembering. 

     The one who leaves gentle footprints on our hearts has left a story worth telling. 

     The one who leaves happy memories dancing in our thoughts has given the gift of timeless moments worth holding in our hearts forever.      

    
— beulah  

For the birds

     "How beautiful the leaves grow old. How full of light and colour are their last days." 

 – John Burroughs    

     

     Jack Frost comes unannounced each fall along with cooler days. One day I look out my kitchen window, and I see the trees surrounding my patio, bursting with colourful reds, oranges and yellows already! 

     

     Briefly, my mind drifts to a similar scene, a Maritime fall and the beauty I enjoyed each year growing up in my home province of New Brunswick. 

     I am glad my community was designed with lots of maple trees. Much leaf-raking but, the fall beauty here, is well worth it!  

     I am reminded of this delightful Indian legend: 

     "The leaves had just fallen from the trees and were lying on the bosom of Mother Earth, when the Great Spirit passed by. He could not bear to have them die and disappear, so to each leaf he gave a pair of wings; from the red leaf there arose a robin; from the brown, the swallow; from the golden leaf, the wild canary; and so the leaves lived again in the birds and rose up into the clear blue sky to give thanks to the Great Spirit, their Maker.      

     Thus, our lives can endure forever in the winged thoughts of gentleness, goodness and kindness that we have planted in the minds and hearts of all those whom we have known and therefore, loved."  

– an excerpt from Goforth of China (p. 305)   

     

     "The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese." 

 

— Willie Nelson  

     

     I recently heard on a news broadcast, that there is a sharp decline in our Canadian bird population. 

     It is estimated that we are losing over 270 million birds each year — suggesting that our domestic cat may be the culprit and number one cause. 

     But, we are told global warming, habitat loss, wind turbines, as well as cats, are some other factors. Maybe a well-supervised house cat like my son David's, would be the answer.  

     

     Perhaps, some unsupervised felines might even consider it sport, using their claws to cause many a cheerful songbird to come to a bloody end. 

     The many species, with their varied colours and songs, are yet another of God's gifts for our enjoyment. He is quite aware when one falls to the ground, as this little song reminds us and, one I sang with the children in those early teaching years — 

     "God sees the little sparrow fall, It meets His tender view. If God so loves the little birds, I know He loves me too."  

     

     Bringing to mind, another delightful song — this one is about pigeons. My son Brent, (now, called David) returned home from his Grade 1 class quite excited over a new song he had learned that day. 

      

     He enthusiastically suggested I teach it to my kindergarten class. Making it into a finger play, I did just that.  

    

My Pigeon House

"My pigeon house I open wide, 

And I let all my pigeons free. 

They fly all around on every branch, 

And they perch on the highest tree. 

And when they come back from their merry, merry flight, 

They close their eyes and they say, Good-night.

Coo-coo, coo-coo, (repeat)"

     "The reason birds can fly and we can't is simply because they have perfect faith, for to have faith is to have wings." 

– J.M. Barrie 

(The Little White Bird)   

Today's Wisdom Thought:

     "A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw the less he spoke; The less he spoke the more he heard; Why aren't we like that wise old bird?" 

– Edward Hersey Richards

                                                                                                                                                             

— beulah